Stretching from Peachland to Osoyoos, B.C.’s South Okanagan is a classic summertime destination that never goes out of style, and the region just got a shoutout in Vogue as an “idyllic summer escape.”
The wine capital of Canada
Among the areas to get their flowers are Oliver, the wine capital of Canada, and the even smaller community of Cawston, which is known as Canada’s organic farming capital.
In addition to grazing on farm-to-table fare and enjoying award-winning wine, visitors to the South Okanagan have plenty of outdoor adventures to embark on.
“Hiking and horseback riding trails wind through fragrant ponderosa pine and wild sage, and visitors can learn about the rich Indigenous culture of the Syilx Okanagan First Nation at a state-of-the-art cultural center and a winery helmed by Canada’s only Indigenous winemakers,” says Vogue.
According to Visit South Okanagan, vines planted over 50 years ago have led to old and new world varietals thriving in the region, and now 150 wineries call the area home.
“Some wineries have generations of family winemaking experience from France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Australia and New Zealand,” adds Visit South Okanagan.
Today, the wineries in Naramata Bench and Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country are joined by South Okanagan distilleries, cideries, and breweries, adding to the diverse array of fresh sips to enjoy during your visit.
Canada’s only desert
Home to Canada’s only desert, with unique natural formations like Spotted Lake (kłlilx’w), the South Okanagan is an even more fascinating place to explore year-round. But there’s no denying that summertime is the time to visit!
The South Okanagan communities are connected by Highway 97, also known as one of the longest north-south highways in North America. The corridor connects the South Okanagan to the rest of the Okanagan Valley, Kamloops, and Northern B.C., according to Visit South Okanagan.
Highway 3 is another popular route to access the region, running west and east from Hope through the South Kootenays to the southern Alberta border.
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