A Local’s Ultimate Guide to The Okanagan Valley
If there’s one thing I’ve known throughout my 24 years of life, it’s that I was born in one of the most beautiful places in the world, The Okanagan Valley
Writing this travel guide felt easy, because I could honestly write so many about this region. But after a lot of thought, I’ve put together my ultimate Okanagan Valley travel guide,
Consider this your go-to guide from someone who’s called the Okanagan home her entire life
Stretching through the interior of British Columbia, this region is known for its warm summers, diverse landscapes, vineyard-covered hills, and endless opportunities to get outside.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a summer road trip, or your first visit to the area, the Okanagan offers a rare mix of adventure and ease that’s hard to beat anywhere else in Canada.
As someone who grew up exploring the Okanagan, I’ve spent countless days hiking local trails, swimming in Okanagan Lake, camping under the stars, and exploring the small towns and hidden gems that make this valley so special.
What You’ll Find in This Okanagan Travel Guide
This guide is designed to help you plan your trip with confidence. Inside, you’ll find an overview of the best things to do, where to stay, when to visit, and how to make the most of your time in the Okanagan. I’ll also share local tips, seasonal insights, and ideas to help you shape an itinerary that fits your travel style. Whether that means chasing mountain views, relaxing by the lake, or discovering something completely new.
Where Is the Okanagan Valley & How to Get There
The Okanagan Valley is located in the southern interior of British Columbia, stretching from the north Okanagan near Vernon all the way down to Osoyoos at the U.S. border.
It’s a long, scenic valley known for its warm lakes, rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, and easy access to both mountain and desert-like landscapes.
This is a combination that is uniquely Okanagan and unlike anywhere else in Canada.
Most visitors base themselves in one of the main towns, including Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Summerland, or Osoyoos, each offering a slightly different vibe. Kelowna is the largest hub and a good starting point, while Penticton and the smaller communities scattered throughout the valley are perfect if you’re looking for a slower pace.
The easiest way to get to the Okanagan is by flying into Kelowna International Airport (YLW), which offers direct flights from major Canadian cities and many U.S. destinations. From the airport, it’s easy to pick up a rental car and start exploring right away.
If you’re road-tripping, the Okanagan is about a 4–5 hour drive from Vancouver, depending on your route and the season, and the drive itself is part of the experience as you see the landscapes change.
Once you’re in the Okanagan, having a car is pretty much necessary to get around. While each town is walkable in its own way, the real magic of the region is found between destinations, and the public transit isn’t very robust. Time is money when you’re travelling!
When you rent a car, you can drive the entire valley from Vernon to Osoyoos in approximately 2.5 hours! Driving also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop at viewpoints, and discover some of the lesser-known spots that make the Okanagan feel special. Scenic lakes, trailheads, wineries, and quiet backroads that you simply can’t reach without a vehicle.
Best Time to Visit the Okanagan Valley
One of the things that makes the Okanagan Valley so special is that it truly offers something in every season. From hot summer lake days to crisp fall hikes and snowy winter adventures, when you visit can completely shape your experience, and there’s really no “wrong” time to go, just different ways to enjoy it.
Summer (June–September)
Summer is peak tourism season in the Okanagan, and for good reason.
Long, warm days make it a true paradise for spending time on the lakes, hiking dusty clay trails, biking right by wineries (and of course stopping in for a taste), and strolling farmers’ markets.
This is the season for swimming, paddleboarding, camping, and soaking up the laid-back Okanagan atmosphere with a juicy peach in your left hand and a craft beer in your right.
Mountain biking is especially popular during the summer months, with trail networks throughout the region offering everything from flowy rides to more technical terrain.
Because summer is the busiest time of year, accommodations and popular experiences tend to book up very quickly. If you’re visiting during this season, planning ahead will be important and help you make the most of your time.
Fall (September–October)
Fall in the Okanagan is quieter, slower, and incredibly beautiful.
As the crowds thin out, the valley comes alive with golden vineyards, only slightly cooler temperatures, and some of the best hiking conditions of the year.
It’s an ideal time for scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and enjoying the region at a more relaxed pace. As a lifelong local, I can say that Fall is my favourite time of year for these reasons.
This season is perfect for travellers who prefer fewer people on the trails and don’t mind cooler evenings.
Fall also brings harvest season, which means roadside fruit stands, local markets, and small farms are full of fresh produce and seasonal treats.
Scenic drives are especially rewarding during this time, with the whole valley transforming into a fall dream, covered in golden larches and stunning fall colours.
Winter (November–March)
Due to its interior climate, the valley has much milder winter temperatures compared to many other parts of the country, while still receiving enough snowfall to create beautiful, snowy landscapes.
Winter offers a quieter, more local feel and a chance to experience the Okanagan in a way many visitors never see. World-class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are all easily accessible and are often just a short drive from town.
Don’t discount visiting the Okanagan in the winter, especially if you love to visit ski resorts. Places like SilverStar and Big White give big-name Canadian Resorts like Whistler a true run for their money, but more about that in a separate blog post!
Spring (April–May)
Spring in the Okanagan is a beautiful season of transition.
As winter slowly fades, things begin to warm up, and of course, nothing beats the days getting longer.
While the weather can be a mix of sunny days and some cooler stretches, you don’t have to worry much about those “April showers”, as the Okanagan gets very little rain on an annual basis, less than ¼ of the amount of Vancouver.
I truly feel like spring is an underrated time to visit.
Spring is ideal for exploring lower-elevation trails, lakeside walks, and scenic drives before the busy summer season begins. It’s a great time to enjoy quieter outdoor spaces, take advantage of fewer crowds, and explore local towns at a more relaxed pace.
As fruit trees begin to bloom and outdoor patios slowly reopen, the valley starts to feel lively again without the peak-season rush!
This is also a good season for travellers looking for more flexibility and value! Accommodations are often easier to book at more affordable rates, making spring a great option for a slower, more intentional visit.
Top Things to Do in the Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley offers a mix of outdoor adventure and unique local experiences that make it easy to shape a trip around your specific interests. Whether you’re visiting just for the weekend or for a longer stay, these are some of the highlights that truly define the region.
Get Outside: Hiking, Biking & Exploring
Spending time outdoors is woven into everyday life in the Okanagan, and it doesn’t take much effort to find yourself in the middle of a beautiful landscape. After 24 years, I constantly find myself in awe of this region.
From short hikes with lake views that span further than your eyes can see, to iconic trail networks that invite you to explore on two wheels, getting outside here feels easy and exciting! Many of the region’s best adventures are just minutes from town, making it simple to squeeze in a morning hike, an afternoon ride, and a sunset swim all in one day.
Some local favourites include places like the Peach Cliffs Quarry in Okanagan Falls, where a scenic hike leads to a refreshing swim, mountain biking through the Smith Creek trail network in West Kelowna, and cycling the Myra Canyon Trestles, where history and scenery come together in one unforgettable ride.
These are the kinds of experiences that make the Okanagan so special, and they’re just the beginning.
For a more fullsome guide to Okanagan Hikes: Check out my other posts here
Spend Time on the Lakes
If you went to the Okanagan and didn’t go in the water…. did you really go to the Okanagan?
The valley is home to several beautiful, clean, warm lakes, including Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and Osoyoos Lake (the warmest lake in Canada).
Whether you’re swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply lying out on the beach to catch a tan, lake days tend to unfold slowly and effortlessly here.
One of the most unique spots in the region is Penticton, which is one of only two cities in the world located between two lakes, Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. This makes it an ideal base for anyone who wants to spend their days moving between beaches, water activities, and lakeside trails without having to go far. Time on the water is one of the simplest and most memorable ways to experience the Okanagan. Oh, and of course it’s free!
I have a detailed guide that breaks down each lake, “A Local’s Guide to the Best Lakes in the Okanagan Valley.” You can check that out here to pick the perfect spot for you!
Discover Unique Local Experiences
Beyond the well-known highlights, the Okanagan is full of incredibly unique experiences that that turn a good trip into a truly memorable one. These are the moments that add substance to your travels and often offer a deeper connection to the region, whether you’re learning about its history, moving slowly through the landscape, or embracing the seasons in a new way.
Experiences like joining a gold panning tour, horseback riding wine tasting tour through the Osoyoos desert, exploring wineries on an e-bike tasting tour, or ice skating through a quiet mountain forest loop in the winter showcase just how varied the Okanagan can be. I have breakdowns on each of these experiences that you can read here
Each offers a different perspective on the valley, highlighting how adventure here isn’t limited to one season or one style of travel. These unique activities are easy to layer into a trip and are often the experiences people talk about long after they’ve returned home.
Explore Local Towns & Scenic Drives
One of the best ways to experience the Okanagan is simply by getting in the car and letting the natural landscape guide you.
The main highway connecting the North to South Okanagan is Highway 97, which runs right alongside Okanagan Lake and connects a string of small towns, each with its own personality, pace, and hidden gems waiting just off the main road. Taking the time to explore beyond the “bigger” cities like Kelowna and Vernon reveals a more intimate side of the valley.
Towns like Cawston and Keremeos offer a quieter, rural feel where fruit stands, local bakeries, and wide-open valley views make for easy, unhurried stops.
Summerland blends charming lakeside energy with historic landmarks and incredible viewpoints, while Peachland is perfect for slowing down, grabbing a coffee, and soaking in sweeping lake views along the highway.
Naramata, perched above Okanagan Lake, feels like a world of its own, known for its winding roads, vineyard-lined hillsides, and a pace that invites you to linger a little longer.
Where to Stay in the Okanagan Valley
With such a long stretch of lakes, towns, and landscapes, where you choose to stay in the Okanagan can shape your entire experience.
As a local, I’m often less focused on hotel hopping and more tuned into which areas work best for different kinds of trips, whether you want walkable beaches, vineyard views, quiet cabin mornings, or easy access to outdoor adventures.
Choosing the Right Home Base for Your Trip
If it’s your first visit, staying near Kelowna or Penticton offers a great balance of amenities, lake access, and day-trip flexibility. These areas make it easy to explore multiple towns either way across the valley, and come back at the end of the day.
For a quieter, more relaxed stay, smaller communities like Naramata, Peachland, or Summerland are ideal. These areas are perfect if your trip is more about slow mornings, scenic drives, and soaking in the valley rather than packing every day with activities.
If you’re travelling with a group, planning a longer stay, or visiting during peak summer months, vacation rentals, cabins, and boutique properties can offer more space, better views, and a more personal connection to the area, something the Okanagan does especially well!
A Stay I Personally Recommend
One place I can genuinely recommend from firsthand experience is The Balcomo in Penticton. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something that feels elevated but still relaxed. It is only a few-minute walk to Okanagan Lake, with spacious suites, a gorgeous new wellness spa, and thoughtful design that makes it easy to settle in. It’s especially well-suited for longer stays, couples’ trips, or travellers who want a central base without sacrificing comfort.
What to Look for When Booking
No matter where you stay, I always suggest prioritizing:
- Location over luxury — easy access to lakes, trails, and towns goes a long way
- Parking and space if you’re planning outdoor activities
- Seasonality — summer books up fast, while spring and fall offer more flexibility and value
For more accommodation ideas, including cabins, hotels, and unique places to stay in the Okanagan Valley, visit the Stays section of the blog!
Food & Drink: Local Flavours & Valley Favourites
The Okanagan has a vibrant food scene shaped by local farms, wineries, and small communities. This area is packed to the brim with cozy cafes and lakeside patios, hundreds of award-winning wineries and casual local favourites, and eating here is very much part of the experience.
Cafes & bakeries in towns like Kelowna, Penticton, and Summerland — perfect for slow mornings and post-adventure stops
Farm-to-table restaurants that highlight local produce, especially in the warmer months
Date Night Spots that you’ll remember for years to come. There is no shortage of fine dining, crafted by world-renowned chefs.
Wineries, cideries & breweries scattered throughout the valley, many with scenic views and relaxed to elevated tasting experiences.
Food is KEY to crafting the best travel itinerary. Depending on what towns you decide to visit, I’ll be sharing more detailed food and drink guides for individual communities across the Okanagan, including my go-to cafes, favourite dinner spots, and places locals actually love.
Explore my Okanagan food & drink guides here!
4-Day Okanagan Valley Itinerary (A Full Valley Experience)
This 4-day Okanagan Valley itinerary is ideal if you want to experience more than just the highlights and gives you time to slow down, explore different communities, and enjoy the mix of lake life, outdoor adventure, wine country, and scenic drives the valley is known for! If you’re coming for more or less time, you can pick what stands out for you from this page and customize it.
Day 1: Arrival, Lake Time & Evening Patios
Arrive in the Okanagan and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon easing into the pace of the communities, whether that’s a lakeside walk or relaxing with views of the water and surrounding hills.
In the early evening, you can head out for dinner or a casual patio happy hour. Many communities around the lake offer relaxed waterfront patios that are perfect for sunset views and a laid-back first night.
Day 2: Wine Country, Trails & Active Exploring
Start your morning with coffee from a local café before heading out for a scenic walk or ride. The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is a favourite for both walking and e-biking, offering beautiful views without feeling rushed or technical.
Spend the afternoon exploring a few wineries, cideries, or craft breweries, or opt for an e-bike wine tour that lets you see more without worrying about driving. Many stops are close together, making it easy to customize the day to your energy level.
Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner in town or a casual evening back at your stay.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure & Lake Life
Dedicate this day to getting outside. Choose a hike or bike ride that fits the season, from trails with summit lake views to golden larch walks in the fall. The Okanagan offers plenty of options that are accessible without a full-day commitment.
After your adventure, grab lunch in a nearby town or pick up takeaway for a scenic picnic by the lake. Spend the afternoon swimming, floating, or unwinding on the beach.
Day 4: Small Towns, Scenic Drives & Slow Morning
On your final day, take it slow. Enjoy a relaxed morning before heading out on a scenic drive through some of the Okanagan’s smaller communities. Towns like Summerland, Peachland, Naramata, and Cawston offer charming main streets, viewpoints, and local small businesses worth lingering in.
Stop for coffee, browse local markets or fruit stands (seasonal), and enjoy the quieter side of the valley before beginning your journey home.
Your Okanagan Adventure Starts Here: Final Thoughts
The Okanagan Valley is a destination that rewards slowing down and not overthinking what each day will bring.
As a lifelong local, I truly never get tired of being here, and I feel that that is a testament to the community, local spirit, and that Okanagan energy you just can’t beat.
Beyond the well-known lake views, shops, and wineries, it’s a place shaped by small-town charm that beautifully flows through all 4 seasons and truly holds endless opportunities to get outside.
Whether you’re here for the weekend or a longer stay, the Okanagan offers a balance of adventure and ease that’s hard to find elsewhere.
This guide is just the starting point. Throughout this blog, you’ll find more detailed itinerary recommendations for each community, the best places to eat, my favourite hikes, and unique Okanagan experiences that will help you plan your time in even more detail.
Whether you’re building an itinerary, searching for a specific experience, or simply looking for inspiration, I hope this space helps you travel with more intention and confidence!