Please note:
Okanagan Falls Provincial Park will be closed to the general public
from September 18 - 20, 2009, in order to host the annual Salmon Feast.
The event raises awareness of Okanagan history and culture, as well as
the efforts to revitalize and restore sockeye salmon numbers in the Okanagan
River.
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Park Info
Just above the Okanagan River, cool deciduous trees provide a contrast to the parched hills above. This oasis is famous among naturalists for its superb bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature study, photography opportunities and a variety of bats. A lovely array of colours occurs in autumn. The diverse recreational opportunities will please nature lovers, campers and fishing enthusiasts alike.
Park Size: 2 hectares
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.) |
April 1 – Oct 13, 2009 approx (Gate is locked during
the off-season.) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: |
April 1 – Oct 13, 2009 approx |
| Campground Reservable Dates: |
Not applicable |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: |
25 |
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Not applicable |
| Note: The above information is
for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park
if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention
Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. |
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General Visitor Information
Location
Located on Green Lake Road, approximately 500 meters from the junction of Hwy. 97 and Green Lake Road. Use caution, narrow road with blind corner. At the town of Okanagan Falls.
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Nature & Culture
- History - The park was established March 16, 1956. Irishman Michael Keogan built the first homestead in the area roughly 1km south of the park on the east side of the river in what is now the community of Okanagan Falls. The Interior Salish called the series of stepped rapids at the outlet of Skaha Lake Kwak-ne-ta or “Little Falls.” Historically, the rocky outcrops were spots used for fishing. In 1950, the flood control dam was built where the upper falls once stood.
- Conservation - This park conserves riparian vegetation that is important habitat for a variety of bird and bat species including the red listed Pallid bat. Trees planted in the 1950’s included Chinese elm, Norway maple, Red ash and Lombardy poplar. They now help support the birds found in the park.
- Wildlife - The park offers superb bird watching, with sightings of Western wood peewees, Yellow warblers, Northern orioles and Least flycatchers. There are wildlife viewing, nature study, and photography opportunities here and the park contains habitat for 18 species of bats, one of the highest concentrations in Canada.
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Activities Available At This Park
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| Cycling |
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Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
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| Fishing |
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| Hiking |
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A trail runs along the dike on the west side of the Okanagan River through the campground and continues south outside the park boundary. There is an interpretive sign developed by the Okanagan Nation Fisheries Commission with information on the fishery, both past and present, in the Okanagan River. It is located beside the campground.
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| Pets on Leash |
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Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
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| Wildlife Viewing |
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This park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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| Campfires |
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While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
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| Drinking Water |
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Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
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| Pit or Flush Toilets |
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There are two pit toilets beside the service area and two flush toilets closer to the park entrance beside site 2.
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| Vehicle Accessible Camping |
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This park offers 25 vehicle-accessible campsites nestled between the Okanagan River and the steep foothills of Mt. McLellan. All of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. Camper's can self-register by depositing their fee in the self-registration vault if no staff are present. A phone is found just inside the gate to the park beside the registration vault and an information shelter is located at the beginning of the campground loop. The medium to large sized, well spaced sites are separated by irrigated lawn and a variety of deciduous trees that provide shade in the summer and a splash of color in the fall. There are few shrubs, resulting in an open, bright campground. The sites are gravel pads and have a fire ring and picnic table with BBQ attachment.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $19.00 per party / night
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| Wheelchair Access |
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Roads in the park are level and paved and one of the flush toilets is wheelchair accessible with a paved path leading to it.
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