Kelowna is surrounded by orchards, vineyards, mountains, lakes and parks. The Okanagan is home to Canada’s only pocket desert, with fruit stands and wineries dotted along scenic roads.
These Kelowna day trips conveniently begin at the Otter Co-op in West Kelowna. Before you go, make sure you fill up with TOP TIERTM gasoline and check your tire pressure, helping you improve your mileage, saving you money in the long run.
Myra Canyon
Myra Canyon is a section of the Kettle Valley Railway, once part of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Myra Canyon Adventure Park has rope climbing activities, tons of games, and a picnic area. The Myra Trestles offer a boardwalk with incredible views that you and the family can bike or walk across.
Penticton
Float down the seven kilometre canal to Skaha Lake during your day trip to Penticton. There are tube rentals and a shuttle back to your car. This summer-time activity is a favourite for locals and tourists alike, so arrive early to beat the crowd.
Naramata, north of Penticton on the east side of Lake Okanagan, is home to some of the best wineries in British Columbia. You can relax with a guided or self-guided Naramata wine tour — just make sure you have a designated driver for the trip home. While you’re there, check out the Joie Farm. The winery features an outdoor salon, perfect for laying down a blanket for a picnic with the family after you’ve sampled the wine. Besides offering local charcuterie, the Joie Farm also has a wood-fired pizza oven on site.
On your way back, stop in Summerland or Peachland to experience quaint, Okanagan towns.
Osoyoos
Along the way to Osoyoos, make sure you stop for ice cream at Tickleberry’s in Okanagan Falls. The ice cream parlour is a favourite with locals and tourists. On nice days there might be a line, but it’s well worth the wait. The shop opened in 1990 and has been going strong with over 50 flavours and in-house made treats ever since.
The first Aboriginal-owned winery in all of North America, Nk’Mip Cellar, is located in Osoyoos. You can stop for a tasting, but make sure you have a designated driver. Osoyoos is also home to Canada’s only pocket desert. Head to the Osoyoos Desert Centre to experience an interpretive facility with hands-on exhibits and a 1.5-kilometre elevated boardwalk.
Anarchist Mountain Lookout
Located just outside of Osoyoos, Anarchist Mountain looks out over Lake Osoyoos into Washington State on one side, and past the south Okanagan desert and up to Oliver. The drive takes you past beaches, lakes, vineyards, restaurants, and fruit stands. Be sure to stop somewhere for a bite or a swim.
Lake Shuswap
Located in Shuswap County (called The Shuswap by locals), Lake Shuswap boasts clear, placid water perfect for boating. Here, you can go wakeboarding, surfing, cliff jumping, hiking, and swimming. If there are any golfers in the family, Predator Ridge located outside of Vernon is a great stop.
On your way back, stop in Enderby to watch a movie at the largest drive-in theatre in North America.
