The Okanagan is a 200-kilometre-long valley in British Columbia's southern interior, strung along a chain of lakes — Okanagan Lake alone is roughly 135 kilometres long — with Canada's warmest climate, a major wine region, and ski resorts at both ends. Here is how the valley breaks down, north to south.
Vernon is the main town, with Kalamalka Lake, Silver Star Mountain Resort, and a busy arts scene; Lake Country sits between Vernon and Kelowna with the Scenic Sip wine route and the Okanagan Rail Trail.
Kelowna is the valley's largest city, with beaches, the cultural district, Big White Ski Resort and dozens of wineries; West Kelowna is home to the Westside Wine Trail; and Peachland is a quiet waterfront town to the south.
Summerland offers heritage railway history and the Bottleneck Drive wine route; Penticton sits between two lakes with the Naramata Bench and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail; Oliver is the wine capital of Canada; and Osoyoos is the desert-like southern gateway.
Summer is lake and festival season, fall is wine harvest, winter is ski season and holiday markets, and spring brings blossoms and the reopening of winery patios. Browse summer festivals, Christmas events, concerts and the wine guide.