What to do in Armstrong British Columbia

Exploring the beauty of small towns in Canada

Things to do in Armstrong BC Canada

Wondering what to do in Armstrong, British Columbia? Let me tell you! Armstrong is one of those quaint little towns, nestled only a 20-minute drive from Vernon, BC full of adventure and beauty. My favourite activity is walking or driving around town and countryside, getting a glimpse of history through all the Heritage Buildings. There are 12 buildings that have been designated heritage via the City bylaw and 72 properties with historical interest.

Armstrong Hotel. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Zion United Church. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Full Day of touring around Armstrong, British Columbia

Morning

Start your day off with the cheapest breakfast you will ever have. Brown Derby Cafe has its famous $2.99 breakfast special starting from 6:30 am to 10:55 am, along with other cheap eats. Once you've gotten your coffee fill, head over next door to explore Armstrong's past at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery which functions as a museum, art gallery, gift shop, and a used bookstore.

If you're looking for brochures/maps, pop into Armstrong Spallumcheen Visitor Centre located right next to the museum. As you're exploring Armstrong, pick up the Barn Quilt Trail map which features painted quilt block squares that brings together quilting and farming. There are 40 Barn Quilts on local barns, businesses, and residential homes.

Brown Derby Cafe breakfast special. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

The Wild Oak Cafe is part of the Barn Quilt Tour. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Afternoon

Buckle up because the afternoon is going to be a busy one! To make sure you have enough fuel to get you through to the evening, stop at Branding Iron Pub for lunch. Don't let the outside scare you away. As you walk through the front doors, the pub transforms into a cozy, rustic western-themed room.

After lunch, take a stroll down Pleasant Valley Boulevard to check out a few of the historical buildings, antique/coffee/ice-cream shops, and thrift stores. Head back to your car and drive to Village Cheese Company Factory where you can get a wide range of artisan cheese! Only local milk from the Okanagan is used in all of their cheeses.

Take HWY-97 towards Salmon Arm to see the most random, out-of-this-world exhibit. You cannot miss the Log Barn 1912 as they have 20-foot dinosaurs littered across their property along with dragons, a goat walk, and a hay maze.

As you head back into town for dinner, take a little detour and stop at the Edge of Earth Winery, one of the smallest wineries in British Columbia. With this in mind, their tasting room is inside the living room in their house.

Inside of Branding Iron Pub. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Log Barn 1912. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Edge of the Earth Winery. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Village Cheese Company in Armstrong. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Edge of the Earth Winery. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Strolling along downtown Armstrong. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

Evening

Take an evening drive around the area before dinner to view the beautiful farmland scenery and to check out the barn quilts. If local craft cider and homemade meals are your thing, Farmstrong Cider Company is for you. Located in a heritage barn with church pews, meals using locally grown meat from the farm, and the best tasting cider around.

To cap off the night, watch a movie under the stars at Starlight Drive-ins. Make sure to buy your tickets online before you go.