The first orchards in Okanagan Valley were planted by the Oblates at Okanagan Mission 1860-61, and the fruits, especially peaches, became a staple of the area. Tom Ellis established the first cattle ranch in 1865 and it was an empire when he sold it for a hefty sum in 1905; by 1909 orchards had replaced cattle in the agricultural economy. Today Penticton's fruit industry combines with tourism and lumber industries to keep the community strong. Learn More...