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So, it’s only natural that every single time I visit Armstrong, I head to their local cheese shop. No matter what time of year you’re visiting Armstrong, no trip is complete without a visit to the Farmstrong Cider Company. If you’re visiting in wintertime and have your own skates, enjoy the Canadian sport of lake skating!

Where to Stay in Armstrong, BC

In his third term on Council, Councillor Drapala provides our community with the perspectives of young families and professionals. During his career he served in many leadership roles which provide him a unique dedication and perspective chiseled out of helping people in their time of need. We believe that by investing in these areas, we can continue to build a prosperous, vibrant, and livable city for everyone. As we begin our preparations, now is a good time to reflect on the past year

Councillor Ryan Nitchie

If you’re wanting a shorter float, you can start a little closer at the Eby Hand Launch Point along Enderby Mabel Lake Road. The best starting point if you’re wanting to do a long float is just before the Trinity Bridge. They rent tubes by the hour, half-day, and full-day with the best rate being $30 CAD for the full-day. Q’s Float Shop is conveniently located in Enderby right by the river. The float can be around 5 hours depending on the time of year you go.

Another great lake to go ice skating near Armstrong is Monte Lake. Swan Lake in Vernon is a popular place to go ice skating in the winter months since the small lake freezes over (see photo above!). Alternatively, you could head towards the smaller town of Salmon Arm.

If you just want a one-time gondola ride in the summer, prices are around $25 CAD. So if you’re don’t feel like the climb, pay to take the gondola up to the top and hike from there – no uphill hiking for you! It takes just over an hour and can be done any time of year – you can even go snowshoeing here in winter!

• Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car.
• They have 10 different cider flavors, my favorite two flavors being the rhubarb and pear.
• In wintertime, this becomes one of the best ski mountains in the area and has a great tube park as well.
• This large lake stretches all the way down to the beautiful town of Penticton, so you have your pick of beaches!
• The Centennial Outdoor Rink is located in central Vernon and is a popular choice for families.
• The float can be around 5 hours depending on the time of year you go.

Armstrong, British Columbia

You can visit this area outside this time, but the gondola and other facilities might not be open. Both at the top and bottom of the gondola you’ll find plenty of well-marked trails with a variety of difficulties. If you’re feeling energetic, you can buy the hiking-only pass for $25 CAD a person.

Economy, tourist attractions, and activities

If you head north for about 35 minutes, you’ll reach Salmon Arm, home to the stunning Shuswap Lake. Armstrong has the perfect location for those looking to spend a few lazy days at the lake. Kelowna is just an hour’s drive away – and you can read about our favorite wine tours in Kelowna here! As you head down the last stretch of dirt road, you’ll understand the name “Edge of the Earth.” Although it’s not that far, it feels quite removed from normal city life.

Float down the Enderby River

The Okanagan Valley is the perfect climate for growing sweet fresh fruit, and Armstrong is home to a lot of great U-pick farms. You can also ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for some epic city and country views for only $25 CAD. In the summertime, there are great hiking and mountain biking trails. The park is open annually from late June to early September.

Armstrong Cheese

Below, I’ve listed my favorite accommodation options in the area for each price range. Vernon is just a 20-minute drive from Armstrong and has some beautiful beaches! Armstrong is a beautiful place to visit, but since it’s a small town, there are limited places to stay! It functions on a first come first serve basis, so if you’re relying on this, get there earlier. Rodeo, amusement park rides, barn dances, and PBR prices are not included. You can choose between 1-day to 5-day admissions with adults costing $22 CAD each for the 1-day pass and $95 CAD each for all 5 days.

Most people think they need to head to nearby Kelowna or Salmon Arm to get their local wine fix – but they’re wrong! And if you’re heading there to buy souvenirs, I highly recommend their lemon ginger honey as well as their skincare products. One of my favorite parts about this farm is they let you taste the honey and mead for free – I really felt like a kid in a candy shop! If you’re also visiting Vancouver, read about the best hiking trails in Vancouver here! You can also head to the SilverStar Mountain Resort, which is a 40-minute drive from Armstrong.

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• When Councillor Wehner is not serving his community on Council or at work, he is commonly found outside enjoying the outdoors with his family in Armstrong.
• This isn’t one of those prestigious wineries you’ll find in Kelowna.
• It’s located just off the highway in the center of Armstrong’s downtown – and right across from Village Cheese.
• The postmaster, Edward Albert Brasher, named the community after his son Earl.

Armstrong is a rural community and commercial center in the North Okanagan, with agriculture, grain farming of alfalfa and corn, logging, and ranching being traditional economic activities. The retail strip is located along 10th Street North. Ontario Highway 11 is the major road connecting the community with other areas in Timiskaming and beyond. The airport today serves private light aircraft. Earlton (Timiskaming Regional) Airport is a regional airport located in Earlton, which opened in 1937 as an emergency landing area for Trans-Canada Air Lines.

For Visitors

If you’re coming from Enderby town, you’ll see a parking lot just before the bridge. If you’re traveling with family, you’ll be happy to know there’s also a lakefront kids’ playground and watersports rentals here. This family-run winery and vineyard is located on a farm about a 10-minute drive from Armstrong. You really can’t go wrong with the squeaky cheese curds (a local favorite) or the Merlot cheese. Armstrong is a corporation operated by a seven-member city council headed by the Mayor, with meetings being held the second and fourth Mondays of every month.

It’s located just off the highway in the center of Armstrong’s downtown – and right across from Village Cheese. With prices starting at $159 CAD, this hotel is a great deal and my go-to option when visiting the area. To top it off, the modern rooms have views of the surrounding hills and lake, with prices starting at $420 CAD per night.

Hiking to Rattlesnake Point delivers all the best views of the stunning turquoise lake water. Here, there are many hiking and biking trails, beaches, and stunning views of the lake. I personally love lakes because they’re calmer and you don’t need to worry about as much wind or saltwater!

Plus, the trailhead is just a 20-minute drive from Armstrong. As a local, I have some favorite trails, which I’ve highlighted below! The boutique sells lots of artisan goods, so it’s a great place to pick up local souvenirs or gifts. Armstrong Village Cheese is a large store and cafe serving dozens and dozens of different kinds of locally-made cheese. So if you’re heading toward Armstrong, check out my list of things to do below.

Every way you go, there are big beautiful lakes just waiting to be explored. This isn’t one of those prestigious wineries you’ll find in Kelowna. There is one very small winery located in Armstrong called Edge of the Earth Vineyard. If you want a closer view into the honey-making world, head to Planet Bee. The market is usually open on a weekend day, but the schedule changes depending on the season. Did you even visit the Okanagan if you didn’t purchase some locally-made honey to take home with you?

One of the best hiking areas is the Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve, which is just a 10-minute drive from Armstrong. It’s open weekdays from 8 am – 5 pm, Saturdays from 9 am – 5 pm, and Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm. Armstrong Village Cheese is located on Smith Drive just off the main freeway. I love coming here with family or friends to relax, drink coffee, and sample the yummy cheese. The homemade soups are made fresh daily, and the sandwiches feature their own cheeses.