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Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

This time of year, the Okanagan dazzles in the autumn sunlight. From lush vineyards to fruit orchards, it's a bumper crop of local goodies!
Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Discovering the Okanagan Valley

In the valley

Kelowna is the unofficial capital of the Okanagan Valley. It’s a city woven together by vine-covered valleys that tumble into the sun-dappled Okanagan Lake, in British Columbia. There are wineries everywhere, fruit trees, beekeepers, lavender farms and cheese makers galore. The whole area is like the best-ever farmers’ market come to life on a massive scale. Local produce ends up in everything from wine in the glass to a warm peach and cherry cobbler cooling on the stovetop. We happily ate our way through this agriculturally gifted region.

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visitPhoto by Roberto Caruso

Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm

Imagine a purple carpet of fresh lavender, swaying in the breeze. That’s what you’ll find at this family farm where the fragrant flowers, as well as a giant bouquet of herbs, are spun into everything from floral lemonade to teas and handmade soaps.Get more info: Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visitPhoto by Roberto Caruso

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Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan

Located on steeply pitched grounds (great terrain for the goats), it produces some of the best goat cheese in the country, a rotating roster of 20 varieties, ranging from softu001d to hard. We love the Goatgonzola, and the goat’s milk gelato (smooth, creamy, not “goaty” at all) is simply divine.Get the info: Carmelis Goat  Cheese Artisan

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

Kelowna Farmers' Market

Over 165 vendors peddle their wares here year-round. Refreshingly, no imports are allowed; the market’s slogan is “We make it, bake it, grow it, or it’s not sold here.” From fresh veg to tacos and handmade clothing, it even has a coupon program for low-income residents, redeemable for farm-fresh products.Get the info: Kelowna Farmers' Market

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visitPhoto by Roberto Caruso

Mission Hill Family Estate

On a beautiful fall morning a Mission Hill sommelier takes us for a vineyard tour through manicured grounds, down to the cellar and into the wine vault, a room that holds a library of vintage wines. “This is second-glance architecture,” he explains as we pass the bell tower and the amphitheatre, meaning you notice something different every time — the same goes for the stellar wines.Get the info: Mission Hill Family Estate

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

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Quails' Gate Winery

This is a big and beautiful winery with food to match. The menu card is indicative of what’s going on in the Okanagan: Crisped Fraser Valley quail, Dungeness crab and Enderby rainbow trout. All dishes are prepared with harvest ingredients and paired with perfect wines. Try them alfresco amid spectacular sweeping vineyard views.Get the info: Quails' Gate Winery

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

“When we enter the pyramid, don’t talk, just be,” says Stephen Cipes, the proprietor of Summerhill Pyramid Winery, as he leads us into the wine-aging pyramid overlooking his expansive winery. We enjoy his wine paired with executive chef Jesse Croy’s forager- and farmer- friendly dishes, from local halibut to elk medallions.Get the info: Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visitPhoto by Roberto Caruso

Kelowna wineries

Kelowna wineries have their own wine-trail map: Kelowna Wine Trails. Many of the wineries can be visited by foot, bike or, yes, car. You can also enlist the services of Distinctly Kelowna Tours, who can drive you around so you’re free to swirl and sip.

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visitPhoto by Roberto Caruso

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Smack Dab

All gas lamps and twinkly lights, this casual restaurant boasts the newest — and largest — lakeside patio in town: 150 seats overlooking the lake. Chef Brad Horen’s menu is full of “modern twists on favourite foods,” he says, including Forno-ovenflamed pizzas featuring local honey and Two Rivers artisan dry pepperoni. Bonus: Signature beer-tasting flights feature B.C. microbrews, from Penticton’s Tin Whistle Peach Cream Ale to Surrey’s Russell Brewing’s Black Death Porter.Get more info: Smack Dab

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

Bean Scene Coffee Works

In this sunny industrial space, coffee traditionalists John and Deb roast their ethical beans in the Probat roaster just behind the cash. Locals line up for hand-pulled espressos and freshly baked bacon-and red-pepper-jelly cornmeal muffins. Make sure to grab beans to go!Get more info: Bean Scene Coffee Works

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads

German-born owner and head baker Monika Walker opened her first shop in 2004. But due to growing demand for her artisan breads, croissants (using amazingly delicious local butter), pain au chocolat and Wednesdays-only pretzels, she recently opened a second location, meaning more crunchy sourdough loaves!Get more info: Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visit

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Places to stay

Delta Grand Okanagan: This resort provides easy access to some of the best wineries in the region. Located on Okanagan Lake, it features rooms with water or mountain views, lust-worthy Philosophy skincare products and plush beds. Executive chef Stuart Klassen loves to share his passion for all things local in dishes showcasing fresh sweet corn or pressed cider.The Cove Lakeside Resort: This lakeside spot is a family resort that offers deluxe indulgences like a full-service spa, private marina and fitness centre. Kids will love the poolside slide and there is a movie theatre that’s great for groups. Dine in the Bonfire Restaurant, where executive chef Grant de Montreuil serves up yummy fare fresh from the garden.Bottega Farm Inn and Studio: For quiet luxury, this stunning modern boutique inn — with only 10 rooms — is a perfect choice. It sits on a working alpaca ranch (you can even play with them!) and features almost 13 acres of meadow and forest, where you can follow the trails and take in the stunning orchards, vineyards and wildlife.

Discovering Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley: Best places to visitChef Stuart Klassen of The Delta Grand Okanagan

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