If you’re mulling over a Canadian escape this year, British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley should be a top contender.  It’s an active traveller’s dream with nearby skiing, hiking, and golf, and if you’re a wine lover, some of Canada’s award-winning vintages hail from this region. Paired with a cozy Airbnb—winter or summer, this stunning destination has plenty of appeal.

My sister Joanne moved to Vernon, British Columbia in the north of the Okanagan Valley four years ago and she has become one of the region’s biggest ambassadors. Surrounded by the lush mountainous beauty of the region, which enjoys a temperate climate, it’s easy to see why a replanted prairie city gal would be enamoured.

Shortly after her relocation, Joanne and her partner Iain renovated a property as a luxury vacation rental. Artfully designed with a Canadian motif and high-end amenities, it has been no surprise to see this vacation home’s popularity grow. Iain and Joanne recently achieved Airbnb Superhost status, which is based on bookings and rave reviews.

Many Canadians are discovering (or rediscovering) our country’s many premier destinations as the result of international travel restrictions and obstacles resulting from the pandemic. So, if you’re considering where to vacation this winter or summer, here are Joanne’s top recommendations for making a trip to the Okanagan Valley your dreamy escape.

Okanagan Valley Active Pursuits

Silver Star Mountain Resort

“This world-class ski resort is just 20 minutes from our rental property and is the main draw for many of our guests,” states Joanne. With abundant natural snow, downhill skiing is the main attraction in winter, but there are other activities (like skating) and apres-ski pastimes like reposing in the chalet or shopping in the resort’s village. Mountain biking fans visit Silver Star in summer to experience Canada’s second-biggest bike park. Hiking through the wildflowers along mountain trails is another popular summer activity.

Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

“As a prairie city girl who didn’t downhill ski growing up, Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is more my speed,” Joanne says. With 150 kilometres of pristinely groomed cross-country ski trails meandering through a breathtaking forest landscape, this is a resort you can visit again and again without repeating your last experience. The club is adjacent to Silver Star Mountain Resort.

Golfing

So many gorgeous golf courses nearby! The largest course is Predator Ridge, which offers a spectacular 36 holes. It is a challenging course for moderate to experienced golfers. This resort community also offers mountain biking, yoga, pickleball, and more. The Italian restaurant and indoor pool make this a fabulous day trip. “The fired pizza is our go-to order,” says Joanne.

A few other spots for golf that Joanne and Iain recommend include Vernon Golf and Country Club, Spallumcheen, and Hyde Mountain (pictured below).

Okanagan Valley Attractions

Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa

This specular spa is a treat winter or summer. The outdoor amenities look out over beautiful Okanagan Lake. With more than one hundred spa treatments available, this is the place to unplug, unwind, and indulge in total body wellness. “I always feel like I’ve been transported to another world when visiting Sparkling Hill,” says Joanne. “The guest rooms are worthy of a design magazine spread and the spa treatments are the perfect way to de-stress.”

Davidson Orchard

This family-run operation is worth reserving a few hours to enjoy, especially if you’re visiting the region with kids. With a gorgeous view of the valley, Davidson Orchard is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch or tea. Visitors can purchase freshly picked produce or pick their own. There’s a kids train ride and farm animals too. “The seasonal pies (made from fresh Orchard fruit in season) are outstanding,” says Joanne. “ The fresh breads and other baking are always a temptation. The boutique also has many great offerings, including homemade sweet and pepper jellies, Pinot Noir BBQ sauce (a staple in our house), and unique gifts made by local artisans. We visit several times a year.”

Wineries

Oenophiles will be blown away by the many outstanding wineries a short drive from Vernon. And if you plan to take a deep dive into wine tasting, there are several tours available so that you don’t have to worry about driving. Some of Joanne and Iain’s favourite wineries are Mission Hill, Grey Monk, 50th Parallel, Ex Nihilo, Blind Tiger Vineyards (organic), Intrigue, O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars, and  Arrowleaf Cellars (pictured below).

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park

This gorgeous park is minutes from downtown and an excellent spot to spend the day hiking, canoeing, cycling or just lounging on the beach. It’s also home to lots of wildlife such as deer, mink, bobcats, black bears, and many kinds of birds.

Restaurants 

Joanne and Iain’s top picks for dining out:

Romantic, high-end spot: Intermezzo, which is a fine dining experience offering a mix of modern and classic fare.

Summer Rooftop Patio – Phoenix Steakhouse is the perfect spot for leisurely drinks and appetizers (or a full meal) while enjoying the outdoor atmosphere, rustic decor, and artfully composed flower baskets.

Family Dining – Little Tex is an excellent value with an extensive Mexican menu that will please everyone. Live music is sometimes on the menu. 

Where to Stay in the Okanagan

The Okanagan offers a range of accommodations from hotels and resorts, bed & breakfasts, woodsy cabins, and fancy spas. You can find an extensive listing on the Tourism Vernon site.

Canadiana Cabana

Get the full maple leaf experience by staying at Joanne and Iain’s Canadiana Cabana. It sleeps up to eight, so it’s the smart choice for families or a group trip. It’s an ideal home base to explore all the Okanagan has to offer winter or summer.

Prepare a meal in the fully equipped kitchen or have a barbecue on the large outdoor deck. Gaze at the mountains while soaking in the 5-person hot tub after a day of skiing or hiking. Downtown Vernon is a 10-minute pleasant walk where you can explore shops and restaurants as well as beaches and a grocery store for your rental provisions.

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