Naramata

Over 2000 people call Naramata British Columbia home.  This newly designated Cittaslow (born from the Slow Food Movement) community, without traffic lights, is nestled amidst orchards and vineyards overlooking Lake Okanagan on its eastern shores. Ask your friendly Naramata Bed and Breakfast innkeepers about wine tours or a day at the beach where you can swim, relax on the beach or take a wake-board lesson.  The Trans Canada Trail runs above Naramata on the popular Kettle Valley Railway trail which is used for hiking, biking and bird watching. Or visit Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, a wilderness area where you might see black bears or bald eagles.  Naramata’s history is one of agriculture, so make sure you visit the weekly Farmers’ Market.  Originally orchards, but now including vineyards and wineries, the clay bank terraces that rise out of Okanagan Lake and the plentiful sunshine have produced excellent crops.  Known as the Naramata Bench, this area is considered a distinct wine region within the Okanagan Valley appellation.  Many artists are also inspired by the Naramata Bench area which has resulted in a rich artistic and cultural scene in the community.