Thompson-Okanagan: The Land of Fresh Fruit & Fine Wine

Lake Okanagan

Thompson-Okanagan is a region of great variety. People who live here can't imagine why anyone would want to go anywhere else, and after a visit you may ask yourself the same question. From mountainside to lakeside, this beautiful area has spectacular scenery, a great range of recreational opportunities, and is famous for its fresh fruit and fine wine. Thompson-Okanagan has attractions for visitors in all seasons. There is golfing, water sports, rock-climbing, hiking, skiing and snowboarding to name but a few. The major towns here are Kamloops,Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.

CLIMATE

The climate in Thompson-Okanagan is generally very moderate, and this is part of the area's appeal. Summers are hot and sunny, and are much dryer than the coastal regions. It tends to be wetter and cooler at higher altitudes. The winter is less severe than most of the rest of Canada, and so is ideal for winter sports. Spring is warm and sunny and the fruit tree blossoms in April and May are sensational. Fall is harvest time; there is an array of colour from the different fruits and produce, and from the variety of trees.

	Okanagan Desert Highway

TRANSPORTATION

Thompson-Okanagan is well connected from the rest of Canada and the U.S.A. Several major highways run through the area. There are good long distance bus services to the major centres, and train service from Kamloops on Via Rail's transcontinental network. There is an airport at Kelowna, with good worldwide connections through Vancouver, Seattle and Calgary. (For more transportation information click here)

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Okanagan Grapes on the Vine

A great way to sample the Okanagan is to take a wine tour. Several tour options are available, varying in length, focus and mode of transportation. Whatever the choice, a trip through the lush wine and orchard country of the Okanagan Valley will stimulate the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Cattle ranching was a major livelihood in Thompson-Okanagan. Today orchards and vineyards have taken over much of the former ranchlands, but there are still ranches in the northern part of the area. A great opportunity to visit a former ranch is at O'Keefe Historic Ranch 12 km (7.5 mi) north of Vernon. Among the restored buildings here are the oldest Catholic Church in British Columbia, the original log house, a general store and the family mansion. All these date from the 1860s and 70s. A museum is devoted to the history of ranching in the area and to the cowboys of the past. There is a working blacksmith here, a pottery studio, and a woodworking shop. You can purchase samples of all these crafts.

	Peaches in an Okanagan Orchard

Southwest of Penticton, the sunny Similkameen area of southern British Columbia's interior, is famous for the wonderful produce from its orchards. The Grist Mill and Gardens at Keremeos has an heirloom apple orchard, the Living Museum of Wheat growing in the upper fields, and some of the finest organically grown gardens in Canada. The gardens vary throughout the year and are always well worth a visit. There are demonstrations of milling and displays of various implements, some of them hands-on. It is fascinating to see how the mill has been restored. Costumed interpreters recreate the events and personalities that contributed to the history of the mill.

Golfer in the Okanagan

The warm climate and abundant sunshine of Thompson-Okanagan ensure that the golf season is a long one. There are over 50 unique and attractive courses throughout the region. Many of them are world class. The beautiful orchards, lake, vineyards and valleys ensure that you will be golfing surrounded by some of the magnificent scenery of the area. Among the better known golf courses in the Thompson area are Salmon Arm Golf Club, and The Dunes and The Rivershore Golf Club at Kamloops. In the north and central Okanagan is the spectacular Gallagher's Canyon, the Okanagan Golf Club featuring Quail Ridge and The Bear, and The Harvest Golf Club. The south Okanagan also has some beautiful courses carved out of the desert. The Osoyoos Golf and Country Club and Fairview Mountain Golf Club are challenging and the sunshine is practically guaranteed. Wherever you choose, you will find that the Thompson-Okanagan is a golfer's paradise.

	Water-skier on Shushwap Lake

Shuswap Lake is considered to be "The Houseboat Capital of Canada." This is an excellent place for swimmers, water-skiers, fishermen, nature lovers and boaters. The lake has 1000 km (621 mi)of beautiful shoreline, sandy beaches and marine parks. The surrounding area is also of interest with beautiful rolling hills, forests, waterfalls, and extensive hiking trails. You can easily rent a houseboat and it makes a different and fun way to spend your vacation. Your accommodation and transportation needs are taken care of in one. The houseboat can be used as a base for exploring, or you can take the boat to a good location for water sports, swimming or fishing. At night tie up in a secluded cove, have a barbecue and relax under the stars.

The Gondola at Hell's Gate

Hell's Gate is a gorge in the turbulent Fraser River. This is nature at its most magnificent. The Hell's Gate Airtram takes you smoothly from highway level and there is a breathtaking view directly above the gorge. You will see the Hell's Gate Fishways where up to two million sockeye salmon swim up the river each year on their journey to their inland spawning grounds. After a 152 m (166 yd)descent across the canyon, the tramway takes you to its lower terminal. Here there is a suspension footbridge and observation points to view the mighty river, where at peak level 200 million gallons of water per minute surge through the 35 m (38 yd) wide gorge. There is a small museum that depicts the life cycle of the salmon, some floral gardens and a restaurant where the delicious salmon chowder will probably be the gastronomic highlight of your trip.