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Interpretive Sites

Along the Okanagan Rail Trail are special places for discovery and learning. Three developed interpretive sites were generously funded by the Edna, Stella and Harry Weatherill Foundation: Kalamalka Lake (Km 4), Ribbleworth Falls (Km 23) and Carney Pond (Km 40).  Each of these sites have interpretive signs, and additional material is found on this page for anyone who wants to learn more.

Within the District of Lake Country, you can also find Heritage Markers developed by the Lake Country Museum and Archives that take you back in time with stories of cultural history.

The map below shows the location of existing interpretive sites and heritage markers. With all the interesting places and stories along the trail, more sites are bound to be added over time.

 

The Northern Gateway

Km 0 at n̓kək̓m̓apl̓qs

Visit this site to begin your trail journey with information and way finding, and to learn about indigenous history at n̓kək̓m̓apl̓qs (little head of the lake, Kalamalka Lake). Enjoy the unique plaza design, inspired by a sqilxʷ fishing camp, and shaded seating areas above what is now known as Vernon Creek.

Km 0 at n̓kək̓m̓apl̓qs – Learn More
Kalamalka Lake Km 4

What is special about Kalamalka Lake?

This beautiful lakeside area will help you appreciate why the lake is deep, the cliffs are high, and Kalamalka is known as “the lake of many colours”.

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Ribbleworth Falls Km 33

Kokanee/kikinee Origin and Use

With Ribbleworth Falls singing in the background, you can take a break from the trail and learn about how an ocean-dwelling species came to occupy Wood Lake, and how the Syilx adapted their kikinee fishing techniques as the environment changed.

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Carney Pond Km 40

An Urban Nature Delight

This little oasis of nature provides the increasingly rare opportunity to view wetland birds and turtles within our growing urban environment.  Early mornings in the spring or fall are best for spotting birds from the viewing platform.

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