South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve
Awaiting the most biodiverse protected area
Under the moonlit sky of the Okanagan, you can find the highest diversity of bat species in the country, as they dart through the air hunting for insects. Seven insect species are found nowhere in the world, but here. Almost half of the breeding bird species in the country use the rugged terrain for nesting, and eight vertebrate species are native to this region.
Located in the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, around the towns of Osoyoos and Keremeos, the proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve would protect 273 square kilometres of semi-arid desert, one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. We must hold the federal and provincial governments accountable to their commitments and ensure that this park becomes a reality before it’s too late.
Charlotte Dawe: Canadian parks—a dark history and a way forward
Take Action
End 20 Years of Delays – Establish the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve Now!
An opportunity of a lifetime
The idea of the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve began to take shape in 2003. It was proposed within the territories of eight Syilx Okanagan First Nation communities. After more than a decade of persistent advocacy, in 2019, the Syilx Okanagan Nation and the governments of Canada and B.C. signed an agreement to establish this park reserve. The federal and provincial governments are working together to establish this national park reserve, but progress has been slow.
Below is a map that includes Parks Canada Working Boundary and the Wilderness Committee's proposed additions that include important biologically diverse areas around White Lake and Vaseux Lake.
Map of proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve
Ecological, recreational and cultural benefits
With bunchgrass grasslands, ponderosa pine forests and spectacular mountain top views, the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve will feature a greater diversity of ecosystems than any other national park in Canada. Home to the endangered antelope-brush desert ecosystem and more than 200 at-risk species like the burrowing owl, American badger and Lewis’s woodpecker, the formation of the park reserve will protect this endangered habitat.
This new park will also offer high-quality visitor experiences, such as recreational activities and opportunities to learn about the region’s natural and cultural heritage, like the world-famous kłlilx’w Spotted Lake. This stunning landmark is a sacred medicine lake and a protected cultural heritage site of the Syilx Okanagan People.
Additionally, the formation of this park will contribute to B.C. and Canada’s goal to protect 30 per cent of its lands and waters by 2030.
Turning this park into reality
After decades of talk and negotiation, it’s time to solidify this protected area proposal. In B.C., we get the nature protection that we’re willing to fight for. Right now, the only thing the proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve needs is a little push from you. When thousands of people like you, who have fond memories of this amazing area and would like to see it handed down to future generations, speak up, it builds pressure. Write your letter today and help get this park across the finish line!
South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve
There’s no place in the world quite like the South Okanagan. In a single day, you can visit vast grasslands where bluebunch wheatgrass grows tall enough to brush your knees, and wander among ponderosa pine-covered slopes and mountain tops offering panoramic views of a thousand peaks. These unique spaces are becoming increasingly rare and urgently need protection. Find out all the reasons why this park must become a reality.
Campaign Gallery
Check Out More Updates
Canada’s most endangered species closer to getting a national park reserve
Video: A Case for the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve
South Okanagan-Similkameen community leaders and scientists talk about how the park reserve would affect the economy...
Video: South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve
Donate To Protect Nature
Give today to keep the nature we need free from industrial development and exploitation. Your donation goes towards creating more resilient ecosystems and supporting Indigenous-led protection of the land.
Join Us
Don’t miss your chance to make a difference. Receive campaign updates and important actions you can take to protect wildlife, preserve wilderness and fight climate change.
