okanagan valley things to do

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This short jaunt takes you up the valley side to the site of an old stamping mill, dating from 1895, and crosses Tinhorn Creek. Dry bag: I have expensive camera equipment so I always travel with a dry bag large enough to fit some of my equipment. There are several ways to enjoy this lake including swimming, canoeing, fishing, or water skiing, just to name a few! Margaret Falls is an absolutely stunning waterfall, accessible by a variety of trails in Harolds Provincial Park. Comfort stations are pit toilets, and drinking water is available from a central tap.

Be sure to head to Banff for skiing too, its definitely one of thebest things to do in Banff National Park! You will have the opportunity to fly 381 feet over the stunning Deep Creek Canyon in Peachland. Big White is just one of three ski resorts within easy reach of Kelowna. The hotel has on-site dining with 24-hour room service, a hair salon, gift shop, bar, and private marina. Read our disclosure policy for more info. British Columbia is a large province and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Each one is so different from the last. They have gourmet jams, nut brittles, jelly candies, and more! Its another easy trail, that provides great views, and a unique experience. So be sure to check them out! Along with beautiful views, there is also a lot of history here. Its located about 15km (9.3 miles) west of Salmon Armalong Highway 1, and there is a day-use parking lot right in the park. The ski field is the closest to Vernon and the best place to hit the slopes in the area.

While the winter, the Okanagan Valley provides ski-ready slopes. This is an activity in Summerland that is great for all ages and skill levels! Regardless, a dry bag gives me peace of mind! Nothing quite beats a relaxing day at the beach! The water is clear and there is a roped-off area and pontoon to swim out to. Getting out on the lake is an ideal way to truly appreciate the spectacular surroundings. In fact, up until mid-July, you can still expect icy conditions in the mountains. Larch Hillswas established in 1997 as a family business and is considered a cool climate vineyard, because of its location as the most northern winery in BC. Here youll find all sorts of aerial attractions including my personal recommendation ziplining! Combining a walk along here with a diversion to the shops of downtown is a great way to spend an afternoon. Mission Creek Regional Park | Photo Copyright: Michael Law. If you want to do the entire distance one way, two cars are required, or you can take a tour or a shuttle from Kelowna. Rooms start at $89 CAD per night. If you didnt get enough wine in Lake Country and Kelowna then youre in luck Peachland is another destination in the Okanagan Valley that has a nice mix of small and large wineries, with several of them set along the lake with nice outdoor terraces and sweeping views. Tour boats ply the clear waters and offer a variety of cruise options, including afternoon and dinner/sunset trips complete with musical entertainment. Vaseux Lake Provincial Park | ecobuilder with cam / photo modified. You can get your meals as sammiches (served on a bun) or as plates with side dishes. Address: 123 Shortt Street, Silver Star Mountain, Official site: http://www.skisilverstar.com. Canoe Beach is located just outside of Salmon Arms town center and has everything you could possibly need for a fun and relaxing day at the beach. The rooms here are beautiful and surprisingly cheap. The great thing about Osoyoos is there are a lot of affordably priced hotel options that really give you the most bang for your buck. It is beautifully designed with open fields, forested areas, rocks and water features, and wetlands. The museum is a good place to begin a tour of the region. Osoyoos is home to several amazing golf courses, but Fairview Mountain tops them as its one of the most popular golf courses in all of British Columbia. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a 650-kilometer system stretching from Hope to Castlegar. Meaning you can also expect plenty of great fruit orchards and vineyardsdid someone say wine?! kettle summerland Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. A visit here takes you back over 100 years to the era of luxury steamboat travel. The Cove is also great if youre wanting to explore Peachland and Kelowna, as its right in between the two! Play structures, a shallow stream, and plenty of green space to picnic or play games is on offer. General admission starts at $74 CAD. The Okanagan Valley is a region in British Columbia situated between the Columbia and Cascade mountain ranges.

Its outfitted with the best amenities, including an infinity pool, the KurSpa, a Serenity room, complimentary breakfast, and much more. True Grain Bread creates amazing fresh, local, organic, handcrafted bread, that pairs nicely with a coffee from The Beanery Cafe. There are multiple trails to choose from, ranging from 0.5-3km (0.3-1.8 miles), and can take between 0.5-1.5 hours to complete. Of course, this is a summer activity that should bebooked in advance on their website. The orchards provide the main industry in the town, with a history that dates back to the 1890s. They are the best BBQ north of the South and I believe it! Over the years, the city has developed into a popular resort thanks to its beaches and more than 2,000 hours of sunshine each year.

Seriously they have come in hand so many times especially when Im looking for wildlife. Official site: https://www.kelownafarmersandcraftersmarket.com/, Waterfront Park | Photo Copyright: Michael Law. Rates here start at $109 CAD per night. They have kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, and water trikes. Our pool-view room was perfect with a huge balcony, two large queen beds, and even a desk area so that we could get some work done (when we werent busy down by the pool, of course!).

This area is one of the warmest places in Canada in winter and has a relatively mild climate throughout Canada's colder months. Once youve learned a little about the wine, how its made, and what your favorite is, you can go to the tasting room, enjoy a glass and take in the stunning views from their property. What was once a rail corridor for the now-abandoned Kettle Valley Railway, is now a multi-use recreational rail trail. Summerland is also the home of the Kettle Valley Railroad Steam Train, where you can ride the rails behind a restored locomotive from 1912 as it puffs and steams its way along a 90-minute route. If youre on a budget Rosedale Motel is going to be your best bet. The park has well-placed viewing platforms that provide the best chance of seeing the resident wildlife. From the top, you can even see Vernon and Kalamalka Lake! The park is about 25 kilometers from downtown Kelowna, approximately a 40-minute drive, some of which is on a well-graded gravel road. Head over to Sun-Oka BeachProvincial Park and rent something fun to take out on the water from Okanagan Beach Rentals. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and using crown land and campsites you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! If I have one piece of advice though, try to go during the week. Spotted Lake quite literally looks like a polka-dotted lake. The lake is the main recreation playground for locals and visitors alike, offering sailing, houseboating, power boating, parasailing, swimming, and sandy beaches, plus many scenic drives along its shorelines. Access the most scenic part of the KVR by parking at either the Myra Station parking lot or the Ruth Station parking lot. Youll then walk over bridges and through the gorgeous old-growth forest until you get to the waterfall. There are other historic vessels in the park, including the 1914 SS Naramata Tugboat and a 1907 steamship, the SS Okanagan sternwheeler. Giants Head Mountain is a dormant volcano, and one of the most distinctive peaks in the southern Okanagan region. Visitors often base themselves in Kelowna and explore the surrounding towns, like Peachland, Summerland, and Penticton, as well as the nearby resorts of Silver Star and Big White.

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, its sure to be a lovely time on one of the most popular lakes in the Okanagan Valley! I know that I said each lake was different from the last, but this lake truly is like no other lake you have ever seen in the Okanagan Valley. The section through Myra Canyon crosses over 18 trestles and passes through two tunnels carved from the canyon walls. Home Destination Guides North America Canada British Columbia The Okanagan 33 Things to do in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2022 By: Author destinationlesstravel, Categories British Columbia, Canada, Destination Guides, North America, The Okanagan. The park is free to visit, but there is a donation box is you want to provide a little support to the conservation of the area. Mission Creek is a fun family attraction in Kelowna and a great place to visit to get a little exercise. This is one of the most adventurous things to do in the Okanagan Valley. New craft breweries are popping up all over Kelowna and the newfound craft beer scene has since started the annual Okanagan Craft Beer Festival each May in Kelowna. They have rooms with lagoon or mountain views, and even have airport transport available. In the summer months, the mountain becomes a place to take in stunning views and go downhill mountain biking. Our food tour through Kelowna included five stops at different restaurants around the city. For a beautiful view of Okanagan Lake, head to Giant's Head Park, atop Giant's Head Mountain. Unlike the previous two destinations I mentioned in the Okanagan Valley (Vernon and Salmon Arm), there areso many hotels in Kelowna to choose from. On youre way out be sure to stop at Tickleberrys On The Beach to try one of their 72 flavors! The best part though? If you decide on staying in Summerland there are only a handful of hotels to choose from. Bear bells: These are a must and for the price, you shouldnt hike without them. So regardless of the season you visit, youre sure to have plenty to see and do. Destinationless Travelis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Whats the best way to end a beach day? The word Okanagan can be roughly translated as place of water, which once you visit here you will understand why. Gear rentals and lessons will be extra. Scent-proof bag (for bears): Most people think you only need to keep the smell of food away from you when youre overnight camping. You can choose from a variety of massages like a Lavender Fields Massage or Hot Stone Massage, or get a facial, mud bath, or manicure. Silver Star Mountain Resort is a short drive north, near Vernon, and Apex Mountain Resort is just south, near Penticton. 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Canada, 29 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Toronto, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada, Where to Stay in Kelowna: Best Areas & Hotels. Be sure to book your reservations in advance, because they do book up! It doesnt matter whether youre visiting Okanagan Valley during summer or winter, a trip up to theSilver Star Mountain Resortis a must. After a game, be sure to check out their restaurant for a drink and a bite. There are usually around 80 vendors each week.

For the kids, a sandy beach and concession stand serving quick bites is available. Side dishes include gumbo, smoked beans, and slaw. Its certainly not a tour youre going to leave hungry! They are only open seasonally in the Spring and Summer. They are more than happy to have Baldy and its copious snowfall, short lift lines, and incredible glades to themselves. Youll whizz through the treetops along their huge zipline course consisting of 7 different zip lines totaling over 2 kilometers of line! On a calm day, the lake is perfect for water sports and you can actually rent boats per hour with a captain to drive. They have so many rooms but theres usually only a few left so you know its good! Weve stayed at our fair share of hotels in Kelowna, but last time we stayed at theCoast Capri Hoteland loved it! Or, if youre a wine lover, join a Kelowna wine tour instead! This is one item most people never have (I never hike without it) but it could save you and the bear. Its best hiked between the months of May through October, and you can even expect to see wildflowers on the trail during this time. Prices vary depending on your treatment and are worth a splurge at this luxurious experience! There is no admission fee, you simply purchase tickets individually for any attraction you want to experience. Summerland is a scenic community on terracing above Okanagan Lake, set amid fruit trees. Another popular course is theSalmon Arm Golf Club Championship Course. For car rentals, I use the website Rental Cars.com. If you want to bring things that cant get wet, Coyote Cruises sell dry bags for you to use.

Like I mentioned before, the Okanagan Valley is all about fresh produce, and along with that comes all of the treats made with it! This is a great area to stay in if you plan on partaking in the activities Kelowna has to offer, or if you plan on visiting several parts of Okanagan Valley, as this is the most central location. Read about all of the best things to do in Kelowna in the winter! Wine Stopper B&B is very adorable, right in the heart of Peachland and close to all of the attractions. When youre in Salmon Arm in the Okanagan Valley, you have to try theShuswap National Golf Course. You can either plan to visit for the day and head to the spa, or really splurge and spend a night. If you plan on doing any of the last five activities, it may be the most convenient for you to stay in Salmon Arm. Stop in along the way here at one of the many fresh fruit stands for just-picked cherries, apricots, and of course, peaches. Although Silver Star has a reputation for being a family-oriented mountain with a large number of easy green runs, don't get too comfortable with that description; some of the steep options will more than get your heart racing. Depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to see fish spawning in the creek. The great thing is, Zipzone is more than just ziplines, they also offer a DynaClimb climbing wall, a ninja course, and a game area. Im actually shocked at how affordable this place is with how great the reviews are, and how lovely the rooms and grounds look. Tee off with views of vineyards beckoning in the distance. Theres even a concession stand, volleyball court, and playground.

The views over the lake from anywhere in the resort are absolutely stunning. okanagan vineyard mountain tripadvisor valley The trail is mostly gravel, and can be dusty on dry days. We actually love food tours and have done them all over the world including afood tour in Vancouverrecently. The cool thing about the DynaClimb is its a shifting wall that moves as you climb it it literally shifts with your weight! With Coyote Cruises you can rent a single, double, or even quad tube! Three of my favorite wineries near Peachland in the Okanagan (that are all decently close to one another) are: Experience adventure at Canadas highest freestyle zipline!

We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! Other things to do in this area of the Okanagan include golfing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, restaurants, and shopping. Being the longest wooden wharf in North America, its got a pretty interesting history. For just a little more you can splurge and stay at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Some of the best things to do at Ellison Provincial Park include hiking some of the short trails, just relaxing at the beach, having a wood-fired bbq, and paddleboarding! Especially for couples,spending the nightis easily one of the most romantic things to do in Okanagan Valley you wont regret it! The Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Visitors can sample from roadside fruit vendors that line the highways in the summer, or head to Summerland Sweets for tastings.

The lake has several rich mineral deposits such as magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfates, and calcium. You can enjoy walking on the wharf year-round, taking in the scenery of Shuswap Lake. Giants Head Loop is a 2.6 km (1.6 mile) moderately trafficked out and back trail.

There is also a campground in the park too for those who want to spend the night in this little slice of paradise! If you have plenty of time to explore you can always do the full 6 km (3.7 mile) hike. Ive also included where to stay in the Okanagan Valley to help you make the best use of your time! If you find yourself in Oliver in the winter, head up to Baldy Mountain Resort for some incredible skiing. You will find several peaceful, sandy beaches along the shoreline. Of course, this place includes an exceptional breakfast and is in a beautiful area just outside of Salmon Arm.

Its accessible year-round and takes you along Peachlands Deep Creek, while crossing eight bridges before arriving at Hardy Falls.

For budget travelers, you cant beat theSureStay Plus Hotel. For a great budget hotel, I recommend Westridge Motor Inn. In fact, Ive used Rental Cars.com all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Head to downtown Kelowna and go for stroll along the waters edge. Its a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. Canoe Beach has something for the whole family! It runs Saturdays from 8:30 am to 1 pm (mid April through the end of October). Checking out the Okanagan Art Gallery is a unique thing to do in Okanagan Valley, and also a great rainy day activity in Osoyoos.

Basically, you put your food in the bag and the bear cannot smell it while youre hiking. Be sure to check out the scale model of the Kettle Valley Railroad, located below deck in the engine room. Even if you dont want to do a rental you can enjoy sunbathing, floating, or picnicking at the beach. To get a glimpse of the local history and also for the chance to see the inside of an eight-sided former church, stop in at the Peachland Museum located on Beach Avenue in town. Its located about 10 km (6 miles) outside of Peachland in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, but the lake and mountain views are out of this world! This is definitely one of the best things to do in Penticton! When temperatures rise causing some of the water to evaporate, the concentrated mineral deposits create what appear to be large spots on the surface of the lake. Big White has also gained the nickname "Big White Out," a reference to the fog and cloud that sometimes blankets the mountain, making conditions challenging at times. the best things to do in Kelowna in the winter, so many different breweries to visit in Kelowna. For the zipline tours you can do 2, 4, or 6 lines depending on your budget and the amount of time you have. People are drawn to this lake for its beauty, but also for the warm water. This section of the KVR is the only area that still features a working 1912 steam train during the summer and for special events. Peachland is small, but you can still find some great options for hotels if you choose to stay in this area. Okanagan Lake | Photo Copyright: Michael Law. Okanagan Beach Rentals are open from the end of June through Labor Day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with the last rental being at 5:00 pm. If you find yourself more drawn to the activities in Vernon in the Okanagan Valley, then here are some personal recommendations for accommodation in Vernon. Rooms start at $172 CAD per night. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning. armstrong restaurant menu tripadvisor Who doesnt love an easy trail with high reward? This area hums with activity, and the area is full of restaurants and unique retail shops. Hours vary by season. Wonderful gardens, mature trees, and a variety of public art are found in the park. This lush garden is an oasis of calm and quiet in the heart of the city. The boardwalk runs along the water and connects with City Park. Situated at an elevation of 1,511 meters, the family-friendly Big White Ski Resort offers a range of ski runs, winter activities, accommodations, and dining. Address: 1099 Lakeshore Drive W., Penticton, British Columbia. Their rooms are nice but a little outdated. The gondola costs $25 CAD per person and travels high above the valley floor. The 21-acre park has quite the variety of year-round recreational opportunities ready to be taken advantage of. Since the Okanagan Valley is known for their fresh fruit and premiere agricultural regions, you know they have to have great farmers markets! Crampons: In winter crampons are super handy, but what people dont realize is that they come in handy in summer too. The Columbia waterproof jacket is a lightweight windproof jacket that will seriously save you in many situations.

This is hands down one of Pentictons top things to do. And of course, its a great place to go for a swim! If you really want an experience, check out Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa. Its located right in the middle of Summerland, and just a 5-minute walk from the town center.

Its one of only two ski resorts in the Okanagan Valley.

If youre on a budget and want a central location then Canadas Best Value Inn is a good option. It features a pool, hot tub, and glass-enclosed atrium! This is a great activity for those wanting a little extra excitement on their holiday in the Okanagan Valley. They also frequently host events, have live demonstrations, workshops, and classes. The walk to Hardy Falls is a favorite local excursion and is wheelchair accessible. If possible, be flexible with your dates if you want to book here and save.

Although it was a few years ago (check out those baby checks in the photo above), I remember how luxurious the building felt and the lake views from every window. I cant think of a better way to scope out the area, can you? They also offer all-day passes for $59.95 CAD. Still, for under $100 a night including breakfast, its good value! Once youre at the top, enjoy the patchwork of vineyards and the sparkling waters of Okanagan Lake. The park is small however with its lakeside location, a large number of tables and fire pits, and the fact it remains much less crowded than other beaches in the area, a visit is a must-do while in Vernon! Rooms here start at $165 CAD. A recently added summer tubing ride is located near the top of the gondola. It can be used over multiple days until all of the activities have been done once. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Car rental in Canada is relatively cheap especially if you get a budget car. Its truly a magical experience! For ideas on how to spend your time, see our list of top tourist attractions in Kelowna and the Okanagan. Just south of Penticton and with a small campground, four-kilometer-long Vaseux Lake is a bird sanctuary, where Canada geese nest, and rare Trumpeter Swans make a stopover during migration. Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, and soaker tub. Both the ski and downhill mountain biking passes come in single-day, multi-day, and season pass options. Address: 5315 Big White Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, Accommodation: Where to Stay near Big White Ski Resort. kelowna tourism west