2-Day Okanagan Hedley-Osoyoos-Greenwood Historic Tour

See and experience the history of the Oosyoos Nk'Mip Nation and BC pioneering mining communities!

Journey back to a scene of hard ships in turn of the century ghost towns and camps or share in the colourful history of the Okanagan's Nk'Mip First Nation!

Day 1 – Vancouver to Hedley (3.5 hours)

• Travel Hwy 3 from Vancouver to the historic Mascot Gold Mines in Hedley for a three-hour tour of one of Canada's most unique historical attractions! Admission gets you a guided tour to the top of the mountain and the mine site including many old buildings sitting precariously on cliff edges. Hundreds of renovated steps mean a challenging workout but also provide spectacular views of the south Okanagan. Go deep underground at the 80-year-old mine site before heading back down to explore the gift shop and meet the locals!
• Your remaining stop on the way to Osoyoos this afternoon is the historic Grist Mill. The Grist Mill was built in 1877 to avoid a long trip to the United States for flour and to serve the needs of pioneer settlers on the Dewdney Trail. Located just outside the village of Keremeos, the restored Grist Mill has become a destination in its own right. In addition to the mill itself, visitors can wander through beautifully tended Heritage Gardens, plots where historical or nearly extinct varieties of wheat are being grown, visit the interpretation centre, peruse a unique reference library, or just sit down and enjoy the Tea Room.
• Your day comes to an end in the desert oasis of Osoyoos, the most southern city of the Thompson Okanagan.
• Overnight in Osoyoos.
• Accommodation suggestion:
  • Best Western Sunrise Inn (www.bestwesternosoyoos.com)
  • Walnut Beach Resort (www.walnutbeachresort.com)

Day 2 – Osoyoos to Greenwood (1.5 hours)

• An early breakfast will prepare you for the busy day ahead! The first stop of the day takes you to the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre (www.nkmipdesert.com). This native inspired resort is built into the hillside using new technology called “rammed earth” and features stunning views of the southern Okanagan Valley. Here you will be immersed in the Okanagan First Nation’s habitation with on site tours of a traditional village, performing arts theatre, water gardens and interactive displays. You can walk through the interpretive desert ecological zone located close by. To minimize impacts on this fragile ecosystem, you can view this conservation area on specially designed trails, bridges and viewing spots.
• Afterwards, walk next door for wine sampling at Nk'Mip Cellars (www.nkmipcellars.com), Canada's only aboriginal owned and operated winery!
• Departing Osoyoos, your historic journey continues on Highway 3, as the road winds to the top of Anarchist Mountain and one of the best views in southern British Columbia. The pull out at the top (elevation 2,517 ft) provides a terrific photo opportunity.
• One hour east you will enter Greenwood, incorporated in 1897 and to this day, the smallest city in Canada! Known for its historic sites and natural beauty, this tiny town welcomes visitors to stroll through heritage buildings, browse the many antique stores and visit their excellent Museum. Remnants of the copper mine, once one of the largest in the world, can be seen at various locations around the town. Greenwood also served as an internment camp for displaced Japanese during WW2. Self-guided tours of the camps remains are available at the museum. The Hollywood feature film “Snow Falling on Cedars” based on the bestselling novel of Japanese life in North America during WW2, had many of its scenes filmed in Greenwood.
• Depart Greenwood

For additional accommodations, visit http://totabc.com/trellis/accommodations_all

For city information, go to:

• Osoyoos

• Nk'mip Cellars - Osoyoos
• Nk'mip Desert Cultural Centre - Osoyoos

• Best Western Sicamous Inn - Sicamous
• Walnut Beach Resort - Osoyoos