Perfect Okanagan Weekend Itinerary
It’s a local secret, but British Columbia is home to some of the most scenic wine country anywhere. If you’re looking to sip delicious, unpretentious wine at vineyards on mountain tops, with terraced vineyards cascading down to a turquoise lake, then the Okanagan Valley needs to be next on your bucket list.
Why Visit the Okanagan Valley?
British Columbia’s sense of mountaenous adventure meets classy wine in the Okanagan. There are hundreds of vineyards selling all types of varietals. There’s also numerous gorgeous lakes where you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, or rent a speedboat. There’s hiking and waterfalls – and in the winter, while the vines may be snowcovered, you can ski at nearby Sun Peaks or Big White. While Canadians know about BC wine, most international tourists don’t – which makes this region a little quieter, a little less pretentious, and less expensive than equivalent areas in Northern California, for example. To me, this region resembled the Duoro Valley in Northern Portugal – famous for gorgeous terraced vineyards along a river valley, and also as the home of Port wine. The climate here is unique in Canada, and is also one of the furthest north places on earth to grow wine (along the 50th parallel – similar to wine grown in Germany). This microclimate is ideal for growing grapes, which is why the region is home to over 200 wineries, each with its unique charm and offerings.
How to get to the Okanagan Valley
You can fly into Kelowna International Airport (code YLW), connecting from destinations like Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton or Toronto. Alternatively, you can drive the scenic Transcanada Highway 1 from Vancouver, which takes approximately 5 hours without traffic. Along the way, consider stopping at some other beautiful provincial parks and enjoying some hikes, like in the Coquihalla region, or Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park.
Where to Stay in the Okanagan Valley
For your first visit, it’s probably easiest to find a hotel or AirBnB in Kelowna or West Kelowna. On my visit, I stayed in an adorable BnB in Fintry. I liked this area because it was a little quieter, and close to some parts of the lake on the north side that I wanted to visit.
A long weekend itinerary
Day 1: Winery Hopping
Start at Arrowleaf Cellars, on the east side of the lake. It’s a small winery with gorgeous views, founded in 2001 by a Swiss family who emigrated to Canada. They produce nearly a dozen wines a year and do 16,000 cases. Buy a bottle and picnic on the lawn – furry friends can come too! They also sell homemade cream puffs on the weekends, if you’re looking for a little dessert with your wine.
Next, head to the west side of the lake (near West Kelowna) – visit Quails’ Gate Winery for stunning views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding vineyards. The tasting room provides a beautiful setting to sample their wines. You can follow this up with a stroll through their panoramic vineyard that opens up towards the lake. You can even stay at the winery if you rent their lake house. This is another family run vineyard – four generations deep in the Okanagan, with the first vines planted in 1961.
Finally, check on Frind Estate Winery, which is located right on a beach by the lake. This winery has an interesting past – the owner’s father was a Premier of the Province for nearly 20 years. You can bring your swimsuit and enjoy the beach too! Frind has food, which you can enjoy in their beach cafe, indoors, or as takeout. They sell salads, charcuterie boards and woodfired pizzas.
If you don’t want to drive yourself around the lake and worry about drinking and driving, consider joining a tour or hiring a private driver.
Day 2: Water Adventures
Start your second day with some quality time on the water – preferably Kalamalka Lake, as it is smaller and calmer, but Okanagan Lake also offers great beaches. Bring a kayak or paddleboard, or rent them from a mobile delivery service like Ed’s Kayak. Pack a picnic or pick up lunch snacks in nearby Vernon. Check out Eat Good Market, The Med, Station BBQ Smoke House or Midtown Bistro.
If kayaking or paddle-boarding isn’t your thing, there are many services where you can rent a boat for a few hours, or you can try parasailing.
Day 3: Hiking Adventures
On your third day, connect with nature on a hike to Fintry Waterfalls in Fintry Provincial Park. Alternatively, check out the the Myra Canyon Trestles (by hiking or biking) – which features 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels, offering breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding landscape. You can join a tour that will provide the bikes to explore this park.
A long weekend in the Okanagan Wine Country is an experience like no other. From world-class wineries and stunning natural landscapes to opportunities for adventures in nature, this region offers something for everyone.
