If Only The Early Explorers Had A Route Like This

Imagine taking a few days to wind your way through the heart of wine country to experience some of B.C.'s best wineries. Stopping to pick fruit, fresh from the orchard. And then, taking a refreshing dip in one of our warm water lakes.

The Harvest Tour

1 Start your tour in Osoyoos which is so warm in summer, you may feel you've stumbled across the Mediterranean. Just north is Canada's only true desert, nicknamed the 'pocket desert'.

2 Take a drive north on Highway 97. Between Osoyoos and Oliver, there are nine wineries to visit. Simply follow the grape-bunch road signs and you'll know you're on the right track.

3 In Oliver, you'll find one of the most picturesque places in the Okanagan. The Vaseux Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. Stroll the boardwalk and observe abundant birdlife, including the magnificent Tundra swans.

4 Continue north on Highway 97 to Okanagan Falls. Slightly to the north, experience the vintages of six wineries.

5 Heading north again, stop at Penticton and stretch out on the beach. Or, if you're feeling more active, head east on Eastside Road to Skaha Bluffs, one of the world's best rock climbing areas.

6 Continuing north on Highway 97, stop by fresh fruit stands before arriving in Summerland. Follow the sunflower signs to the Summerland Research Station to visit the ornamental gardens.

7 In the Westbank-Kelowna area alone, you'll find over 15 wineries. Orchard tours are conducted daily at Kelowna Land and Orchard Company. While you're in Kelowna, keep your eyes peeled for legendary monster Ogopogo.

8 Head northwest to Vernon on Highway 97 and visit Historic O'Keefe Ranch. Nearby, there are many working ranches where you can ride the range.

9 Take Highway 97A to Sicamous where you can board the Phoebe Ann sternwheeler and cruise Shuswap Lake. Be sure to visit D Dutchmen Dairy for arguably the best ice cream in B.C.


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