Armstrong, B.C.
An Old West Image With A Historic Feeling To It
 Armstrong is a small community in the North Okanagan. It sits above the Spallumcheen Valley, just about 30km (19miles) north of Vernon, B.C.
Spallumcheen is a seperate township but you will usually hear the two communities as a whole when discussing the area. They are both still considered part of the North Okanagan Valley.
The downtown area has many specialty shops. The one thing you will really notice in this town is the many heritage homes and businesses. And of course the friendly small town charm of its people.
Armstrong Cheese comes to mind when you hear the name of this city. The cheese factory had been in existence for more than 100 years. It was closed in 2004 after being purchased by an outside company. But the name is so well known that it will always have people asking about its cheese.
From the rolling hills to the spectacular scenery, Armstrong is a must see place on a trip through the Okanagan Valley.
What Is There To Do Here?
This is a question a lot of people ask when they visit a small town. I can assure you that there is plenty of activities to keep anyone busy in Armstrong, B.C.
Check out the Armstrong/Spallumchhen Museum and Art Gallery. This is the site of the Old Machine Shop. It has over 30 historical displays in it.
There are replicas of the railways, a schoolhouse, a grocery store, a blacksmith shop,and a huge archive of photos, newspapers and maps. Most definitely worth a visit here!
Stop by the Old Schoolhouse. This is one of the original educational institutions in all of British Columbia.
The Caravan Farm Theatre has been well known in the area for many years. Local professional actors have long provided entertainment and produced a number of annual events and festivals throughout the Okanagan.
Take a scenic trip on the Okanagan Valley Wine Train. Based out of Kelowna, these vintage cars toured across Canada in the 1950s and 1960s. My parents had rave reviews when they took a trip a few years back.
 If you are in the area in late August to early September then you will have to take in the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE). This country fair has been around for 110 years and is still going strong.
The 5 day event has everything you would want in a fair. From the many thrilling rides, to the delicious aroma of cooking food, to all the different animals on display, there is something for everyone who comes out.
Visit the Village Cheese Company and experience an old-fashioned atmosphere in relaxed surroundings. Watch through a viewing window the cheesemakers working their craft of cheesemaking the way it is supposed to be done.
Wander through the factory and check out century old artifacts. Or sample some of the more than 25 flavours of cheese available for purchase.
Try some of the Pale Ale Beer (my favourite). Or one of the dessert cheeses like Apple Cinnamon. Simply delicious! There is sure to be something for everyone to love.
 Grab yourself an ice cream cone. Taste the best homemade ice cream in the North Okanagan.
Or stay for lunch, where all day is lunch. Everything on the menu is homemade in a downhome atmosphere.
Golf anyone? Come down for a round of golf at the Royal York Golf Club. This par-35, 9 hole course is a favourite for anyone looking for a relaxing game out on the links.
Armstrong Famer's Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings from April until December every year. Here you can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables and support the local merchants and farmers that work hard all year long in this prime agricultural area of the Okanagan Valley.
It is quite the social event also. Many people come down and visit old friends or to just talk about the latest news in this small town.
A Little History
This small city was named after E. C. Hutton Armstrong, a London banker who helped finance the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway in 1892.
The influence of cheesemaking can be traced back to Dutch Imigrants settling in the valley after the second world war. This knowledge is why the community is still so well known for the cheese it produces today.
The Spallumcheen Valley was named by the Salish First Nations people, who are so prominent in the Okanagan valley area. The name has several controversial meanings like "Beautiful Valley", "Flat Meadow", "Meeting of the Waters", and "Prairie-Banked Fever".
All around the world there is a fascination with any discovery of a crop circle. There was one spotted in this area on a farmer's field on August 2, 2006. It was shaped like a music note.
Like the Ogopogo of Okanagan Lake, this remains a mystery and an unexplained event!
I hope you make this special place a stop on your next trip to to the North Okanagan. You will not be disappointed!
Okanagan Valley Guide will be updated regularly. Please return often or bookmark this site. I will be adding more pages of exciting information for you.
Thanks for visiting.
See you soon!
Return from Armstrong to Okanagan Valley Guide
|
