What to do and see in Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

December 23, 2021 Timmy Ribble

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. Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

17403 Hwy 97, Summerland, British Columbia V0H 1Z6 Canada +1 250-494-0451 [email protected] http://www.sumacridge.com
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 398 reviews

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery was the first operating estate winery in British Columbia. We have been dedicated to producing wine from 100% BC grown grapes since our inception. We are the home to three unique brands in one iconic location, Sumac Ridge Private Reserve, Steller's Jay traditional method sparkling wines are wonderfully vivacious, perfect for any occasion. The bold wines of the Black Sage Vineyard speak to the terroir, telling the story of the right vines planted in the right place at the right time. Visit the winery for a tasting, food and wine pairing experience or picnic. We are open year round for tastings and our experiences run from May to October.

Reviewed By Kirsten_JL11

I loved our wine tasting with John C! It was well done-despite covid- and I wanted to package him up and bring him home to my mom! Loved the wine and will continue to purchase their wines.

2. Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad

11611 115th St, Osoyoos, British Columbia V0H 1V5 Canada +1 250-495-6842 [email protected] http://www.osoyoosrailroad.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 637 reviews

Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad

OPEN YEAR ROUND Monday to Saturday. A world Class Miniature Wonderland Experience. 4000 sq ft. of family fun with up to 45 computer controlled trains traveling on 2 km (1 1/4 miles) of tracks weaving through mountains and towns. Discover the 20000 + hand-painted little people and animals in scale 1:87 (HO) placed in humorous and funny situations and scenes. You'll be impressed with the devotion to details and the charm and humor of the presentation. Watch with delight, the unique operational car system running through towns, stopping for gas and traffic lights. So much more than just Trains. When driving from downtown Osoyoos, take Hwy 3 towards Vancouver (about 3 km.) Turn left at the SECOND entrance into the Buena Vista Industrial Park onto 115th Street. Look for the yellow warehouse with the big signs out front.

Reviewed By myersb2017

What a great place for all ages as this is an amazing creation that you need many visits to take it all in as there is so much detail

3. Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

5204 24 St, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 8X2 Canada +1 250-549-3120 [email protected] https://www.okanaganspirits.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 169 reviews

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

Okanagan Spirits is Western Canada's oldest craft distillery spanning over a decade in the production of award-winning B.C. spirits. Internationally acclaimed as North America's only designated World Class Distillery (World Spirits Awards), our portfolio includes a range of spirits from Vodka, Whisky and Gin, to Liqueurs and Brandies (Eau de Vie) as well as Canada's first genuine Absinthe.

Reviewed By kenmF4070LC

We visited the distillery in Vernon and the owner gave us a private tour and history. The space, itself, is beautiful--a combination of a retro-steampunk and pioneer vibe due in no small part to the gorgeous brass, steel and copper stills and tanks. The owner gave us an overview of the history of fruit and grain production in the Okanagan and explained how virtually all of the ingredients for the myriad spirits produced by them are locally grown. After the 30-minute tour, we tasted several of their products at the bar: award-winning Scotch-style whisky, Bourbon-style (we really liked the BLK BRBN!), Vodkas, Gins, and Liqueurs. All were well-made, smooth, and delicious spirits. The Raspberry Liqueur was out of this world. We took home several bottles and some very low-priced gift sets that will make excellent Christmas gifts. They even gave us bottles of their own hand sanitizer, produced and donated to front-line workers and the general public during the Covid-19 crisis. Unlike many of wineries that are actually owned by global conglomerates, this is a truly local operation and a world class one at that. Of the many winery and distillery tours we have taken all over the world, this one rates very highly, indeed!

4. River Stone Estate Winery

143 Buchanan Dr, Oliver, British Columbia V0H 1T2 Canada +1 250-498-0043 [email protected] http://www.riverstoneestatewinery.ca
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 95 reviews

River Stone Estate Winery

Our winery is evidence of what one man with vision, determination, and a little luck can accomplish. Proprietor and winemaker, Ted Kane, developed a passion for winemaking at a young age. Many Alberta winters were spent learning and planning how to accomplish his ultimate goal; owning and operating a winery in Canada's premiere wine producing area, Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. 10 years after acquiring it, this perfect piece of raw land has been transformed into a 7 acre vineyard producing several varieties of high quality fruit, a fully functioning winery with a boutique tasting room and, most importantly, our family home. We specialize in the Bordeaux varietals, but also have a selection of white wines and a unique, full bodied Malbec Rose.

Reviewed By H7461OVpaulb - Saskatoon, Canada

Julie was a fantastic host, the best experience we had in the Okanagan. The only winery where we loved all the wines for tasting that day. Joined their wine club and were thrilled to come home to our cases of wine to share with friends and family.

5. The Book Shop

242 Main St, Penticton, British Columbia V2A 5B2 Canada +1 250-492-6661 http://www.bookspenticton.com
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 301 reviews

The Book Shop

Reviewed By SalsaMom

An absolute MUST go for Book Lovers of all ages. Easily spent over an hour in here and would’ve spent many more had it not been for impatient kids. Loved all the unique and quirky corners and surprise finds. Left will nearly a dozen books (only because I couldn’t carry anymore)... I’ll be back.

6. Peachland Visitor Centre

5684 Beach Ave, Peachland, British Columbia V0H 1X6 Canada +1 250-767-2455 [email protected] http://visitpeachland.com/
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Peachland Visitor Centre

Peachland is a picturesque community located in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, a part of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region. Situated across from popular Swim Bay, the Peachland Visitor Centre and Legends of the Lake Interpretive Centre provide visitors with friendly and knowledgeable information about local events, attractions, restaurants and accommodations. Come in and say hi! The Peachland Visitor Centre builds and nurtures connections between people, nature and the community by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about Peachland’s Past, and information and guidance to provide a positive travel experience.

Reviewed By juliaandtoby - Unna, Germany

We stopped by the visitor center on our RV stay in Peachland and were so delighted by the overwhelming kindness of Susan. She gave us a lot of information about little Peachland, the bats in the attic and helped us with planning our further travel itinerary towards Hope, so we could take a much more scenic route than initially planned. Seldom have we experienced such a warm and passionate service! Definitely need to go there again, if we happen to be in Okanagan valley again one day. The little art gallery in the rear of the building is also worth a visit!

7. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

1730 Mission Hill Rd Westbank, West Kelowna, British Columbia V4T 2E4 Canada +1 250-768-6400 [email protected] http://www.missionhillwinery.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,164 reviews

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

Located in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Family Estate is world renowned for its award winning wines, stunning setting and architecture, and Terrace Restaurant. Majestic mountains, a scenic lake and lush orchards encase the winery's dramatic architecture and combine to create a setting that celebrates wine, food and the arts. With organic viticultural practices that ensure care for the environment, and a timelessness that respects the family's European heritage, the winery is a refuge from the hurried pace of daily life. Visitors can Sample fine wines, marvel at the vista and reflect on a process that's almost as old as time itself.

Reviewed By blondechronicles - Canada, null

What an amazingly beautiful winery. The views are breathtaking, the wine is fantastic and the architecture is second to none! Holly did our tour and she was incredibly helpful and welcoming. I can’t wait to visit again! Highly recommend the Lasting Legacy tour ????

8. Quails' Gate Winery

3303 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, British Columbia V1Z 2H3 Canada +1 250-769-4451 [email protected] http://www.quailsgate.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,101 reviews

Quails' Gate Winery

As one of Canada’s foremost family-owned estate wineries, Quails’ Gate has shaped the development of the wine industry for more than six decades. We believe great wines begin in the vineyards. Through our passion for grapegrowing and our dedication to excellence, we have cultivated a reputation for delivering exceptional wines that pair perfectly anytime, anywhere. Wine, dine and stay! The Quails' Gate Estate includes a tasting room with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake. While you're here, why not take a tour of the property and learn how we produce our award-winning wines? Old Vines Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Canada, featuring locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine. With two lakefront homes available for your holiday getaway, immerse yourself in luxury - and the Quails' Gate experience.

Reviewed By EBRTPADCAYYZ - Toronto, Canada

The restaurant at Quail’s Gate is a lovely experience: quality food, wine flights/glass/bottle options from the accompanying winery, and a delightful picnic space between the vines and the lake to enjoy your bottle purchase.

9. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

537 Tinhorn Creek Rd, Oliver, British Columbia V0H 1T0 Canada +1 250-498-3743 [email protected] http://www.tinhorn.com/
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 304 reviews

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

Founded in 1993 and open year-round, Tinhorn Creek offers one of the valley’s best wine experiences. No matter what your level of wine knowledge, our friendly winery team enthusiastically welcomes you and makes the culture of wine a fun experience. Tasting Room, Gift Shop, award-winning Miradoro Restaurant, Tours & Tasting Experiences, Demonstration Vineyard, Amphitheatre - Concerts & Events, Golden Mile Hike, Picnic Area & Patio, and Wine Club. We source fruit from our own vineyards: 150 acres of prime land on two very distinct benches - the Black Sage Bench and the Golden Mile Bench. The unique characteristics of each bench create the terroir-driven wines that are classic illustrations of the place they are grown. Open year-round March-May: 10am – 6pm | May-September: 10am – 7pm | September-October: 10am – 6pm | Nov - Feb: 10am – 4pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Reviewed By candiced843 - Edmonton, Canada

My husband and I were greeted by BettyAnne then we had an amazing wine tasting with Janice, who was knowledgeable and insightful...Eade assisted us with our Club Membership and we will enjoy every bottle. Thank you for restoring our faith in The Golden Mile’s Customer Care after a very disappointing experience at Burrowing Owl. Our entire visit including the restaurant was superb — this winery is a must-do and their wines are excellent quality at reasonable prices!

10. Nk'Mip Cellars

1400 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, British Columbia V0H 1V0 Canada +1 250-495-2985 [email protected] http://www.nkmipcellars.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 308 reviews

Nk'Mip Cellars

At Nk’Mip Cellars, we are the dedicated guardians of a proud legacy. As the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, we are inspired to express our culture in everything we do. Our Winery itself is a bold celebration and strong reflection of our commitment to authenticity and deep respect for our colourful past. We extend an invitation to discover, not only the international award-wining wines we produce, but also the relentless spirit and remarkable history that inspire them.

Reviewed By 8Peter - West Vancouver, Canada

We fell in love with their Pinot Blanc - flinty, full bodied, clean and rich flavour - there are definitely grapes in the bottle. The other 4 wines were enjoyable too. Our tasting hostess was Karen - very charming, knowledgeable, one of the most "professional" tasting hostess in our over 100 winery visits worldwide. I feel the winery is more about making good wine than making money. I read about the Okanagan Indian Band Chief - Clarence Louie - it helped me understand the mission of the winery - superb but affordable wines. We lucked into speaking with Sam Baptiste, the General Manager of the Vineyards. He knows his grape stock in detail - the varietals, the clones, the suitable soils (Ok, terroir too!). His passion is incredible. The winery building is first class, the tasting room spacious and elegantly decorated, with huge native peoples content.

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