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Keremeos derives its name from the Indian word keremeyeus, meaning "creek which cuts its way through the flats" or (as local legend claims) "the meeting of the winds". Anyone who has visited Keremeos on a windy day will agree with the latter translation, so be sure to hold onto your hat!
With beautiful K Mountain as a backdrop, Keremeos, BC is a friendly community, who's "Wild West" looks and charm date back to 1909 when the postmaster of the now-abandoned community of Upper Keremeos, Mr. George Kirby, purchased land alongside the Similkameen River in anticipation of the V.V. & E. Railway passing through the
area. He was right and other businesses soon followed. Keremeos was officially incorporated in 1956 and is now one of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia. Despite that growth, both the Village and the valley have retained their charm.
Keremeos is known far and wide as the best place in British Columbia to buy fruit and vegetables from the many fruit stands lining the routes in and out of town or directly from the farm. All sorts of soft fruits and vegetables are grown in the South Similkameen's warm climate and vineyards and wineries are quickly being added as the
Valley's superior wine-growing potential is being recognized.
Area attractions include Cathedral Provincial Park, the Red Bridge, the Keremeos Columns, the Keremeos Grist Mill, excellent fishing in area lakes and rivers, APEX Mountain Resort, Twin Lakes Golf Resort, Spotted Lake, the Hedley Mining Museum and the Mascot Mine.
Keremeos is primarily a farming and retirement community that still possesses many opportunities for young families seeking a slower, quality pace of life.
As if all this wasn't enough, the Keremeos area boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. Ranging from Cottonwood groves along the river to well-kept orchards to true desert landscapes to incredible alpine peaks with azure lakes and mountain meadows, the South Similkameen Valley is truly a wonder to behold. Click on the
photo gallery link to view a choice sampling of photographs taken here in this beautiful community.
If you would like to learn more about Keremeos, visit the "About Keremeos, BC" page or learn more about its history, by visiting the Keremeos, BC History page.
If you would like to contact the Keremeos, BC, Village Office, click here: http://Keremeos.ca
If you would like to contact the Chamber of Commerce (Similkameen Country) at the Tourist Information Booth at Memorial Park, click here: http://SimilkameenCountry.org
Keremeos is a 5 hour drive from the city of Vancouver; 40 minutes south of Penticton and the Okanagan Valley; 40 minutes west of Osoyoos and the American border; and. 1.5 hours from
Kelowna. Nearby communities include the historic mining town of Hedley, Princeton and the rural farming towns of Olalla and Cawston.
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Distance Chart: |
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Penticton
Osoyoos
Princeton
Kelowna
Grand Forks
Creston
Cranbrook
Victoria |
48km
48km
67km
115km
182km
420km
536km
400km |
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Spokane
Trail
Calgary
Edmonton
Merritt
Hope
Vancouver |
369km
304km
750km
1058km
160km
210km
368km |
| All Distances are Approximate |
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Keremeos, BC has something to offer everyone! From hiking in Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park, rafting down the Similkameen River on a hot summer's day, shopping at the many fruit stands lining the highway in and out of town, fishing the area's pristine lakes and rivers, golfing at the nearby links, or skiing at APEX Mountain Resort,
Baldy or Big White, there is always something to see and do in the South Similkameen. So please, pull up a chair and see what we have to offer. We're sure you won't be disappointed.
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