Walhachin, BC

At the turn of the century, British Columbia experienced economic prosperity, attracting upper-class Englishmen to settle in Walhachin.

In 1908, the British Columbia Development Association Ltd. purchased approx. 3,500 acres of benchland properties, west of Kamloops along the South Thompson River. The intention was to create a community surrounded by orchards.

Walhachin did face some challenges, including soil quality, harsh climate, irrigation system difficulties, and inexperienced settlers.

During WW1, Walhachin had the highest enlistment rate per capita of any Canadian community with 97 of the 107 able bodied men signing up during the war. Many settlers & their families returned to their aristocratic roots & fought for the “mother country”.

After the war, only a few settlers returned, leading to the decline of Walhachin. Today, only remnants of the irrigation flumes, relic homes, and fruit trees remain.