24 Hours in Cawston
Named the organic farming capital of Canada, Cawston, a quaint town of just over 1,000 residents, often slips under the radar of many travellers. Yet, this hidden gem offers heaps of attractions beneath the peaks of Mount Kobau and the shadows of the Cascade Mountains. Farm roads branching off the Crowsnest Highway, the main route through the region, lead to an array of wineries, cideries, distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants nestled among vineyards, orchards, and farms.
Join us for 24 hours in Cawston, where you'll discover an itinerary that includes a stop at an organic winery, farm-to-bottle distillery, swimming hole, and more.
Vintage Touring Bikes from Similkameen Sip & Cycle
Friday
2:30 pm: Grab a Bike from Similkameen Sip & Cycle
Located across from Nobau Park, Similkameen Sip & Cycle offers both cruisers and e-bikes. Biking is the perfect way to discover the area's offerings, allowing you to effortlessly hop from one winery to the next or leisurely explore the surrounding trails while soaking in the views. Cruisers start at $40, and electric bikes are available from $80.
3:00 pm: Swirl a glass or two at Little Farm Winery and Bottega Wine Studios
Little Farm Winery
Known for its organic and natural wines, the Little Farm tasting room is housed in a tiny building on its picturesque vineyard. They offer a variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Orange, Rosé, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all made by Master of Wine Rhys Pender. The vibe is casual and the wines are fantastic. Tastings are $15 and are waived with the purchase of a bottle.
Newer to the scene, Bottega Wine Studio, helmed by winemaker Daniel Bontorin, unites three distinctive labels: Bottega Wines, Seven Directions, and K Little Vintners. Tastings feature selections from each label, subject to availability. We escaped the heat and sat at a rustic wood table among tanks and pallets of wine, each leaving with a couple of bottles of Seven Directions' Provence-style rosé. Tastings are $10 and are waived with the purchase of a bottle.
4:30 pm: Enjoy happy hour at a farm-to-glass distillery
Sharpe Distillery
After wine tasting, ride over to Sharpe Distillery for happy hour. Owners Tracy Sharpe, Amy Jo Sharpe & CEJ Mussell focus on farm-to-glass spirits made with Cawston ingredients. BC-grown rye and water from the Similkameen River Valley form the base of their unaged whiskey.
These spirits are featured in cocktails throughout the valley, but there’s no better place to sample them than Sharpe’s tasting room, the distillery’s bar, which has become a destination for spirit lovers in its own right. Live music is common, and the cocktail list rotates often. Cocktails range from $10 to $18.
6:00 pm: Cool off in the Similkameen River
According to the locals, there are a couple of spots in Cawston along the Similkameen where the river deepens. We found one not far from the distillery. The river is warm in the summer, perfect for a dip on a hot day.
Swimming spot on the Similkameen River.
8:00 pm: Stay the night
We were fortunate to stay at Chítmexw Tiny Homes, owned by Tracy Sharpe and CEJ Mussell, the same visionaries behind Sharpe Distillery. The thoughtfully crafted 220 square-foot tiny home had two lofts each boasting a comfortable queen bed, a modest-sized kitchen, a living room and a full bathroom. While these homes are no longer available to rent, they are for sale… and you might just find yourself inquiring about them at the end of your visit to the Similkameen Valley.
Other places to stay in the area include:
Klippers Guest Suites
Similkameen Wild Resort
Crowsnest Vineyards Guest House
Saturday
8:00 am: Get a view from the top
Hikers will appreciate the diverse terrain of Barcelo Falls Trail. This moderate hike begins with a traverse through a horse pasture, winding along shaded paths beside the river. The trail’s multiple creek crossings keep it interesting, ending at the falls. For those seeking an extended adventure, continue hiking 1-2 kilometres uphill for beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
10:00 am: Fill your belly before moving on
Crispy Chicken Bites at The Farm Store
On your way out of town, stop at The Farm Store for brunch and some local shopping. Their dedication to local foods and retail items is evident in everything they offer, from fresh produce and grab-and-go snack items to candles and jewelry.
Their food menu is a fusion of the constantly changing seasonally available produce grown on the owners Brandie and Yuri Zebroff’s organic farm. Be sure to try the Crispy Chicken Bites and Smoked Salmon Latkes, which are among the must-order items. Breakfast and lunch options start from $12.