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The Okanagan Valley: Wine, Warmth, and Sunshine in British Columbia!

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada is a myriad of connected lakes, rivers, valleys, and streams that make the area a perfect spot for a Canadian vacation. Where else can you visit a winery, lay in the sun on a golden beach, and take a horseback riding tour all in the same day? A day's itinerary can be filled with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, wine tasting, and visiting historically important attractions.

The largest city in the valley is Kelowna (pop 96,000), which lies almost directly between Penticton and Vernon. The city offers visitors a warm summer climate and a relatively tame winter season. The combination of great weather and a scenic location make Kelowna a great spot for a Canadian vacation.

Downtown Kelowna boasts beautiful City Park, the largest of the city's many parks. The interior of the park is lined with Fir trees, expansive lawns, and oodles of seasonal flowers. The park borders Okanagan Lake and has acres of beach frontage along the coast. Gyro Beach, and adjacent Rotary Beach, are beautiful stretches of sand and are great for an afternoon tanning session.

Hikers and bicyclists will make a beeline to the Kettle Valley Railway, an abandoned series of train tracks that offer great hiking and biking opportunities. More hiking trails can be found on Knox Mountain, just north of town. Trails lead off of the summit in all directions, and in May, the mountain becomes a frenzy of activity during the Knox Mountain Hill Climb.

The area is also known as one of the best golf destinations in Canada. After seeing the beauty that surrounds the Harvest Golf Club, it is obviously a well-deserved distinction. The course uses beautiful Okanagan Lake as a scenic complement to the devilishly clever hole designs. The Okanagan Golf Club has 36 of the valley's finest holes. The two courses, The Bear and The Quail, are reasonable in length, and are a fitting challenge for all skill levels.

The Okanagan Valley is a fertile wine producing region, and some of the best wineries are in and around the Kelowna area. Perched on a hillside overlooking Okanagan Lake is devastatingly beautiful Cedar Creek Estate Winery. The Mediterranean style gift shop offers year-round wine tastings and seasonal tours of the estate. The House of Rose Vineyard is a small, intimate affair owned by a family whose idea was to make award winning wines at affordable prices.

About 30 miles north of Kelowna is the picturesque town of Vernon. Vernon is another town that serves up a relaxing Canadian vacation experience. Nearby Historic O'Keefe Ranch provides a window into 19th Century cattle ranching. The ranch houses restored buildings, the O'Keefe Victorian mansion, and an incredible general store filled with period goods.

If you arrive in Vernon from the south, the big lake that parallels your drive is Kalamalka Lake. The lake's ever changing water color combines with an incredible view of the surrounding mountains to create a scenic vista barely rivaled in all of Canada. The best view is from Kal Lake Lookout, just south of Vernon. Kal Beach is a popular tanning and lounging spot. The lake also has all sorts of water sports equipment for rent.

Close to Vernon is the Silver Star Mountain Resort. This year-round resort offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. The mountain also offers seasonal horseback tours, and has a naturalist-led wildflower course that ambles over the beautiful terrain.

In summer, Okanagan Lake becomes a major draw of the valley. Canadians from less friendly climates flock to the area in search of some guaranteed sunshine and a tan they can take back home. The lake offers countless opportunities for water sports fun. Boating, fishing, and parasailing equipment are available for rent at one of the marinas on the lake. Golden sand beaches line the shore and offer a welcome respite from winter's chill.

A warm, sunny valley awaits your arrival in British Columbia. Lush orchards, vineyards, and verdant croplands mingle with low rolling hills and a string of crystal blue lakes. Visitors fill their days on 40 different golf courses, over 30 wineries, and countless historical attractions. The summer is a pilgrimage, where frozen Canadians come to thaw out of a bitter winter, and rejuvenate themselves in the valley's warm climes. The winters are less abrasive than the weather found in the more northern regions. All in all, the Okanagan Valley has many gifts to offer those seeking relief from every day stresses. So, don't you think it's about time for a visit?