A woman sits on a large boulder at the top of a mountain looking down at the massive stretch of Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Valley, BC

Epic cycling adventures, endless patios with orchard views, and some of the best beaches in the province. The Okanagan is BC’s premier summer destination, and a little taste of Europe in central BC.

Okanagan Valley Guides From BC Locals

Selfie of blog authors Alia & Shawn

Hi! We're Alia & Shawn.

Based in Squamish, BC

The Okanagan Valley is our go-to summer escape. It’s a long drive from our home base in Squamish, but it’s a heck of a lot quicker than flying to Europe, so we make the trek every chance we get. We’ve spent weeks exploring every city, town, and vineyard we can find across the valley to put together the most comprehensive guides possible, to help you plan your perfect summer getaway.

Okanagan Valley Destinations

Best places to visit

A large sandy beach with several groups of people in camp chairs set up along the beach under the shade of a few sparse trees and a playground in the distance

12 Best Beaches In Kelowna (2026 BC Local Guide)

From family-friendly Boyce-Gyro to secluded Paul's Tomb, here's how to pick the right Kelowna beach for your day, plus which parks allow alcohol.

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A man stands on a hill of short and dry yellow grass looking out at Kalamaka Lake and a collection of suburban homes below

12 Best Things To Do In Vernon (2026 BC Local Guide)

From Kalamalka Lake's turquoise bays to the KVR trail and the Scenic Sip wineries, here's how to spend your time in Vernon, BC's self-proclaimed Trails Capital.

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Downtown Kelowna glows in the evening light with the iconic bridge crossing Okanagan Lake in the distance

14 Things To Do In Kelowna (2026 Guide)

14 things to do in Kelowna: Myra Canyon, the best beaches, wine and brewery tours, Knox Mountain hikes, and the Okanagan Rail Trail.

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A quaint white building with a few small tables set up in front of it with a sign that reads in pink letters ‘Frankie’s Beach Provisions’

Things to Do in Naramata (2026 BC Local Guide)

A local's guide to Naramata: wine and cider tastings on the Bench, the Little and Adra Tunnels, and where to eat in town.

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A woman riding an E-bike along the gravel KVR trail heading into a dark tunnel known as ‘Little Tunnel’ with the striking blue of Okanagan Lake far below the path to the left.

Things to Do in Penticton (2026 Destination Guide)

Penticton's top things to do: Skaha Beach, the KVR ride to Little Tunnel, Skaha Bluffs hike, Mount Munson, and BC's best farmers market.

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Okanagan Valley Itineraries

Curated travel itineraries

A man leaning on the wooden railing of a large wooden trestle that spans over a large canyon

3-Day Kelowna Itinerary (2026 BC Local Guide)

A full 3-day Kelowna itinerary covering the waterfront, Knox Mountain sunsets, beaches, Myra Canyon, the Okanagan Rail Trail, and wine country in Lake Country.

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A woman sits on a boulder at the top of a mountain next to a waving Canadian flag and high above Okanagan Lake that stretches and turns and disappears beyond mountains in the distance

Peachland Day Trip Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Planning a Peachland day trip? This itinerary covers Bliss Bakery, the farmers market, Swim Bay, Antler Bay, and the Pincushion hike, so you hit every highlight in one day.

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A man stands at the top of Giant’s Head Mountain with the sweeping landscape of farmlands, forested mountains, and Okanagan Lake beneath him

Summerland Day Trip Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Summerland (2026 Guide)

Planning a Summerland day trip? This itinerary covers The Beanery, the steam train, Dirty Laundry Winery, Sun Oka Beach, and Giant's Head, in the ideal order to hit it all.

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A multicoloured signpost points out in many different directions at several random destinations around the world with a large building in the background with a mural painted on the facade that reads ‘Small Town Big Mood Discover Naramata’

Naramata Day Trip Itinerary: Things To Do On The Naramata Bench

Plan a Naramata Bench day trip: wine and cider tasting, the Little and Adra Tunnels, and a waterfront dinner at Manitou Park.

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Two cyclists ride along a wide flat gravel path with rows of vineyards to the right and the deep blue of Okanagan Lake at the end of a steep hill to the left.

Penticton Weekend Itinerary: Everything to Do In Penticton (2026 Guide)

Plan the perfect Penticton weekend: Skaha Beach, the KVR bike ride to Little Tunnel, Naramata Bench wineries, Mount Munson sunset, and more.

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Okanagan Valley Accommodations

Best places to stay in Okanagan Valley

Tree leaves hanging down and a manicured lawn below frame the cityscape of Kelowna across the water of Lake Kelowna

Kelowna Accommodation Guide 2026 Guide (Best Places to Stay For Every Traveller)

Not sure where to stay in Kelowna? This guide breaks down the best areas, downtown, Pandosy, West Kelowna, Lake Country, plus budget and large group options.

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The small lakeside city of Penticton is framed by rolling orchards in the foreground, the large blue mass of Okanagan Lake to the side, and the tall lush mountains behind the city.

Penticton Accommodation Guide: Best Places To Stay in 2026

Not sure where to stay in Penticton? This guide breaks down the best areas, downtown, Skaha Lake, Naramata Bench, and budget options, so you can pick a base that fits your trip.

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Okanagan Valley Activity Guides

All the details on the best acivities Okanagan Valley

A blue cruiser bike stands held up by its kickstand at the edge of a turquoise lake

Biking Okanagan Rail Trail 2026 BC Local Guide (Lake Country to Vernon)

How to bike the Okanagan Rail Trail from Oyama to Vernon: e-bike rentals, best swim spots, and where to eat when you arrive.

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