Westbank, British Columbia: A Hidden Gem in the Okanagan Valley

Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Westbank is a small community located in British Columbia, Canada. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Westbank is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the best of what Canada has to offer.

Attractions and Natural Wonders

Westbank is home to a wide range of attractions and natural wonders that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Some of the top attractions in the area include:

Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park: This beautiful park is home to over 300 nut and fruit trees, as well as a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas.
Westbank Museum: Learn about the history of the area at this fascinating museum, which features exhibits on everything from the local First Nations people to the early pioneers who settled in the area.
Shannon Lake Regional Park: This stunning park is home to a beautiful lake, as well as a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas.
Mount Boucherie: This extinct volcano offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Westbank Farmers Market: Held every Saturday from May to October, this popular farmers market is a great place to sample local produce and crafts.

Parks, Lakes, and Trails

Westbank is also home to a variety of parks, lakes, and trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top spots to explore include:

Powers Creek Trail: This scenic trail follows the banks of Powers Creek, offering stunning views of the surrounding forest and wildlife.
Gellatly Bay Aquatic Park: This beautiful park is home to a variety of water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
Kalamoir Regional Park: This stunning park is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as a beautiful beach and picnic area.
Okanagan Lake: This beautiful lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Festivals and Events

Westbank is also home to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the top events to check out include:

Westside Daze: Held every July, this popular festival features live music, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Peachland Farmers and Crafters Market: Held every Sunday from May to September, this popular market is a great place to sample local produce and crafts.
Westbank Christmas Craft Fair: Held every November, this popular craft fair is a great place to find unique gifts for the holiday season.

History of Westbank

Westbank was first established in the late 1800s, when a group of pioneers settled in the area. The community was officially incorporated in 1907, and was named after the Westbank Irrigation District, which was responsible for bringing water to the area.

The person who is credited with starting the community is John McDougall, who was one of the early pioneers in the area. McDougall was a farmer and rancher, and was instrumental in the development of the local irrigation system.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to explore the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley, learn about the history of the area, or simply relax and enjoy the local culture, Westbank has something for everyone. With its stunning parks, lakes, and trails, as well as its vibrant festivals and events, Westbank is a hidden gem that is not to be missed.

Sources

Westbank Museum
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Westbank First Nation
Tourism Kelowna
Okanagan Lake Provincial Park
Westside Daze