Museums & Libraries

Explore the Oliver Museum’s exhibits to uncover the history of the area, from mining and agriculture to the culture of the syilx Okanagan people. Highlights include the historic Fairview Jail, the interactive "Deep Roots" gallery, and the Heritage Garden with native plants labeled in nsyilxcən.

The Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives showcases over 10,000 artifacts that celebrate the rich history of Osoyoos. Don’t forget to stop by their gift shop for unique local treasures! Admission is by donation.

Stop into the Peachland Regional Library to take out a book, magazine, or DVD. You can also register to join an online storytime or participate in their many activities throughout the year.

The Peachland Museum suprised our family and we spent an hour there. Head upstairs where you can watch the trains in action from Nelson to Hope which was the length of the Kettle Valley. The layout for the Central Okanagan Railway Company (CORC) is based upon the Kettle Valley Railway operations during the decade from 1955 to 1965. The train tracks wrap around the entire upstairs with interactive buttons the kids can press.

Located in the same building as the Penticton Public Library, the Penticton Museum is full of activities and exhibits for you to enjoy with your children. The Museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Pick up their scavenger hunt list to discover all the items on your self-guided tour. Entrance is by donation, with $1 suggested for kids and $2 for adults.

Step aboard the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society, a beautifully restored historic sternwheeler located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton. This paddlewheeler, built in 1914, once carried passengers and cargo up and down the lake, and today, it stands as a floating museum where families can step back in time. A highlight for many kids visiting the S.S. Sicamous is the large model train display inside the ship. With interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and plenty of space to roam, the S.S. Sicamous offers a way to spend time exploring with your kids.

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.

Visit the Summerland Library to take out books or join them for their storytime programs – check ahead if pre-registration is required.

Open to the public by donation. Take a self-guided tour of the museum, starting on the lower floor. Upstairs is the main attraction, a smaller model railroad that you can start with the press of a button. There are small step stools so the little ones can see the train in action.

The Vernon Museum Exhibit Space is open to the public for drop ins from Wednesday to Saturdays. They offer a mini-scavenger hunt around the museum for kids and a recently refurbished children’s area that captures the magic of the North Okanagan’s Natural History. If you would like to enjoy activities from the comfort of your home, the Museum also offer many virtual exhibits and programs online.