Keremeos is a charming village nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The name Keremeos, derived from the Similkameen dialect of the Okanagan language, translates to "creek which cuts its way through the flats." This name is a nod to the Keremeos Creek that flows from the Upper Benchlands to the Similkameen River, passing by the village.
Keremeos, with the majestic K Mountain as its backdrop, is a community that has retained its "Wild West" aesthetic since 1909. The village's history is closely tied to George Kirby, the postmaster of the now-abandoned community of Upper Keremeos. Kirby purchased land along the Similkameen River, anticipating the arrival of the V.V. & E. Railway. Although the railway never came, the Great Northern Railway from the US built a branch line up to Hedley, sparking a wave of new businesses. Keremeos was officially incorporated in 1956.
The geography of Keremeos is as diverse as it is beautiful. From cottonwood groves along the river to dense orchards and farms, and from desert-like landscapes at the bases of the surrounding mountains to alpine peaks and plateaux on top, Keremeos offers a unique blend of natural beauty.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Keremeos had a population of 1,608 living in 809 of its 852 total private dwellings. This represents a 7.1% increase from its 2016 population of 1,502. With a land area of 2.09 km2 (0.81 sq mi), Keremeos had a population density of 769.4/km2 (1,992.7/sq mi) in 2021.
One of the key attractions in Keremeos is the Keremeos Grist Mill, a historical site that offers a glimpse into the village's past.
Keremeos boasts a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) with cool but short winters and hot, dry summers. The village receives low precipitation, averaging 323 millimetres (13 in) annually, which is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Keremeos is served by the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System along Route 50, offering thrice-weekly public transit year-round. Buses travel as far as Coalmont, British Columbia to the west and Penticton in the East, with connections on BC Transit to Kelowna and Osoyoos. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is the Penticton Regional Airport, located 41 km to the north. For international flights, residents can access the Kelowna International Airport. Historically, Keremeos had a train station, but no tracks remain in the Similkameen Valley from either the Great Northern Railway or the Kettle Valley Railway.
