View of Spirit Ridge Resort & Spa from the vineyards, Osoyoos, BC

vacation enthusiasts from around the world. Mainly because of its spectacular location sitting due north of the US border, Osoyoos is an arid desert climate which reaches down through Oregon and Arizona, touching on the borders of Mexico.  The overall appeal of the region is further complemented by having Canada’s warmest fresh water lake – yes, Lake Osoyoos, located amongst one of the most geographically desirable settings in the country.

A Hotel Is A Place

A place where you come to rest for any number of reasons including but not limited to, putting a little romance back into that special relationship or, travel somewhere special with family in tow, or best of all – simply to just get away! Regardless of your reason, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa located in the relaxed community of Osoyoos, fulfills all these needs and more.

The Resort is adjacent to the Nk’Mip (pronounced in-ka-meep)Desert Cultural Centre owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band under the leadership of Chief Clarence Louie. The magnificent Nk’Mip development also includes the award-winning Nk’Mip Cellars Winery – the first Aboriginal owned and operated award-winning winery in North

The patio view from NK'MIP Cellars Winery, Osoyoos, BC

America and, as of October, 2009, the newly opened Conference Centre.

All of this plus spectacular scenery is located just steps away from the front door of the individual villas of Spirit Ridge. One of the most popular comments heard from guests is how peaceful the environment is considering all that is going on around the Resort.  The magic lays in the design.

One of only six 4.5 star resorts in British Columbia, the south-western designed property provides 226 condo-style villas and suites in a gorgeous Santa Fe style.  Decorated in warm, deep colours taken from nature’s desert palette, there’s a certain calm radiating from this place.  It definitely sets the tone for a great getaway…and a desire to return sooner than later as evidenced by the accolades bestowed since opening in 2006.

With a fantastic outdoor pool and comfortable fitness area, there are no excuses not to stick with your fitness plan for

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa Pool Area

2010! Slip into the spa for a private treatment or simply rent one of the cabanas poolside, curl up with a book and while away an afternoon.  Spirit Lodge is the heart of the development providing a fully stocked games room for kids and adults alike, concierge services can help with access to the golf, winery and cultural centre.  For more information, take a look at www.spiritridge.ca or call toll free 1.877.313.9463.  For the winery, please visit www.nkmipcellars.com.

From Meetings to Management Retreats

The South Okanagan has some heady attributes with which to parlay into outstanding tourism experiences.  Most notably on the horizon is the recent opening of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa’s Conference Centre. The facility is the largest meeting space in the region. At over 9,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility provides an outstanding meeting venue suitable for up to 350 people, with remarkable recreation and culture to complement even the most intense conferences.

“The development of the Conference Centre enables us to increase our shoulder season business for the destination by targeting a growing meetings market that we could not attract to the South Okanagan without this new facility,” said General Manager of Spirit Ridge Resort, Mohamad Awad.

As the only First Nation 4.5 Star resort, Nk’Mip Resort now provides an incredible option for hosting First Nations health, education, council and business meetings; as well as a variety of private sector meetings and events. And what a bounty for the delegates – from the cultural centre to wine tastings and tours, golf at the executive style desert links course, pampering and relaxation at the spa to upscale dining at Passa Tempo Restaurant.
“Native bands and organizations host meetings, conferences and retreats every month dealing with a multitude of issues, including: youth, health, social services, education, governance and economic development. Too many times, these meetings are held off-reserve at venues that do not support First Nation employment, or provide revenue to a First Nation community,” states OIB Chief Clarence Louie. “If First Nation’s are serious about creating economic opportunity and supporting each other; then they need to consider our new Conference Centre – where quality is a commitment.”

Are We There Yet?

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa gets full thumbs up for families. In-suite amenities have got travelling with kids nailed and mom covered.  Stock up on the basics for the fully functional kitchens include fridge, stove, microwave and dishes, plus a very quiet dishwasher, two bathrooms in the two bedroom villas, complete with washer/dryer (not meant as a reminder of home, simply a great convenience if you’ve got kids who tear through their travel wardrobe in a day and a half!).  Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is directly across the parking lot and open year-round. Be sure to view

NK'MIP Cultural Centre, Osoyoos, British Columbia

this architectural marvel which houses fascinating stories of Canada’s only desert, and the Okanagan First Nations people who inhabit it. With over 50 acres of self-guided hiking trails around the surrounding Nk’Mip Resort Development – the view of Osoyoos Lake from the Chief Lookout is simply stunning.  Truly, there’s no end of activities to do within the property.  Visit www.nkmipdesert.com.

Of course a trip into town is worth it too.  Ride a bike (the Resort has complimentary bikes available), or hop in the car and check out the marvelous Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad on 115 Street.  There’s over 2,000 sq. feet of a miniature world, connecting 4000 hand painted little people via a dozen computer controlled trains running through European villages!  It’s an inspiring attraction which will definitely enthrall the kids while adults admire with immense respect for the talent and patience involved in creating it. Take a peek at www.osoyoosrailroad.com – also open year-round!

For a first hand view of the land and her bounty, please visit www.destinationsosoyoos.com or call toll free 1.888.676.9667. For more information on NK’MIP First Nations tourism and more aboriginal tourism experiences, visit www.atbc.com.

If you prefer indoor activities, there’s curling, ice skating at the Summerland Arena. Or go for a swim and hot tub at the Summerland Aquatic and Fitness facilities on Kelly Avenue, in down town Summerland.

NEAR BY SKI RESORTS

- Apex Mountain Ski Resort & Nickel

- Plate X-Country Ski Trails – Penticton

- Crystal Mountain & Telemark

- X-Country Ski Trails – Westbank

- Big White Ski Resort – Kelowna

- Silver Star Mountain Ski Resort &

X-Country Ski Trails – Vernon

- Mt. Baldy Ski Resort – Osoyoos;

The Kettle Valley Railway is still going strong on a portion of maintained track in Summerland. The steam train takes you back in time to the heyday of mining and railways. Take a trip for the stunning view and on-board events. But beware, the Garnett Valley Gang holds up the train regularly.

For a complete operating schedule, fares and special event

information, call (250) 494-8422 or 1-877-494-8424.

Beaches

Summerland’s sun and many sandy beaches, meanwhile, are free. The Trout Creek area offers the popular Sun-Oka Beach off Hwy 97 and Powell Beach. Lakeshore Drive in Summerland’s main town offers the beautiful Peach Orchard Beach and Park as well as the Gordon Beggs Rotary Beach and Crescent Beach.

Wineries

Among North America’s leading wineries, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Dirty Laundry, Adora and Thornhaven Estate offer wine tours and tastings during the summer months.

Fruit Stands

Those preferring a lighter menu can visit one of the many fruit stands in Summerland that serve both locals and visitors. They offer a variety of fruits and vegetables in season and some highlight the organic produce grown locally.

Art

Drop by the Summerland Art Gallery to take in their exhibits or to take part in one of their self-expression workshops, call (250) 494-4494 for more information. Summerland’s history and artifacts are preserved at the Summerland Museum and Heritage Society, at 9521 Wharton St. Call (250) 494-9395.

Gardens

The Summerland Ornamental Gardens is just a few minutes north of Penticton and offers a different kind of sensual experience. Watch for the turnoff along Highway 97 oppposite Sun-Oka Beach.

Standing in the shadows of Giant’s Head Mountain and overlooking Okanagan Lake, the gardens are the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or light picnic lunch. They are also popular for weddings and family reunions. Admission is by donation.

Artist Anita Delong offers visitors a chance to take in her perenials, ornamental shrubs and her pottery. Her pieces are created individually and are decorated with plants, flowers and fruit of the Okanagan Valley. Delong also grows and sells Phalaenopsis orchids on site. Find her at 4420 Williams Ave. or by calling (250) 494-5155.

Classic Cars

The car enthusiast can take in a variety of classic cars at the Nixdorf Classic Car display open May 19 – Sept. 30 seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Find them at 15809 Logie Rd. or visit them online at ;

Registration for both events is available online at peachcitybeachcruise.com.;

Each year the event gains more and more attention as some of the best Elvis tribute artists take the stage in both amateur and professional categories.

The amateur category for 2009 is completely full and a waiting list has been started for other hopefuls.

The three-day festival takes place June 25-28 at a number of venues around the Peach City offering Elvis’ rock and roll as well as his favourite gospel works.

Elvis Tribute Artists take part in judged competitions as they compete to be named professional and amateur champions.

Along with the judged performances, some of the most renowned tribute artists are showcased in professional live shows, the Sunday Showcase of Gospel Music and feature celebrity guests from Elvis’ life.

For more information on this year’s events, visit .;

12th annual Meadowlark Festival

Celebrate the unique wildlife habitat in Penticton and the South Okanagan with hundreds of other outdoor enthusiasts. For more information visit or call 492-5275.

May 21-23

Seventh annual Rotary Okanagan International Children’s Festival

This festival, which brings world-wide dancing, singing and performing arts to Penticton, is held for the first time at Okanagan Lake Park with both performance-style tents, outdoor events and workshops. There’s fun for the whole family during this event. For more information visit www.okchildrensfest.org or call 250-490-2426.

June 26-28

Ninth annual Peach City Beach Cruise

See hundreds of antique cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. There’s something for everyone at the beach cruise on Lakeshore Drive. For more information visit www.peachcitybeachcruise.com.

June 25-28

Seventh annual Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival

See Elvis tribute artists performing the King’s greatest hits, take in some of his gospel tunes and watch for other tribute artists from his era. For more information about the festival visit www.pentictonelvisfestival.com.

Every week in July and August

Penticton Sunshine Cabaret

See live entertainment in Gyro Park Friday and Saturday nights from 7-9 p.m.

July 23

The Penticton Art Gallery will be holding its 32nd annual Art Auction at the Ikeda Japanese Garden from 6-11 p.m. The evening starts at 6 p.m. behind the Penticton Art Gallery located at 199 Marina Way. Tickets information available by calling 493-2928.

July 6-Aug. 16

50 annual Okanagan School of the Arts summer school

The summer school offers courses taught by professional instructors in performing arts, music, fine crafts and visual arts. Classes on ffer will include many favourites such as; painting – oil, acrylic, encaustic and watercolours; drawing; cartooning; Creativity Camp; Rock ‘n Roll and much more. OSA classes are for all ages and stages. visit www.osarts.com for details and to register.

July 17-19

Fifteenth annual Beach Blanket Film Festival

See Canada’s only outdoor floating screen film festival with Canadian filmmakers screening their shows. Bring your blanket to Okanagan Lake. For more information visit www.beachblanketfilmfest.ca.

Aug. 2

Mr. Muscle Miss Bikini Contest

See Penticton and area’s finest in the Junior Chamber International Penticton Mr. Muscle/Miss Bikini contest held from noon-8 p.m. at Skaha Beach. Live entertainment, vendors and lots to see. No minors allowed.

Aug. 2

29th Naramata August Faire

Manitou Park is the venue for the Naramata August Faire, held the first Sunday in August every year. This day in the park is a family-oriented festival of live music, fun, food, games, and artisans. This annual party starts with a parade at 11 a.m. Free admission. Everyone welcome.

Aug. 5-9

62nd annual Penticton Peach Festival

Originally created to celebrate the area’s peach harvest, the Peach Festival has taken off in popularity. Take the time to enjoy all the entertainment competitions, concerts, parades, food vendors, crafts and more all offered during the festival. For more information about Peach Fest visit www.peachfest.com.

Sept. 11-13

13th annual Pentastic Jazz Festival

Three days of entertainment for the jazz enthusiast with bands from Canada, the United States and around the world at six different venues. For more information visit www.pentasticjazz.com.

Oct. 30

Pumpkin Patch Halloween Carnival

Children 11 years and under and their families can play over 35 different carnival games and win “Boo Bucks” to be cashed in for a bag of goodies. Live dance music by Shakewood Annie, photo booth, Pumpkin Lane and more. Held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Advance tickets only at the Penticton Community Centre.

Oct. 1-11

28th annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival

Celebrate the South Okanagan’s speciality – wine – and great food during this festival. There are a variety of wine-related events going on through the valley. For more information visit www.owfs.com.

Oct. 30

The Soup Bowls Project

Enjoy a beautiful pottery bowl filled with delectable soups prepared by the finest local restaurants. Add homemade bread, a glass of wine and some soulful jazz, and you’ve got a night to remember! Your personally selected, handcrafted bowl is your souvenir of this fabulous event. Tickets available by calling 493-2928.

Dec. 5

Santa Claus Parade

See Santa and all things Christmas at the parade which starts at 4:30 p.m. There will be food, clowns and carolers as well as live entertainment. For more information call 493-8540.;

Skaha is home to tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, basketball hoops and a place to play road hockey. For the kids there’s a water park and playground with a pond where ducks hang out. The area also boasts a large grassy park with lots of shade-providing trees and picnic benches. For those looking to get wild and wet there is a marina/boat launch and a water sports rental location.

Head to the north end of town to Okanagan Lake which is bordered by a long beach running along Lakeshore Drive. The historic SS Sicamous is docked at the west end of the beach not only offering a beautiful sight to see but also a floating museum for those looking to escape the sun. For a small donation, visitors can even honk the ship’s horn.

Okanagan Beach’s Sunset Strip is treelined and has a walking path its entire length. While travelling along the beach, visitors will encounter the giant peach concession stand – a well known Penticton landmark.

There are also rental outfits to take out a jet ski or other water sport device. Want to take to the skies? Try out parasailing on Okanagan Lake.

Just a few blocks down from the end of Okanagan Beach you’ll find Okanagan Lake Park Beach with a fenced in dog beach for our four-legged friends to have access to the cooling waters.

East of Okanagan Lake Park Beach is Marina Way Beach and then the Penticton Yacht Club and Marina where sailboats launch.

No trip to Penticton would be complete with a lazy drift down the Okanagan River Channel. Put on your sunscreen, get your friends or family together, and grab an inner tube – then sit back for the three-hour float down the channel south from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.

Riverside Park has undergone many changes this year, making on of the most family-friendly and fun parks in the city. Riverside has everything from a historic paddle wheeler – the S.S. Sicamous – to mini-golf and picnics, plus the wonderful Rose Garden. It’s also home to the start of river channel drifting. The park’s Rotary pavilion – a perfect site for outdoor performances and family picnics – is the newest addition and is often host to free concerts. And for the skaters, bladers and BMX-ers in the family, it’s hard to miss Riverside Park’s main attraction! The Youth Activity Park was designed by a professional skatepark architect and has been a great place for skateboarders to practice and show off their moves. Riverside Park is located at the corner of Lakeshore and Riverside drives.

Home to the city’s bandshell, Gyro Park is often the site of free concerts all during the summer. It’s also a mainstage for a variety of area events and borders the Farmers’ and Artisans’ markets held every Saturday through to October. If there’s nothing going on at the park, then it’s a great place to take a break from the bustle of the summer and relax on the grass. Gyro Park is located at the end of Main Street.

Race your friends or family around the go-kart track, or send them spinning in the bumper boats. Up for some easy golf? Try a round on the 18-hole mini-golf course. Indoors, play one of the many games in the newly rebuilt arcade or sample from the snack bar. The site also has large picnic facilities.

On the north side of town, Lakeshore Drive along Okanagan Lake brings you a number of summer attractions starting at Riverside Park, near the historic S.S. Sicamous sternwheeler. There you will find Loco Landing Adventure Golf.

The course features a paddle wheeler clubhouse and Kettle Valley Railway theme – a perfect fit with the area’s history. Four waterfalls, misting stations and caves will keep you cool even when your golf score is hot. For something completely different, try Aeroball – a sport that blends volleyball, basketball and a trampoline. The site also offers bumper boats and a garden with 150 varieties of plants. Loco Landing is open 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

High rollers will love the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino located on Okanagan Lake for great adult entertainment. The casino features slot machines, blackjack and roulette tables and a bar for the over-19 crowd.

For those 12 and over who like competition without keeping track of the score, the Action and Adventure Paintball on Highway 97 just south of the Skaha Lake beaches should do the trick.

If you want to have fun, while not making the wallet lighter, here are a few free or inexpensive ideas:

- Drift down the channel that joins Okanagan and Skaha lakes.

- Head to the splash park at Skaha Beach.

- Visit local gardeners at the Penticton Community Garden.

- Seek treasure in second-hand stores.

- Some wineries offer free tours – check at the Wine Info Centre, at Echhardt Avenue and Railway Street.

- For affordable indoor fun, head to the community centre on Power Street.

- Open your ears to the Sunshine Cabaret’s weekend performances in Gyro Park or the newly-renovated Nanaimo Square or Skaha East Park.

- Take in a panoramic view of Penticton and Okanagan Lake with a picnic on Munson Mountain.

- Take a stroll on the beach promenades.

- Join an impromptu drumming session at Gyro Park.

Flowers appear all summer long throughout the city, whether it be at a park or walking the streets of downtown.

Over 25 types of annuals can be viewed in Penticton and some sites to keep in mind for closer inspection are:

- The Rose Garden near the S.S. Sicamous on Lakeshore Drive;

- Riverside Drive, along Penticton Creek, from the Sicamous to the city’s north entrance;

- Rotary Park, near the Peach on Okanagan Lake beach;

- Rotary Point, just west of the Lakeside Resort and Casino;

- Gyro Park, at the north end of Main Street;

- Surrounding the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre;

- Lamposts downtown boast stunning hanging baskets.

The Penticton Art Gallery boasts more than just creative works inside – located behind is the Penticton-Ikeda Japanese Garden, which is a quiet respite on the lake.

The garden is a tribute to Penticton’s sister city in Japan and was mapped out by a professional Japanese garden designer.

Extra peace is offered through high walls surrounding the garden, Asian-inspired benches a bridge leading over Penticton Creek to Okanagan Lake Park.

In 2005 a bright painted torii was erected on the bridge as a welcome to visitors seeking the retreat of the garden.

Summerland boasts its own ornamental garden which is maintained by Friends of the Garden Society. Full of beautiful flowers and plants, the garden is a great place to get away as it has a large walking trail winding through the park.

Some of the flowers to see starting in June are azaleas, rhododendrons, bellflowers, ornamental onions, sunflowers, asters and butterfly bushes. But those are just a small portion of all the plants. The garden is also a great example of xeriscaping, which is low-water consumption gardening. For more information about the gardens visit www.summerlandornamentalgardens.org.

The South Okanagan’s dry climate makes xeriscape a perfect fit for the area. Xeriscape gardening uses plants that thrive in dry conditions, such as rabbit brush, sage brush, oregon grape, wild roses and locust trees.

Examples of these gardens can be found at:

- The garden at the east end of Penticton Avenue

- Kettle Valley Railway Park at the west end of Hastings Avenue

- Vancouver Place. ;

Naramata

Napa of the North is another name for this lovely village. Just 15 minutes north of Penticton is this world of wine. Visitors will travel the Naramata Bench and see the numerous wineries dotting the drive, passing breathtaking views of the valley and Okanagan Lake.

Three Mile Road will take guests down to the lake and Three Mile Beach – a sandy spot with a marked swimming area, rafts and a boat launch.

Further along, the road turns west and the tiny community of Naramata appears.

It is well known for the Naramata Centre for Continuing Education. The centre offers courses each year in leadership development, personal growth and relationship skills and attracts a wide variety of conventions.

Country roads in the area are home to local artisans.

Manitou Park on the south end of the village draws summer bathers and boaters daily. It’s home to the annual Naramata Faire, featuring vendors, crafters, beer gardens, live musical entertainment and games and contests for kids.

Okanagan Falls

Just a 15-minute drive south from Penticton, Okanagan Falls is a charming unincorporated community. Named after the falls once located where Skaha Lake empties into the Okanagan River, this area is a friendly spot with some great parks and trails to explore.

Within walking distance from the downtown are Christie Memorial Park, which is known for its swimming, fishing, paddling and picnics; Kenyon Park is home to day camps and recreational programs; and peaceful Lion’s Gardens offers a park-like setting with pathways and a pond – the perfect place for a quiet, picturesque walk. Reach OK Falls by taking Highway 97 south out of Penticton or travel Eastside Road on the eastern shore of Skaha Lake. All three of these parks are located on the shore of Skaha Lake.

Possibly the best ice cream parlour in the Okanagan is Tickleberry’s. With a grandiose selection and scoop sizes second-to-non, this is a definite stop for those visiting the area.

Oliver

Staying on Highway 97, just half an hour down the road lies Oliver – an area every self-respecting wine connoisseur should visit. With a number of award-winning wineries and vineyards, Oliver boasts itself the “Wine Capital of Canada.”

But its not just wine that’s attractive about Oliver – the roadside stands offer fresh fruit and vegetables.

Osoyoos

Keep to Highway 97 and you’ll get to Osoyoos. Inside Canada’s only true desert this popular vacation destination at least doubles in population during the summer months. With Osoyoos Lake as a big draw to those interested in water sports or just suntanning, it’s also a great destination for exploring. Must-visits include the Osoyoos Desert Centre and Nk’Mip Desert and Heritage Centre, Canada’s first First Nations winery.

Osoyoos is also situated close to the Canada/U.S. border, just minutes from the town of Oroville, Washington State.

Keremeos

Travel west an hour west along Highway 3 to reach Keremeos. History buffs should check out the Grist Mill and seekers of the wild can find it in nearby Cathedral Provincial Park. Looking for some family fun? Visit nearby Farmer John’s Petting Zoo where there are many animals to see and play with.

In nearby Hedley, those with a thirst for history and no fear of heights can tour the semi-restored Mascot Gold Mines – located nearly 1,000 metres above the town. ;