Keremeos is a vibrant agricultural community located in the beautiful Similkameen Valley of British Columbia. The area has a well deserved reputation for producing fruits and vegetables of exceptional quality. It does not stop there however, as the Similkameen Valley is also home to a large cattle ranching community featuring a Hereford Bull Development Station. Horses are also prominent in the Valley, with Quarter Horses, Arabians, Appaloosas and Paints just to name a few.
The unique soil, the pure mountain water and the desert climate of the Similkameen Valley all contribute to the success of all these agricultural endeavours. The Valley boasts one of the first "Certified Organic" organizations in B.C., as well as conventional growers. Their produce can be bought at the farm gate or at the areas many fruit stands.
Our climatic conditions have also enticed a great number of people to come and retire in our Similkameen Valley, earning Keremeos the title of the fastest growing Village in British Columbia. The Valleys pace of life has not been affected by this growth, and the people of the Valley still find time to greet visitors with the pioneer spirit that is still so much a part of our heritage.
Keremeos also has one of the few remaining working Grist Mills in North America. Located just outside the Village, the restored Grist Mill has become a destination in its own right. In addition to the mill itself, visitors can wander through beautifully tended Heritage Gardens, plots where historical or nearly extinct varieties of wheat are being grown, visit the interpretation centre, peruse a unique reference library, or just sit down and enjoy the food offering in the Tea Room.
In addition to the Grist Mill, a few miles west of the Village, you can find a turn of the century covered bridge. In the summer time this is a favorite swimming area for both Valley residents and our many visitors.
The Keremeos name originated from the Similkameen dialect of the Okanagan language word "Keremeyeus" meaning "creek which cuts its way through the flats" referring to Keremeos Creek which flows down from the Upper Benchlands to the Similkameen River that runs by the village.
Economy
Keremeos' main industries are horticulture, agriculture, ranching, and wine making, among others. Fruit stands are also a major component of the local economy, making it the self-titled "fruit stand capital of Canada." All sorts of soft fruits, apples, cherries, peaches, etc. and vegetables are grown in the South Similkameen's dry warm climate, and vineyards and wineries are quickly being added as the valley's 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.
Geography
The geography of the Keremeos area ranges from cottonwood groves along the river, to dense orchards and farms, to desert-like landscapes along the bases of the surrounding mountains, up to alpine peaks and plateaux on top.
History
With K Mountain as a backdrop, Keremeos, BC is a community, whose "Wild West" looks 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.
Climate
Keremeos has a semi-arid climate with cool but short winters and hot, dry summers. Precipitation is low at 323 millimetres (13 in) and evenly distributed throughout the year.
Harvest
The Similkameen Valley is one of the finest growing areas in the world. The desert like soil, abundant ground water and sunny climate are ideally suited to a large variety of fruits and vegetables of exceptional quality. The following is a guideline of harvest times for a variety of fruits and vegetables. These dates are for the Valley around Keremeos and Cawston:
Fruit
Cherries June 28 - July 20
Peaches / Nectarines July 10 - September 15
Apricots July 12 - August 15
Apples July 15 - September 15
Plums July 15 - September 15
Prunes August 15 - September 15
Pears August 15 - October 10
Grapes September 5 - October 10
Vegetables
Asparagus May 1 - June 10
Corn July 15 - First Frost
Garlic July
Tomatoes August 5 - First Frost
Sweet Peppers August 5 - First Frost
Hot Peppers August 5 - First Frost
The above dates may fluctuate due to weather conditions and varieties.
Recently named by enRoute Magazine as one of the "world's best wine regions you've never heard of," the Similkameen wineries are starting to get some of the attention they deserve. This little patch of vineyards and orchards in the hot, dry and sunny Similkameen Valley is turning out some stunning grape and fruit wines. Set amongst the dramatic backdrop of craggy mountains, it is not surprising that wine lovers are starting to take notice.
49°12′9″N 119°49′46″W
Canada 
British Columbia 
BC 3 
BC 3A 
