We found Canada’s best-kept secret and there is no way our lips are staying sealed. Only an hour-long connecting plane ride from Vancouver International Airport, the Okanagan Valley is the home of Canada’s world-renowned wine country where rolling vineyards are framed against the scenic Okanagan Lake and breathtaking mountainscapes. While there’s much to do and see on your trip, make sure you visit these hot spots to experience the best the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Zed Kelowna
Retro, free-spirited, and totally Instagramable, Hotel Zed Kelowna is Pop Art come to life. With a focus on fun, this colorful lodge is perfect for the traveler in search of a leftfield stay. Inspired by whimsical 1970s styles, you’ll feel like you stepped into the past as each room features chic decor and even a mini-disco ball ready for impromptu dance sessions.
The Royal Kelowna by Bellstar Hotels
Smack dab in the heart of downtown is the Royal Kelowna, a luxury hotel with panoramic views of the city as well as the natural wonders of the valley. Ranging from stunning penthouse suites to lavish one-bedrooms, the Hotel Kelowna is dripping in class.
Where to Eat:
Home Block Restaurant
Known for its ever-changing menu, Home Block Restaurant puts the spotlight on homegrown ingredients, allowing the land to decide what memorable dish should be served day-to-day. Truly a one-of-a-kind culinary journey, your taste buds will melt with each delicious bite. And for the cherry on top, compliment your meal with a paired wine from the Cedarcreek Estate Winery, one of Okanagan’s most revered wineries just right next door.
Terrace Restaurant
The crown jewel of fine dining in the Okanagan Valley, Terrace Restaurant celebrates the region in each carefully curated plate. Located on the stunning Mission Hill property, enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by the city’s top chefs in an achingly romantic atmosphere.
Where to Drink:
Micro Bar & Bites
Small, yet mighty, Micro Bar & Bites celebrates international cuisine and artfully prepared craft cocktails from inside a hip open kitchen environment. For those in need of a low-key night, this quiet downtown eatery is the place to be.
WINERIES TO TASTE AT:
Cedarcreek Estate Winery
Cedarcreek Estate Winery wine tastings and vineyards tours is an excellent start to learning the rich winemaking history of the Okanagan region. Set in a contemporary farmhouse, here you’ll savor the newest wines as well as legacy barrels, all the while exploring the story and dynamics that go into creating each bottle.
Liquidity
At Liquidity, treat yourself to five flights of appetizing estate wines paired with an unbeatable view of the Okanagan Falls. A little warning, you’re sure to fall in love with the Okanagan Valley right then and there.
Checkmate Winery
With a front row seat to the vineyards and rolling hills of southern Okanagan, visitors can appreciate the award-winning wines of Checkmate Winery while relaxing in the open air.
Mission Hill
A wealth of architecture and design, Mission Hill offers a behind-the-scenes tour like no other. Guided by a wine ambassador, you’ll travel through the awe inspiring underground barrel cellar, a cellar carved from the mountain itself, before being seated at Terrace Restaurant for a drink and food tasting highlighting the estate’s Legacy Collection of wines.
Where to Visit:
Knox Mountain Park
When in the mood for the great outdoors, head over to Knox Mountain Park. Whether you’re hiking down a trail or swimming by the beachside, Knox Mountain Park provides a taste of the wild in the comfort of the big city.
