RVing Okanagan Valley — a fresh British Columbia trip.
Okanagan Valley offers visitors some of the finest scenic drives in the country, along with an abundance of activities and attractions along the way. Located in the southern central region of the province, the rugged valley — which is highlighted by Okanagan Lake in the middle — contains the only desert in Canada. Here, many wineries and fruit farms can be found scattered throughout the countryside. Many of these wineries have traditional tasting rooms and unique restaurants on-site that serve a variety of delicious fare. So whether it’s a casual lunch or an evening of fine dining, the Okanagan region wineries from Osoyoos to Kelowna and further north will not disappoint.
Okanagan Freshness
Roadside fruit stands abound, offering that “Just Picked” freshness. The cherry season is in full swing by the end of June and runs through the summer. Some RVers travel here and set up to can some of the local fruit. The entire family gets involved in the process right at their campsite.
Making a visit to a local winery. Photo: Peter Mercer
If you enjoy boating, this is the place to go. Whether you bring your own or rent one, the scenic lakes offer breathtaking sights. Prefer to be even closer to the water? Ride the Penticton River for a 4-mile float on a flotation device. It’s free if you have your own flotation item or you can rent one for just $10.
Driving north on Highway 97 from Oliver to Penticton and onwards to Kelowna offers beautiful scenery as you wind your way along the mountainsides above Lake Skaha and Lake Okanagan.
RVing Okanagan Valley — an Ice Cream Treat
On your travels don’t miss stopping at Tickleberry’s in Okanagan Falls for the best ice cream treats! To the south catch the Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad. It may be the biggest model rail you have ever seen.
There are ample Good Sam RV parks throughout the region. Many of these parks, like Desert Gem RV Resort in Oliver, are Big Rig friendly. It’s a great place to make home camp and explore from there.
Warning: Exposure to the Okanagan Region can be addictive. Many people have visited once and have kept coming back year after year.
Peter Mercer — With Your Next Trip Idea