Okanagan

Okanagan (often referred to as the Okanagan Valley) is a region of British Columbia, in Canada. It borders the Shuswap region to the north, West Kootenays region to the east, Similkameen region to the west, and the American border to the south. The focus of this region is the 155km long Okanagan lake which runs north-south from Vernon to Penticton. The region is bordered on both the east and west by mountains. The valley is known for its hot, dry summers and is a favourite vacation spot for campers. It is also famous for its fruit orchards and wineries.

Regions

• North Okanagan - includes Vernon and area
• Central Okanagan - includes Kelowna and area
• South Okanagan - includes Penticton and area

Cities

Medium

• Kelowna

Small

• Penticton
• Vernon
• Armstrong
• Enderby
• Lake Country
• Westbank
• Peachland
• Summerland
• Naramata
• Okanagan Falls
• Oliver
• Osoyoos
• Keremeos

Other destinations

Winter

• Silver Star Resort - alpine and nordic skiing outside of Vernon, plus some summer activities
• Big White Resort - alpine and nordic skiing outside of Kelowna, plus some summer activities
• Apex Alpine Resort - alpine and nordic skiing outside of Penticton, plus some summer activities
• Crystal Mountain - small ski hill outside of Westbank
• Mount Baldy - small ski hill outside of Oliver/Osoyoos

Summer

• Cathedral Provincial Park - hiking and camping in rugged mountain terrain, plus guided tours
• Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park - hiking and camping

Culture and History

Weather is generally mild in the winter, with snow at the upper elevations and rain in the lower cities. In summer the region is quite hot and dry, and in fact this region contains Canada's only true hot desert in Osoyoos.

Talk

The predominant language in the Okanagan (as with the majority of British Columbia) is English. You may hear French accents from the many Quebecers who come to the region for seasonal work at the many wineries, orchards, and ski resorts. However, as the number one industry in the region is tourism, you may hear any world language spoken by the thousands of visitors that make their way here every year.

Travel to Okanagan, visa requirements

From the south

Highway 97 crosses the USA-Canada border at Oroville (USA) / Osoyoos (CAN). The border crossing is open 24 hours.

From the north

• Highway 97 travels south from Kamloops
• Highway 97A travels south from Salmon Arm
• Highway 97B travels south from Sicamous

From the west

• Highway 3 travels east from Hope and Princeton
• Highway 5/97C travel east from Hope and Merritt

From the east

• Highway 6 travels west from Lumby and Nakusp
• Highway 33 travels northwest from Rock Creek
• Highway 3 travels west from Rock Creek

Flights to Okanagan, airtickets

• The airport in Kelowna services a number of Domestic/US flights.
• The airport in Penticton services only domestic flights.
• International passengers (other than from the USA) will generally alight in Vancouver and either transfer flights, or use alternate transportation into the region.

Buses to Okanagan

Greyhound has frequent coach service from almost all points in British Columbia and beyond into the cities and towns of the Okanagan. The relatively sparse population of this region makes any sort of rail infrastructure (as Europeans may be used to) unrealistic.

Get around

Okanagan attractions and sightseeing

The Okanagan Lake has a fabled monster called the "Ogopogo". Like "Nessie" you're more likely to see it on a t-shirt or poster than swimming around in the deep, glacial lake. But you never know...

Itineraries

City tours

The Okanagan has a wealth of activities to offer, year round.

There are over 100 wineries in the valley, and it's worthwhile to do a wine tour and sample some of the wines and lovely vistas. The wines of the region are steadily gaining worldwide acclaim.

Additionally, there are many high ranked golf courses for visitors to enjoy. Fairview Golf Course in the South and Predator Ridge in the North are some of the valley's best.

Good restaurants and cheap meals

Okanagan nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

Stay safe

Get out

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