Peachland, Canada

Peachland is a district municipality in the Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, Canada. Its relaxed layout stretches along 7 miles of pristine lakefront. Similar to its sister city to the South, Summerland, Peachland is also known for an extended fair-weather season and a bounty of orchards and award-winning wineries. Though he reportedly makes his home throughout the waters of Okanagan Lake, Peachland is considered the hometown of the locally famous Ogopogo - BC's Loch Ness monster. 

Geography And Climate Of Peachland

Peachland is located on the Western shore of Okanagan Lake, in the Okanagan Valley. This region is in the Southcentral portion of British Columbia, a short distance North of the border of Washington, United States. Peachland is 15 miles Southwest of Kelowna (the closest international airport), 14 miles North of Summerland, 62 miles North of the border town, Osoyoos, and about 235 miles Northeast of British Columbia's capital city, Vancouver. 

The climate in the Okanagan Valley is temperate and dry. The summers are warm, sunny (over 2,000 hours per year), and relatively long by Canadian standards. The winters are delightfully short and relatively mild. The average annual temperature (taken from nearby Kelowna) is 47 degrees Fahrenheit, ranging from a low of 22 degrees in January to a high of 84 degrees in July. The average relative humidity is 67%, and the average annual precipitation is about 7.56 inches. Rain is minimal throughout the Okanagan Valley, owing to the natural climate bubble formed in the shadow of the Coast Mountains and the Cascade Mountains. 

History And Economy Of Peachland

The idyllic scenery of Okanagan Valley was formed during the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago. The glacier that would carve the valley and form the depths of Okanagan Lake was almost 10,000 feet (or nearly 2 miles) thick in some places. When the ice melted about 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, the first people to move into the area were the Indigenous nations of the Syilx/Okanagan. Their traditional territory stretched for over 40,000 square miles, stretching from modern-day Revelstoke, British Columbia, down to Washington, United States. 

In the early 19th century, European settlers engaged in the fur trade with the Okanagan people. Typically this involved the acquiring of horses for the latter party. By the mid to late 19th century, Americans arrived en masse to participate in the gold rush. Many began settling into a ranching and farming lifestyle as the Okanagan's fertile lands were considered prime real estate. Although oral agreements were made with the native Okanagan groups, the settlers largely disregarded them. 

In 1884, the first name given to the site was Lambly's Landing, after Charles Lambly who established a notable farm on pre-empted land (acquired by informal, long-term occupation). Soon after, Lambly's Landing became a viable mining town. The eventual owner of the first major mine was J.M. Robinson who stayed at Lambly's ranch. He was struck by the delicious peaches that grew so easily in the region. Because of this nutritious blessing, in 1898, the town was renamed Peachland. In 1909, Peachland became a municipality. 

The mining and agriculture industries faded and gave way to logging and forestry. The sun would eventually set on these industries too. Nowadays, Peachland is a popular lakeside tourist destination, a well-established producer of renowned Okanagan wines, and a preferred retirement community. Of the approximately 5,781 residents, the largest demographic is the over 65 bracket (31.8%). 

Visiting Peachland

For visitors flying into Kelowna to kick off their Okanagan adventure, Peachland is just a short drive South on Highway 97. It is also a modest drive North on 97 for travelers taking Highway 3 from the West (Vancouver) or the East (Southern Alberta). Visitors from the United States will likely cross at the Washington/British Columbia border, which has several nearby crossings, the most direct being into the town of Osoyoos. 

The main attraction for Peachtown is its pleasant climate and nearly 4.5 mile-long beach. One can plunk down anywhere along the shore, whether in the sand, on a bench, in a park, or on one of the many cafe/restaurant patios that line Beach Avenue. A paved walking path parallels the lake for several miles for those looking to stretch their legs. There are a few nearby trails and plenty of provincial parks scattered throughout the Okanagan. Otherwise, enjoy some fresh fruit and, if you are of age (19 in British Columbia), find out why the Okanagan is an award-winning wine country. 

Peachland is a laid-back municipality that pairs perfectly with the other lovely cities and towns along the shore of Okanagan Lake. From Kelowna to Penticton, this sunny stretch is a geological dream. If you enjoy relaxing on the water, fair-weather activities, and indulging your palate, then Peachland will be a sweet stopover en route through the Okanagan.