Okanagan Adventures
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Thompson Okanagan, British Columbia.
Abundant sunshine, warm temperatures, diverse holiday destinations and the friendly attitudes of its residents make the Thompson Okanagan a welcome haven for vacationers throughout the year. With all the Thompson Okanagan has to offer, visitors will find it difficult to choose from recreational pursuits that include golf, water sports, adventure activities, specialty tours and winter sports.
GOLF
Between its ideal climate, long summers and diversity of terrain, it is little wonder that so many golf courses have been built in the Thompson Okanagan nor that golfers come in droves from all over the world to play them. Golf courses in the region range in ability from beginner to expert with prices varying from moderate to expensive. Set against a backdrop of spectacular views of Okanagan Lake, the Rise Golf Course is a Fred Couples signature golf course in Vernon that will challenge even the most adept players. Visitors can join a golf tour with companies like Discover Okanagan Tours.
ON THE WATER
Many visitors who come to the Thompson Okanagan region come to enjoy a variety of water sports on the area's abundant lakes and rivers. Recreationists can choose from motorized water sports or partake in water activities powered by man or nature such as paddling or windsurfing. The area also offers great opportunities for fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Motorized water sports are extremely popular with locals and travellers alike each summer. The area's large lakes like Okanagan and Shuswap lakes offer excellent opportunities for adventures such as parasailing, waterskiing and wakeboarding as well as boat tours. Visitors without a boating licence wishing to partake in motorized water sports can take advantage of lessons or riding packages for all levels with companies such as Wake Up Water Sports, or take a tour with a company such as Scenic Boat Tours of the Okanagan, which offers shuttle services, swimming adventures and scenic and twilight cruises.
Paddling, including canoeing, kayaking and rafting, is a popular form of recreation in the area. Whether paddlers are new to the sport and looking for a gentle introduction, or are experts looking for a challenge to test their skills, there is a body of water to suit all abilities. Small, quiet lakes like Swan Lake and Gardom Lake that ban motorized watercraft are excellent locations for beginners or for those looking to get away from the noise and bustle. Intermediate and expert paddlers will enjoy rivers such as the Shuswap River and Thompson River, which offer various white-water experiences. Interior Whitewater Expeditions offers adventure enthusiasts the opportunity to raft the wild Clearwater River in Clearwater-Wells Gray Provincial Park. Those who wish to try a wind-powered water sport such as sailing, windsurfing or kite boarding will find a number of companies that offer lessons and rentals such as Windstar Recreation.
ADVENTURE & EXCITEMENT
All manner of adventure and excitement can be found in the Thompson Okanagan region whether on foot, on horseback, on wheels or in the air.
Surrounded by mountains and lush, green spaces, campers, hikers, backpackers and rock climbers have plenty of opportunities to join tours that will allow them to experience the rich beauty of the area. These journeys can vary from hiking tours on well maintained trails to multi-day camping and backpacking tours that trek through the wilderness. Ecosummer Expeditions takes visitors to explore the splendour of the many flower meadows in Clearwater-Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Western-styled activities such as cattle drives, trail rides and pack trips, guest ranch experiences, hunting and target shooting can be found throughout the region and offer a change of pace to travellers accustomed to the hectic speed of urban life. Tourists can travel the Trans-Canada Trail on horseback with the Pine Valley Resort and Horse Centre just outside of Princeton or set out on a three-day cattle drive with Sun Peaks Trail Rides and learn to saddle, ride and care for a horse.
While each puts adventure enthusiasts in the driver's seat, a trip on a bicycle, motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle will give riders a completely different experience and view of the region. Bicycle and motorcycle tours cruise scenic main highways and windy back roads while all-terrain tours and mountain bikers conquer trails through the area's parks and backcountry. Phoebe Ann Tours and Rentals offers ATV tours with opportunities to view waterfalls and wildlife near Sicamous.
Visitors can get off the ground and into the air for a bird's-eye view of the area with activities such as airplane tours, ballooning, helicopter tours and sports and skydiving. Many high-flying tour companies offer a mix of sightseeing and guided tour packages as well as sport packages for heli-hiking, heli-biking and heli-fishing. Tour the south and central Okanagan from above with Air-Hart Aviation and see the vivid colours of Kalamalka Lake. Those looking for a bigger adrenaline rush might wish to dive out of a plane on their own or in tandem with Okanagan Skydive Adventures.
WINTER SPORTS
Come winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for the enjoyment of the many winter sports available. Regardless of where visitors are headed or by what means they get there, they are sure to be moved by the serene beauty and joy of the challenge. With activities such as ski tours, cross-country skiing and telemarking tours, snow-cat tours and snowmobile tours there is always plenty to do during the area's short, cold season.
Nowhere is the love of winter and all things snow more apparent than at the Okanagan's many ski hills and ski resort towns such as Sun Peaks, Big White, Silver Star and Apex Mountain. Not only do these locations offer excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, but also tobogganing, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sled tours. Thrill seekers looking for untouched powder can go in search of the perfect run by means of snow-cat, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing or even heli-skiing with iconic companies like Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing out of Blue River.
SPECIALTY TOURS
From Salmon Arm to Osoyoos, the Okanagan Valley is well known for its plentiful vineyards and orchards, and what better way for visitors to experience the valley's bounty than to take a vineyard and winery, farm, garden or orchard tour. Wine connoisseurs can tour vineyards and wineries tasting and learning the specific history of each bottle while families can learn what it takes to grow the delicious fruits and vegetables they can purchase at the local markets. Visitors can get the scoop on the best wines of the year from a qualified wine professional as part of a deluxe tour package with Club Wine Tours.
Holidaymakers looking for cultural tours or something a little out of the ordinary will find that the Thompson Okanagan has a number of special activities and tours ranging from bird watching to industry and factory tours to railway tours. Ghost Tours of Vernon takes visitors to haunted houses and recounts stories that are paranormal in nature. Families looking for kid-appropriate activities will find a number of communities in the Okanagan offer diversions such as mini golf, go-cart racing, laser tag and paintball, bowling and water parks.
GOLF
Between its ideal climate, long summers and diversity of terrain, it is little wonder that so many golf courses have been built in the Thompson Okanagan nor that golfers come in droves from all over the world to play them. Golf courses in the region range in ability from beginner to expert with prices varying from moderate to expensive. Set against a backdrop of spectacular views of Okanagan Lake, the Rise Golf Course is a Fred Couples signature golf course in Vernon that will challenge even the most adept players. Visitors can join a golf tour with companies like Discover Okanagan Tours.
ON THE WATER
Many visitors who come to the Thompson Okanagan region come to enjoy a variety of water sports on the area's abundant lakes and rivers. Recreationists can choose from motorized water sports or partake in water activities powered by man or nature such as paddling or windsurfing. The area also offers great opportunities for fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Motorized water sports are extremely popular with locals and travellers alike each summer. The area's large lakes like Okanagan and Shuswap lakes offer excellent opportunities for adventures such as parasailing, waterskiing and wakeboarding as well as boat tours. Visitors without a boating licence wishing to partake in motorized water sports can take advantage of lessons or riding packages for all levels with companies such as Wake Up Water Sports, or take a tour with a company such as Scenic Boat Tours of the Okanagan, which offers shuttle services, swimming adventures and scenic and twilight cruises.
Paddling, including canoeing, kayaking and rafting, is a popular form of recreation in the area. Whether paddlers are new to the sport and looking for a gentle introduction, or are experts looking for a challenge to test their skills, there is a body of water to suit all abilities. Small, quiet lakes like Swan Lake and Gardom Lake that ban motorized watercraft are excellent locations for beginners or for those looking to get away from the noise and bustle. Intermediate and expert paddlers will enjoy rivers such as the Shuswap River and Thompson River, which offer various white-water experiences. Interior Whitewater Expeditions offers adventure enthusiasts the opportunity to raft the wild Clearwater River in Clearwater-Wells Gray Provincial Park. Those who wish to try a wind-powered water sport such as sailing, windsurfing or kite boarding will find a number of companies that offer lessons and rentals such as Windstar Recreation.
ADVENTURE & EXCITEMENT
All manner of adventure and excitement can be found in the Thompson Okanagan region whether on foot, on horseback, on wheels or in the air.
Surrounded by mountains and lush, green spaces, campers, hikers, backpackers and rock climbers have plenty of opportunities to join tours that will allow them to experience the rich beauty of the area. These journeys can vary from hiking tours on well maintained trails to multi-day camping and backpacking tours that trek through the wilderness. Ecosummer Expeditions takes visitors to explore the splendour of the many flower meadows in Clearwater-Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Western-styled activities such as cattle drives, trail rides and pack trips, guest ranch experiences, hunting and target shooting can be found throughout the region and offer a change of pace to travellers accustomed to the hectic speed of urban life. Tourists can travel the Trans-Canada Trail on horseback with the Pine Valley Resort and Horse Centre just outside of Princeton or set out on a three-day cattle drive with Sun Peaks Trail Rides and learn to saddle, ride and care for a horse.
While each puts adventure enthusiasts in the driver's seat, a trip on a bicycle, motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle will give riders a completely different experience and view of the region. Bicycle and motorcycle tours cruise scenic main highways and windy back roads while all-terrain tours and mountain bikers conquer trails through the area's parks and backcountry. Phoebe Ann Tours and Rentals offers ATV tours with opportunities to view waterfalls and wildlife near Sicamous.
Visitors can get off the ground and into the air for a bird's-eye view of the area with activities such as airplane tours, ballooning, helicopter tours and sports and skydiving. Many high-flying tour companies offer a mix of sightseeing and guided tour packages as well as sport packages for heli-hiking, heli-biking and heli-fishing. Tour the south and central Okanagan from above with Air-Hart Aviation and see the vivid colours of Kalamalka Lake. Those looking for a bigger adrenaline rush might wish to dive out of a plane on their own or in tandem with Okanagan Skydive Adventures.
WINTER SPORTS
Come winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for the enjoyment of the many winter sports available. Regardless of where visitors are headed or by what means they get there, they are sure to be moved by the serene beauty and joy of the challenge. With activities such as ski tours, cross-country skiing and telemarking tours, snow-cat tours and snowmobile tours there is always plenty to do during the area's short, cold season.
Nowhere is the love of winter and all things snow more apparent than at the Okanagan's many ski hills and ski resort towns such as Sun Peaks, Big White, Silver Star and Apex Mountain. Not only do these locations offer excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, but also tobogganing, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sled tours. Thrill seekers looking for untouched powder can go in search of the perfect run by means of snow-cat, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing or even heli-skiing with iconic companies like Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing out of Blue River.
SPECIALTY TOURS
From Salmon Arm to Osoyoos, the Okanagan Valley is well known for its plentiful vineyards and orchards, and what better way for visitors to experience the valley's bounty than to take a vineyard and winery, farm, garden or orchard tour. Wine connoisseurs can tour vineyards and wineries tasting and learning the specific history of each bottle while families can learn what it takes to grow the delicious fruits and vegetables they can purchase at the local markets. Visitors can get the scoop on the best wines of the year from a qualified wine professional as part of a deluxe tour package with Club Wine Tours.
Holidaymakers looking for cultural tours or something a little out of the ordinary will find that the Thompson Okanagan has a number of special activities and tours ranging from bird watching to industry and factory tours to railway tours. Ghost Tours of Vernon takes visitors to haunted houses and recounts stories that are paranormal in nature. Families looking for kid-appropriate activities will find a number of communities in the Okanagan offer diversions such as mini golf, go-cart racing, laser tag and paintball, bowling and water parks.
Condo-style Suites
Full Service Hotel
Clearwater Rafting
Interior Whitewater Expeditions
Whitewater rafting, scenic float tours, & family adventures in Wells Gray Provincial Park!
Travel Packages
Travel by Train
Rocky Mountaineer
Discover the Canadian Rockies onboard the award winning, all daylight Rocky Mountaineer rail journey!
