The Golden Mile

Oliver (located on Highway 97 in the south Okanagan, 16 miles (26 km) north of the Canada/United States border, 27 miles (43 km) south of Penticton and 16 miles (26 km) north of Osoyoos) is surrounded by desert to the south, and lakes, mountains, vineyards and orchards in almost every other direction. The land now lush with vineyards and orchards was once covered by cacti and sagebrush. The First Nations of the South Okanagan settled the area around Osoyoos and raised cattle and wild horses. The first encroachment from the outside world came in approximately 1811, when fur traders came searching for better trade routes. In the 1880s, free gold-bearing quartz was found east of present day Oliver, and Camp McKinney became a busy gold mine, attracting the usual restless characters: miners, con men, and outlaws.

Oliver has a climate that suits just about everyone, from California bighorn sheep to Northwestern Pacific Rattlesnakes. Whether splashed with the pink blossoms of spring or surrounded by the bursting colours of autumn, the orchards, forest, vineyards and mountains around the town are beautiful. Magnificent scenery can be reached within ten minutes from just about anywhere in Oliver, and afternoon drive possibilities are almost endless.

Entering the town from Okanagan Falls in the north, the impressive face of McIntyre Bluff, known as Indian Head, looms over the highway. There are legends alluding to rival Indian Bands being driven off the edge of the 250-metre high cliffs. Indian pictographs etched in the rocks are one example of this area's incredible history. This is also a great spot to catch a glimpse of California Bighorn Sheep, or to view some rare species such as the Burrowing Owl. It is also home to the Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which serves as a resting place for most species of migratory birds in the area. British Columbia is one of the richest wildlife viewing areas in Canada.

The Oliver Heritage Walk, beginning at the CPR Station and ending at the museum, is a 25-minute self-guided tour which allows you to experience some of Oliver's past. Highlights include the CPR Station, the 1946 Oliver Theatre, the 1937 Oliver Chronicle Building, the 1912 Oliver Hotel (which was moved from New Westminster to its present location in 1921) and many other fascinating town landmarks.

Hikers and bikers can enjoy a number of trails in the area. One challenging route is the Golden Mile, a 10-km trail with the trailhead at the Tinhorn Creek Winery south of town.

The Pocket Desert Federal Ecological Reserve is found on Black Sage Road, which runs through the heart of the desert, parallel to Highway 97 for 14 kilometers, but at a slightly higher elevation. From the highway, turn onto Road 22. The Pocket Desert is a continuation of the Sonoran Desert that extends from Mexico to the Okanagan Valley. In fact, the plants and animals here are the same as those found in the higher elevations of the Mexican portion of this desert.

A stargazer's delight, the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory keeps its telescopes pointed skyward. Tour the property on a self-guided tour, during daylight hours, and listen to informative recorded messages.

The Golden Mile (located in the South Okanagan) is a concentrated and beautiful stretch of some of Canada's best vineyards, and the nearby town of Oliver has taken this to heart with its self-proclaimed title as The Wine Capital of Canada.

There are a dozen local wineries in the immediate area, all offering tours and tastings along with well-stocked wine shops and spectacular views and vistas.for a tour or a taste of the best in Canadian wines. Here are just some of the winery names you will see as you travel along Highway 97 between Oliver and Osoyoos: Tinhorn Creek, Gehringer Brothers, Hester Creek, Inniskillin, Domaine Combret, Golden Mile, Gersighel, Carriage House, Burrowing Owl, Black Hills and Silver Sage. Be sure to stop by in October for the annual Festival of the Grape.