Summer Okanagan Valley Road Trip
One of the most scenic road trips you can drive in Canada is the Okanagan Valley road trip. Journey through valleys, along rivers and lakes, and over mountains to take in some spectacular views of the duly named beautiful British Columbia. With water and wineries all along your route, there’s no shortage of things to do in the summertime in the Okanagan Valley. Pack up the car this summer and experience the beauty of the outdoors in a week-long road trip through Canada’s Napa Valley.
Stop 1 – Vernon
Starting at the north of the Valley, Vernon is the first stop along your journey. Like the entirety of the Okanagan, Vernon is filled with an abundance of outdoor activities. Splashdown Vernon Family Waterpark is a great way to kick-off your trip! Filled with slides, rides, and ice-cream, it’s guaranteed wet and wild fun. Head to the mountains and explore the many trails and stunning views that surround Vernon. Take the gondola up SilverStar Mountain Resort where a world of adventure awaits.
When passing through Vernon, Sandman Hotel Vernon is the perfect spot to rest your head. With an indoor pool and on-site Denny’s Restaurant, it’s the ideal pitstop to start your trip.
PC: Vancouver Is Awesome
Stop 2 – Kelowna
A summer road trip through the Okanagan Valley isn’t complete without a stop in Kelowna. The largest city in the region, Kelowna comes alive in the summertime. The second stop on your journey takes you to wine country, the birthplace of wine in BC. You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive. Can’t decide which one to visit? Enjoy a worry-free guided tour from Vivid. With plenty of options including full-day, half-day and e-bike tours, you’ll find an option that works for you!
Head to the water and enjoy one of Kelowna’s 30 beaches. Boyce-Gyro Beach is one of Kelowna’s best-known beaches and is equipped with everything you need for a day of relaxing. If you’d rather some adrenaline, hire a jet ski from Sea-Doo Rentals Kelowna and enjoy the beauty of the Okanagan from atop the water!
Sandman Hotels & Suites Kelowna is perfectly located in central Kelowna, the ideal jumping off point to make the most of your stay.
PC: Tourism Kelowna
Stop 3 – Peachland
From large to small, welcome to Peachland – the charming town south of Kelowna. Relax and unwind in this peaceful town. Take a walk along the Beach Avenue Waterfront Trail, a beautiful pedestrian walkway that stretches 3km along Beach Avenue. Visit the Ray Kandola Heritage pier, which runs parallel to the shoreline of Heritage Park in downtown Peachland. Experience the thrill of ziplining along one of the highest, longest, and fastest ziplines in Canada. ZipZone will take you through the beautiful Deep Creek Gorge at heights of up to 381 feet!
Grab a bite to eat at 1st and Beach Bar and Grill, the colourful spot on Peachland’s scenic Beach Avenue for a meal full of quality, local ingredients, plus craft beers and wines of the Okanagan.
PC: ZipZone/Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Stop 4 – Penticton
The final stop on your road trip takes you to the town of Penticton. With an endless list of summer activities including water sports, markets and orchards, mountain biking and more, Penticton is a must-visit. Cycling above and through vineyards with mountain and lake views is available to cyclists of any ability. Take a leisurely cycle along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail or experience the thrill of mountain biking the Three Blind Mice or Campbell Mountain single-track trails.
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite like the channel float. The 7km lake to lake float is a summer must-do activity in Penticton. Slowly drift from Okanagan Lake down to Skaha Lake, just sit back and relax!
When you visit sun-soaked Penticton, Sandman Hotel Penticton is a great place to venture out from.
PC: Vancouver Is Awesome
With so much to see, do, eat and drink in the Okanagan Valley, you will be spoiled for choice along your journey. Stop in some of the small towns such as Summerland and Okanagan Falls along the way. Summertime in the Okanagan is truly magical and should be a must-see on your road trip adventure list!