Wildlife:

There is plenty of wildlife in and around Naramata. A partial list would include Black Bears, Coyotes, Deer, Moose, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Cougars, Bobcats, Marmots, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Raccoons, Rabbits, and some varieties of snakes including Diamondback Rattlesnakes.

Birds:

The South Okanagan is well-known for its diversity of birds as well as many rarities found nowhere else in Canada. Take a walk along the KVR to the Little Tunnel to see Canyon Wrens, Rock Wrens and White-throated Swifts, as well as the ever present California Quails that live here year-round. Turkey Vultures, Osprey, and Bald Eagles, Red-Tailed Hawks and at night the Great Horned Owl, Bats and Night Hawks are often seen in the area. Manitou Park can be enjoyed for its many waterfowl, songbirds and woodpeckers, including trumpeter swans and the rare Lewis’ Woodpecker. Don’t be surprised to find one of the resident Peacocks walking around the village, or sitting on a fence. For more information about the birds of the region, see the Meadowlark Festival website.

Fishing:

Okanagan Lake provides a wide variety of fishing opportunities for Kokanee Salmon, Lake Whitefish, Burbot and Rainbow Trout that can reach well over 20 pounds! With the lake being over 135 kms long there is a lot of water to cover to find the fish. However, when you do track them down you may be in for a battle with a fish of a lifetime! This lake is very popular for water sports so there are a lot of access points to launch your boat. The lake also offers great fishing from shore for smaller rainbows, whitefish and pike minnows that provides terrific family fishing opportunities. Fishing with bait and float or bottom set up with bait work well from the shoreline.

Chute Lake Resort is located in a very scenic and historic region along the Kettle Valley Railroad, in the mountains above Naramata. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and has a boat launch. Chute Lake Lodge has a restaurant, camping sites and accommodation.

Naramata is a Bear Smart Community:

The Bear Smart Community program encourages local governments, businesses and individuals to work together to address the root causes of human-bear conflicts, reducing the risks to human safety and private property, as well as the number of bears that have to be destroyed each year.

Garbage patrols are conducted regularly and residents are held accountable for their actions. Those who do not comply with the community’s curbside bylaw, (garbage bins can only be placed for pickup after 5 a.m. on collection day) receive letters providing important information so all residents become part of the solution, not the problem.