Golf, cycle, ski or sip — there’s always something to do in the Okanagan

Boasting picturesque mountains, sparkling waters, orchards, vineyards and even a desert, the Okanagan Valley seems almost too good to be true. In fact, if you’ve never been there, its laundry list of both natural and man-made amenities make it sound like a fictional fantasyland — B.C.’s very own Narnia or Middle Earth.

For starters, Okanagan Country is a land for all seasons. Spring is striking with blossoming fruit trees dotting the area, and golf season — at the region’s 14 courses — runs from March to November, the longest in Canada. There are perfectly groomed sandy beaches and miles of parkland for biking, cycling, hiking, camping, fishing and horseback riding. The region’s comfortable year-round climate means warm summers with clear, sunny skies and low humidity and almost 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. Come winter, skiers and snowboarders can even hit the slopes in moderate temperatures while under sunny skies.

With a population of 165,000, the Okanagan’s informal capital of Kelowna is now the third-largest metropolitan area in B.C., and one of the fastest growing cities in North America. Its name is derived from a native term for “female grizzly bear.” Kelowna is also the heart of the Okanagan’s wine region and a visitor could spend days just tasting and browsing the shops and galleries. The wine aspect, by the way, is a pretty good excuse to leave the kids at home when you visit. And even those who don’t love the vino will still appreciate the wineries’ architecture and landscaping. With their beautiful vistas, artful decor and an inviting ambience, Kelowna’s wineries are truly impressive models for agri-business success.