Why "lone tree"?
Aug 21, 2013
Why "lone tree" you might ask? When the difficult task of choosing a new name was before us, we knew for certain that we wanted something that represented the beautiful area we call home. When the name "lone tree" and it's story was presented, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for!
Found on a map dating back to the early 1800's of the Okanagan region, was a landmark just north of present day Summerland called "l'arbre seul" French for "the lone tree". This landmark was along the historic Brigade Trail used primarily by the Hudson's Bay Fur Traders to transport furs and goods for trade to and from the coast. Later the trail was used during the Cariboo Gold Rush as a trade route by American cattlemen and businessmen.
To celebrate Summerland's Centennial in 2001, the Brigade Trail Linear Park was designated to preserve a section of the old Brigade Trail. This sign was constructed marking the trailhead at Priest Camp linking to the (now vanished) landmark "lone tree".