We drove to Keremeos to attend the Grist Mills’ annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic and guess what? We forgot our teddy bears!
It was a fun morning exploring their gardens, snacking on food purchased from their restaurant, and taking in the activities they offered for the event.
Location
From Penticton, it’s a 35-minute drive or if you are driving from Kelowna, it’s approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos.
Follow Highway 97 South until you see the exit signs for Highway 3A. Follow Highway 3A for 20 minutes. As you get closer to the Grist Mill you will see Bears Fruit Stand (a popular fruit stand in Keremeos).
Stay to the left of the highway and follow the signs to the Grist Mill. You will then take a left on Upper Bench Road and you will see the Grist Mill and Gardens at 2691 Upper Bench Road on your right-hand side.
Parking
There is a spacious parking lot that accommodates larger vehicles and RV’s. When you enter the parking lot, it’s a one-way gravel road to drive through. If it’s full, there is parking available along the road near the entrance.
Admission and Gift Shop
When you enter the building you will see the gift shop, and this is where you pay for admission. Children 5 and under are free.
They sell jams, jellies, cards, t-shirts, soaps, books, and more.
The Gardens
Once you pay and walk through the main building, there is a large gardens area. This open space allows you to tour the Grist Mill and Gardens at your own pace.
I would allocate some time to tour the grounds of the Grist Mill as there is so much to see.
Touring the Grist Mill
Tour the many buildings to see how the Grist Mill turned energy and grain into flour. Many of the stations are interactive and the kids can learn more about the process of making flour.
Related: Family-fun activities and things to do in Keremeos
Annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Bring your favourite teddy bear for an afternoon picnic in their gardens that includes music, storytime, games, crafts, and more. This is an annual event that they host every year in July.
We purchased snacks from the restaurant which included an assortment of crackers, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, and other delicious treats.
Craft stations were set up along with games and activities.
Support the Mill
The Grist Mill Foundation is a charitable registered society run by volunteers from the community. There are many ways you can support the Mill: become a member, volunteer your time, donate money or in-kind good, or participate in many of their events.
