Boundary Country Bucket List
Welcome to Boundary Country! The perfect place to enjoy outdoor adventures and learn about the history that shaped the region. There are many stops along Highway 3 that provide the perfect getaway during a Boundary Country road trip.
Stop #1 - Rock Creek
Riverside Centre
The Rock Creek Riverside Centre is the perfect place to stop at the beginning of your Highway 3 road trip. Stop in to get information about the area, look at the locally crafted goods, and treat yourself to a bottle of locally produced haskap berry juice. The Riverside Centre also has electric vehicle charging stations available.
Kettle River Recreation Area
The Kettle River Recreation Area is just 5 km from Rock Creek and is perfect for a quick day visit or an overnight camping trip. Visitors can enjoy many different activities, including a public day-use beach perfect for swimming or floating, trails to hike or bike on, and the opportunity to use a historic bridge to explore the area.
Stop #2 - Midway
Kettle River Museum
The Kettle River Museum is located in the Village of Midway and invites visitors to experience the steam railway era of Southern British Columbia. There is a restored Canadian Pacific Railway caboose that visitors can explore and the museum buildings and visitor houses showcase several artifacts. In the main museum, visitors can learn from interactive exhibits that feature the history of mining, forestry, and agricultural heritage.
Entwined Trees Park
The Entwined Trees are a pair of Pondarosa Pines and are a symbol of the connection and friendship that still exists between Canada and the USA. The Entwined Trees Park is also home to the Gateway (Stekthal) Learning Circle created by local artist David Seven Deers.
Stop #3 - Greenwood
Copper Eagle Cappuccino & Bakery
Copper Eagle Cappuccino & Bakery is the perfect place to stop for a quick pick-me-up on your Highway 3 road trip. Not only are they home to the best butter tart in the Boundary, but they also have multiple options for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack that can accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian requests as well.
The Greenwood Museum Archives & Visitor Centre
The Greenwood Museum Archives & Visitor Centre hosts a collection of historical artifacts and regularly changing exhibits that explore the history of Greenwood’s mining boom era and the history of Japanese Internment in the area. Exhibits include recreated rooms from historical buildings like the Windsor Hotel and the Deadwood Bar. The passionate staff at the Greenwood Museum bring the history of the exhibits alive with personal stories and vast knowledge of the events that shaped the area. Visitors are highly encouraged to also book a guided tour of the Supreme Courthouse and jail cells. Who knows who or what you might encounter in the cells that held the outlaws of yesterday!
Stop # 4 - Grand Forks
Gallery 2 Grand Forks Art Gallery
Gallery 2 Grand Forks Art Gallery is Boundary Country’s art gallery that hosts a variety of art collections, including highly visual contemporary art and mixed media collections. Make sure to check out the gift shop to take home a locally created regional crafts.
The Wooden Spoon Bistro
The Wooden Spoon Bistro is a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch, or a quick coffee while you are in Grand Forks. The bistro serves locally sourced meals, and as a special treat on Fridays, the bistro has freshly made donuts, but be quick, they sell out fast! During the warmer seasons, the patio at the Wooden Spoon Bistro is the best place to sit and enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the beautiful murals located around Grand Forks.
Stop #5 - Christina Lake
Christina Lake Provincial Park
While all of Boundary Country is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, the beach at Christina Lake is a destination for all things water sports. The beach is perfect to relax and enjoy a picnic, or if you are feeling more adventurous, try out canoeing or paddleboarding to get a middle of the lake view of the beauty in Christina Lake.
Christina Lake to Grand Forks Via Cascade Falls
This is the perfect way to introduce newer riders or families to one of the iconic trails in the Boundary. Christina Lake to Grand Forks Via Cascade Falls is just under 25 km and will take you past the iconic Cascade Falls.
Must-Visit Museums in the Thompson Okanagan
Chilly weather calls for indoor adventures! Check out the museums that showcase the history and heritage of the region.
Central Okanagan
Sncewips Heritage Museum
Located in West Kelowna, The Sncewips Heritage Museum is Indigenous owned and operated in West Kelowna, B.C. Sncewips means “a conversation with an ancestor” and the space amplifies syilx voices and stories. Visitors can expect to learn about the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx people while exploring the living collection of cultural and historical objects or when conversing with the passionate team members.
Sncewips Heritage Museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.
KF Centre for Excellence
The KF Centre for Excellence is located on the Kelowna Airport campus and offers visitors an immersive aviation experience. The centre explores the history of aviation in the Okanagan and allows visitors to take a self-guided tour through both hands-on exhibitions and displays of historic aircraft.
The KF Centre for Excellence is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
North Okanagan
Okanagan Science Centre
The Okanagan Science Centre is located in downtown Vernon, BC, whose mission is to inspire scientific discovery through interactive learning experiences for people of all ages. The Okanagan Science Centre has several exhibits including: the critter corner, the lego and engineering exhibit, the space room, the chemistry corner and more. The centre also hosts travelling exhibits featuring different STEM explorations.
The Okanagan Science Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse
The Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse in Enderby BC exhibits several large-scale sound/ lights/ and robotic installations by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller. These artworks are installed in the 18,000 sq ft museum situated next to the Shuswap River and North Okanagan Rail Trail.
Cardiff and Miller‘s artworks, which are mainly shown internationally, have been greeted with great enthusiasm by over 2900 visitors since opening in August 2023. The Warehouse is currently hosting 8 installations that offer multi-sensory experiences for visitors.
The Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm throughout the winter.
South Okanagan
S.S. Sicamous Museum and Heritage Park
Board the largest surviving ship of its kind in Canada, the SS Sicamous, featuring a museum inside the ship that tells the history of Penticton and the Okanagan. The ship is located on Okanagan Beach in Penticton, and visitors can explore the restored cabins, dining rooms, and Captain’s wheel on the upper decks of the ship and can also check out the original steam boiler, steam engines, and model Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) on the bottom decks.
The S.S. Sicamous is open to the public from May Long Weekend to Labour Day.
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is an interactive centre located in Osoyoos B.C. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits for visitors to explore and learn about the rich living culture of the Okanagan People. In the fall and winter months visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour and explore the living culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the expansive outdoor displays and walking trails while learning about the sage and antelope brush in the natural desert environment.
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
South Thompson
Historic Hat Creek Ranch
The Historic Hat Creek Ranch Provincial Site is operated by the St’uxwtews Pesuten Heritage Society in collaboration with the Bonaparte First Nation and is located in Cache Creek B.C. The cultural site offers visitors a chance to look at the traditional culture of the St’uxwtews Pesuten people and their shared history with the early settlers of the land. Visitors can take time to explore the Indigenous interpretation site that features traditional shelters, hunting and fishing gear, and even a unique 'Kekuli' pit house. After that, explore the preserved historical buildings that tell the story of the gold rush era. Visitors can also book accommodation on the property, with opportunities to stay in campsites, cabins, or even a covered wagon for an authentically historical experience.
The Historic Hat Creek Ranch Provincial Site is open from May 1st to September 30th.
Boundary Country
Greenwood Museum & Visitor Centre
The Greenwood Museum & Visitor Centre hosts a collection of historical artifacts and regularly changing exhibits that explore the history of Greenwood’s mining boom era and the history of Japanese Internment in the area. Exhibits include recreated rooms from historical buildings like the Windsor Hotel and the Deadwood Bar. The passionate staff at the Greenwood Museum bring the history of the exhibits alive with personal stories and vast knowledge of the events that shaped the area. Visitors are highly encouraged to also book a guided tour of the Supreme Courthouse and jail cells, who knows who or what you might encounter in the cells that held the outlaws of yesterday!
The Greenwood Museum & Visitor Centre is open from:
May 1st to Jun 30th — 10 am to 4 pm.
July 1st to Aug 31st — 9 am to 5 pm.
Sep 1st to Oct 31st — 10 am to 4 pm.
Nov 1st to Apr 30th — By appointment only; contact Doreen at (250) 445-6685
Book a reservation for the Courthouse & Jail Historic Tour: (250) 445-6355
Kettle River Museum
The Kettle River Museum is located in the Village of Midway and invites visitors to experience the steam railway era of Southern British Columbia. There is a restored Canadian Pacific Railway caboose that visitors can explore and the museum buildings and visitor houses showcase several artifacts. In the main museum, visitors can learn from interactive exhibits that feature the history of mining, forestry, and agricultural heritage.
If you are planning on visiting Midway to enjoy the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, consider booking one of the bunkhouses as the museum is located right on the rail trail.
The Midway Museum has seasonal opening hours, please check https://kettlerivermuseum.org/about-us/ for information before planning your visit.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Explore the Mountain Resorts in the Thompson Okanagan
The Thompson Okanagan is an incredible winter destination where adventure seekers, soft adventurers, and families can find fun in the snow at the different mountain resorts within the region.
The Thompson Okanagan is an incredible winter destination where adventure seekers, soft adventurers, and families can find fun in the snow at the different mountain resorts within the region. While snowboarding and skiing are popular amongst visitors and locals alike, you can enjoy snowshoeing, tubing, skating, fat biking, cross-country skiing, and more. After a day of fun, the mountain resorts also offer delicious food and beverages, cultural activities, festivals, and events to fill your visit with non-stop mountain fun.
Get to know the Mountain Resorts
Apex Mountain Resort
Apex Mountain is 36 kilometers from Penticton and 389 kilometers from Vancouver. Apex is a must for snowboarding and skiing. The mountain is the only one in the region that faces the Northeast, which results in dry champagne powder. The resort offers routes for all levels, from the newest beginners to the seasoned pros. If you are ready to switch it up from skiing and snowboarding, the resort also has skating through the forest, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. Apex is also well known for the après-ski experience, with the Gunbarrel Saloon hosting events, open mics, and karaoke.
Baldy Mountain is 37 kilometers from Oliver and 443 kilometers from Vancouver. Baldy is British Columbia’s third-highest-elevation ski resort. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Nk’mip Desert and the inland rainforest of the West Kootenays while skiing and snowboarding the slopes or while adventuring into their dedicated 240 acres of glade tree skiing. Visitors can enjoy fun off the slopes and try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, and disc golf.
Big White is 59 kilometers from Kelowna and 448 kilometers from Vancouver. Big White has the second-largest lift system in British Columbia that keeps adventurers skiing and snowboarding down 119 designated trails. Big White caters to all levels and is ranked 10th on The Times UK’s list of “best ski resorts for beginners.” After traversing the runs, visitors can enjoy Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and skating at Happy Valley.
Harper Mountain is 27 kilometers from Kamloops and 380 kilometers from Vancouver. Harper Mountain is celebrating 50 years of skiing and snowboarding the champagne powder of their 16 runs and 400 acres of terrain. Along with skiing and snowboarding, visitors can snowshoe on the 16 kilometers of dog-friendly trails, ski on their 3-kilometer Nordic loop, and take the family tubing.
Manning Park is 178 kilometers from Penticton and 218 kilometers from Vancouver. Manning Park is a laid-back resort in the Cascade mountains that offers adventurers 140 acres of skiable terrain, 64 kilometers of Nordic terrain, and 300 kilometers of snowshoe trails. Families can also enjoy tubing and ice skating.
Phoenix Ski Hill is 490 km from Vancouver and 177 km from Kelowna, located between Grand Forks and Greenwood, 8km off Highway 3. Phoenix Ski Hill is known as the best little mountain in BC, offering family-friendly skiing and snowboarding.
Silver Star is 24 kilometers from Vernon and 464 kilometers from Vancouver. The resort has 3,282 acres of skiable terrain over four distinct mountain faces for any snow enthusiast to enjoy a day full of downhill fun. Silver Star has the most extensive cross-country trail network in North America with 105 kilometers of trails. The adventures don’t stop there; visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, fat biking, ice skating, and mini snowmobiles.
Sun Peaks is 58 kilometers from Kamloops and 411 kilometers from Vancouver. The resort is Canada’s 2nd largest ski area. Skiers and snowboarders can soak up the beauty of the Thompson Okanagan shining under the sun while enjoying their mountain adventure (Sun Peaks gets 2000 annual hours of sunshine!) Sun Peaks has three skiable peaks with 139 runs for adventurers to tackle. After that, visitors can enjoy the alpine village and soft adventure offerings like yoga, axe throwing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
There is no denying that the Thompson Okanagan hosts incredible opportunities for any traveller looking for a snow-filled adventure. Many of the resorts listed offer visitors to the region adventures all year round. Regardless of the resort you choose to visit, they are all accessible with a short trip from the nearest community or one of the regional airports like Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Kamloops Airport (YKA), or Penticton Airport (YYF). #KnowBeforeYouGo and be aware that between October 1 and April 30, many BC highways require winter tires.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
South Okanagan Cafe Stops
Each one of these cafes has its own unique atmosphere and regardless of where you decide to stop one thing will be sure - you will enjoy fresh delicious food and drinks while enjoying the sites down to South Okanagan.
There are so many cafes to explore while travelling from West Kelowna down to Penticton. Each one of these cafes has its own unique atmosphere and regardless of where you decide to stop one thing will be sure - you will enjoy fresh delicious food and drinks while enjoying the sites down to South Okanagan.
Kekuli Cafe
Kekuli Cafe is your number-one stop for fresh bannock to enjoy alongside your coffee or tea in West Kelowna. Bannock is a historically significant bread in Indigenous Culture, made from flour, water, salt, and baking powder.
At Kekuli Cafe they are serving up bannock in several different styles as bannockwiches, frybread tacos, or dessert-style that pair perfectly with the Spirit Bear Organic, fair-trade coffee they serve.
Coop-A-Cino Coffee
Coop-A-Cino Coffee is located in West Kelowna and offers a down-to-earth experience while fueling up on a fresh local BC roasted coffee or tea. Try and bring your travel cup when you visit, Coop-A-Cino is dedicated to reducing waste and is happy to provide visitors with a delicious drink in their own mug.
The Beanery Cafe
“Wake up & be freaking awesome” at The Beanery Cafe, located in the heart of Summerland. The Beanery serves hot and cold drinks brewed with beans by local roaster Lone Tree Coffee. This zen shop is welcoming of all, whether you are vegan, paleo, gluten-free or otherwise, there is something on the menu for you at The Beanery.
Sunflower Ukrainian Cafe
Sunflower Ukrainian Cafe is located in Summerland and serves up traditional European treats, Ukrainian pastries, and classic desserts to enjoy with coffee in this charming cafe.
Still Food Bistro
Still Food Bistro is a plant-based bistro and coffee shop located in Penticton. Visitors can enjoy an artfully crafted coffee alongside a vegan meal while enjoying the patio on Front Street. Ingredients are sourced locally, ensuring that you can enjoy a sustainable and delicious vegan experience.
Wayne & Freda
Wayne & Freda is located in Penticton and is named after the owner’s grandparents. The charming and cool space hosts a 20 ft long coffee bar, a lifetime loan from the Summerland Museum, and a wrap-around patio connected to the cafe and shop, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat while visiting downtown Penticton.
One14 Coffee Co.
One14 Coffee Co. is located inside the Cannery Trade Centre, a historic building in Midtown Penticton. One14 serves local and fresh baked artisanal baked goods, which can be enjoyed with a delicious cup of coffee, with beans sourced by Kelowna Local, Dan Connelly.
One14 is also a proud friend of the environment, teaming up to compost with Tin Whistle Brewing and Grist Bakery and offering a recyclable and compostable take-out cup.
Socialē on Lakeshore
Socialē on Lakeshore overlooks Okanagan Lake and invites visitors to gather over tapas, wine, or an afternoon coffee. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the views of the lake while soaking up the sun.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Harvest Experiences in the Thompson Okanagan
Fall is just around the corner and as the days get shorter and the leaves start to change, many in the Thompson Okanagan are serving up a taste of harvest this year.
Fall is just around the corner and as the days get shorter and the leaves start to change, many in the Thompson Okanagan are serving up a taste of harvest this year.
Check out some events, farms, and businesses that are serving autumn flavours, farm-fresh produce, and pumpkin spice goodies.
Photo by Destination BC/Tanya Goehring
Blackwell Dairy Farm
Blackwell Dairy is located in Kamloops, BC. Their fresh milk products can be found in specialty grocers around the region. Along with their “famous chocolate milk,” Blackwell Dairy offers seasonal flavoured eggnog, and this autumn you can enjoy their pumpkin spice eggnog.
McMillan Farms
McMillan Farms is located in Kelowna, BC, and their farm is the perfect place to celebrate the arrival of fall. With a stroll through their corn maze, their selection of pumpkins, corn, apples, and squash, and a ride through the farm on the back of a tractor, you will be in the fall mood in no time. Along with their homemade pies, breads, and soups, try their fresh, locally sourced apple juice, made with love and apples grown right in Kelowna.
Photo by Jordan McGrath/Tourism Vernon
Photo by Jordan McGrath/Tourism Vernon
Davison Orchards
August to October is prime time for apple harvests, with 15 different types of apples available, Davison Orchards is your stop for fresh produce. Every Wednesday to Sunday in September, visitors can enjoy u-pick apples at Davison Orchards, where they can take an orchard tour, learn from a farmer, and pick their apples right from the tree. Davison Orchards also makes fresh pressed apple juice with the apples from their farm, utilizing five different apple types in each batch, offering a taste of what Vernon has to offer.
Farming Karma Fruit Co.
Farming Karma Fruit Co. is a family-run agri-tourism facility located in Kelowna, BC. There are lots of places to buy Karma Sodas in stores across Western Canada, but going to their tasting room in Kelowna and trying their wide array of fruit flavours is truly a farm-to-table experience. Be sure to try their flagship product - the Farming Karma Apple Soda made with a single Kelowna-grown apple per can and perfect for a warm fall day.
Photo by Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Summerland Heritage Cider Co.
Head down to Summerland, BC, for a taste of locally grown and produced cider at Summerland Heritage Cider Co. Heritage Cider uses European heritage apple varieties to make the cider that they serve to visitors today, all grown on the very property that their tasting venue - the Cider Barn - is located. Stop by for a tasting flight or a glass while enjoying the view of Trout Creek from their patio.
Summerland Fall Fair
The Summerland Fall Fair is happening September 13 & 14, 2024. On Friday September 13th, the Summerland Community Centre is hosting a Kickoff Evening with a night of dancing, live music, and local food and beverages. The Fall Fair is an annual free event that celebrates and supports the local agriculture community in Summerland. Visitors can enjoy locally sourced goodies from food vendors and stands and check out the local exhibition entries.
Photo by Summerland Chamber of Commerce
Okanagan Feast of Fields
The 14th annual Okanagan Feast of Fields will be held at Niche Wine Co. in West Kelowna on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Feast of Fields is a gourmet harvest festival that features locally produced goods from the Okanagan’s top chefs, bakers, food artisans, vintners, brewers, distillers and other beverage producers. Proceeds raised from Feast of Fields go towards strengthening BC’s sustainable food systems.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Go Chasing Waterfalls in the Thompson Okanagan
Now that the weather is warming up, it is the perfect time to strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails while searching for one of the most magnificent natural wonders available - the waterfall.
There are beautiful hikes scattered throughout the Thompson Okanagan that take you to new heights, showcase the region's beauty, and connect you with nature. Now that the weather is warming up, it is the perfect time to strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails while searching for one of the most magnificent natural wonders available - the waterfall.
1. Hardy Falls
Courtesy of Nadia Guest
Hardy Falls Provincial Park awaits you just south of Peachland after a quick turn off Highway 97 onto Hardy Road. The trailhead is seconds away from the parking lot as you descend onto the trail that takes you over bridges and past Peachland Creek. The hike is short and sweet, a perfect activity for all levels, and stroller and wheelchair friendly. During the fall, the bridges offer a great vantage point to check out the spawning salmon. But the real view payoff comes at the end of the trail once you reach Hardy Falls. The viewing platform has visitor information about the surrounding area and the wildlife within the creek. Hardy Falls can be accessed in less than a km from the parking lot making it the most beginner-friendly opportunity to see a waterfall on this list.
2. Fintry Falls
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Nic Collar Film
Located in West Kelowna, Fintry Falls can be found in Fintry Provincial Park. Although the hike to Fintry Falls is another short hike, access to the waterfall is made up entirely of stairs, making this an easier but not an accessible hike. After traversing the ~400 stairs visitors can take in the beauty of Fintry Falls from two observation points. This area is also excellent for bird watching and connects to Fintry Park where visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. Fintry Falls is a great option for families as the well maintained stairs provide a direct and safe path and view of the falls.
3. Mill Creek Regional Park
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Matt Ferguson Photography
Mill Creek Regional Park is located east of the Kelowna Airport in the Ellison area. This is an out and back trail that is relatively flat and well maintained that follows Mill Creek to the falls. This is a family and pet friendly hike that is surrounded by trees and the yellow blooms of the Arrowleaf Balsamroot in the early spring. The real treat comes at the end of the hike, where the rushing water from the creek cascades over the rocks, a perfect serene spot for a snack and stretch break.
4. Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Provincial Park is home to 41 named waterfalls, the perfect destination for any explorer looking to experience the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Wells Gray Park is located in the Thompson Nicola region and the main waterfalls are accessed from Clearwater, BC. Although the park is full of activities from slow adventures like walking through the wildflower meadows, or more extreme adventures like whitewater rafting, we suggest a hike around the park to discover the iconic waterfalls of Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Spahats Falls by Holly Louwerse Photography
Spahats Falls plunges through a keyhole in the rock face 80 metres into the Clearwater River.
Dawson Falls by Earth In Bloom Photography
Dawson Falls is a horseshoe-shaped, 90-meter-wide, curtain waterfall that flows over a 200,000-year-old layer of lava that sits on a gravel bed.
Silvertip Falls by Holly Louwerse Photography
Silvertip Falls is hidden under Trophy Mountain and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Wells Gray Park.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
2SLGBTQI+ Kelowna Travel Guide
There are several places to stay, play, and experience the Thompson Okanagan. Try out the following itinerary of inclusive spots when you plan your next visit to Kelowna.
There are several places to stay, play, and experience the Thompson Okanagan. Try out the following itinerary of inclusive spots when you plan your next visit to Kelowna.
Stay
When you arrive in Kelowna, you are going to want somewhere central to stay, so the first stop on your trip is Hotel Zed.
Hotel Zed is located right in the heart of downtown Kelowna. The fun and quirky multi-coloured exterior (you will spot it the moment you turn down Abbot St.) continues on and into the rooms. Each room has a similar neon colour story as the exterior and a rotary dial phone in each room. With your (probably) more technologically advanced phone, you can fill your social feeds with fun photos posing all around Hotel Zed and using its many amenities. There is a seasonal outdoor pool and rooftop patio, ping pong tables, and free tandem bike and roller skate rentals which you can use to check out the rest of the inclusive businesses located around downtown Kelowna. As a bonus, Hotel Zed has pet-friendly rooms so your favourite furry family member doesn’t have to miss out on your trip to the Thompson Okanagan. Hotel Zed is also a prime location for the rest of your visit, minutes away from the lake, close to all the happenings in downtown Kelowna, a short ride to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, and a short drive to Okanagan wineries.
Explore
Once you are settled at your accommodation you are going to want a way to get around and see all the beauty that Kelowna has to offer. One of the best ways to get around while taking in the sites is on a bike. E-bikes are a great option with the added benefit of going further and faster than a traditional bike. As a bonus, they are environmentally friendly, which will benefit the region in the long run. When you are looking to rent an e-bike or a gravel bike to try out some rougher terrain, Velo Volt has you covered.
Velo Volt is a seasonal bike rental service that will deliver e-bikes or gravel bikes right to your door (Free delivery is available in Kelowna. Flat rate delivery fees are available in West Kelowna and Lake Country). Velo Volt offers both hourly and multi-day rentals, so you can enjoy one of their suggested self-guided tours around Kelowna that will take you to local artisan favourites (can anyone say wine paired with goat cheese?) or to one of the beautiful beaches around Lake Okanagan.
Food & Beverage
There is plenty to do in Kelowna during your visit, but enjoying the food and beverage options while you are here is a must. The first stop on the list is Friends of Dorothy Lounge.
Friends of Dorothy Lounge is on the corner of Water Street and Lawrence Avenue in downtown Kelowna, and it is the first 2SLGBT2QI+ Lounge in the Thompson Okanagan. The name is a nod to the past and the ongoing resilience of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Along with a rich history, FOD Lounge is home to cocktails, delicious food, and drag shows! Seriously, what more can you ask for? The Lounge hosts drag brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and visitors can expect a fun start to the weekend in the Thompson Okanagan with talented performers.
Once you have satisfied your appetite for delicious artisan cocktails, brunch, and drag, you can head to Jackknife Brewing for chill vibes, cold beer, and delicious pizza.
Jackknife Brewing is in the North End of downtown Kelowna. Visitors can visit the bar counter inside to view the current beer list or relax on their outdoor patio with freshly made pizza. Jackknife also boasts an impressive live events calendar and a rotating menu for their pizza and beer. Jackknife operates under a code of conduct created by their owner that promises all visitors are coming to an inclusive and welcoming environment that uses gender-neutral language and signage, provides accessible and inclusive washroom facilities, and overall promotes a safe space for 2SLGBTQI+ guests.
After a weekend at the Okanagan wineries, relaxing on Lake Okanagan, or traversing the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, you will need a pick-me-up, so the next stop is Bright Jenny Coffee.
Bright Jenny is a local coffee roasting company and cafe and one of the earliest specialty coffee options in Kelowna; they started as a mobile coffee shop, serving drinks at Kelowna Farmers Market. They now serve up coffee alongside delicious bites for breakfast and snacks in their adorable and airy coffee shop. The cafe is an inclusive space for all, with those working at the shop standing up for human rights while continuously working and learning how to create a safe space for all visitors. Bright Jenny has two locations in Kelowna, one in the North End of downtown Kelowna and a new location on Kirschener Road.
Everyone deserves a safe, inclusive, and fun experience when travelling, and programs like Rainbow Registered and Travelling Out in the Thompson Okanagan (TOTO) have a growing list of 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive options for visitors to choose from. Kelowna is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada and a destination that welcomes all visitors.
About Rainbow Registered
Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+-friendly businesses and organizations. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted. Hotel Zed and Velo Volt are both Rainbow Registered businesses.
About Travelling Out in the Thompson Okanagan
Travelling Out in the Thompson Okanagan is a partnership between Visit Penticton, Tourism Kelowna, Tourism Vernon, Destination Osoyoos, and Tourism Kamloops that aims to promote the Thompson Okanagan as a welcoming and inclusive destination.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Wellness Travel in the Thompson Okanagan
While the Nordic circuit and the positive effects of the practice can be enjoyed year-round, the Thompson Okanagan winter creates the perfect picturesque landscape to enjoy these outdoor thermal spa experiences.
The chilly winter season in the Thompson Okanagan is the perfect time to explore the benefits and rituals of the warm (then cool) embrace of the Nordic circuit.
The Nordic circuit consists of enjoying the relaxing benefits of a warm sauna followed by plunging oneself into a cold or polar pool shortly after. This circuit has been practiced for generations and is reported to reduce inflammation, improve the immune system, and encourage better sleep. These physical benefits also come with several benefits to mental health.
While the Nordic circuit and the positive effects of the practice can be enjoyed year-round, the Thompson Okanagan winter creates the perfect picturesque landscape to enjoy these outdoor thermal spa experiences.
White Lake Cabins
Wood Burning Sauna at White Lake Cabins
White Lake Cabins is located in Sorrento, BC, and features a fully outdoor Nordic spa experience that offers views of the property, horses, goats, and White Lake itself. White Lake Cabins also offers the perfect retreat, in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it the perfect backdrop for corporate retreats, weddings, or family bonding. Grab your bathing suit and enjoy a quiet plunge at White Lake Cabins, and if you’re brave enough in the winter, experience the Nordic Circuit in White Lake itself!
Löyly Floating Sauna
Löyly Floating Sauna at the Downtown Kelowna Marina
Löyly Floating Sauna is Kelowna’s newest addition to the Nordic spa scene. Located and floating peacefully in Kelowna’s Downtown Marina, Löyly features a cedar spa and a plunge pool that utilizes the most natural cold plunge in the region - Okanagan Lake. The floating sauna is available for group bookings or community sessions. Take in the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains while working towards your wellness goals this winter.
Graystar Farms Nordic Spa
Wood Burning Sauna at Graystar Wellness Farm
Graystar Wellness Farm offers an outdoor Nordic Spa experience for their guests featuring a wood-fired hot tub, cold plunge area, and fire pit. This outdoor experience showcases stunning mountain, forest, and lake views. Take an unforgettable winter wellness road trip down to the Southern Okanagan.
Tin Poppy Forest Spa
Wood Burning Sauna at Tin Poppy Retreat
One way to spend winter in the Shuswap is to go off-grid and enjoy accommodation and forest wellness at Tin Poppy Retreat. This solar-powered nature retreat is nestled in Larch Hills and along with their peaceful cabin stays in the woods of the Thompson Okanagan, guests of Tin Poppy Retreat can enjoy and rejuvenate themselves by practicing the Nordic circuit in their woodfired saunas.
Spend a weekend away while enjoying the revitalizing benefits of sauna culture at Tin Poppy Retreat.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Celebrating the Wonders of Winter
Winter's arrival transforms the Thompson Okanagan into a snow-capped wonderland, where families and friends can enjoy adventures, food, and beverages.
Sun Peaks Resort by Destination BC/Ryan Creary
Visitors see some of the best views in the Thompson Okanagan while celebrating one of the “coolest” seasons the region offers - winter. Winter blankets the region in frost-covered trails and snow-capped mountains while unlocking a variety of things to do while you stay a while in the Thompson Okanagan.
Fat Bike along the Snowy Trails
The snow-covered trails invite you to try a different type of biking: fat biking. Using a bike with oversized tires will allow you to bike through the snowiest conditions, so you don't have to hang up your helmet just yet! Check out the winter trails and let your fat bike take you around the beautiful Thompson Okanagan.
Fat Biking through a tunnel in Myra Canyon, Kelowna by Thompson Okanagan/Matthew Clark
Ice Fishing
Wintertime in the Thompson Okanagan doesn’t mean the end of fishing season for the dedicated angler. With warm socks, mittens, toques, and a bit of patience, you can catch a fish even during the coldest season of the year. Spend the day with Elevated Fishing Adventures and experience a fully guided fishing tour at Sun Peaks.
Mountain Resorts
There are seven mountain resorts for you to enjoy during your stay in the Thompson Okanagan. Each mountain offers a different view and landscape for you to traverse, regardless of whether you choose to snowboard or ski. Maybe you want to slow it down a bit during your stay? The mountain resorts in the region offer more than just snowboarding and skiing. Enjoy family fun activities like tubing, skating, and snowshoeing.
Snowboarding at Apex Mountain Resort by Destination BC/Ben Giesbrecht
Local Flavours for Après-ski (or Anytime this Winter)
Traditionally, après-ski or after skiing involves celebrating a successful day of skiing with a glass of champagne while enjoying great food and even better company at the ski lodge. However, the Thompson Okanagan offers a wide variety of local flavours for you to enjoy after any winter activity.
Farm-to-Table
Farms, orchards, and other local growers may have long finished their growing season while you are celebrating winter in the Thompson Okanagan. However, there is no shortage of local restaurants offering dishes made with regional produce.
Wineries
Although the vines have long stopped growing and the trees have lost their leaves, many tasting rooms around the region are open during the winter. Regardless of which area you decide to visit, there are wine trails throughout the region with plenty of varietals for you to try and enjoy.
District Wine Village
The wonder of the Thompson Okanagan winter has made its way further south into Oliver this year with District Wine Village’s new synthetic ice rink. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of typical winter wonder skating on CAN-ICE, tasting delicious BC wines, or pair the two with skiing or snowboarding at Mount Baldy with their “Chill and Thrill” offer.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Local Winter Flavours
Winter in the Thompson Okanagan brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and amazing local food and beverage festivals, events, and markets.
Post-ski meal at Sun Peaks Resort by Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
With its snow-capped mountain landscapes and cozy valley vibes the Thompson Okanagan invites you to enjoy the season and the local flavours of the region. Winter brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and amazing local food and beverage festivals, events, and markets.
The region is home to the second-largest wine-producing area in Canada. Following the fall harvest, the wineries, cideries, breweries, and local food producers are ready for you to taste their incredible offerings.
Festivals, events, and markets are a great way to experience several different food and beverage options at once, and there is a variety to attend this winter season.
Food
Apex Mountain Resort, Hoodoo Adventure Company, Maple Leaf Spirits, and Lake Breeze Winery are pairing up to create the ultimate winter adventure and dining experience. After a two-hour guided snowshoe along the beautiful snowy trails at Apex, snuggle up and enjoy a delicious farmstead-to-table dinner while sipping beverages by the fire. This event is happening on January 24, 2024.
Dine Around the Thompson Okanagan features BC VQA wines, BC Beer and Spirits, and delicious food from restaurants in and around Kelowna. This 17-day event offers three-course dining menus from over 50 local restaurants at price points starting at $25-$65 per person. With so many options, there is something for everyone! Dine Around the Thompson Okanagan is happening from January 17 to February 2, 2024.
The Vernon Winter Carnival has been an annual celebration of the season since 1961, with the historical event estimated to have started in the late 1800s. The carnival combines winter activities with delicious food and beverages. With 10 days of entertainment, art, and food and beverage events the Vernon Winter Carnival is an amazing way to celebrate the wonders of winter while enjoying the region’s local flavours. The events start on February 2, 2024.
Beverages
WINTER SIPS - South is happening on January 20, 2024, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. This event kicks off the Okanagan Winter Wine Festival and features BC VQA wine tasting from regional producers, small bites, and live entertainment. The following weekend, head up to Kelowna’s food and music hub - The Revelry, for WINTER SIPS - North, on January 27, 2024. There is no better way to spend a cool Thompson Okanagan afternoon than sipping on BC wines paired with entertainment and great food.
The Okanagan Winter Wine Festival continues down further south at District Wine Village with Winterfest at the District. On January 20 and 21 head to Oliver with your TASTE Passport, to explore the district and enjoy and explore BC wines from the southern part of the region.
If you’re looking to pair up your tasting experience this season with a bit of adventure, look no further than Apex Mountain Resort in Penticton. There is a wine-tasting adventure and a brewery adventure both happening this winter up at The Gunbarrel Saloon. On February 3 join in some après-ski wine tasting with paired appetizers from The Gunbarrel Saloon during the Vertical & Vintages event. If your after-adventure beverage choice is a local craft beer, join them on March 2 for Brewski, featuring samples from over 20 breweries.
Farmers Markets
One of the best ways to celebrate and enjoy the flavours of the region is by supporting local and attending farmers’ markets. The Thompson Okanagan has several farmers’ markets that feature produce, baking, and other local goods. Some of these markets offer an indoor, winter version, so you can enjoy the local flavours of the Thompson Okanagan even in the winter.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.