Located smack dab in the Okanagan, the Best Western Wine Country West Kelowna hotel is the perfect place to set off on an adventure and explore the nooks and crannies, orchards, wineries, lakes and mountains of this beautiful valley.
Here we offer some attractions and things to do in the South Okanagan, just a short drive from one of the best hotels in the area.
WIND YOUR WAY THROUGH WINE COUNTRY
The South Okanagan is one of the most fertile regions for grape growing, as can be seen by the numerous vineyards that can be found in and around the communities of Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos. Each region has its own unique wine trail, where you can sip delicious varietals and pair them with locally sourced produce and products at the more than 80 wineries to found along:
Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive
The Naramata Bench
Okanagan Falls and Skaha Lake
Black Sage Bench east of Highway 97 in between Oliver and Osoyoos
Golden Mile Beach west of Highway 97 in between Oliver and Osoyoos
Osoyoos
ENJOY THE FRUITS OF FARMERS LABOURS
Fruit growing in the South Okanagan has been a major industry since the first fruit trees were planted here in the late 19th century. Area orchards grow everything from cherries, pears, plums, apricots, apples, nectarines and peaches. You can taste this bounty by visiting the many fruit stands, farmers’ markets and orchards throughout the region.
DON’T FORGET THE CREAM
For a special treat, why not pair your fruit with some ice cream? The Peach, located in Penticton’s iconic giant peach on the Okanagan Lake waterfront, serves up Crazy Shakes — milkshakes that are topped with brownies, pretzels, strawberry shortcake, and even birthday cake.
A famous spot for homemade treats, Tickleberry’s in Okanagan Falls serves up dozens of ice cream flavours as well as confections, including their famous chocolate covered dried fruit.
SEEK LIFE BY THE SHORE
The South Okanagan is known for its many lakes and beaches, where visitors flock to boat, hike, kayak, explore and laze upon the sand.
The southern shore of Okanagan Lake stretches along the north end of Penticton and is home to the SS Sicamous; a former sternwheeler turned museum. Close by is the Okanagan river channel that travels 7 kilometres south from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. You can rent an inner tube or raft or bring your own floatation device. Bus rides are available along the channel that will take you back to your starting point.
Skaha Lake, which travels from the south Penticton to Okanagan Falls, is renowned for its red sand beaches and steep cliffs, popular with climbers, that border its eastern shore.
Travel further south to Osoyoos Lake, a popular boating lake that borders the Canada-US border, and the phenomenal Spotted Lake, located in Canada’s only desert, where evaporated minerals have created colourful spots on its surface.
Visit the South Okanagan from our West Kelowna accommodations and Explore These 4 Okanagan Wine Tours and Trails.
Our West Kelowna hotel with a pool, waterslide and jetted tub features extras such as a 24-hour fitness room, business centre and complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Located in the central Okanagan, explore the area or set off on an Okanagan wine tour, golfing vacation, romantic holiday or more with one of our packages.
