As you approach the village of Keremeos, you will see vineyards, farms, and orchards surrounded by beautiful mountains. Keremeos is a 40-minute drive from Penticton and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kelowna.
Outdoor Activities
Bring your wheels to the Keremeos Skateboard Park. Located at 9th Street and Veterans Avenue.
Tour the Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos. You can bring a picnic or purchase one on-site at their restaurant.
Indoor Activities
The Similkameen Recreation Centre is a great place for many family-friendly activities. They offer bowling, a fitness room, squash and racquetball courts, an indoor climbing wall, and an outdoor ice rink. You can also rent the centre out for birthday parties, family functions, and group activities.
Bring the family to the Similkameen Recreation Centre which is home to four – 5 pin bowling lanes. When staffing is available, the Similkameen Recreation Centre offers access to their indoor climbing wall. Please contact the recreation centre for the current schedule of availability. You can also book a birthday party at the Similkameen Recreation Centre. Your rental includes access to the games area.
Stop into the Keremeos Regional Library to take out a book, magazine, or DVD. The library is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. You can also register to join an online storytime at any of the locations.
South Similkameen Museum
The South Similkameen is an area rich in history. From cattle rustling to the growth of the fruit industry, our heritage is commemorated through the artifacts and documents that make up the collections at the Keremeos Museum.
Drop-In Programs
On school days, bring your kids ages 0-5 years to Cawston StrongStart. It is a free school-based early learning program where your child will have free time to play games, read books, create a craft, participate in storytime where they will sing songs, and exercise during gym time (where applicable).
Follow the Lower Similkameen Early Years Facebook Page as they provide free drop-in programs for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers throughout the school year.
Parks and Playgrounds
The largest park in Keremeos is Memorial Park, which includes an upgraded playground and splash pad, a large gazebo, picnic tables, public washrooms, and outdoor exercise equipment.
You will also find Village Square Pocket Park, Pine Park, which has playground equipment, and Riparian Park in Keremeos for the kids to run around.
Outdoor Pool
Similkameen Community Pool
Visitors can take part in drop-in exercise classes, senior swims, and public swims, including special Toonie Swim sessions. The pool also provides swimming lessons that can be registered for in advance, and private bookings are available, subject to availability. The facility features indoor changing rooms and showers for convenience, a comfortable seating area on the deck, and ample free parking.
Fruit Stands & Markets
Bear’s Fruit Stand
Bears Fruit Stand in Keremeos, BC, welcomes visitors with its huge, photo-worthy sign, featuring an extensive selection of fruits, veggies, jams, and syrups. With 10 delicious flavors to choose from, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your ice cream cravings. Enjoy the charming fall-themed pumpkin displays and indulge in farm-fresh produce. Don’t miss the renowned pumpkin patch Halloween display, a must-visit for a memorable family tradition.
Gerry’s Fruits & Veggies
Gerry’s Fruits and Veggies, located on Highway 3 across from the Keremeos ByPass Road, offers a wide assortment of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and a friendly smile as they browse through selections of cherries, blueberries, peaches, and nectarines. Choose from 12 delicious flavors of ice cream and enjoy your treat at the outdoor picnic tables.
Mariposa Fruit Stand
Open annually from the May long weekend to Halloween weekend, this family farm has been growing fruits and vegetables for over 30 years. Alongside their produce, they serve milkshakes, and snacks like samosas and smokies. Kids will especially enjoy choosing from many hard ice cream flavors! The stand features picnic tables and a small kids’ playground, making it a great family-friendly stop.
Mom & Pop’s Farm Market
Mom & Pop’s Farm Market offers fresh, local produce like peaches, nectarines, plums, and apples. The market also serves gelato, coffee, smoothies, and snacks like samosas and BLT sandwiches. Hard ice cream is available, with the option to enjoy it in a waffle or regular cone. With a picnic area, treehouse-style playground, and beautiful orchard views, it’s a perfect stop for families.
Parsons Farm Market
Parsons Farm Market offers fresh, locally grown fruits such as peaches, pears, and plums, along with handmade goods, freeze-dried treats, and lavender bouquets. They also serve ice cream, making it a convenient stop for both produce and snacks.
Peach King Farm
Known for their massive pumpkin display in the fall months, Peach King Orchards also sells a variety of fruits and vegetables. Treat yourself to a delicious selection of hard ice cream and milkshakes, perfect for cooling off on a hot sunny Keremeos day.
Sanderson Farms
Offering a mix of fresh produce and treats, Sanderson Farms features local peaches, plums, pears, and apples, alongside ice cream from Island Farms and Foothills Creamery, mango slushies, and colorful saltwater taffy. Visitors can also enjoy samosas, pies, frozen burritos, coffee, and even pizza and pasta, making it a great stop for fresh and prepared foods. Kids will love the colourful display of candy taffy and the variety of treats available.
Winter Activities
Similkameen Skating Rink
The Similkameen Skating Rink at the Similkameen Recreation Centre in Keremeos operates as a full-sized, outdoor hockey rink, complete with half boards and lighting for evening use. Typically open from December to February (weather dependent), it offers amenities like change rooms, washroom access, and skate rentals (though sharpening is not available). Programs include Mites and adult hockey, skating lessons, drop-in sessions, and sponsored skate events during the Christmas holidays, providing options for all ages and skill levels to enjoy the ice.
Events & Festivals
Easter at the Grist Mill
Celebrate Easter each spring at this charming 12-acre heritage site in Keremeos! Families can enjoy a fun-filled Easter egg hunt through beautiful gardens, surrounded by historic buildings and the peaceful sounds of Keremeos Creek. With activities for all ages, it’s a joyful way to welcome the season and make lasting memories in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Grist Mill
Bring your teddy bears and join the Grist Mill for their annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Enchanted Garden Tea Party at the Grist Mill
The Enchanted Garden Tea Party at the Grist Mill in Keremeos is a magical afternoon where fairies, gnomes, elves, and other whimsical creatures come to life! Set in the beautiful heritage gardens, this family-friendly event features a fairy tea party with delicious treats, storytelling, crafts, games, music, and a treasure hunt. There’s even a Fairy Godmother offering sparkly makeovers. As the sun sets, the vibe shifts to an adult event—so bring a picnic blanket, dress in your best fairy finery, and enjoy a truly enchanting day at the Grist Mill!
Similkameen Sizzle Pepper Festival
Visit Memorial Park in Kermeos in September for the Similkameen Sizzle – Canada’s only hot pepper festival!
Keremeos Light-Up
Each winter, Keremeos transforms into a festive wonderland during the annual Light-Up Weekend! With a holiday craft fair at Victory Hall, a cheerful Main Street parade, activities at the Recreation Centre, and twinkling lights all around town, it’s a heartwarming celebration for the whole community. Local businesses and residents join in by decorating windows, hosting cozy snack stands, and spreading holiday cheer.
