British Columbia Canada Blog

One of my favorite things about living in the Okanagan is the fact that we get four distinct seasons, that each have their own allure.

Most people know about our summers. With temperatures frequently reaching the mid to high 30s, with blue skies and sunshine until late at night (due to our northern latitude) you are hard pressed to find a better place to play. Golf courses, orchards, wineries and freshwater lakes are only a few of the attractions that really shine in the summertime. Fishing, horseback riding, climbing and hiking are also popular around the valley in the summer.

Fall is equally as attractive, when the temperatures moderate and the leaves begin to turn. The sun still shines but you don’t need your air conditioner to sleep at night, as the temperatures moderate. Golf courses are usually open until late October or even November.

The winters in the Okanagan are famous for their light dry champagne powder snow, which translates to spectacular skiing and snowboarding conditions. Big White, Silver Star and Apex Mountain are all within 100km of Kelowna, the major population centre in the Okanagan and all consistently boast some of the best skiing conditions and terrain in North America. Big White gets an average of 23 feet of snow per year. The best part though, is that the snow doesn’t really last in the bottom of the valley … so we don’t normally have to drive on it or shovel it! Its just a short drive away.

The spring in the Okanagan Valley takes your breath away. Orchards and vineyards line the lakes and ridges from one end of the valley to the other, and when they are all in bloom, under a crystal clear sky, there aren’t words to describe it. The lakes are still cold, so you might need a wetsuit, but there’s nothing else from stopping you from an afternoon wakeboard in April! Once the snow melts, the trails open up for some spectacular hiking.

Related Links:
Okanagan Horse Back Riding
Okanagan Skiing
Thompson Okanagan

I never give up an opportunity to visit Kamloops British Columbia. Located in the Thompson Okanagan, this mid sized city has much to offer. Once upon a time I actually attended Thompson Rivers University so it always reminds me of home when I have time to travel their and catch up with old friends.

Although I usually end up crashing at a buddy’s place, hotels like the Plaza Heritage are an excellent selection especially because of their location to amenities. My day usually starts with Golf at Aberdeen Hills and dinner at fun restaurant like Earl’s or Kelly O’Brien’s.

For people who enjoy horseback riding I would definitely recommend Jandana Ranch located northeast of Kamloops at beautiful Pinantan Lake. I haven’t personally made it I out there but have driven the scenic route dozens of times. On a hot summer day there’s nothing better than zipping down that road with an ice cold Pepsi slush in hand.

Related Links:
Aberdeen Hills Golf
Kamloops Cottages
Kamloops Air Travel