1. Book a Wine Tour

The Okanagan Valley has been recognized as the best wine region in Canada, and its wines are winning awards all over the world. Not surprisingly, then, wine tours are the number one thing to do for visitors. There are plenty of tours to choose from, with various options, to different areas of the Valley, and priced to satisfy any budget.

2. Enjoy a wine-themed spa treatment

Ever hear of vinotherapy? Neither had I until I went to the Okanagan Valley. It’s a type of spa treatment using by-products from wineries that is said to promote healthy skin cells – and it’s available right in Kelowna! Who would have thought wine had so many uses.

3. Cruise Okanagan Lake

One of the best vantage points from which to experience the Okanagan Valley is from the water. Several companies offer cruises of Okanagan Lake, most of them from Kelowna. There are short day-time cruises, dinner cruises, late-night cruises, combination boat and wine cruises. There are budget-conscious cruises and more luxurious cruises. Plenty to choose from.

4. Visit a Lavender Farm

Just north of Kelowna is an 8-acre lavender and herb farm where you can sample lavender tea and purchase lavender-infused oils and sprays at the aromatherapy bar while you gaze out upon the lavender fields. All products are handmade, eco-friendly, and produced on site. Best time to go is early summer when the purple lavender is in full bloom.

5. Try a watersport

Not surprisingly, watersports are hugely popular with locals in the Okanagan (Hey, it’s a big lake!) But there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to test their skills as well. Depending upon your interests, fitness level, and sense of adventure, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, flyboards, or jet skis. For the real risk takers, you can even go parasailing!

6. Rent a bike and go cycling

The Okanagan Valley is a great place to go cycling. You can stay on flatter terrain closer to the shoreline of the lake, or you can head up the hills to the plateaus above. The City of Kelowna has a program called Dropbike that enables you to rent a bike through an app on your smartphone for as little as $1 per hour.

7. Rent a boat

If you find organized cruises too restricting, you can rent your own boat and tour the lake yourself. You can rent small boats for a few people or bigger boats for larger groups. You can drive the boat yourself (safety restrictions apply) or you can hire a captain. You can bring your own food, or have a meal catered for you on the boat. Again, plenty of options to choose from.

8. Visit the model railroad museum in Osoyoos

If you’re travelling with small children – or if you’re a model railroad fan yourself – you’ll want to visit the Desert Model Railroad Museum in Osoyoos. It is Canada’s largest Marklin type model railroad, and features more than 1,900 buildings and over 19,000 hand painted little people on a 4,000 square foot layout.

9. Sample the local cherries

While the Okanagan Valley is famous for its vineyards, the rich soil is also perfect for growing a wide variety of fruit, including apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums. But the region is particularly known for its sweet cherries. You’ll find them in season at any of the many farmer’s fruit and vegetable markets throughout the area.

10. Book another wine tour

Why not? After all, the Okanagan Valley is wine country. No one will think you’re a lush. So, take a second wine tour. Or a third. Or a fourth. With over 170 wineries to choose from, you’ll never get to see them all, but you can put a good dent into them. And mix them up; some in the north and some in the south.