Guide to Travel Okanagan Valley
About Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
The Okanagan Valley is a region of British Columbia, Canada that is unique from all other Canadian destinations. This uniqueness I speak of comes in the form of hot and dry weather that borders on a desert climate. In the South Okanagan, you have dry grasslands, hoodoos, bluffs, and sandy desert areas. In the North, you have a slightly cooler and rainier continental climate with fewer desert areas, some pine forests, and even dense green rainforests as you head north towards the Shuswap, or east towards the Kootenays. It is a produce-growing paradise, where travelers from near and far can come to sample the many varieties of fruits, vegetables, and world-class wines that are plentiful during the summer months.
With all the great attributes of the Okanagan, it’s no wonder why loads of tourists flock to the region every year for their summer getaways. In fact, so many tourists come to the Okanagan that in 2019 the valley had over 11.4 million overnight stays with 1.9 million of those being international visitors.
Exploratory Glory YouTube Channel
How to Get There
The Okanagan Valley sits in the interior of British Columbia. It can be reached by flying internationally or domestically to Kelowna International Airport (YLW) or Penticton Regional Airport (CYYF). The region can also be accessed by various different highways that lead to it and is around 4-5 hours from Vancouver and 6-7 hours from Calgary. Osoyoos in the South Okanagan borders Oroville, Washington, and is a great place for Americans to cross over into Canada or vice versa.
Address: Kootenay Boundary E, BC V0H 1A0
Map of Okanagan Valley
What to do in the Okanagan?
Water Sports
The Okanagan boasts many different activities in the summer and the winter as well. With so many beautiful lakes scattered throughout the area, many of the activities in the summer involve water. Okanagan Lake itself is basically the hub of the region, stretching 135km(85mi) and connecting numerous towns and cities. Fishing and water sports are very popular and speed boats fill up the lake in the summertime. With all those lakes activities like SUP paddle boarding and kayaking are becoming increasingly popular.
Winter Sports
In the winter there is plenty of snowboarding and skiing to be done at places like Silver Star Mountain Resort and Big White Ski Resort. Both of these ski hills feature quaint villages that give off cool mountain vibes and are equipped with luxurious hotels, condo and cabin rentals, as well as restaurants, and bars.
Wineries and Wine Tasting Tours
The arid landscape of this world-renowned destination allows for some of the best wine-making in the world and is proud to be home to around 183 licensed wineries, as such there are also many excellent wine tasting tours. Given the Okanagan’s weather and landscape, there have been plenty of visitors and travel connoisseurs that would compare the Okanagan to the likes of Tuscany in Italy or the Napa Valley in California, and both are lovely regions in their own right. But with all of the Okanagan’s assets(50 lakes), it could be argued that the valley is in a class of its own.
Check out this excellent guide to discovering Okanagan wineries on Canadian Affair by Transat.
Canadian wine: which regions to visit & what to taste!
Weather in the Okanagan
It’s not just the many lakes, excellent wines, and breathtaking scenery that bring tourism to the Okanagan Valley, it’s also to do with the abundance of sunshine in the summer, and the mild temperatures in the winter, by Canadian standards anyway. Yes, the Okanagan is hot and sunny in the summer and mild in the winter, but don’t think if you come here in the winter you will be safe from the cold. Temperatures do plunge occasionally in the winter for several days or even weeks and can sometimes hit -23 Celsius ( -9.4 Fahrenheit).
Current Weather
Spectrum Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Cities and Towns of the Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley is home to around 362,000 people with the largest population center being Kelowna. There are two smaller cities Vernon and Penticton and several other small towns, villages and rural communities. Every town in the Okanagan has something great to offer, and there are endless attractions in the region.
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Enderby
Population 2,964
Enderby is a small town that borders the dry desert-like grasslands of the Okanagan and the green rain forests of the Shuswap region and serves as the gateway between the two. The town is known for its outdoor activities that include hiking trails like the popular Enderby Cliffs and tubing down the beautiful Shuswap River in the summer.
Armstrong
Population 4,815
Armstrong is a quaint farming community in the North Okanagan and boasts farmhouses dotting picturesque fields and grasslands as well as a small downtown area that features old pioneer buildings. The town is well-known for the famous IPE, which is an annual fair and amusement park that draws in locals from all over the valley.
Cherryville, British Columbia
Cherryville
Population 930
A tiny farming community situated on the eastern edge of the Okanagan region bordering the Kootenays. This somewhat remote village has made its name as a hippie sanctuary and remains a place people go to get away from the busier parts of the Okanagan Valley. The wilderness around Cherryville is home to several spectacular attractions including Sugar Lake, and an alpine hiking area that is known as Monashee Provincial Park.
Lumby
Population 2,000
The village of Lumby is a quiet country town that is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges including the Camels Hump, a dormant volcano, and a hiking area, which has a prominent peak that can be spotted from many miles away. Outside of Lumby lie two of the most beautiful lakes in the Okanagan, Echo Lake, and Mabel Lake.
Vernon
Population 40,116
Vernon is the second biggest city in the Okanagan Valley and has a bustling downtown core area with lots of shopping to be had. Though the downtown isn’t near the water like in Kelowna or Penticton, Vernon has excellent access to a ton of beaches and hiking.
There are three main lakes in this city and they are all beautiful in their own right, they include Swan Lake, Okanagan Lake, and Kalamalka Lake. Swan Lake is a swampy body of water that is excellent for fishing and wildlife watching. The lake features the Swan Lake Nature Reserve Loop, where you can spot all kinds of animals and witness the grasses in the summer that reach up to 7 feet tall. Okanagan Lake is of course the biggest of the valley and stretches for 135 km from Vernon to Penticton. As you can imagine this lake is abundant in incredible beaches and at the Vernon end of the lake, you will find Kin Beach. Kalamalka Lake is one of the most breathtaking bodies of water that you will ever lay your eyes on and is known as “The Lake of Many Colors”. The nickname came about because of the water’s ability to change colors throughout the year as the seasons and temperature change.
Vernon is also home to several popular parks like Ellison Provincial Park, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park, just to name a few.
Lake Country
Population 12,922
Lake Country is a large area comprising mostly of farmland, orchards, and vineyards, as well as mountains and of course lakes. It is located between Vernon and Kelowna and is made up of 4 separate communities which include Winfield, Oyama, Carr’s Landing, and Okanagan Centre. It is an area that is steeped in beauty and gives visitors 4 gorgeous lakes to choose from.
If you’re in the Carr’s Landing or Okanagan Centre area you will be treated to a scenic lakeside drive that follows along Okanagan Lake for many miles and is plentiful with beaches, in fact so many beaches that you’re sure to get one all to yourself, even in the busy summer.
On the Winfield and Oyama side, you will have access to Kalamalka Lake, Wood Lake, and Ellison Lake. For a great experience, visitors can take a stroll or bike ride along Okanagan Rail Trail or the Pelmewash Parkway.
In between the communities of Lake Country is a mountain range where there are systems of hiking trails including the Spion Kop Summit, which provides excellent views of the valley and the gorgeous lakes within it.
Kelowna
Population 142,146
Kelowna is a mini-metropolis and the largest city in the interior of British Columbia with a metro population of around 217,214. It is the hub of the entire region and many people from nearby towns head to Kelowna to do any kind of shopping that they can’t do in their own town. The city provides plenty of fun activities and has a hip downtown area called Bernard Street. The street is a melting pot of different cultures and boasts a cool mellow vibe, along with great shopping and restaurants with ethnic and local cuisines. Bernard connects with Kelowna’s amazing waterfront area that includes boardwalks, beaches, and parks all for public use, as well as resorts, restaurants, bars, and casinos.
On the other side of the highway is another up-and-coming spot to visit in Kelowna and that is Pandosy Village, which has plenty of great places to eat and shop, along with several idyllic beaches.
For the best shopping in the valley, you will have to visit the Orchard Park Shopping Centre where there are hundreds of different stores and a large food court with many cuisines to choose from.
In the surrounding mountains, there are a ton of hiking trails like Knox Mountain, Lochview Trail, John’s Family, Myra Canyon, and Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.
West Kelowna
Population 32,655
Formally known as Westbank this city lies just across the Okanagan Lake Bridge if you’re heading southwest. This mid-sized city has all the amenities it needs making the cross over the bridge to Kelowna unnecessary. What West Kelowna has that is unique from the other cities in the area is Mt.Boucherie, which with its volcanic origins creates the ideal soil and growing conditions to put out some truly excellent wine and delicious fruits. Visitors to this beautiful lakeside community can explore what is called the “Westside Wine Trail”, where you can go on personal or guided wine tours and sample the many different wines available in the region.
The city also features a thriving resort area along Okanagan Lake in the Lakeview Heights, Casa Loma, and Gellatly communities, where you will find world-class beach resorts, wineries, restaurants, bars, and beaches.
Peachland
Population 5,428
Peachland is one of the most gorgeous beach towns that one could ask for and offers an idyllic setting on Okanagan Lake. This town is geared around the outdoor lifestyle and is very biking and walking-friendly with the Peachland Waterfront path that allows visitors to take a stroll along the water’s edge from one end of town to the other. Beachgoers will enjoy the blue water and fantastic Okanagan Mountain backdrop that is truly reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea.
There aren’t any fancy resorts or highrise hotels in this quaint village, but there are a few great vacation rentals to choose from. Shops, restaurants, and bars line the lakeshore offering great options for a bit to eat or to enjoy a cocktail. The Gasthaus On The Lake is probably the most popular place to eat in Peachland as it has quite an amazing setting and features German cuisine and European-inspired architecture as well as a beautiful outdoor eating area.
Summerland
Population 11,615
Summerland is a small city that lives up to its name and has all the assets of a major tourist destination, but with a much quieter feel to it. Summerland is yet another picture-perfect beach town that offers up a ton of great outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking or checking out the local wineries. For a once in a lifetime experience take the Kettle Valley Steam Railway where you will ride aboard an open car for a tour through vineyards, wineries, and fruit orchards.
Visitors can relax on one of the town’s many beaches that line the scenic Lakeshore Drive or take the drive all the way to the end of the road and visit the much more private Crescent Beach. To see what we think is the best beach in the Okanagan Valley, check out Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park where tranquil waters meet a long stretch of sand and a desert bluff backdrop.
Penticton, British Columbia
Penticton
Population 33,761
Penticton is the third-largest city in the Okanagan Valley and is perfectly nestled between two lakes, Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. With all that water of course comes excellent beaches like Skaha Beach in the south or Okanagan Lake Beach in the north, both provide ample activities like boating, kayaking, and SUP paddleboarding.
Not only does Penticton have numerous beaches and waterfront parks, but the city has now passed a law and become one of the first cities in Canada to allow public consumption of alcohol. Penticton is also conveniently located and provides access to around 80 wineries, craft breweries, and cideries.
Penticton also has numerous hiking trails, but perhaps the most popular is Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park. The park features well-marked trails that take you through semi-arid grasslands filled with wildflowers to sheer rock walls and lush greenery.
Naramata, British Columbia
Naramata
Population 1,676
Naramata is a small lakeside village that is nestled in the heart of Okanagan wine country. The townsite sits on the shores of Okanagan Lake and is located on a road that leads to nowhere, so there is no thru traffic in Naramata. That being said Naramata attracts plenty of tourists who come to sample some of the world-class wines that are grown in the area or just to relax and enjoy one of the town’s lovely beaches. The town has a rich history and made its way as an excellent fruit-producing region, owing to its sunny location and the Okanagan’s mostly mild year-round temperatures.
Naramata is a place of immense beauty and boasts beautiful attractions like the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, which is a decommissioned railway system that has been converted into a hiking and biking trail. From the trail, hikers will get sensational views of the valley, as well as getting to explore man-made features like the Little Tunnel or the Rock Ovens.
Three Mile Beach is another worthy attraction at the Naramata Bench and has features that resemble that of Malibu, California. One side of this awesome park is actually a nude beach and the other side is for clothing.
Okanagan Falls
Population 2,500
Okanagan Falls is a small community located at the head of Skaha Lake. The town was formally known as Dogtown, as Skaha translates to dog in the local Okanagan language. The current name comes from a waterfall that was originally part of the area but was swallowed up when a dam was built and it raised the water levels of the lake.
Currently, this underrated town is mostly a place that people pass thru on their way to Oliver or Osoyoos, but this beautiful beach town has lots to offer in terms of outdoor activities. It has a more quiet and mellow atmosphere than some of the busier towns of the Okanagan.
Attractions in Okanagan Falls include Kenyon Park which features a nice sandy beach and an excellent playground. Peach Cliff offers a great hiking trail and is another must-see attraction. It is home to herds of mule deer and California bighorn sheep, as well as the unique geologic formation called Balancing Rock.
Kaleden
Population 1,203
Kaleden is a tiny community with an interesting history that is located on wonderful Skaha Lake. It is home to Pioneer Park which features near-perfect white sand beaches, floating dock rafts, a gazebo, a picnic area, Public BBQs, a volleyball court, pickleball, tennis courts, basketball courts, and public washrooms.
This community was at one point a hub and in the early 1900s, it was a stop for many passersby who were on a journey heading either north or south. But sadly this little boom town took a hit when WWI broke out and thus started the decline of the village. This is evident with the remains of an old hotel that still stands today and has been turned into the Kaleden Hotel Park. the hotel opened in 1912 when the city was flourishing and only 2.5 years later it had closed its doors for good. Kaleden then took another hit when a new highway was built, thus diverting traffic away from town and causing even more decline.
Nowadays Kaleden is a great little Okanagan getaway, especially if you're looking for peace and quiet. The town also has an excellent resort with beachfront cabin rentals called Ponderosa Point.
Oliver, British Columbia
Oliver
Population 4,928
Oliver is located in the South Okanagan close to Osoyoos and the USA border with Canada. Known as “the Wine Capital of Canada”, Oliver has the perfect conditions to produce excellent varieties of wines and this draws in many tourists who fancy themselves, wine connoisseurs. With an abundance of sun and ideal soil, the area is near perfect for grapes and features over 40 wineries.
Aside from vineyards Oliver also attracts tourists to its scenic lakes that including Gallagher Lake, Tuc el Nuit, and Vaseux Lake where you can reserve various vacation rentals.
There are also hiking trails in Oliver and perhaps the most spectacular is McIntyre Bluff, which is a prominent mountain cliff that can be seen from the highway passing by.
Osoyoos
Population 5,085
This small but popular desert town has been dubbed as “Canada’s Warmest Welcome”, this is because of the ridiculous amounts of sun in the summer and mild winters that contribute to it actually statistically being Canada’s warmest city, with 17 C as a daytime average throughout the year. Another asset that this little beach town has is Osoyoos Lake, which is also coincidentally Canada’s warmest lake, with an average summertime temperature of 24 C.
Aside from the gorgeous weather and picturesque Osoyoos Lake, the town also has hiking trails, wineries, golf courses, restaurants, beach resorts, and even Rattlesnake Canyon, which is a small amusement park and mini-golf.
Osoyoos lies on the border of Washington, USA, and within 5-minutes you can be crossing over into another country.
Hiking Trails in the Okanagan
The Okanagan features plenty of hiking trails, but unlike the South Okanagan, the North half of the region features more rainforest areas and alpine mountaintops than its much drier southern counterpart. Hiking in the Okanagan is a must and here is a list of some of the best hiking trails in the valley. ⇣
Okanagan Rail Trail is a scenic pathway that meanders through the Okanagan Valley. Originally a railway corridor, this trail offers a space for outdoor enthusiasts to walk, run, cycle, or enjoy the surroundings. Over 50 kilometers from Coldstream to Kelowna, the trail showcases a landscape of pine forests, rolling hills, orchards, and crystal-clear Kalamalka Lake. Whether you're seeking a stroll with family, or a bike ride, the Okanagan Rail Trail provides an escape for all.
Grey Canal Trail in Vernon, is a historic trail follows the route of the original Grey Canal flume, providing a glimpse into the area's past while surrounded by picturesque scenery. The easy terrain makes it accessible for hikers of all skill levels, with the trail taking you through rolling hills and alongside orchards. The trail is great for a peaceful walk, a leisurely bike ride, or a place to observe local wildlife.
Tugboat Beach in Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Beaches of the Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley is packed with lakes and with all those lakes of course comes a ton of beaches. There are long white sand beaches that are busy with tourists, like at Kal Beach in Vernon. There are also small sandy coves that are only known by locals that you can sometimes get all to yourself, like at Pixie Beach in Lake Country. Whether you're looking for a lively beach with a bunch of amenities or a quiet beach getaway where the only sound you hear is the loons, you will easily find it in the Okanagan.
Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.
Lakes of the Okanagan
As we have mentioned several times now the Okanagan Valley contains over 50 lakes and that fact is a huge contributing factor when it comes to tourism in the region. There are several main lakes that fill the bottom of the valley and those are Swan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Wood Lake, Ellison Lake, Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake, Vaseux Lake, and Osoyoos Lake. Aside from those larger lakes at the bottom of the valley, many of the lakes in the Okanagan are located in the higher alpine areas and are used mainly for fishing.
Ogopogo (Okanagan Lake Monster)
A mythical beast, or not? There is a tale told in the Okanagan by the locals and by First Nations people, that goes all the way back to the early 1900s. It's a tale of a large lake monster that calls Okanagan Lake its home. This creature has allegedly been seen by many people throughout the years, including an instance in 1929 when around 30 cars full of people at Okanagan Mission Beach, all claimed to have seen the same creature. Another instance of video footage in 1968 made headlines and has ended up in many TV shows and documentaries throughout the years. Is it real or just imaginations running wild remains a mystery.
Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, Canada.
Photo Credit to The Cove Lakeside Resort, West Kelowna
Where to Stay in the Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley caters to tourism and as such, there is no lack of accommodations to choose from. Being the popular family travel destination that it is, the Okanagan can get quite expensive in terms of hotels, especially in the summer months. You may want to look into booking a vacation rental through a site like VRBO as many times it works out to be the more affordable route. There is however something for every budget and finding something that suits your needs shouldn’t be too difficult. It is highly recommended to book in advance when planning your stay in the valley as it can be slim pickings if you decide to book last minute.
Here is a list of great Okanagan Valley hotels and vacation rentals that we ranked according to three price ranges Luxury, Mid-Range, and Budget-Friendly. We also included a vacation rental button as well.
Vernon Hotels
Luxury
Sparkling Hills Resort - A gorgeous luxury spa hotel that offers a variety of treatments as well as advice from a team of professional health consultants who work in-house. This spectacular resort is perfectly perched atop a mountain that overlooks Okanagan Lake and provides guests with sweeping room views. The hotel also boasts a special cold chamber, aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas, showers, an outdoor infinity pool, an indoor pool, a hot pool, and relaxation rooms.
Mid-Range
Prestige Vernon Lodge - A mid-range hotel with a beautiful glass atrium featuring an organic tropical garden with a creek flowing through, as well as a swimming pool and hot tub. This hotel is also home to the Lodge Kitchen & Bar which serves many different options including pasta, seafood, and spareribs. This food establishment also serves a daily breakfast with the usuals.
Budget-Friendly
Riviera Plaza and Conference Center - This conveniently located Vernon hotel is situated directly across from the Village Green Mall. It is a clean, and budget-friendly option that has a restaurant, bar, and liquor store.
Kelowna Hotels
Luxury
The Royal Kelowna - Bellstar Hotels and Resorts - This luxury resort hotel features an amazing rooftop infinity pool and hot tub, and is located only a 5 minutes walk to Okanagan Lake. Rooms include a full kitchen and the property includes a fitness center, a sauna, and BBQs for guests to freely use.
Mid-Range
Lake Okanagan Resort - This Okanagan beach resort offers many different accommodations, including a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a golf course, a beach bar, and several hiking trails. Each room is equipped with flat-screen TVs, and a DVD player and some rooms include full kitchens.
Budget-Friendly
Hitching Post Resort - Guests of this resort can enjoy the spectacular wilderness setting that features a hot tub, BBQs, campfires, a hockey rink, and pickleball. Each chalet boasts lovely wooden furniture, a fireplace, and an outdoor patio with excellent views.
Peachland Hotels
Luxury
Penticton Lakeside Resort - The beautiful lakefront resort includes an indoor pool, a hot tub, and two on-site restaurants the Hooded Merganser and the Barking Parrot Bar, along with a hair salon, and gift shop. The property is situated right across from the beach and recently Penticton passed a law to become one of the first cities in Canada to allow the drinking of alcohol on their public beaches.
Mid-Range
Sahara Courtyard Inn - This conveniently located just is 5 minutes walk from Okanagan Lake and features an outdoor pool, garden area, and BBQ facilities. It boasts mid-range priced rooms with a good rating.
Budget-Friendly
Sunny Beach Motel - This hotel is located directly across from beautiful Skaha Lake Park and Beach. Each room features free Cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a patio with a BBQ. The upgraded suites include a kitchenette and a sofa bed. The property also includes kayak and bike rentals for guests.
Osoyoos Hotels
Luxury
Spirit Ridge - This amazing luxury resort by the Hyatt is situated right in the middle of the Okanagan desert and allows its guests access to excellent hiking trails through the Osoyoos wilderness, as well as trails that lead to white sand beach dunes. The property is equipped with a full-service spa, pools, hot tubs, and a 9-hole golf course. Also on site is the Nk'Mip Cellars Winery and The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry which is a restaurant that serves an Indigenous First Nations fusion.
Mid-Range
Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel - This mid-range hotel is super family-friendly and includes a great private beach on Osoyoos Lake, an indoor pool with a waterslide that is only 800 meters from Rattlesnake Canyon Amusement Park.
Budget-Friendly
Westridge Motor Inn - This Mediterannean styled property includes a great outdoor pool area, with on-site BBQ facilities for guest use. A nice outdoor patio area offers views of the surrounding mountains from the garden.
