About the Tour
The Naramata Bench has enough stars and heroes to fill a community hall of fame. From local to global, Naramatian celebrities have made their mark on the world. As you drive from the village centre, through the orchard, vineyards and forest to Chute Lake, listen to tales of Naramata's most colourful and impactful residents. An entrepreneur, a spiritual guide, war heroes, a mediator, a culinary advocate, movie stars, and music makers: these are their stories.
This driving tour begins outside the Naramata General Store on Robinson Avenue in Naramata village, and ends at Chute Lake Lodge. You may need 4x4 drive in the fall, winter and spring for this route, as it leaves main roads onto secondary gravel roads. Please ensure you download this route, as part of the journey is out of mobile range. Along the way, you‘ll have a chance to:
- Take in panoramic views of Okanagan Lake
- Wind down beautiful country roads, and explore off the beaten path
- Discover the pristine mountain-fed Chute Lake and the historic lodge
- Hear the stories of Naramata's most colourful and impactful residents
This driving tour takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx (Okanagan) people, who have resided here since time immemorial. We recognize, honour, and respect the syilx lands, and appreciate the opportunity to learn about, and be in this special place.
This tour was narrated by Craig Henderson, written by Arnica Rowan, and produced by Terroir Consulting for Discover Naramata. Thanks to Destination BC, Wine Growers BC, the Naramata Bench Wineries Association, the Naramata Heritage Museum, the Okanagan Archive Trust Society, and photographers Jon Adrian and Caillum Smith for the beautiful photographs. Thanks to Peach City Community Radio for providing a recording studio.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
Tour Producer
Discover Naramata
Naramata... a stunning agricultural landscape, world-class food and wine of the Naramata Bench, a charming village at the end of winding country road. This CittaSlow-certified community is Western Canada's most beloved, slow-paced, vacation destination. Featured in the New York Times, Monte Cristo, National Geographic, Dwell, and more, this breath-taking slice of the Okanagan Valley is yours to explore.
Discover Naramata is a non-profit, member-run Destination Marketing Organization for the community of Naramata, BC, Canada. We support the marketing and building of a destination recognized by those looking for an authentic, quality, slow travel experience and supports the community and people who make this unique destination special. Our society is governed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and represents more than 80 businesses that comprise the local tourism economy.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport for this audio tour project.
The views, opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed in these materials are those of the author(s). These materials do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Government of British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia does not endorse, nor has it confirmed the validity of the information contained in, these materials.
Preview Location
Location 21
Hollywood Fame
Vivacious Kim Cattrall, a lead actors from the Sex and the City TV series and films, was featured holding a glass of wine overlooking the Naramata Bench in an award winning... Read More
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Major Landmarks
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Naramata Inn
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Okanagan Lake
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Naramata
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Chute Lake Lodge
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Naramata Bench
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location3 St, Naramata, BC V0H, Canada -
Total distance18km -
Final location9540 Chute Lake Rd, Naramata, BC V0H 1N1, Canada -
Distance back to start location11km
Directions to Starting Point
This tour begins on Robinson Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Park outside the Naramata General Store, facing the lake, to start the tour.
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Before you begin your tour, you can stop at any of the shops, cafes or restaurants in the village of Naramata to stock up on snack sand drinks for the road.
At the end of the tour, if the Chute Lake Lodge is open, stop for refreshments or a meal.
Best time of day
To see the breathtaking views, take this driving tour between dawn and dusk, any time of the year. Note, you may need 4x4 drive in the fall, winter and spring for this route, as it leaves main roads onto secondary gravel roads.
Precautions
You may need 4x4 drive in the fall, winter and spring for this route, as it leaves main roads onto secondary gravel roads.
Please keep your speed down to these maximum speeds:
30 km/hr in the village, where residents and children often walk on the roads
50 km/hr on agricultural roads, as there are tractors and walkers
80 km/hr on all other roads on this route.
Note, the gravel road to Chute Lake has little to no shoulders on the side of the road, and has switchbacks. Ensure you have winter tires between November and April.
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