Thompson Okanagan Things To Do

Okanagan Valley Facts

• The long and narrow Okanagan Valley runs 160 km (100 mi) in a north-south direction.

• Average summer temperatures between the northern and southern ends can vary by 4 degrees Celsius (7 degrees Fahrenheit) - which translates into crisp, fresh whites in the north to robust reds in the hotter, dryer south.
  

Unique Cycle-to-Winery Tours

Many companies offer wonderful cycling and cycle-to-winery tours throughout the region. They include:

• Okanagan Tour de Vine
• Kettle Valley Rail Trail
  

Wine Sub Regions for Self-Drive Tours

Most wineries in the Thompson Okanagan are situated in one of six sub-regions of the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys.

• Kelowna
• Penticton/Naramata Bench/Summerland
• Okanagan Falls
• Oliver
• Black Sage/Osoyoos
• Similkameen Valley

Okanagan Tour deVine

Take a guided cycling tour to a selection of vineyards in Penticton and the South Okanagan during the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival.

• Cycle 30-40 km (18-25 mi) on a day tour along routes suitable for average cyclists.

• Bike along benchlands, past orchards and vineyards, stopping at a number of wineries en route, Enjoy a catered lunch at one of these.

• Most tours travel along parts of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail and may include trestle crossings.

Kettle Valley Rail Trail

Cycle this popular and particularly scenic stretch of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail between Chute Lake and Penticton.

• Board a shuttle bus in Penticton (Ambrosia Tours), which transports you and your bike to Chute Lake, elevation 1,200 m (3,937 ft). From there the KVR Trail gradually descends all the way back to Penticton.

• The route winds through forests of ancient Douglas fir and fragrant ponderosa pine before opening up to clay bluffs and sagebrush slopes above Lake Okanagan.

• En route, ride past the lush vineyards and orchards of the Naramata Bench.

• Stop for a tasting or tour at some of the various wineries and artisanal cheesemakers.

Kelowna

• Chances are you'll find yourself flying into Kelowna, the Okanagan's largest city and one fabulously situated along the sublime shores of Okanagan Lake.

• Most vineyards climb the steep slopes overlooking the lake, delivering spectacular panoramic vistas in addition to wonderful vintages.

• Common varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay.

• Wineries of note: Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Mission Hill Family Estate, Quails' Gate Estate Winery, Summerhill Pyramid Winery (yes, there really is a pyramid).

Penticton/Naramata Bench/Summerland

• The (still) laid-back resort town of Penticton lies between Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south.

• The Naramata Bench, which climbs along the eastern shore of Lake Okanagan, is Canada's fastest-growing wine region. Over a dozen wineries now call the historically agricultural area home. Look for orchards and farms as well hidden at the end of dirt roads.

• Just across the lake lies Summerland, aptly named for the area's fantastic summer weather.

• Common varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot.

• Wineries of note: Therapy Vineyards and Elephant Island Orchard Wines (both Naramata Bench), Sumac Ridge Estate Winery (Summerland).

Okanagan Falls

• "OK Falls" lies at the south end of Skaha Lake.

• The vineyards here are situated at higher altitudes, offering breathtaking lake and mountain vistas.

• Common varietals: Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir.

• Notable wineries: Blasted Church Vineyards, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards.

Oliver

• It's hot, here: the stretch of valley between Oliver and the US border is the northern reach of the Sonora Desert, which extends from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico.

• Oliver is often called the Wine Capital of Canada, thanks to a thick cluster of vineyards just south of the town along "The Golden Mile" - 14 wineries, most within a 20-km (12.5-mi) stretch.

• Common varietals: Merlot, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer.

• Notable wineries: Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards.

Black Sage/Osoyoos

• This is the widest area of the Okanagan Valley with the greatest concentration of vineyards.

• Common varietals: Bordeaux, Chardonnay and Syrah.

• Notable wineries: Black Hills Estate Winery, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Nk' Mip Cellars.

Similkameen Valley

• This valley follows a desert-like route from Osoyoos west toward Princeton.

• It is just beginning to develop as another prime grape-growing and wine-producing area.

• Common varietals: Merlot, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir Chardonnay.

Learn more about the unique BC businesses that offer Wine Tours by clicking on the link below: