In 1984, as a gimmick to promote the Okanagan and attract tourists, the Okanagan Similkameen Tourist Association offered a $1 million reward to anyone who could catch Ogopogo with a fishing rod. Later, the Association offered $1 million to anyone who could just prove Ogopogo’s existence. In 2000, the Penticton Chamber of Commerce offered $2 million to any person who could “provide indisputable evidence of the existence of Ogopogo in Okanagan Lake.” The offer was renewed in 2001. While Ogopogo continues to be camera shy, the tourists are not. And the cash registers of the Okanagan ring steadily. Everyone loves the mystery monster.

Kelowna  Coat  of  Arms

Ogopogo is even part of the
Kelowna Coat of Arms.
The creature on the right is a
seahorse, which is the nearest
thing in heraldry to Ogopogo.
Photo courtesy of Kelowna Museum