Irrigated in 1930, the area that once was Canada's only desert (located at the northern most point of the Sonora Dessert), became a lush and prime valley for orchards and wineries. Oliver is tucked into the southern end of the beautiful Thompson Okanagan Valley, sprawling hills that hug the valley and create fantastic picnic and camping opportunities to sit back and soak in the view and warm summer sun. These same hills are the backbone to great snowshoeing, Nordic / cross-country skiing and tobogganing in the winter. Come leave your tracks in Oliver!
Population: 4,200+
Highlights:
Oliver Heritage Museum
Oliver's Hike and Bike Trail
Amazing Valley Views!
Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
Lakes, lakes, and more lakes!
McIntyre Bluff
Great Trout fishing
Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Summit of Mt. Kobau
Festival of the Grape - Autumn
Things To Bring:
Be sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the fantastic scenic highlights!
History:
The Interior Salish were the predominant First Nation to travel, hunting and make shelter in the Thompson Okanagan and Oliver region. Their livelihood was one of semi-Nomadic culture, which depended on food supplies, wildlife migration, and changing seasons. This culture predates the first white settlers by over 5,000 years.
The gold rush brought many small surrounding towns popping up throughout the Okanagan. For Oliver, the discovery of Gold-Quartz in the late 19th century had brought the town more attention.
Later in the 20th century, the town was named after John Oliver, the Liberal premier of British Columbia from 1918 to 1927. Oliver was planned as a settlement for veterans of World War I.
By 1930, the irrigation transformed the area in to a rich agricultural haven!
Climate:
Summer average 25 degrees Celsius (peak average 30 degrees Celsius)
Winter average -2 degrees Celsius
Oliver Accommodations
Oliver Things to Do
British Columbia
