The North Okanagan

The North Okanagan is situated in the Okanagan valley of the southern interior of British Columbia. The North Okanagan is well known for its diverse landscapes of rolling sagebrush hills, pine forests, mountain ranges, lakes, ranches and hillside orchards.  The main communities within the regional district include Armstrong, Enderby, Coldstream, Lumby, Spallumcheen and Vernon. The City of Vernon is the population center with a populace of about 36,000 residents. The entire Regional District of the North Okanagan is approximately 78,000 people.

Local food production is a highlight of the region and deeply rooted in its history. Family farms and ranches are scattered throughout with many dating back to as early in the last century. More recently artisan cheese, wine and bakers have sprouted up and the vibrant farmer’s markets are growing, with a brand new market this year in the rural community of Cherryville.  While the Okanagan is considered the “fruit basket” of BC, the North Okanagan also has many small-scale ranches producing beef, lamb and chickens.