Pack your shades and sense of adventure – it’s time to make new memories in the place that always feels like home.
Welcome back to “The Okanagan You Remember.” This summer bucket list is crafted for those who grew up with South Okanagan sunshine and are eager to relive those cherished memories. The South Okanagan region beckons with nostalgic experiences, from lazy afternoons on golden beaches to scenic drives past orchards and vineyards that feel unchanged by time. Whether you’re returning after many summers or simply yearning for that classic Okanagan vibe, these activities and attractions will reconnect you with the South Okanagan you know and love
Scenic Road Trips from East or West
There’s nothing like the anticipation of a road trip back to the South Okanagan, watching the landscape shift to rolling vineyards and sparkling lakes as you approach. From the West (Vancouver and Lower Mainland), many travelers take the Hope-Princeton Highway (Hwy 3) through E.C. Manning Provincial Park and the Similkameen Valley. Some travellers opt for the Coquihalla Highways from Hope (Hwy 5), a popular high alpine route that brings you through Peachland to the north of the region. Either direction, it’s a drive down memory lane in more ways than one, you might recall pit stops at roadside fruit stands or that first glimpse of Okanagan Lake as you round a bend.
From the East, coming through the Kootenays on Highway 3 offers its own scenic magic with winding roads that eventually lead you to the valley’s warm embrace. Whichever way you come, the journey sets the nostalgic tone. Try timing your arrival for late afternoon, when the sun casts a golden glow on the vineyards and orchards. And if you’ve got kids (or are a kid at heart), don’t forget to stop in Okanagan Falls for an ice cream at the legendary Tickleberry’s – the same roadside treat you remember from summers past!
Flying into Penticton (YYF) with Pacific Coastal
If you’d rather skip the long drive, flying into Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) is a breeze. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers quick daily flights that connect effortlessly from Vancouver (YVR), meaning you can depart the city and be in the South Okanagan in under an hour. As your plane descends, you’ll witness a patchwork of valleys, vineyards, orchards and shimmering lakes that immediately feels familiar and inviting. The Penticton airport is conveniently close to town, so within minutes of landing you could be strolling along Okanagan Beach or checking into a cozy lakeside motel. There’s a nostalgia even in the air travel here, the friendly small-town airport vibe might remind you of how travel used to be. Plus, starting your trip with a bird’s-eye view of the region gives you a fresh appreciation of the South Okanagan’s beauty before you even hit the ground.
Float the Penticton Channel with Coyote Cruises
One South Okanagan summer tradition that never goes out of style is lazily floating down the Penticton Channel. On a hot afternoon, join locals and visitors in an inflatable flotilla and drift the 7 km channel that links Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. It’s essentially a rite of passage, many returning visitors have fond memories of past floats, laughing with friends as the current gently carries you along. Coyote Cruises has you covered for rentals and a shuttle ride back, making it easy to show up and relax. This “lazy river” float is pure nostalgic fun, slap on some sunscreen and don’t forget to cheers fellow floaters as you pass by. Surrounded by picturesque views of distant hills and blue sky, you might even strike up conversations and make new friends along the way, after all the Channel has been bringing people together for generations.
Tip: Start earlier in the day if you want a quieter float, or go in the peak of afternoon for a more lively, social experience. Either way, you’ll step off your tube at the end feeling sun-soaked and blissfully Okanagan.
Exploring the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
If you’re craving a mix of adventure, scenery, and history, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a must-do on your bucket list. This former railway-turned-trail, and part of the Trans Canada Trail stretches through the South Okanagan, offering gentle grades and panoramic vistas that are just as you remember. The full KVR Trail starts in Midway, BC and travels through the various Southern BC valleys to reach Hope, BC. In fact, the section of the KVR trail in the South Okanagan is one of the most iconic and sought after attractions in the area.
From Penticton to Naramata, the trail winds along the Naramata Bench, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and leads to the spectacular Little Tunnel lookout, a spot where you can gaze out over Okanagan Lake and feel time stand still. Biking or walking this section, you’ll pass century-old rock ovens and rusty rail artifacts, reminders of the region’s railroading past. It’s an easy trail (a steady 2% railway grade) suitable for all ages, so if you biked it as a kid you can certainly do it again now, perhaps this time with your own kids in tow. Recently re-opened is the Adra Tunnel located half way 12km between Little Tunnel and Chute Lake Lodge along the KVR Rail Trail.
South of Penticton towards Okanagan Falls offers a different but equally memorable experience. This 13km South Spur of the KVR hugs the shores of Skaha Lake through Pioneer Park in Kaleden and then crossing a historic trestle bridge into Okanagan Falls. The clickety-clack of tires on the wooden planks and the lake breeze on your face will take you back to simpler days. You can pause in OK Falls at the Ok Falls Hotel for lunch or stop for an old-fashioned beach picnic, then continue further along the trail.
The route between OK Falls toward Oliver is a bit patchy, a section runs along Highway 97 past Vaseux Lake and District Wine Village before connecting to the International Hike and Bike Trail. The International Hike and Bike Trail cut through the centre of the Town of Oliver and connects to the KVR again near Road 22 where travellers can continue towards Osoyoos. Halfway along this section of trail through Oliver make sure to stop at the Oliver Visitor Centre located along the trail in a century old train station that used to service the KVR Railway. There you can get bike parts, fresh coffee and grab and go snacks to help you along the way.
In Summerland, the KVR Trail is easily accessed near the Trout Creek Train Trestle and continues to the west, through the Trout Creek Valley towards the Town of Princeton (98km).
For a dose of pure nostalgia, consider a side excursion in Summerland and take a ride on the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. This historic steam train chugs along a preserved section of track, offering 90-minute rides that “bring you back 100 years” in time. The mix of KVR cycling and a steam train ride truly lets you experience the Okanagan you remember, one mile (or one whistle) at a time.
Sun-Soaked South Okanagan Beaches
No summer in the Okanagan is complete without beach days, and the South Okanagan has a beach for every nostalgia-filled memory. In Summerland, head to Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park, short for “Sunny Okanagan,” and one of the most popular family beaches around. Its broad stretch of sand and warm shallows might remind you of childhood afternoons building sandcastles under the sun.
Over in Naramata, Manitou Park Beach is a hidden gem with soft white sand and shade trees right by the water. This tranquil bay feels like a throwback to simpler times, pack a picnic and enjoy the grass park just steps from Okanagan Lake, exactly as locals and visitors have done for decades.
In Penticton, you’re spoiled with two legendary beaches. Okanagan Beach on the north end of town is a lively strip of sand that’s probably exactly as you remember, complete with the historic SS Sicamous paddlewheeler museum at one end and the iconic peach-shaped concession stand (yes, The Peach is still serving up ice cream!). Across town, Skaha Lake Beach offers a slightly quieter vibe with equally soft sand, a playground, and beach volleyball courts. Many returning visitors have fond memories of learning to swim or launching their first paddleboard here.
Kaleden and Okanagan Falls each boast their own beloved beaches on Skaha Lake as well. Kaleden’s Pioneer Park is a peaceful sandy nook alongside the old Kaleden Hotel ruins, you can almost imagine the early 1900s vacationers lounging in the same spot. At the southern tip of Skaha Lake lies OK Falls’ Christie Memorial Park, the town’s largest beach park with over an acre of gloriously soft sand.
In Oliver, take a moment and explore Rotary Park along the shores of Tuc-El-Nuit Lake. This is a perfect place to soak up sun and watch the kids splash in the gentle water, with the stunning backdrop of Nʕaylintn (McIntyre Bluff) in the distance.
Peachland, at the northern fringe of the South Okanagan, offers a must-stop along your route. Its downtown stretches along Okanagan Lake with a promenade and many spots to dip your toes. Check out Swim Bay in Peachland, a delightful beach area featuring a diving pier, rope swing, and even a zipline over the water. It’s one of the only beaches in the Okanagan with lifeguards on duty in summer, just as it was when you were young.
Whether you revisit your favourite childhood beach or discover a new sunny shoreline, these beach days are sure to stir up warm memories and create new ones.
South Okanagan Outdoor Adventures: Biking, Hiking, Paddling & Climbing
Beyond the beaches, the South Okanagan’s outdoors are an adventurer’s playground, one that many of us grew up exploring and can’t wait to dive into again. The region’s trail network offers stellar lake and vineyard views, whether you’re cycling, hiking, or horseback riding.
For bikers, options range from leisurely rides to adrenaline-pumping routes. If you’re a mountain biker, test your skills on Penticton’s famous Three Blind Mice trail network above the Naramata Bench, where twisting singletrack winds through Ponderosa pines and offers thrilling descents (plus the occasional view that will make you stop in awe). Road cyclists might retrace the Naramata Road or the IRONMAN Canada routes, rolling past orchards and vineyards with the sun on your face, perhaps even stopping at a fruit stand like in the old days for cold apple juice or cherries. And of course, there’s gravel biking along the KVR for a gentler adventure: it doesn’t get more nostalgic than ringing your bike bell through vineyard country on a former train route.
Hikers will find plenty of trails to reconnect with nature. Try Giants Head Mountain in Summerland for a short hike up an extinct volcano, the 360° view from the top is just as breathtaking as you recall. If you’re near Penticton, a quick hike up Munson Mountain (home of the giant “PENTICTON” sign) is a must for nostalgia’s sake, many of us have photos there from childhood, and the view of the city between two lakes is timeless.
For water lovers, don’t miss the chance to paddle the lakes. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Okanagan Lake at sunrise, when the water is glassy calm and the world is quiet, and you might feel like you’ve slipped back to a more peaceful time. Skaha Lake’s sheltered coves are great for an afternoon paddle, or venture to Vaseux Lake near Oliver, a protected bird sanctuary where motorboats are absent and you can often spot painted turtles and blue herons as you quietly canoe along the reedy shores.
And here’s something that may not have been on your childhood itinerary but is a South Okanagan specialty today, rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs. Just south of Penticton, Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park has become a world-class climbing destination with over 1,200 routes across beautiful orange-streaked cliffs. Thanks to the South Okanagan’s dry, warm climate, Skaha boasts one of the longest climbing seasons in Canada (March through October). Even if you’re not a climber, hiking the Bluffs’ trails offers incredible views of Skaha Lake and a chance to watch climbers scale the walls – maybe it’ll inspire you to try it yourself. Many returning visitors are now introducing their own kids to Skaha’s gentle beginner climbs, often with a local guide from Hoodoo Adventures or Skaha Rock Adventures.
It’s a new tradition built on the same outdoor spirit we’ve always loved here. From biking and hiking to paddling and climbing, the South Okanagan’s adventures invite you to rediscover that fearless, nature-loving explorer in you.
Tee Off in the South Okanagan: Golf Courses with a View
If your perfect summer day includes a round of golf, the South Okanagan has you spoiled with scenic courses that are as nostalgic as they are challenging. Golf has deep roots here you might recall that Penticton Golf & Country Club has been around for over a century and still offers a classic parkland layout in the heart of the city. Today, golfers flock to this region to test their skills on a variety of courses, from traditional tree-lined fairways to desert-style links, all set against stunning backdrops. What’s more, with our long summers, you can often golf from early spring into late fall, squeezing in extra rounds under that famous Okanagan sunshine.
Oliver is home to the renowned Fairview Mountain Golf Club, a perennial favourite often ranked among Canada’s top courses is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this season. It’s a “distinctly spectacular” course carved into the mountainside with views of the valley and vineyards below, talk about golfing with a view! Across the in the valley, Oliver also offers Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course, where you play amidst sagebrush and desert terrain, reminding you that you’re in Canada’s pocket desert.
In Penticton, aside from the historic Penticton Country Club, there’s Skaha Meadows, a relaxed 9-hole great for a quick game and a few more charming par-3 courses if you want to introduce the younger generation to the sport.
Summerland boasts the Summerland Golf & Country Club, tucked in the hills with beautiful vistas of Giant’s Head Mountain, many a golfer has paused here just to breathe in the pine-scented air and absorb the scenery as the course overlooks the Trout Creek Valley.
A little secret in Kaleden is St. Andrews by the Lake, a quaint 9-hole course centered around a lake that feels like a step back in time (it even has its own tiny chapel next to the green!). And let’s not forget Twin Lakes on the way to Keremeos, it’s surrounded by towering rock cliffs in a serene valley, giving you that away-from-it-all feeling.
In fact, part of the fun is the short, scenic drives between these courses, which often become a tour of the South Okanagan’s varied landscapes themselves. Whether you’re chasing birdies or just along for the ride in the cart, golfing here is a reminder that some things, like the satisfaction of a morning tee-off followed by an afternoon of visiting tasting rooms never go out of style in the Okanagan.
Wineries of the South Okanagan
No South Okanagan summer is complete without savouring the local wine scene, and returning visitors will be delighted to find it’s better than ever yet still infused with that homegrown charm. The region’s wineries have expanded over the years, there are well over 150 wineries now in the South Okanagan, but each area retains a distinct character that will feel reassuringly familiar.
In Summerland, the cluster of wineries, cidereis and breweries are known as Bottleneck Drive that has a playful, nostalgic vibe. Here you’ll find intimate, family-run vineyards alongside orchards and winding country roads. Drop into Dirty Laundry Vineyard, famous not just for its wines but its cheeky backstory. Another must-stop is Thornhaven Estates, perched high on Little Giant’s Head Mountain with a panorama so grand people liken it to Tuscany in the summer. The nostalgia factor here is strong, perhaps you remember touring these wineries years ago when they were fewer in number, today, the wines have evolved, but the friendly welcomes and gorgeous views are just as you remember.
On the eastern shores of Okanagan Lake, between the City of Penticton and the village of Naramata lies the famous Naramata Bench, a wine route that has likely been on your itinerary every visit, and for good reason. With over 40 wineries on a single benchland road, the Naramata Bench is a paradise of award-winning Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and more. But it’s not just the wine, the bench’s stunning views of Okanagan Lake from every vineyard make each tasting an experience. Many wineries here have added bistros and patio restaurants over the years, enhancing that sip-with-a-view experience. You might lunch at Hillside Winery & Bistro, where for decades the aromas of cooking and wine have mingled with lake breezes, or enjoy a cheese plate on the patio at Lake Breeze, appropriately named for the gentle winds off the water. The community feel is alive and well, don’t be surprised if a winemaker joins your table to chat. Naramata’s long, lazy summer days, filled with wine, food, and friendship, truly embody “The Okanagan You Remember.”
Further south in Oliver, is Canada’s Wine Capital (as royally declared by Queen Elizabeth II) awaits with its unique blend of vineyards in Canada’s desert. This region is home to big names and boutique gems alike, spread across the Golden Mile Bench and the Black Sage Bench. If you haven’t been back in a while, prepare to be amazed by the growth, yet comforted by the continuity of the landscapes you love. Oliver’s wineries range from the grand Phantom Creek Estate to charming small farms like Nostalgia Wines. Many have patios with a view of the valley that are simply breathtaking at sunset, when the hills glow ochre and the vineyards light up with fireflies. Don’t miss Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, which houses Miradoro Restaurant, known for one of the best patios and views in the South Okanagan. Sipping a glass of Tinhorn’s Oldfield Series wine while gazing across rows of vines toward the distant Osoyoos Lake is pure Okanagan bliss. Down the road, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery offers a rooftop patio and a chance to stay overnight at their guest house, something that might become part of your new traditions.
Each of these wine areas, Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive, the Naramata Bench, and Oliver–Osoyoos Wine Country, offers a slightly different flavour of the South Okanagan, but all share the qualities we treasure: genuine people, fruitful land, and that easygoing pace that lets you truly savour summer. Go ahead and raise a glass to the “Okanagan You Remember” – in every sip, the past and present blend into something truly special.
Make This Summer One to Remember
As you revisit these South Okanagan favorites, or discover new ones. You’ll find that the magic of this region is wonderfully unchanged. Sure, there are fresh businesses, new trails, and evolving local flavors, but the essence is intact, friendly smiles at every stop, long lazy days by the water, and sunsets that seem to pause just for you. This is “The Okanagan You Remember,” alive and well, inviting you to create new stories on the foundation of old ones. So go ahead, make this summer one to remember, float, sip, drive, hike, swim, and dine your way through the South Okanagan. And as you do, take a moment to soak it all in, the laughter echoing off the lake, the smell of sage and pine on a warm breeze, and that feeling of pure contentment that tells you you’re exactly where you need to be. Here’s to rekindling nostalgia and forging new memories under the South Okanagan sun. Welcome back, and enjoy every moment!
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