'Canada's Napa Valley' Is A Wildly Underrated Wine Region With Stunning Nature And Outdoor Adventure

If Napa Valley and Lake Como had a love child, it would probably look a lot like British Columbia's Okanagan Valley — the sophistication of Northern Californian vineyards, the romantic allure of Italy's green-draped lakes, all sprinkled with that typical Canadian outdoorsy spirit. No wonder, then, that this inland region, which runs for over 150 miles between Vernon up north and Osoyoos along the border, packs a little bit of everything for the whole family. 

First things first: Yes, it has wine. Lots of great wine — over 200 boutique and estate wineries that produce everything from chardonnays to rieslings, as well as merlots and cabernet sauvignons. After all, what would you expect from a place known as the "Napa of the North"? The area's unique microclimates and soils that shift across the valley turn rolling hills in Naramata Bench, Penticton, and Oliver – the self-proclaimed "Wine capital of Canada" with its award-winning cellars – into a winemaker's playground. And while the Okanagan still flies relatively under the radar compared to more famous wine-making hubs (like these under-the-radar wine regions that rival Napa), its beverages are steadily gaining recognition on the international stage. 

But the vino is just the opening act. The Okanagan Valley is also home to a string of tranquil bodies of water — six larger ones and several smaller ponds. The main act is Okanagan Lake, stretching for about 84 miles (135 km) through the heart of the valley. Its shores are lined with charming towns like Vernon, Kelowna, Peachland, and Penticton, along with orchards bursting with apples and stone fruits. Kalamalka Lake is an underrated British Columbia lake with Caribbean-blue waters, while the smaller Skaha Lake features sandy shores and plenty of water activities to keep everyone entertained.

If there's one thing that never clocks out in the Okanagan Valley, it's the outdoors. Besides the lake action — think paddleboarding, fishing, and sailing — the warmer months are prime for hiking in Kelowna's Knox Mountain Park. The Apex Trail takes about an hour round-trip, with a 984-foot (300-meter) elevation gain that's tiring but rewarded with sweeping views over the city. The almost 10 acres of Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park, on the opposite side of the lake, are a treat for a relaxing stroll amongst historic nut orchards.

Are you up for a one-of-a-kind cycling adventure along restored railway trestles? The Myra Canyon section of the KVR (Kettle Valley Rail) Trail is here to deliver. Along the 15-mile path (round trip), you will find 18 soaring bridges — some more than 100 feet above the canyon floor — and two tunnels. Mountain bikes and e-bikes are available for rent on site. Further south, Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is a magnet for adrenaline junkies, with a variety of climbing routes, ranging from beginner-friendly 5.6s to challenging 5.14s.

And just when you think the fun packs up with the last picnic blanket, winter flips the script. The South Okanagan mountains transform into a snow-covered playground, with the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, located less than an hour's drive from downtown Penticton, offering over 41 miles (67 km) of trails for Nordic and cross-country skiing, as well as snowshoeing through frosty forests. Nearby, the Apex Mountain Resort boasts 85 slopes across over 1,100 acres, blanketed in the region's famously light and powdery snow. Not least, the Big White Ski Resort, roughly 50 minutes from Kelowna, packs it all: skiing, tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and even outdoor ice skating. 

With so much to see, sip, and savor, it's no wonder the Okanagan Valley keeps attracting more and more travelers. Reaching it is relatively easy, especially if you're based on the Pacific Coast — Kelowna, the Okanagan's major urban hub, is just a four-hour drive east of Vancouver or a short direct flight from Seattle. The major airport serving the area is Kelowna International Airport (YLW), located in the heart of the valley. Penticton Regional Airport is approximately 42 miles (68 km) south of Kelowna, and Vernon Regional Airport is situated roughly 35 miles (56 km) to the north. 

If you really want to make the most of your trip, renting a car is the way to go. Vineyards, lakes, and mountains aren't exactly next door to one another, and even if public transport exists, it might not always connect the dots the way you'll need. That way, you can take the drive from Kelowna down to Osoyoos, the only desert ecosystem in the country. It stretches to nearly two hours, but along the way, you can detour to Oliver and then Naramata on the opposite shore of the Okanagan Lake, both home to an incredible selection of wineries — over 80 combined, to be precise. 

Deciding where you lay your head at night can make or break your Okanagan adventure, too. Stay in West Kelowna, and you'll be perfectly positioned for lakeside sunsets at Gellatly Bay and boutique wineries like Volcanic Hills Estate. Up in Vernon, consider resting near Ellison Provincial Park, where you can wake up to serene forest trails. Don't forget to explore nearby Silver Star Mountain Resort — just a short 25-minute drive from the city — for hiking or skiing, depending on the season.