Entering Gold Country from the east, you will be welcomed by a land of rugged scenery, dotted with beautiful crystal blue lakes, pine covered mountains with multi-hued lava cliffs and sage filled desert turned to grassy ranchland. The sweet scent of sage will draw you into a landscape that compels you to explore. The calm and tranquility invites you to relax and be one with the land. Full of adventure opportunities – but never hectic or hurried.
 
The charming lakeside community of Savona remains the major settlement in the area. Dating back to the 1800's, this village was originally located on the north side of Kamloops Lake, and known as Savona Ferry. At that time, Savona served as the last stop on the Cariboo Wagon Road from Cache Creek; and travelers would disembark the BX stagecoach to board the steamship for their journey up the lake to Kamloops or further to Shuswap Lakes. Savona was also the site of the launching of 'The Martin', reported to be the first steamboat built in the Interior of BC.
 
The steamship era lasted from 1865 to 1885, when the Canadian Pacific Railway brought rail service to the area, running their lines on the south side of Kamloops Lake. Change was in the wind, and we can only imagine the endeavor it must have been, when the community was moved across the ice-covered lake, building by building, to the new south-shore site of Savona. The railway remained the community's primary link to the world, and the most efficient form of transportation for several decades, until the early 1900's when a road was built on the south side of Kamloops Lake, linking the community via a new form of transportation – the automobile.
 
The Savona of today remains a serene spot in a lakeside setting. The only hustle and bustle to be found are the trains passing through to busier worlds. Join in the activities Savona has to offer – on land and water, you'll enjoy the friendly people and relaxed atmosphere. Visit the Savona Community Park for a sunny day picnic, swimming on the beach or maybe a friendly game of horseshoes. Launch your boat – and set out for some great fly-fishing or an exhilarating day of waterskiing. Journey down memory lane at the nearby Savona Heritage Centre, where the folklore and history of the region are lovingly shared in story and display. Train spotters will revel at the many ideal train sighting locations both in and surrounding the Village.

Savona also serves as the perfect home base for vacation activities throughout the area. Enjoy nature's hidden treasures as you take a scenic day trip up Deadman Creek Road, just a short distance west of Savona. Incredible volcanic lava cliffs infused with dazzling copper, mercury and cinnabar highlights – bordered by rolling ranchland and dotted with seven crystal clear lakes, perfect for a peaceful day of fishing for rainbow trout or kokanee. Visit the amazing Deadman Falls, a spectacular display of water cascading down 200 feet into a narrow canyon. A photographer's delight, for sure! The Deadman Valley is also a delight for hikers, bikers, rock hounds and home to 'the center of the universe'.

Rodeo lovers will want to include a spring trip to the Deadman Creek area – in time for annual Easter weekend Deadman Creek Rodeo. Wild fun on the desert plains – and a great event for the whole family!

Heading east from Savona along the beautiful shores of Kamloops Lake, you'll arrive at the '$100 View' Lookout & Rest Stop – 180 degrees of spectacular views. A short distance from here is a wonder of nature and very popular Savona sight – the 'Balancing Rock' is a huge bolder, miraculously perched atop a clay Hoodoo pillar, eroded by thousands of years of wind. View this anomaly from the pull-off approximately 1/2km west of the Lookout.

Head just a little further east to find the exciting new golf course, Tobiano. This challenging course is carved out of the rolling bluffs and canyon-cut ravines of 6 Mile Ranch, overlooking fabulous Kamloops Lake. Truly a golfer's dream, and a must-play for players of all passions.

Copper Desert Country is rich in history of ranching, agriculture and forestry. This is evidenced by the multitude of small ranches and farms that dot the rolling tree-topped hills of the Cherry Creek region. This beautiful region is home to equestrian opportunities, hiking, biking and a unique opportunity to look into the fascinating world of Ginseng. Chai-na-ta Ginseng Farms is the world's largest grower and exporter of North American Ginseng, and offers farm tours for groups of 5 or more people, when scheduled in advance. Ginseng is believed to have the ability to maintain physiological balance and to restore vitality, and is therefore considered the most precious herb of all. Call 250-372-9500 for more information on this interesting opportunity.

No visit to Copper Desert Country is complete without leisurely time spent in the Tunkwa Lake and Lac Le Jeune regions. Wonderful forests surround clear blue lakes, creating a vacation paradise. Hiking opportunities for the avid seasoned hiker & strolls for the casual outdoors lover; challenging rides for horseback, motorbikes, mountain bikes; incredible trout fishing, boating, swimming, sailing and camping will fill your summer days – and winter fun includes x-country skiing, skating, snowmobiling and ice-fishing, sufficient to 'warm the soul' on a pleasant winter day. Extreme hikers can chance a journey to Savona Caves, which were once used by First Nations for rituals and celebrations near the turn of the century. Several Provincial Parks complete the landscape of the region, offering different levels of outdoor recreation activities – all promising fun for the whole family.

 
Population 700
Area Population 1750
Elevation 343m
 
Amenities include:

• Accommodations
• Camping
• Restaurants
• Grocery Store
• Museum
• Service Stations/Auto Repair
• Post Office
• Recreation
  • Beach/Swimming
  • Boat Launch
  • Community Park
  • Fishing (Savona & area lakes)
  • Golf (Tobiano)
  • Playing fields
  • Marina (Tobiano)