The Valley was created by the retreat of massive glaciers approximately 10,000 years ago which left large deposits of gravel, silt, clay and sand behind on the bottom and sides of the valley floor. A series of lakes connected by a meandering bow river amid terraced and arid, rocky hillsides was the final result of this creative work of nature's forces. This extraordinary habitat is home to one of North Americas most fragile ecosystems. The divergent terrain has created unique microclimates and soil types in the various pockets, thus enabling agricultural pursuits such as tree fruits, vineyards, vegetables and cattle production. Immaculate rows of fruit trees and grapevines decorate the terraces and gently rolling hills, and a variety of heat-loving vegetables grow on the fertile valley floor. 

The small communities in the South Okanagan offer a full spectrum of amenities along with cultural choices and recreation facilities. The area has an ongoing variety of outdoor recreation such as miles of hiking, bike and horseback riding trails along with rock climbing, boating, parasailing, swimming, fishing hunting, wildlife watching, skiing and golfing.