About
The Similkameen Valley area boasts both a long history and an exciting future. Following the course of the Similkameen River from Princeton to the USA border south of Cawston the region has experienced everything from the fur trade to the gold rush, the railway, large scale farming, logging and today enjoys the reputation of a rapidly growing wine region and being the organic farming capital of Canada. As you can well imagine, the history is filled with colourful characters who have helped to shape this region. Museums in Princeton, Hedley and Keremeos house much of the history that parallels not only the growth of the Similkameen but the growth of interior British Columbia.
The Similkameen is one of the hottest regions in Canada, with the large fruit, vegetable and wine grape crops luxuriating under the powerful sun. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in the southern Similkameen in the summer. The area, in the rain shadow of the coast mountains, is dry and desert like. The valley slowly slopes away to the south. Princeton, to the north-west of the region sits at 635m above sea level. Hedley is at 520m, Keremeos at 415m and Cawston altitude runs from 400m down to 363m at the USA border. The recreational community of Tulameen is at 782m northwest of Princeton.
The lower Similkameen is known is known for its powerful winds, and in fact the name Keremeos comes from Salish and means “wind channel in the mountains” or “where the winds meet”. The wind is an important tool in the large organic fruit and vegetable growing area of Cawston, keeping away pesky bugs and diseases.
The weather is generally sunny. Summer temperatures range from average highs of 26°C in Princeton and 28°C in Keremeos. Winter daily maximums are typically -2°C in Princeton and 1°C in Keremeos. Temperatures can drop into the minus 20’s on occasion at the height of winter and Princeton, being at higher elevation, has seen temperatures in the -40s.
Population of the entire region is just over 11,000 with Princeton the largest town with 2600 inhabitants. Keremeos has a population of 1200, Cawston 970, Hedley approximately 400 people and Tulameen 250 permanent residents.
The Similkameen Valley is experiencing an agritourism revival. With the growing interest in eating locally and eating organic, the Similkameen is well positioned to become a key destination as a major food producing area. Coupled with the regions wines and numerous fruit stands the region is set to grow as a destination.
Region websites:
Similkameen Country (http://www.similkameencountry.org/)
Princeton (http://town.princeton.bc.ca/)
Keremeos (http://keremeos.net/)
Hedley (http://hedleybc.com/)
Cawston (http://www.rootsincawston.com)
Olalla (http://keremeos.net/olalla/)
Tulameen (http://www.tulameenbc.com/)
