Regions & Cities

Thompson Okanagan Geography Facts

The Thompson Okanagan (population: 461,858) features a greatly diverse geographical landscape, with elevations ranging from 277m/909ft in valleys to 3,954m/13,180ft in the surrounding mountains. Stretching 200km/124mi between the Cascade Mountains and the Monashee Mountains, the Okanagan Valley is a rich fruit- and wine-producing area. The southern part of the region features Canada's only true desert.

• The region has 13 lakes, including Nicola Lake measuring 6,215ha/15,537ac, and Shuswap Lake with 1000km/621mi of shoreline.
• Helmcken Falls at Wells Gray Provincial Park, the fourth highest waterfall in Canada (with a drop of 141m/463ft) is one of the region's six major waterfalls.
• Located in Valemount, Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at an elevation of 3,954m/12,972ft.

Thompson Okanagan Climate

The varied geography of the Thompson Okanagan region coincides with an equally varied climate. The region's extensive network of rivers and lakes stirs air currents to produce frigid winters in the north and mild winters in the south. The southern tip of the Okanagan Valley features a distinct climate.

• Average maximum temperature (summer): 28C˚/84F˚
• Average minimum temperature (winter): -8.8C˚/16F˚
• Average Snowfall: 139.8cm/55in in the valleys, and 644cm/253.5in in the mountains

Thompson Okanagan Travel

The Thompson Okanagan region is centrally located in British Columbia, and within relatively short driving distance of four major metropolitan locations. Within the region, various transportation options allow for easy travel between towns and cities.

Travel to the Thompson Okanagan

• Kamloops, the second largest city in the region is approximately 4hr (355km/220mi) northeast of Vancouver, and 7hr (620km/385mi) west of Calgary, Alberta.
• The Thompson Okanagan town of Osoyoos is approximately 5hr (440km/273mi) from Seattle, Washington, and 4hr (305km/189mi) from Spokane, Washington.

Travel within the Thompson Okanagan

• The region's two major centres, Kelowna and Kamloops, are located 163km/101mi apart.
• From Kamloops, Valemount - and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - is a 4hr (320km/199mi) drive.
• Merritt, in the Nicola Valley, boasting 2050hr of annual sunshine, is 1hr (84.3km/52.4mi) south of Kamloops.
• South 2.5hr (215km/134mi) farther, is Osoyoos, and Canada's only authentic desert.

Transportation Options

• Three commercial airports offering daily flights to major cities are located in the Thompson Okanagan region, at Kelowna, Kamloops, and Penticton.
• Airstrips for light aircraft are located at Vernon, Lumby, Oliver, Salmon Arm, and Princeton.
• Most communities have Greyhound bus terminals.
• Via Rail and Rocky Mountaineer (trains) stop at various locations throughout the region.

Thompson Okanagan Activity

The Thompson Okanagan region boasts more than 2000hr of sunshine annually, ideal for seasonal outdoor recreation activities. In summer, the region offers great hiking, cycling, camping, and fishing opportunities, while in winter, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowboarding are available. Additionally, visitors can tour the lush Okanagan Valley's numerous vineyards and orchards, or attend year-round wine festivals.

• The region's 65 provincial parks, spanning 907,580ha/2,268,950ac, feature more than 1100 vehicle-accessed campsites, and 300 walk-in campsites.
• The more than 45 golf courses in the Thompson Okanagan range from tournament calibre to 9-hole recreational.
• Mountain winter resorts are located at Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton