One Family's Commitment to Responsible Travel: Taking the Haida Gwaii Pledge
For travellers of all ages, the Haida Gwaii Pledge helps build a more personal connection with the unique culture and environment of Haida Gwaii.
The Okanagan Valley is an agricultural mecca alive with vineyards, orchards and farmlands, making it an ideal destination for farm-to-table dining. Think freshly harvested produce and other local specialty foods paired perfectly with Okanagan wines. Try these highly recommended farm-to-table restaurants, courtesy of the BC Visitor Centre at Merritt.
1. Bonfire Restaurant
4205 Gellatly Rd, West Kelowna
You can find Bonfire at the Cove Lakeside Resort on the west side of Okanagan Lake. It offers exceptional views and outstanding, locally sourced food. Their extensive menu offers something for everyone, including gluten-free options. Enjoy a glass of Okanagan wine with your meal as you relax on their gorgeous patio overlooking the lake.
Getting there: From downtown Kelowna, take Highway 97 for 5 km (3 mi) to Boucherie Road, then left onto Gallatly Road. For a map and driving directions, click here.
While you’re in the area: Channel your inner geologist—and bring your camera—on a hike up Mt. Boucherie, a 60-million-year-old dormant volcano.
2. Vanilla Pod Restaurant
425 Middle Bench Rd N, Penticton
Dining with a view. Photo: @ckstenberg via Instagram
Enjoy flavourful, farm-fresh meals at this gem at Poplar Grove Winery. Vanilla Pod uses only the highest quality ingredients, and it shows – the restaurant has won several awards for outstanding food and service, including the 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Okanagan Life Magazine’s Best of the Best in the Okanagan.
Getting there: From the shores of Okanagan Beach, follow Ellis Road to the roundabout and then head east on Vancouver Ave, which becomes Lower Bench Road. After 1.5 km (1 mi), turn right onto Tupper Ave and take your first left onto Middle Bench Road. For a map and driving directions, click here.
While you’re in the area: Penticton sits between two lakes, Okanagan and Skaha. Relax on the sandy beach, play in the water, and grab a snack at the concession shaped like a giant peach before or after your meal.
3. Backyard Farm
3692 Fruitvale Way, Oliver
A perfect way to end your meal. Photo: @serena4pr via Instagram
The Chef’s Table at Backyard Farms is nestled among vineyards, fruit trees and beautiful gardens. Artisan chef Chris Van Hooydonk uses ingredients from the Backyard Farms property—and other local producers—to craft his meals in an intimate dining room that seats up to 20. Chris also shares his passion with on-site cooking workshops that focus on healthy, sustainable food and the great wine of the Okanagan.
Getting there: From downtown Oliver, travel south along Highway 3A for 14 km (8.7 mi). For a map and driving directions, click here.
While you’re in the area: Oliver is known as the Wine Capital of Canada for a reason. Renowned wineries here that are worth a visit include Burrowing Owl Estate Winery and the Aboriginal-owned Nk’Mip Cellars.