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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.

 

Km 0 at n̓kək̓m̓apl̓qs

The Northern Gateway

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot, our ‘Okanagan Sunflower’, once bloomed heavily on this hillside. The sqilxʷ/syilx harvested these plants, fished in these waters, hunted in the hills, travelled extensively, and set up winter homes or temporary encampments.  In more recent times, this corridor was part of the rail line running between here and Kelowna.

Much has changed, and with the conversion of rail to trail comes an opportunity to walk, run, or cycle along a beautiful route, and take time to learn about the places along the way.

Here at Km 0, you can learn about n̓kək̓m̓apl̓qs (Little Head of the Lake) and the lakeshore route that lies ahead.

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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