Visit Canada’s Beautiful Okanagan Region
🚲It was in 1985, that I rode my bicycle from Banff, Alberta to the Okanagan region of British Columbia, in Canada.
That epic 300-mile trip through towering snow-capped mountain ranges, past raging glacier-fed rivers and giant red cedar and hemlock forests into a thrilling 50 mph ride down undulating mountain passes to descend into what is called the Okanagan Valley was a transformative experience for me. Visiting the Okanagan might be one for you too in the summer of 2025.
That summer, the temperature in the Okanagan Valley soared to a record 112 degrees Fahrenheit, and I rode 60 miles through that dry heat, after almost freezing the night before at a mountain park campground (below the glacier!) near Rogers Pass BC (highest pass at an altitude of 4300 feet). That was part of the thrill that I truly enjoy (I wouldn’t recommend riding on the TransCanada highway today. Sadly, several bike riders 40 miles behind me were killed. If you’re a cyclist, there’s no doubt you’re thinking about it, but it’s too dangerous on a busy highway now).
Enjoyable Experiences End-to-End
If you’ve never visited Canada’s “California” you’re missing out on a special beachy, sunny, warm, summery locale, which many believe is the best place to live in Canada. From the undulating landscapes and blue sky to the unique architecture of the area, there’s so much to see and enjoy. It’s a destination you’ll have no regrets about visiting. As you’re about to see, it might also be the perfect vacation experience.
In 1985 when I first visited, it was more of an agricultural region, well known for its fruit trees, blue skies and hot dry summers for cottagers from Vancouver and Calgary. Fast forward to today, and it’s wine that’s become its signature crop, savored by 3.5 million visiting tourists each year. The soil and climate conditions in the valley make it very fertile for fruit agriculture. Wine is big business here, just as tourism has too. You’ll find plenty of great wineries and hotels, but get ready for a bit of price shock. But hey, this is worth it.
Visitors arrive from the US and around the world, and quite frankly, this region is much more hospitable and enjoyable today. It’s growth is recent giving a modern environ for travelers of all types. After researching the area and its attractions, I’m you’ll be making your own plans to experience Canada’s California lifestyle. You might even check out Okanagan real estate listings.
Where is the Okanagan?
The Okanagan as it’s called, is a vast valley nestled between the Columbia and Cascade mountain ranges in British Columbia, halfway between Vancouver, BC and Calgary in Alberta. It’s about a 6-hour drive east or west, and either of those road trips are epic and truly fulfilling, even transformative. I can confirm this through experience in my many trips across from Calgary to Banff National Park and Lake Louise and onto Vancouver. You and your family can fly directly to the Kelowna International Airport. Kelowna is the center of the Okanagan with its amenities and urban population of about 160,000 and Vernon, next in size, has about 65,000 residents. During the summer, the population swells.
Like I did then, you’ll be in awe with your first view of the Okanagan’s 84-mile long Okanagan Lake, a large fresh water lake with hypnotizing hues of icy blue to turquoise and emerald green (you can fish for salmon and trout). The incomparable views you’ll get as you drive along Highway 97 which rises up on massive hillsides and then down to water level where you feel like you’re below water level as shimmering waves reflect golden sunshine. It’s actually a deep fjord, carved out during the ice age, 330 feet deep. It supports a thriving boating and watersport lifestyle and the neighboring mountains offer what is becoming the best mountain biking trails in Canada.
Check out Okanagan Rail Trail for easy riding for your family and the incredible, unique bike tour offered on Okanagantrestlestour.com.
The valley is known for its sunshine, golden sandy color, and desert-like conditions, offering the most sunshine outside of Arizona (you’ll find Sand Dunes near the beautiful town of Osooyos.
A Lifestyle All Their Own
Like California, the lifestyle is more laid back, touristy, and active than most of North America. There’s so much to do outdoors and you’ll enjoy an amazing waterfront with plenty of interesting restaurants to dine at after your day of adventure.
You’ll notice the condo buildings and the million-dollar homes that have popped up everywhere in Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton. Homeowners get to enjoy spectacular views of the Lake below.
From Vernon at the North end, down through Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, to Penticton, at the southern shore, it’s a picture of perfection. And there’s more! To the south is the picturesque city of Osoyoos and its own Osoyoos Lake.
This video gives you an idea of what has happened in the Okanagan region in the last 20 years and why the wealthy are so drawn to it.
But for you as a US visitor, the 84-mile long lake offers plenty for a great vacation for your family.
Okanagan Lake Boat Tours and Cruises
You’ll find several lake cruise operators to choose from including Kelowna Cruises affordable lake cruise:
Wine and Food Tours
With more than 200 wineries to visit and sip the Okanagan’s award-winning wines, you’ll enjoy your visit. In fact, in the month of June, you can take the Wine train, a tour of local wineries.
The food tours are notable too, including the historic/walking tour offered by A Taste Of Kelowna Food Tours.
Wondering What a Week-Long Vacation Looks like?
Check out this 8-day itinerary for a Okanagan vacation for a family of 4 that includes time at the beach and city parks for your family vacation in the Kelowna/Penticton region:
Day 1: Arrival in Kelowna
Welcome to Kelowna! Upon arrival, check into your hotel, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely dinner at OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar, located within the hotel, offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake.
Day 2: Exploring Kelowna’s Vineyards and Parks
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at OEB Breakfast Co.. Spend the morning visiting local vineyards such as Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and Quails’ Gate Winery. In the afternoon, head to City Park for a relaxing time at the beach and playground. Enjoy a casual meal from The OkanaVan at the park.
Day 3: Adventure and Nature
After breakfast, embark on a family-friendly hike at Knox Mountain Park for breathtaking views of the city and lake. Later, visit Kelowna City Park for a picnic lunch and some playground fun for the kids. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Waterfront Wines Restaurant, known for its seasonal menu and extensive wine list.
Day 4: Cultural Exploration and Beach Time
Begin your day with breakfast at Gather Restaurant. Spend the morning exploring the Kelowna Art Gallery and the Okanagan Heritage Museum. For lunch, try Basil & Mint, Restaurant and Bar. In the afternoon, relax at Gyro Beach Park, where you can swim or enjoy a leisurely walk. Enjoy dinner at Lakeside Dining Room with its stunning lake views.
Day 5: Transition to Penticton
Check out from your hotel in Kelowna and drive to Penticton. Upon arrival, check into Penticton Lakeside Resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of Okanagan Beach. For dinner, explore the local flavors at The Vanilla Pod Restaurant.
Day 6: Penticton’s Outdoor Adventures
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a family bike ride along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon, visit the Penticton Farmers’ Market to sample local produce. Dinner can be enjoyed at Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery.
Day 7: Water Fun and Relaxation
After breakfast, spend the day at Skaha Lake Park, perfect for swimming and picnicking. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the lake. For dinner, head to The Bench Market, known for its delicious local dishes.
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before checking out. If time permits, take a final stroll through Downtown Penticton for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs before heading to the airport for your departure.
I’ve done the full Calgary to Okanagan to Vancouver road trip, and it’s simply one of the best travel experiences possible. From soaring 13,000 mountains with ice caps, incredible mountain parks, into the Okanagan desert then up more spectacular mountain scenery right to Coastal urban Vancouver. Many travelers believe Vancouver is the most beautiful city in the world, but it’s made that much better if you’ve been through the Okanagan Valley.
Just a note for adults, is the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer train ride which takes a more northerly route through the Rockies and down into Vancouver.
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Title photo courtesy of Kolby Milton via Unsplash.
