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Gellatly Heritage Park

History

The birth of this registered cemetery and heritage site as a park, several years before the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park came into existence, was the result of an inspired partnership between trustees of the Gellatly Cemetery and the Regional District of the Central Okanagan Parks Department.

Among the Gellatly Cemetery trustees is Ferne Jean, granddaughter of David Erskine Gellatly. Jean, who lives in the community she’s known all her life, spent days, weeks and months picking rocks and removing garbage by hand before the park came into formal existence. At times she had the help of other family members or regional district staff, but she put in many hours on her own.

What you’ll find

As well as lovely views of Lake Okanagan and nearby Pebble Beach down below, there are tall shade trees, gardens, a small cemetery for loved ones from the community - including several members of the pioneering Gellatly family. The park also features flower gardens, meditation areas, picnic tables, modern washrooms, and several beautifully restored heritage buildings. Occasionally there are public events held here, and the buildings are open to tour, with displays to view as well as old-fashioned treats and gifts for sale.

Nearby, a pleasant forest trail lined with tiny snail shells leads out of Gellatly Heritage Park and onto the stunning private property that features the natural rock wonders of well-known Goat’s Peak, with desert grassland benches printed by the hooves of hundreds of deer and sweeping views of the lake toward Peachland, Rattlesnake Island and Okanagan Mountain Park.

What shall we bring?

You may bring your dog, your little children and your grannie here - this is a genteel park with pleasant, finely graveled walks, some soft grass and pretty flowers. Your dog must be on a leash, and we hope you’ll clean up anything unpleasant your pet deposits on the ground. All of you should also bring your good manners and best wishes – family members are laid to rest here among the stately trees. You may want your camera, too.

Cautions:

There are some rocky bluffs - watch little children on the outcrops and near the parking lot

How do we find it?

There are two ways to get to this park. You’ll likely come by car or bicycle, as the public transit bus doesn’t pass by here. The park is right on Gellatly Road, just a five minute drive or ten minute pedal away from the Gellatly Nut Farm. The Heritage Park is on the hillside, looking down over the flats and the westerly end of Gellatly Bay.

If you approach from the waterfront along Gellatly Bay, continue past Whitworth Road and along to where the road comes close to Powers Creek, and drive up a fairly steep hill, spot the huge log sign - and quickly turn left into the parking lot.

If you approach from Highway 97 and the Glenrosa overpass, come downhill off the overpass, pass the huge orchard on your right, go by the stairway leading to Glen Canyon park on your left, and continue downhill toward the lake. When you see a new residential development on your left, it’s time to keep a close eye out to the right for the stately trees and white cottage in Gellatly Heritage Park. Turn right into the parking lot.

Disclaimer: Please remember to hike safe. Consider your level of fitness, the terrain, the weather, the wildlife, and the expertise/age of those you are hiking with. Since conditions of trails change over time, we do not guarantee the accuracy of our information. Hike at your own risk.

Go back to Westbank and area "Walking and Hiking Trails" page