The Allan Brooks Nature Centre offers a special opportunity for visitors to reconnect with nature and learn about the ecosystems of the Okanagan Basin. Since its establishment in 1996, the Centre has transformed from a former weather station into a comprehensive interpretive facility featuring activity rooms, display areas, indoor and outdoor classrooms, picnic spots, and native plant gardens. Visitors can walk the grasslands trail, which winds through the grounds and offers stunning 360º views of the surrounding lakes, including Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan Lakes.
This family-friendly destination caters to nature enthusiasts and those simply looking to enjoy the outdoors. Guests can explore interactive exhibits, take part in educational programs, or relax by the pond. With a variety of seating areas and picnic options, the Allan Brooks Nature Centre is a well-rounded experience, combining learning with opportunities to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Okanagan landscape.
The Interpretive Centre: Learning Through Exploration
At the core of the Allan Brooks Nature Centre is the Interpretive Centre, offering visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience into the region’s natural world. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the friendly staff, who provide seasonal updates and insights into current exhibits. The Centre features a variety of static and interactive exhibits, permanent displays, and rotating collections, including artwork from Major Allan Brooks himself.
The Habitat Room is a standout, designed to showcase the distinct ecosystems of the Okanagan. Its four walls are covered with hand-painted murals by Andrea Toth and illustrations by Ginny Hall, each depicting a different local ecosystem—from the Grasslands at the Centre to the Wetlands at Swan Lake, the Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forests of Kalamalka Lake, and the Moist Subalpine areas of Silver Star Provincial Park. The room also incorporates surround sound audio, immersing visitors in the natural sounds of each ecosystem. For added engagement, visitors can participate in the interactive “Guess Who?” game, where clues about local plant and animal species are revealed by lifting flaps to test knowledge and learn more.
The Discovery Room caters to guests of all ages with a variety of hands-on activities. Visitors can measure their wingspan to find out which bird they resemble or match animal tracks to their owners with the interactive matching game. Live critters such as Smile the turtle, Pyma the corn snake, and a live honeybee colony offer up-close encounters with local wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you might also see salamander nymphs, praying mantises, or painted lady butterflies. The room is filled with informative displays, including taxidermy of an adult black bear and large raptors like owls and eagles, along with natural specimens such as fur, antlers, and dried native plants.
The Grasslands Trail: A Walk Through Nature
For those wanting to experience the local ecosystem firsthand, the Grasslands Trail is a must. This wheelchair-friendly trail winds through the sensitive grassland ecosystem, providing opportunities to observe wildlife without disturbing their natural habitats. Key points along the trail include Marmot City, where you can watch these active creatures, and the Norah Foord Pond, which is home to various amphibians and insects.
Another point of interest is the Analemmatic Sundial which is a type of sundial that adjusts for the Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun. Unlike a regular sundial, which can run slightly fast or slow depending on the time of year, the Analemmatic Sundial corrects for these variations, giving an accurate measure of solar time. It uses a stick, known as a gnomon, and a dial with hour lines, ensuring that high noon, when the Sun is at its highest point, truly reflects noon, no matter the season.
Throughout the trail, interpretive signs provide insights into the plant and animal life that call the grasslands home. From songbirds to wildflowers, the trail is a great way to connect with the landscape. There are several resting spots along the way where visitors can relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings, making the walk both informative and enjoyable.
Educational Programs and Nature Talks
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is about education too. The Centre offers a range of programs designed to teach visitors of all ages about local ecosystems, conservation, and stewardship. Guided trail tours are approximately 40 minutes long, on an easy gravel walking path and provide in-depth information about grassland plants and animals. Group sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. The Nature Talks, held in the Grasslands Theatre, a short walk downhill from the Interpretive Centre, dive into topics with props and taxidermy for a hands-on learning experience. There is no need to pre-register, you just check-in at the Interpretive Centre upon arrival and find a seat on the benches.
The Centre’s educational focus extends to community programs, including summer camps, school field trips, and workshops. These programs give participants the chance to learn about topics like watershed exploration and stream science, fostering a deeper understanding of the environment.
Naturescaping and Habitat Stewardship
One of the Centre’s missions is to promote sustainable landscaping practices, known as Naturescaping. Around the grounds, native plants are used to create low-maintenance gardens that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. This approach reduces water usage and eliminates the need for pesticides, showcasing how homeowners can create wildlife-friendly spaces in their own yards.
Inside the Stewardship Resource Centre, visitors can learn about their role in protecting ecosystems, from taking care of wetlands to managing pets to reduce their impact on wildlife. The Centre encourages everyone to take part in conservation efforts, helping to preserve the Okanagan’s unique natural habitats.
Visiting the Allan Brooks Nature Centre
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is open from April to October, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Admission is by donation, and visitors can explore the grounds, visit the Interpretive Centre, and shop for nature-related gifts at the on-site Nature Shop. Whether you’re there for a quick visit or a full day of exploration, there’s plenty to see and do.
With its blend of education, outdoor activities, and hands-on learning, the Allan Brooks Nature Centre is a place where visitors can deepen their connection to nature while gaining a greater appreciation for the natural world.
