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Penticton is the perfect base to explore the many surrounding communities.
Tuesday, June 15th, 2004 by GetawayBC.com
Despite being a centre with enough activities and events to fill an entire vacation, there is more to the South Okanagan than just the Peach City.
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. ;