Fall into Love: Your Ultimate Thompson Okanagan Autumn Adventure
Autumn in the Thompson Okanagan is something special. The days are crisp, the colours are rich, and thanks to the region’s mild climate, the warmth lingers here long after much of Canada has cooled down. That means more time for patios, harvest adventures, and late-season lake days.
September and October are also packed with events that bring people together. The Okanagan Fall Wine Festival takes over the valley with tastings, vineyard dinners, and harvest celebrations. Drag shows and queer arts events keep the season vibrant and inclusive, while National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30) is marked with gatherings throughout the region that invite reflection, learning, and honouring Indigenous stories.
Pair these meaningful and exciting events with apple picking, beer festivals, farm experiences, and endless trails, and you’ll see why fall here is as much about connection and culture as it is about the scenery.
Vernon: Apples, Harvest Festivals, and Golf
Vernon in September averages a comfortable 23°C—perfect for lake days on Kalamalka or Okanagan Lake, whether you’re paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply enjoying the views.
Must-Do Experiences:
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- Davison Orchards U-Pick Apples & Pumpkins: Stroll the orchards, pick your own fruit, and sip fresh apple cider.
- Historic O’Keefe Ranch Fall Harvest Events: Corn mazes, wagon rides, campfires, and murder mystery nights in September. In October, Field of Screams brings haunted thrills to the ranch.
- Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture and Vernon Culture Days (Sept 19 – Oct 12): A celebration of arts, culture, and community spirit featuring local artists, performances, and cultural activities.
Where to Refuel: Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana offers authentic Neapolitan pizza crafted with traditional techniques and quality ingredients, plus they have happy hour every day!
Kamloops: Craft Beer and Salmon Runs
October is BC Craft Beer Month, and Kamloops knows how to celebrate.
Must-Do Experiences:
- BrewLoops Craft Beverage & Music Festival (Oct 3–4): A citywide favourite featuring breweries, cideries, food, and live music.
- Kamloops Farmers’ Market: Fresh produce and local goods on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Salmon Viewing at Tsutswecw Provincial Park: Watch the annual salmon run in one of the region’s most peaceful settings.
- Fall Hiking: Trails like the River’s Trail or McConnell Lake are especially beautiful in autumn.
- Monte Creek Winery Fall Events: Seasonal wine celebrations paired with sweeping views.
- Spookloops: Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and Halloween events deliver classic fall fun all over the city.
Where to Refuel: Brownstone Restaurant serves a seasonally changing menu with ingredients grown right on-site.
Osoyoos: Sun-Soaked Autumn Adventures
While much of the country is cooling down, Osoyoos stays warm well into fall, making it a great spot for late-season outdoor activities.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Pride Arts Festival @ Gyro Beach (Sept 6): A beachfront celebration of queer arts and community.
- Wine Capital Weekend (Sept 19–21, Oliver): A three-day festival with vineyard parties, the Festival of the Grape, and the always-popular grape stomp.
- Long Table Events: With the bounty of Fall, the culinary delights are paired with incredible wine at our local wineries.
- Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre: Explore the Osoyoos semi-arid steppe desert and learn about Indigenous culture and history.
- Wine Country Tours: With 50+ wineries within minutes, tastings are never far away.
- Beaches & Lake Activities: Warm weather means stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, or simply relaxing on the water.
Where to Refuel: Backroads Brewing Co. pairs craft beer with comfort food in a relaxed setting.
Penticton: Art, Scenery, and Farm Fun
As summer crowds fade, Penticton shines with a mix of culture and outdoor adventure.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Brewery Visits: Penticton boasts 7 year-round breweries with BNA expanding into Penticton this fall!
- Art Gallery Crawl: Explore local galleries like The Lloyd Gallery, Penticton Art Gallery, and the historic Leir House Cultural Centre.
- Go Fuel-Free on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail: Scenic walks and bike rides with sweeping valley and lake views.
- Skaha Bluffs: Penticton has the longest rock climbing season in the country, stretching all the way into November. If you’re a first-timer, Skaha Rock Adventures and Hoodoo Adventure Company can show you the ropes.
- Flavour Trail Pass Itineraries: Follow along one of Visit Penticton’s Flavour Trail passes and earn rewards as you visit iconic destinations!
- Wine Tastings: Fall offers a quieter, more personal experience at local wineries such as Elephant Island or Upper Bench Winery.
Where to Refuel: Elma (Turkish-inspired dining with lake views) or Kin & Folk (Asian-fusion in a warm, community-focused setting).
Kelowna: Urban Energy, Outdoor Beauty
Kelowna blends city culture with easy access to nature, making it a perfect fall destination.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Myra Canyon Trestles During Larch Season: Cycle or hike this historic railway route in late October for golden larch views.
- Apple U-Picking: Harvest sweet Galas, tart Spartans, and more in local orchards.
- Salmon Spawning at Mission Creek Greenway: Witness kokanee salmon return to their spawning grounds, or join a guided e-bike tour.
- John’s Family Nature Conservancy: Hike the Crags Trail for panoramic lake and city views.
- Kelowna Beer Week: Celebrate the city’s growing craft beer scene with tastings and events.
- A Taste of Kelowna Food Tours: Discover the city’s culinary scene while learning local stories.
Where to Refuel: Home Block at CedarCreek(farm-to-table dining surrounded by vineyards) or Frankie We Salute You (creative, plant-based dining with a welcoming atmosphere).
Where to Stay
Many of our accommodations offer special fall packages and extended stay options—because sometimes you need more than a weekend to fully soak in all this autumn magic has to offer. Whether you’re looking for lakeside resort vibes, cozy downtown hotels, or charming B&Bs that feel like staying with your favourite aunt, the Thompson Okanagan has the perfect place to rest your head between adventures. Here are some of our favourites:
- Best Western Premier Route 97 in Vernon
- The Royal Kelowna for waterfront luxury
- Sandman Signature in downtown Kamloops. If visiting for Brewloops use this when booking: Block ID: 2510BREWLOOPS | Block Code: 569969
- The Shoreline Resort has just recently seen some upgrades in Penticton
- Enjoy the Sip and Stay package at Watermark Beach Resort.
- Explore local travel deals with week-cations at other properties in Osoyoos.
Book early to snag those special autumn rates!
What to Pack
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- Comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring
- A camera for capturing golden hour views
- Burgundy or maroon clothing—perfect for vineyard and orchard backdrops!
The Bottom Line
Autumn in the Thompson Okanagan means longer warm days, harvest celebrations, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. From wine festivals and drag shows to salmon runs and cultural events, the season offers both celebration and reflection. Whether you’re here for food, wine, trails, or community, fall is one of the best times to experience the region.
Ready to plan your perfect fall getaway? Visit our Instagram and connect with our community to start crafting your Thompson Okanagan autumn story.
