Armstrong

Warm Greetings from the classical small farming community that is Armstrong! The area blends farmer-based activities with beautiful countryside recreational activities. Armstrong is a perfect blend of a western façade complemented by classical buildings and a big fairground.

In Armstrong, you can shop for antiques and uniquely handcrafted items. There are numerous farms and orchards to visit and circle drives to enjoy while the artistic can enjoy theatre companies. Those who love hiking are rewarded with seeing wildlife and birds from scenic points of the hike trails.

Heritage buffs can visit the heritage cattle ranch or better yet observe antique artefacts at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery. Armstrong organizes an annual 11-day family run till Canada Day just to mention a few of the community events available in Armstrong.

Armstrong and its environs offer so many recreational attractions such as golf courses, water and snow sports, boating, fishing, hiking trails and museums. One of the heritage sights is the Old School House which is an original education institution in BC while for the arts and culture the Caravan Farm Theatre hosts numerous plays.

The Silver Star Mountain Resort is close to Armstrong providing numerous sports such as skiing and snowboarding during winter. In the blossoming summer the Armstrong farmer’s market runs weekly from April to October while there is a winter farmers market at Odd Fellows Hall on Bridge Street. There is a unique skateboarding park in Armstrong that attracts many to the city from all over BC. Those who favor art and culture can visit the two arenas hosted which are Nor Val Arena and Hassan Arena.

They host community events, Fabulous Fridays for skating and rollerblading and home to Shamrock lacrosse, Knights Hockey and Roller Derby. Circle tours are also offered in Armstrong touring through the interior of British Columbia; North to Okanagan and Sicamous all the way to the BC Rockies. Be sure to try out the hugely popular ‘Armstrong’ Cheese while in the area.

The first settlers in Armstrong came in 1866 to the old location of Lansdowne by A.L. Fortune and J.B. Burns. The extension of the railway line to Okanagan Landing by 1892 prompted the townspeople to move to the current location. Armstrong was incorporated as a city in 1913. It is named after W.C Heaton-Armstrong responsible for the bonds raised for the railway. Armstrong was once nicknamed the ‘Celery City’ but later diversified into livestock, grain, light manufacturing and more infamously dairy (home to ‘Armstrong’ Cheese since 1938). A mill was constructed in 1975 churning out lumber and plywood. Established 1900, the Armstrong fall fair which is a grade B livestock expo has become the largest in West Canada.