Okanagan Attractions
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Thompson Okanagan, British Columbia.
The Thompson Okanagan is a popular destination year round. Its countless sights and attractions give visitors lots of fun options during every season.
CENTRAL OKANAGAN
Central Okanagan has a diverse landscape with plenty of things to do. Lake Country, the area between Kelowna and Vernon, is recognized for its orchards, vineyards and farmland. Visitors can find out about the area by visiting the Lake Country Museum.
Kelowna is the largest community in the Thompson Okanagan and interior British Columbia. Its prime location on Lake Okanagan and its mild climate make it a popular hotspot for vacationers. There are many things to see and do in the city. Along the lake's edge there are numerous parks for people to enjoy. Located in the city centre, Waterfront Park offers appealing city and lake views, and hosts numerous events during summer. To get a taste of four distinct ecosystems in one visit, tourists should stop by the Woodhaven Nature Conservancy. This 8.7-ha (21-acre) nature park contains trails that take visitors to see varied plant life.
The Okanagan Valley is praised for its wineries and vineyards. In the Kelowna area there are ample wineries to be discovered. With wine tasting and tours, an entire vacation can be planned solely around Central Okanagan's wine industry.
Located south of Kelowna along Highway 97 are the communities of Westbank, Peachland and Summerland, all three boasting long, summer days filled with bright sunshine. Warm days and spectacular views can be enjoyed in one of Summerland's parks. The Summerland Ornamental Gardens contain 6 ha (15 acres) of annual and perennial flowers, trees, shrubs and more.
KAMLOOPS COUNTRY
Characterized as ranch country, beautiful Kamloops has no shortage of sights and activities. Although exploring the wilderness could be a full-time diversion, the city of Kamloops has multiple attractions that are fun and interactive too. Although the Fun Factor Family Fun Centre and LaserTrek Laser Tag largely appeals to youth, laser tag is an enjoyable experience for all ages.
If parents want to give their kids a more educational experience in Kamloops there are some museums located in the city. The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park informs visitors about the lives of the Shuswap people prior to European settlement, and the Kamloops Museum and Archives has a three-storey exhibit about Kamloop's regional history.
NICOLA VALLEY
With dramatic differences in its landscape, Nicola Valley's scenery is never dull. A visit to the ancient lava cliffs in Monck Provincial Park or a swim in the blue waters of Alleyne and Kentucky lakes in Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. Stopping at the Merritt Lookout on the way into Nicola Valley's main town gives visitors an appreciation of the beauty of the Merritt area.
NORTH OKANAGAN
There is a lot to do in north Okanagan. Located on Highway 97 at Highway 6, the city of Vernon is a popular vacation spot with an abundance of attractions. On a hot summer's day, Atlantis Waterslides is a hit with children and youth. The property also contains a mini-golf course, arcade and gift shop. If visitors are feeling lucky they can head over to the Lake City Casino to try their hand at blackjack, poker or roulette.
In winter skiers flock to Vernon to take advantage of the sunshine and dry Okanagan powder at the Silver Star Mountain Resort. With over 1,092 ha (2,700 acres) of terrain, trail difficulties vary.
SHUSWAP
Shuswap Lake boasts 400 km (250 mi) of shoreline. Visitors can explore the lakefront from the numerous provincial parks that surround the pristine lake. These parks cater to a large variety of outdoor activities all year round. Some are equipped with camping facilities and picnic areas. Salmon Arm and Sicamous are Shuswap's central urban communities. In addition to the seemingly endless list of outdoor activities, Salmon Arm has sights and attractions to interest tourists too. During summer at the R.J. Haney Heritage Park and Museum a guided walking tour past heritage buildings and along scenic trails is available. When visitors need a break from the outdoors, the Sunwave Centre is the place for an indoor swim, skate or soccer game.
SOUTH OKANAGAN
South Okanagan's beautiful landscape, sandy beaches, mild winters and hot summers attract tourists year after year to places like Penticton and Osoyoos. Due to its ideal climate, wineries and vineyards are scattered throughout the south. Osoyoos is situated in the Okanagan's best wine region. Visitors can learn about the area and its First Nations people at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
South Okanagan's scenic views inspire many artists throughout the region. As a result, a variety of art galleries can be found around Penticton. Specialty attractions can also be found here, like North America's largest model railway at the Kettle Valley Model Railway.
CENTRAL OKANAGAN
Central Okanagan has a diverse landscape with plenty of things to do. Lake Country, the area between Kelowna and Vernon, is recognized for its orchards, vineyards and farmland. Visitors can find out about the area by visiting the Lake Country Museum.
Kelowna is the largest community in the Thompson Okanagan and interior British Columbia. Its prime location on Lake Okanagan and its mild climate make it a popular hotspot for vacationers. There are many things to see and do in the city. Along the lake's edge there are numerous parks for people to enjoy. Located in the city centre, Waterfront Park offers appealing city and lake views, and hosts numerous events during summer. To get a taste of four distinct ecosystems in one visit, tourists should stop by the Woodhaven Nature Conservancy. This 8.7-ha (21-acre) nature park contains trails that take visitors to see varied plant life.
The Okanagan Valley is praised for its wineries and vineyards. In the Kelowna area there are ample wineries to be discovered. With wine tasting and tours, an entire vacation can be planned solely around Central Okanagan's wine industry.
Located south of Kelowna along Highway 97 are the communities of Westbank, Peachland and Summerland, all three boasting long, summer days filled with bright sunshine. Warm days and spectacular views can be enjoyed in one of Summerland's parks. The Summerland Ornamental Gardens contain 6 ha (15 acres) of annual and perennial flowers, trees, shrubs and more.
KAMLOOPS COUNTRY
Characterized as ranch country, beautiful Kamloops has no shortage of sights and activities. Although exploring the wilderness could be a full-time diversion, the city of Kamloops has multiple attractions that are fun and interactive too. Although the Fun Factor Family Fun Centre and LaserTrek Laser Tag largely appeals to youth, laser tag is an enjoyable experience for all ages.
If parents want to give their kids a more educational experience in Kamloops there are some museums located in the city. The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park informs visitors about the lives of the Shuswap people prior to European settlement, and the Kamloops Museum and Archives has a three-storey exhibit about Kamloop's regional history.
NICOLA VALLEY
With dramatic differences in its landscape, Nicola Valley's scenery is never dull. A visit to the ancient lava cliffs in Monck Provincial Park or a swim in the blue waters of Alleyne and Kentucky lakes in Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. Stopping at the Merritt Lookout on the way into Nicola Valley's main town gives visitors an appreciation of the beauty of the Merritt area.
NORTH OKANAGAN
There is a lot to do in north Okanagan. Located on Highway 97 at Highway 6, the city of Vernon is a popular vacation spot with an abundance of attractions. On a hot summer's day, Atlantis Waterslides is a hit with children and youth. The property also contains a mini-golf course, arcade and gift shop. If visitors are feeling lucky they can head over to the Lake City Casino to try their hand at blackjack, poker or roulette.
In winter skiers flock to Vernon to take advantage of the sunshine and dry Okanagan powder at the Silver Star Mountain Resort. With over 1,092 ha (2,700 acres) of terrain, trail difficulties vary.
SHUSWAP
Shuswap Lake boasts 400 km (250 mi) of shoreline. Visitors can explore the lakefront from the numerous provincial parks that surround the pristine lake. These parks cater to a large variety of outdoor activities all year round. Some are equipped with camping facilities and picnic areas. Salmon Arm and Sicamous are Shuswap's central urban communities. In addition to the seemingly endless list of outdoor activities, Salmon Arm has sights and attractions to interest tourists too. During summer at the R.J. Haney Heritage Park and Museum a guided walking tour past heritage buildings and along scenic trails is available. When visitors need a break from the outdoors, the Sunwave Centre is the place for an indoor swim, skate or soccer game.
SOUTH OKANAGAN
South Okanagan's beautiful landscape, sandy beaches, mild winters and hot summers attract tourists year after year to places like Penticton and Osoyoos. Due to its ideal climate, wineries and vineyards are scattered throughout the south. Osoyoos is situated in the Okanagan's best wine region. Visitors can learn about the area and its First Nations people at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
South Okanagan's scenic views inspire many artists throughout the region. As a result, a variety of art galleries can be found around Penticton. Specialty attractions can also be found here, like North America's largest model railway at the Kettle Valley Model Railway.



