Top things to do for first time visitors
Discover the top things to do for first-time visitors in various destinations like Osoyoos, Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops, and Penticton, including recommendations on where to stay, eat, and experience local attractions, providing a comprehensive guide for a memorable trip.
Osoyoos
Where to Stay
Watermark Beach Resort
Discover the South Okanagan “good life” at the Okanagan resort that defines easy living. You’re steps to everything: beach, dining, shopping, marina, and groceries for your full gourmet kitchen. Relax in your condo-style suite with every comfort you can dream of, or enjoy Canada’s warmest weather poolside or on the beach. Unforgettable experiences, thoughtful amenities, and personalized service await you at Watermark.
Spirit Ridge Resort
You’ll know when you’ve arrived at Spirit Ridge; there’s no mistaking the gently sloping vineyards, glittering Osoyoos Lake, and dramatic Okanagan Range, part of the Cascade Mountains, that surround the luxury resort. Welcome to Canada’s only desert, a place sacred to the Osoyoos Indian Band. Come stay at our all-suite resort, and discover for yourself the natural landscapes and delicious food and wine that make Spirit Ridge a true wellness-centred oasis.
Where to Eat
15 Park Bistro
Welcome to the South Okanagan’s newest destination restaurant and neighbourhood bistro. At 15 Park Bistro, we’re as passionate about regional ingredients as we are about fine wine, locally inspired cocktails, and personalized service. Discover the casual, modern refinement of our newly redesigned interior while you feast on fresh fare prepared by Executive Chef Nick Atkins. The place to share, enjoy and indulge. The place to be.
The Bear, The Fish, The Root, & The Berry
Spirit Ridge proudly sits on the traditional land of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation. Our inspiration for the name of our signature restaurant comes from a chaptik story passed down through generations of our First Nations people of the Okanagan. The Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation approach to food is based on the creation stories of their culture and we’ve taken their stories as the inspiration for the name of our restaurant: “The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry,” based on their story of the Four Food Chiefs.
Attractions/Things to do
Levia Wellness Spa
Levia spa treatments are designed to be “Farm to Treatment Table.” Using home grown herbs prioritizing in lavendar, rosemary, mint and sage, all scrubs are in house blended with Himalayan salt and organic raw sugar. Levia treatments incorporate the use of the ancient jade stone, this stone is believed to bring wisdom, balance and peace, relieving anxiety and lightening emotions.
Nk’Mip Cellars Winery
At Nk’Mip Cellars, we are the dedicated guardians of a proud legacy. As the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, we are inspired to express our culture in everything we do. Our Winery itself is a bold celebration and a strong reflection of our commitment to authenticity and deep respect for our colourful past. We extend an invitation to discover, not only the international award-winning wines we produce, but also the relentless spirit and remarkable history that inspire them.
Vernon
Where to Stay
Predator Ridge Resort
Predator Ridge offers one of the most unparalleled resort experiences in Canada, with a 1,300 acre backyard, featuring two championship golf courses. Choose to stay in the Predator Ridge Lodge or rent your own private vacation home nestled in a community rich in amenities. This lifestyle resort offers over 35km of hiking and biking trails, outdoor yoga, Fitness Centre, tennis, pickleball, golfing, dining and so much more.
Sparkling Hill Resort
Sparkling Hill Resort is a luxury 4-Diamond resort nestled atop a granite ridge overlooking Okanagan Lake. With more than 3.5 million Swarovski crystals incorporated into the architecture, it is a brightly shining gem in the Okanagan sunshine. Everything about the European-inspired KurSpa, meaning “healing by water”, is designed to inspire tranquility and bliss. The resort’s restaurants, spa, and design elements have been thoughtfully curated to provide a whole-body wellness experience throughout your stay.
Where to Eat
Cambium Cider Co
With a wood-fired grille at its center and an abundance of Okanagan produce to work with, Cambium Cider Co is pleased to bring you contemporary farm-to-table dishes featuring local purveyors and high-quality British Columbian raised meats.
The Range Lounge and Grill
Globally inspired dishes using local ingredients. One of the best patios in Vernon overlooking the golf course and surrounding mountains. Excelled Okanagan Valley wine list.
Attractions/Things to do
Davison Orchards
At Davison Orchards, you get fresh, local produce grown right here in Vernon, BC. And they don’t just grow it—they use the ingredients in the bakery and café to make the most delicious farm food you’ve ever tasted. Everything they grow is available to you on the farm.
Okanagan Rail Trail via e-bike rental from Kalavida Surf Shop
Kelowna
Where to Stay
Coast Capri
Whether traveling on business or pleasure the Coast Capri Hotel is committed to providing outstanding customer service, award winning dining and uncompromising attention to details to make your stay a memorable one. Just minutes from downtown and centrally located within the city, the Coast Capri Hotel features newly renovated guestrooms and suites, full conference facilities, business centre and spa just to name a few.
Hotel Zed
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MORE FUN HOTEL IN KELOWNA BC, LIKE, EVER.
Smack dab downtown! Across the street from the lake, the park, the beaches, the boardwalk, the watersports & waterpark!
We have free rollerskates. Who does that? Plus we’ve got a fleet of free bikes, including kids bikes and a tandem.
Where to Eat
Krafty Kitchen
Kelowna’s most dynamic restaurant where farm-to-table meets grape-to-glass serving unique fare by Top Chef Chris Shaften.
El Taquero
El Taquero serves up a fresh and exciting menu of Mexican Street Tacos using authentic Mexican spices and recipes.
Crafted by Izzy the tacos of El Taquero are inspired by the street side taco stands of Mexico City and include many family recipes.
Izzy moved to Vancouver from Mexico City in 2009 and started making his
favourite tacos for his “gringo” friends on periodic Taco Nights.
By 2014 the infamous Taco Night grew to over 40 people at which point a glass pitcher labelled “grocery fund” joined the table along side salsas and rajas.
Now in Kelowna, Izzy aka The Taco Maker welcomes you to his kitchen to experience his take on the flavours of Mexico City.
Old Vine’s at Quails’ Gate
A meeting place of fresh local ingredients – our selection of dishes enhance the light and fruitful rich style of Quails’ Gate wines and our menu is constantly evolving as a reflection of the best of the valley. Named one of the four best places to eat in the Okanagan by Wine Spectator Magazine.
Attractions/Things to do
Rent a bike & explore
300km+ of bike lanes mean it’s easy to explroe Kelowna on two wheels. Interested in a bit of a rush, try mountain biking! With everything from urban, single track offroad and skills parks available. And dont’ miss cycling Myra Canyon Trestles!
Get on the water and make some waves
When you’re nestled along the 135km expansive Okanagan Lake, the water is yours to explore! With beaches, parasailing, boat rentals, dinner cruises, and more, our list of lake activities is expansive and worth days upon days of fun!
Go on a wine tour
With tons of wine tour companies offering their services, a guided tour is an easy and fun way to explore the Okanagan wine country and learn more about the wines and the region than you would with a self-guided tour and tastings. Most tour companies will offer full or half-day tours around the different wine trails, so you can customize your tour to fit your schedule!
Kamloops
Where to Stay
Accent Inns (Rainbow Registered)
It’s been said that Kamloops is “an attractive, affordable, and accessible getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, families, athletes, and weekend warriors,” and the same could be said for our Kamloops Hotel. We’re definitely attractive (if we do say so ourselves), we’re reasonably priced, and we’re located just off Highway 1—making us a very convenient stop if you’re headed to Vancouver or the Rockies.
Where to Eat
Yew Street Food Hall
The Yew Street Food Hall is Kamloops’ newest culinary experience! With ten different food/drink vendors, our guests can enjoy a variety of artisanal and niche restaurant concepts in one fun and fresh location. Inspired by food halls around the world, Yew Street Food Hall brings together unique, locally-owned restaurants that add to the collection of fresh and local food right in the core of the North Shore community.
Privato Vineyard & Winery / Woodward’s Cider Co
Take a scenic drive along the North Thompson River and discover the unique wine and cider experience at Privato Winery and Woodward Cider Co. You can indulge in a wine tasting of award-winning traditional Burgundian-style wine at Privato Winery or enjoy crisp craft cider in the rustic tasting room at Woodward Cider. You can bring your furry friend and enjoy a picnic with tasty charcuterie, cheeses, crackers, and dips available for purchase on the patio while sipping on some refreshing ciders.
Attractions/Things to do
BC Wildlife Park
The BC Wildlife Park is home to nearly 200 animals and 65 different species, all native to British Columbia including cougars, grizzly bears, arctic wolves, reptiles, birds of prey and the only Spirit Bear in human care in the world. The majority of animals at the Park have been rescued or were orphaned and are unable to survive on their own in the wild.
Hiking or Biking based on skill levels
Kamloops is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fantastic opportunities for both hiking and biking. Renowned for its vibrant mountain biking scene, riders of all levels can enjoy a variety of trails perfectly suited to their skills. Additionally, hikers can revel in the vastness of one of the largest municipal parks in British Columbia, promising a plethora of trails to explore and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kamloops. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, Kamloops welcomes all to experience the thrill of its trails.
Penticton
Where to Stay
Bowmont Motel
Tucked neatly away, yet steps from Okanagan Lake, the Bowmont Motel is the place to unwind and reconnect. Located directly across from the Loco Amusement Park and the channel float trip; and within walking distance of restaurants, golf, shops, and a skate park, we have your whole vacation, right here. These are the times to slow things down. Unplug and relax. Stay with us, and create your own vacation memories. Relax after a hard day of play and soak up the sun around Penticton’s largest motel pool. BYOS (bring your own steak) and enjoy the BBQs and outdoor dining area off the courtyard.
Where to Eat
Sociale Enoteca
Socialē by Villa Rosa is all about community. It is about gathering with friends to enjoy a glass of fine wine. It is about going for an afternoon cup of coffee with a longtime friend. It is about grabbing a beverage and a bite, and sitting on the patio while enjoying Okanagan Lake views under the hot summer sun. Socialē is about being communal. It’s about being comfortable. It’s about being together. We’ll see you soon.
Attractions/Things to do
Rent an e-bike from Velo Volt and bike the KVR Trail
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail is one of the most iconic attractions in Penticton. The KVR Trail is a family friendly trail that is very well maintained and ideal for riders and walkers of any ability. Velo Volt is a Rainbow Registered business and will deliver e-bikes right to your accommodations.
