British Columbia, Canada
The valley has many trails, suitable for all fitness levels, along with numerous lakes for water sports.
Easy to moderate, 24 km flat loop on a converted railway bed. Suitable for all ages. Views of canyon and Okanagan Lake. Popular for walking, jogging, cycling.
Various trails from easy paved paths to strenuous uphill climbs (Apex Trail). Panoramic views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake.
Bear Creek has an easy, short loop trail to scenic waterfalls. Peach Cliff Trail (Okanagan Falls) is a short, steep hike for panoramic views. Consider a hiking daypack.
If hiking in remote areas, Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Never approach or feed wildlife.
Engage with the local culture through various workshops, performances, and community events.
Participate in local farmers' markets, craft fairs, and community festivals. Support local businesses directly for tourism dollars to benefit the community.
English is the predominant language. There is virtually no language barrier for English speakers.
Okanagan Wine Festivals (Spring, Summer, Fall), Penticton Peach Festival (August), Vernon Winter Carnival (February). Check local tourism websites for calendars.
Sparkling Hill Resort (near Vernon) has an extensive KurSpa for deep relaxation. Many luxury hotels offer on-site spa services. No natural hot springs within the valley.
Yoga studios in major cities offer drop-in classes. Some retreat centers offer yoga and meditation programs in the tranquil valley setting.
Numerous public beaches on Okanagan, Skaha, and Kalamalka Lakes for relaxation. Many hotels and resorts have pools for guest use.
The Okanagan offers diverse entertainment, from live music to cultural performances.
Nightclubs and dance venues are mainly in downtown Kelowna, providing a lively scene, especially on weekend evenings. Options are limited in other towns.
Kelowna: Bernard Avenue and Leon Avenue in downtown have many pubs, bars, and craft breweries for a walkable pub crawl. Penticton: A growing craft brewery and cidery scene for a more relaxed pub crawl.
Outside downtown Kelowna, late-night entertainment is limited. Many restaurants and wineries close by 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. For late-night activities, focus on Kelowna's downtown core.
Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market (seasonal, Wednesdays & Saturdays) and Penticton Farmers' Market (seasonal, Saturdays) have fresh produce, food, and crafts.
Local art galleries and independent shops showcase pottery, jewelry, paintings, glass art. Iconic souvenirs include Okanagan wine, fruit preserves, artisanal honey, lavender products, and cherry-themed items.
Boutique shops in downtown Kelowna and Penticton. Orchard Park Shopping Centre (Kelowna) is the largest enclosed mall for national and international brands.
Shop responsibly and be aware of shipping guidelines for your purchases.
If purchasing large items or quantities of wine exceeding luggage allowance or duty-free limits, ask the vendor about shipping options.
Be aware of your home country's specific duty-free limits and customs regulations for alcohol and other goods from Canada to avoid issues upon re-entry.
Keep receipts for all purchases, especially for higher-value items or alcohol, as customs officials may ask for them.
The most iconic souvenir. Purchase bottles directly from wineries. Check airline liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage if transporting bottles.
Jams, jellies, fruit leathers, and local honey make excellent, delicious gifts or personal treats.
Look for pottery, jewelry, paintings, and other unique handcrafted items by local Okanagan artisans for a special keepsake.
Whether you seek local produce, artisanal gifts, or fashion, the Okanagan offers a shopping experience that reflects its unique culture and bounty. Remember to support local businesses to contribute to the community.
