Okanagan Falls (also known as OK Falls) is a community located on the south end of Skaha Lake in B.C. It is south of Kelowna, and past West Kelowna, Summerland, Peachland, and Penticton.
The community was founded in 1893 as Dogtown, which was derived from the name Dog Lake (“skaha” means “dog” in the Okanagan language). The current name derives from a small set of the falls that used to lie on the Okanagan River at the outlet of Skaha Lake. The falls have since been submerged beneath the lake due to the construction of a dam on the river.
Okanagan Falls is notable for geological attractions, wineries, orchards and fruit stands, and outdoor activities.
Christie Memorial Provincial Park is located on the south shoreline of Skaha Lake. Okanagan Falls Provincial Park is also nearby. It’s officially named sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Provincial Park, as the name for Okanagan Falls in the local indigenous Sylix language is Sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ. Pronounced s-wuh-wuneet-kw, it means “little falls.”
In 2020 the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen approved a study on incorporating the community as a municipality.
Market listings for Okanagan Falls real estate included 25 houses, six vacant land listings, two farms and one commercial listing in October 2021.
Housing prices ranged from $500,000 for a ranch home near the beach to $3,288,000 for a newly renovated 4bed/3bath house.
According to the 2016 census, just over 2,100 people lived in Okanagan Falls. The largest age bracket are the 60-69-year-olds, who account for just under a quarter of the total.
With Okanagan Falls being not only a small community but mainly a retirement community, there is currently only one elementary school, Okanagan Falls Elementary, which has students from kindergarten through grade 7.
The lake and mountains of Okanagan Falls mean plenty of opportunities for watersports, hikes and outdoor activities.
Located in town, on the south shore of Skaha Lake, Christie Memorial Provincial Park has the longest beach park in OK Falls. Volleyball courts, wide grassy areas, and benches and picnic tables are often populated during the summer months.
Next to the park is OK Falls KVR (Kettle Valley Railway) Bridge. The bridge connects to the Kettle Valley Railway Trail on the north end, which runs along the West shore of Skaha Lake. During warm weather, locals and tourists alike can be seen jumping off the bridge into the lake.
Skaha Bluffs boasts a number of climbing walls, most under 30 meters tall.
Peach Cliff, a dominant landmark to the east of Okanagan Falls, is home to herds of mule deer and California bighorn sheep. Southwest is Indian Head, a formation of dark volcanic rocks overlying a lighter conglomerate. South of Okanagan Falls lies Mahoney Lake, which is home to spectacular blooms of purple sulphur bacteria.
An hour away in each direction are ski resorts at Baldy Mountain and Apex Mountain.
For galleries and entertainment, nearby Penticton and Kelowna are the best bets.
However, Okanagan Falls wineries are what draws many people to the area. There are 15 wineries around the town of OK Falls, including such well-known labels as Liquidity Winery, See Ya Later Ranch, and Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars.
Another attraction is the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory. Located about 13 minutes away at Kaleden, the site is an active observatory and a research facility. Founded in 1960, it has become known internationally for science and technology research and the development of telescopes and satellite receivers. It’s usually open for self-guided tours.
OK Falls restaurants are comprised of locally owned and operated establishments. Falls Restaurant offers Chinese food for dinner and a Western breakfast. KJ Coffee Bar is a locally owned café. Located at Wild Goose Winery, Smoke & Oak is another dining option.
Tickleberry’s is an ice cream shop with 72 flavours. The family-owned business, in operation since 1990, makes its own chocolates, fudge, candies and kettle corn.
Along with wineries, Okanagan Falls is home to many orchards, roadside fruit stands and u-pick farms.
Following the closure of a local IGA, Little Falls Foods is the town’s only grocery store.