Thompson Okanagan

Ever thought of stepping into a barrel and squashing some grapes? You can do that in the Okanagan. Ever wanted to paddle out onto an endless lake with only you and your paddleboard? You can do that in the Thompson region, just north of the Okanagan. Together they make up one big beautiful part of British Columbia, known as the  Thompson Okanagan region.

The Okanagan has it legends, like Ogopogo (think Loch Ness monster) perhaps lurking in the lake of the same name. And then it has its talented winemakers, who turn out some spectacular wines from the vineyards they tend. You could spend days exploring them, tucked along country roads, along the lake, the Naramata bench and even nestled between mountains. This is a region rich in fertile soil, turning out fruits other than grapes, so you’ll find fruit stands, and patios perfect for sipping wine and craft beers. Or, hop on your bike, golf, wind sailing or do any other water sport you could imagine.

This region, about a four-hour  drive east from Vancouver, includes the cities of Kamloops to the north (Sun Peaks Resort and Shuswap),

Vernon (SilverStar Ski Resort, and Sovereign Lakes Provincial Park)

Kelowna (Big White Ski Resort, heart of Okanagan Lake)

Penticton (Apex Ski Resort, heart of wine country)

Osoyoos (Baldy Ski Resort, Canada’s desert community)

Each of these regions within the Thompson Okanagan, have filled guide books of their own, because of the adventures, culture and nature-based experiences found here