S.S. Okanagan Stern Salon

The S. S. Okanagan Stern Salon is the last part of the Okanagan that exists today.

The S. S. Okanagan was the third sternwheeler the CPR launched onto Okanagan Lake.  She was launched at Okanagan Landing on April 16, 1907 to replace the S. S. Aberdeen.  The festivities were grand, and the City of Vernon declared a 1/2 day holiday for its citizens to attend the launching.  That night there was a gala in celebration of the event.  The Okanagan remained a success on the lake, and ran until her service was discontinued in 1932.

The Okanagan represented the CPRs reaction to the economic and demographic changes in the Okanagan Valley.  In 1905, it was decided that a new, bigger, and better, vessel was needed to accommodate these changes.  In fall of 1906 a shipyard crew from Nelson was transported to Okanagan Landing to build the vessel.  The S. S. Okanagan carried was able to carry more mail, freight, and passengers then the Aberdeen.  The passenger capacity fluctuated between 250 to 400.

The Okanagan was also much faster then the Aberdeen, and had a greater fuel economy.  She travelled at 15 miles per hours, performing a daily run to the communities of Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, and Penticton.  Unlike the Aberdeen, which operated on the lake only three times a week, the Okanagan ran up and down the lake everyday except for Sundays.

On March 29, 2002, the Stern Salon was moved from Okanagan Landing to Penticton.  Today, the the room is being restored to its original condition.

If you have any information on the S. S. Okanagan or would like to get involved in the restoration project please contact us.