Top Things to do in Okanagan Valley
Top Hotels in Okanagan Valley
- 1. Quality Inn & Suites
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Kelowna Airport
- 3. Coast Capri Hotel
- 4. Riviera Plaza & Conference Centre, Vernon
- 5. Best Western Plus Osoyoos Hotel & Suites
- 6. Walnut Beach Resort
- 7. Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites
- 8. Comfort Suites Kelowna
- 9. Kanata Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre
- 10. Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel
Countries
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley, in the interior of British Columbia, is a popular Canadian vacation destination known for skiing in the winter and watersports in the summer. The area's quaint towns and lush vineyards are connected by a network of clear blue lakes and rivers and surrounded by rolling, sun-dappled hills. Head to Kelowna for one of several wine festivals or to Penticton for the sugary summer Peach Festival. To the south is Osoyoos, home to an arid desert filled with rare plants and animals.
Restaurants in Okanagan Valley
1. Osoyoos Desert Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
The Osoyoos Desert Centre is a 67 acre nature interpretive facility where visitors can learn about desert ecology, habitat restoration and conservation of endangered ecosystems in the South Okanagan. Guests are invited to explore Canada’s desert by taking a guided or self-guided tour along a 1.5 km elevated wooden boardwalk. In addition, the Centre features an interpretive facility with hands-on exhibits and a native plant demonstration garden. Visitors can also browse through our Gift Shop, enjoy a snack in the outdoor picnic area, or relax at one of the kiosks and take in the spectacular views.
Reviewed By okforyou
IF you want to truly see and understand the dramatic natural landscape of this area, a visit to this Desert Centre is a must. Well explained through the self-guided material and storyboards set out throughout the boardwalk, it provides an enjoyable and enlightening afternoon.
2. Osoyoos Lake Oxbows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
3. Naramata Falls
4. Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Perched atop the grasslands 5 min. south of Vernon the Allan Brooks Nature Centre is a top attraction and a great place to satisfy your natural curiosity and reconnect with the joys and excitement of the natural world. Here you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the surrounding landscape including Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan Lakes and four distinct ecosystems of the region. If you're looking for information on parks and recreation amenities of the region, including biodiversity hotspots and the very best bird watching locations, you'll find plenty of it here at the nature centre.
Reviewed By 349newt - Vernon, Canada
My wife and I decided to take part in the Allan Brooks Raptor exhibit. This was an amazing opportunity to get up close to birds of prey. During our visit we got to hold an owl and a hawk (though they have more birds). And yes, they provide protective gloves to wear so you don't get hurt when holding the birds. They have an outside area where all of this takes place and it does have seats. During this time they also provide some interesting insight into each bird and their hunting strategies. Now, keep in mind that these birds are always looking to hunt for food, so sometimes during a show they may unexpectedly fly away and into the nearby tall grass and return with a small rodent. This did not happen during our visit but they do make you aware that it's a possibility. During the show you can put on a glove, and while holding a piece of raw meat, one of the birds will fly to you and land on your outstretched arm too eat it. We found this to be an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with the Raptors. If you do decide to go the raptor show then make sure you get there early to register, as this seems to be very important. If you've always wanted to hold a large bird of prey, do not miss this opportunity. We really enjoy it.
5. Glen Canyon Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By yvonneb57 - Penticton, Canada
My sister and I visited Glen Canyon Regional Park to search for several geocaches. Before we entered the park, we read the informational sign and learned that in the area we were in, there were three scenic, well-marked trails to choose from. Dogs are allowed on leash. Our quest took us on the Doe Trail. We enjoyed walking this peaceful trail and soon arrived at our destination. Since bears may be active in this area, we were ready with our bear spray that we always carry with us.
6. Okanagan Koi and Water Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Carolijime - Vancouver, Canada
AMAZING experience!!! love it sooo much, just pay a donation and bring 25 cents coins to get food for the fish!! you can feed them and it is great!!!
7. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Learn about B.C. freshwater fish, recreational fishing and hatchery operations at our self-guided visitor centre. Guided tours can be organized during the spring and summer - please contact us for more information. Free rod and tackle loan is available from this location. Visitor Hours April - August: Monday to Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. September - October: Tuesday - Thursday 10:00am - 2:00pm. November - March: Guided tours by appointment only.
8. Forest Hill Drive Wilderness Park
9. Skaha Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. White Lake Grasslands Protected Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
