The Okanagan Valleyis a long north-south valley located in the south central portion of BC, Canada, just north of the US border. This is a wonderful area for a self guided car and bike tour that can easily double as a wine tasting tour.

The Okanagan Valley is known for its sunny, dry climate with hot summers and cold winters. The arid landscape is punctuated with lakes and patches of green. It has become one of Canada’s premier grape growing and wine producing areas. There are upwards of 100 wineries, along the bluffs bordering the lakes, running the length of the valley from Vernon to Osoyoos. Wineries run the gamut from small, family oriented ones run from the back of a trailer to large estates with commanding views like Mission Hill and Burrowing Owl.

There are plenty of year round outdoor activities which are a big draw for tourists and retirees alike. In the summer, you can look forward to boating on Okanagan, Skaha and Osoyoos Lakes. A highlight for many is tubing on the Okanagan River Channel with a cold drink in hand. There is also fantastic road and trail biking and lots of hiking. Bird watching and wildlife viewing are becoming popular tourist draws too.

Highlights

• Beautiful vineyards
• Fun wine tasting experience
• Fantastic, scenic sections of the Kettle
• Kettle Valley Railroad (KVR) trail to hike and bike
• Tubing on the Okanagan River Channel
• Fine dining options at some wineries
• Interesting accommodation choices
• Lake swimming on hot summer days
• Old fashioned milkshakes in Okanagan Falls
• Excellent birding and wildlife viewing

Related Blog Posts

• Kettle Valley Railway Biking, British Columbia
• A Room with a View – Osoyoos, BC
• Bike Myra Canyon on the Amazing Kettle Valley Railway

Download: Full Guide