The Grist Mill & Gardens

Their Full Story:

Standing proudly on the traditional territory of the sməlqmix people, the Grist Mill in Keremeos is more than a museum; it's a living, breathing testament to community resilience. Founded in 1877 by Barrington Price, its original water-powered stones provided the vital spark that transformed the local economy from ranching to agriculture, feeding settlers, First Nations communities, and gold rush miners travelling the Dewdney Trail. Though nearly lost to time—having served as a chicken coop, hay barn, and forgotten relic—the mill’s original machinery slept patiently, waiting for its revival.

Today, after a meticulous restoration, the mill performs its ancient magic once more. It is the only working waterwheel-powered flour mill in Western Canada, its rhythmic groan and splash a direct echo of 1881. The original equipment, saved from the jumbled heap of history, now grinds grain into heritage flour just as it did at the height of the gold rush, offering a taste literally rooted in the past.

But this site’s craft extends beyond flour. It is a vibrant, hands-on archive where history is felt, not just read. It's a cherished campground voted best in the South Okanagan, a venue for timeless weddings, a classroom for field trips, and a guardian of heritage apples and recipes. The Grist Mill doesn't just preserve artifacts; it cultivates connection—to the land, to our shared history, and to the simple, profound craft of turning wheat, water, and wood into community sustenance. Visiting here isn't a step back in time; it's a participation in a continuing story.