As Kelowna residents for nearly a decade, we’ve called Kelowna home for a while now. While it seems we’re still discovering new things all the time, we’ve had the chance to experience both the highs and the lows that this city has to offer.

From gorgeous sunny days checking out vineyards in the morning and paddle boarding on the lake in the afternoon to preparing a last minute go bag as the nearby wildfires got a bit too close to our home, we’ve experienced it all.

While living in the Okanagan Valley has tons of positives, like any place in the world it also has a few negatives. So, whether you’re one of the few true locals who was born here or one of the many nomads from around the world now calling Kelowna home like us, let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons of living in Kelowna as we give you a local’s guide to the city.

Pros of Living in Kelowna

Thinking of moving to Kelowna?

Kelowna has plenty of positives. From some of the nicest weather in Canada to some of the nicest lakes and mountains found anywhere in the world. With nature literally on most people’s doorsteps, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Kelowna also has a vibrant arts scene plus hundreds of wineries, cideries and orchards that to us beat any of its Canadian equivalents. If you’re looking to move here or just thinking about taking an extended work vacation to the valley, there are plenty of work opportunities plus tons of friendly locals to help you get situated.

Not yet convinced? Here are some of Kelowna’s biggest positives to help make you consider making Kelowna your forever home.

Natural Beauty of the Okanagan

With its stunning vistas of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains, Kelowna is a nature lover’s dream. From summer days on the beach to winter ski trips at nearby Big White (a 30 minute drive), there’s no shortage of outdoor activities here.

Whether you’re staying on one the many hills in town overlooking Okanagan Lake or staying in the valley with gorgeous views of the nearby hills, nature is a big draw for anyone living in this city. Truth be told, there’s not too many areas in the 140K populated metro that you can’t be away from people after a few minutes drive. If you’re sick of the crowds, there are tons of parks and local Kelowna hikes found throughout this city where you can at least feel like you’re getting away from it all.

Kelowna’s Wine Country

Known for its award-winning vineyards, Kelowna is the perfect spot for wine aficionados. The climate and soil combine to produce top-notch grapes. Spend your weekends touring local wineries, and don’t forget the wine festivals!

With over 300 wineries calling the Okanagan Valley home plus dozens of cideries, micro breweries and even small distilleries, you could go to a different place every day for a year and never hit the same place twice. That said, we have our own local favorites and always enjoy the chance to take visiting friends and family to a new place when the opportunity knocks. We’ve learnt that in Kelowna, your favorite place might just be down the street.

Kelowna’s Vibrant Arts and Musical Scene

Kelowna is a hub for culture, offering art galleries, theaters, and even a symphony. Whether you’re into visual arts or live performances, there’s always something happening in the cultural district.

Throughout the year, there are also dozens of festivals happening around town and it’s rare to have a weekend go by in summer without something major happening in the city. Between Kelowna and nearby Penticton, most large musical acts that hit Vancouver will also stop in town to perform as they head east. If an act or show doesn’t make it to the valley, Vancouver is only a 3 hour drive away with plenty of hotels to make your micro trip a fun one.

Moving to Kelowna? The Growing Job Market

With its booming tech industry and tourism sector, employment opportunities are on the rise in Kelowna. From startups to established companies, there’s a wide range of options for those looking to relocate here. While it didn’t make the list of best places for expats, it definitely isn’t a bad place to become an expat in Canada.

Nicknamed the little Silicon Valley of the North, Kelowna is well known for both its small startups as well as big tech companies who’ve chosen to call Kelowna home. While seasonal work brings in people from around the world, Kelowna also grew its fame as a nice retirement center for those in Canada who opted to stick around rather than head south in the winters. That original collection of young hospitality workers who helped put Kelowna on the map taking care of the retirees have now grown up and the city is booming on all fronts.

Friendly Communities in Kelowna

One thing you’ll notice is the warm and welcoming atmosphere in Kelowna. Community events, farmer’s markets, and neighborhood gatherings make it easy to meet people and feel part of the community. It seems there’s always something to do in Kelowna.

Since the vast majority of people now living in Kelowna have moved here from other locations in Canada and abroad, there is a welcoming feeling to the growing city. With a huge tourism industry, plenty of nature to explore and great weather, it’s easy to get out and meet new people.

Kelowna’s Mild Climate

Compared to other parts of Canada, Kelowna has a relatively mild climate and some of the nicest overall weather in Canada. If you hate wind, it’s also one of the least windy major cities in Canada. Though it experiences all four seasons, you definitely won’t have to deal with the harsh winters seen in other regions of Canada.

Long hot summers, mild winters (in comparison to most other Canadian Cities) and plenty of nice days in between means more opportunities to get out and explore the region. The best part is that with the mountains so close, there are tons of small micro climates you can experience depending on your location and elevation. It means that in spring you can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. Or, if you prefer, you can hike in the cool mornings and then bake on the beach in the afternoon all summer long.

Cons of Living in Kelowna

While it always hurts to gripe about things your city is lacking, the truth is that no city in the world is perfect on all fronts. High living costs, excessive tourism and Kelowna’s semi remote location (3.5 hours from Vancouver and 6 hours from Calgary) means that while things are relatively close in Canadian standards, the average traveler will find that Kelowna can be cut off from some of the larger centers. While that can be a huge plus for some people, others might not love it.

On that note, since we’ve already looked into some of Kelowna’s pros, let’s now dive into some of Kelowna’s cons.

Cost of Living in Kelowna

The truth of the matter is that Kelowna isn’t cheap to live in. Housing prices have soared in recent years, and day-to-day expenses like groceries and gas can also be high. Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock.

While this can be said for most places around the world these days, it’s more pronounced in Kelowna. Considered by many to be one of the most expensive cities to live in Canada, it means you can’t survive in this city if you’re only making minimum wage unless you are a large group all chipping in for the monthly rent.

Tourist Crowds in Kelowna

While tourism boosts the economy, it also means crowds, especially in the summer. This can lead to congestion, making it hard to enjoy some of the very attractions that drew you to Kelowna in the first place.

This can be easily seen when looking at traffic patterns over the course of the year. In summer, by far the busiest tourist season in Kelowna, any trip around town can easily be doubled and parking downtown or by one of the many beaches can be hard to come by. Bonus to Kelowna is that parking downtown is only around $1 an hour any time of the year with plenty of free parking outside of Monday 9 to 5 so there is that bright side.

Kelowna’s Limited Public Transport

Public transport options are limited in Kelowna, especially compared to larger cities in the country. Owning a car is almost a necessity if you plan on getting around without hassle. While plenty of University of BC students as well as Okanagan College students get to school daily via public transport buses, getting from one area of the city to another can be tough if you’re not planning on going through downtown first.

Though Uber and Uride are now available in the city, both ride sharing platforms have been slow to arrive in the city and are still lacking so you’ll often need to order a cab during the busiest times of the day if you can’t find a bus. You can also find both ebike and scooter rentals throughout the city however those aren’t ideal in the cooler winter months.

Seasonal Employment in Kelowna

While there are plenty of job opportunities, some industries in Kelowna are highly seasonal. This means job security can be a concern if you’re working in sectors like tourism. While late spring, summer and early fall can be busy, unless you’re heading to Big White for winter work, it might be harder to find something that pays the bills. That said, anyone working in the trades or for minimum wage should have zero problems finding something as jobs in those areas are always in demand here.

Kelowna’s Distance from Major Cities

Though it has plenty to offer including an international airport, a decent collection of large stores, a large shopping mall, a well ranked hockey team in the WHL, plus a thriving art scene, Kelowna is somewhat isolated from major cities like Vancouver or Calgary.

The drive to Vancouver takes around 3.5 hours and Calgary is pushing 6.5 hours provided the highways are open and clear. That’s something that isn’t always the case in the winter as both directions take you over some of Canada’s highest routes that are prone to crazy amounts of snow and even in the warmer months there are occasional rockslides to contend with. Either can severely hamper your ability to get to your farther destination easily or quickly.

Wildfires in Kelowna

In the last decade, the dry, hot summers come with a higher risk of wildfires, which can be a real concern. Smoke from nearby fires can also affect air quality during the summer months and ruin an otherwise perfect summer day in the city.

While July and August have always been Kelowna’s best months in terms of weather (with the highs in the lower 30’s every single day and not a cloud in sight), the changing climate landscape has made what were once idyllic summer days into an unknown quantity these last few years. We’ve gotten to a point where we now travel away more often in August just because there’s a good chance it will be smoky in the city.

Conclusion

Living in Kelowna offers a unique blend of natural beauty, a growing job market, and a vibrant community. However, it does come with its own set of challenges, like the high cost of living and seasonal crowds. Whether or not Kelowna is right for you will depend on what you’re looking for in a home base.

That said, we’ve loved our time in the city and both ourselves and our children have made friends here that will last our entire lives. There’s no denying that this Canadian gem has plenty to offer and if you can get past it’ negatives, it’s still a great place to live and work.

We’ve lived in BC for over a decade now, and while we haven’t driven every highway in the province, we’ve definitely taken our share of drives around our beautiful province.

British Columbia is Canada’s most western province. It borders Alberta, and is known for its vast size and natural beauty. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC is world famous for its mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers, as well as rocky beaches, ski resorts and natural beauty.

There are numerous highways and scenic drives in British Columbia that make for some genuinely spectacular road excursions no matter the season, with thousands of valley lakes, mountains, and a largely unknown north.

The best road trips in British Columbia will not only take you through some of the most scenic areas in the province but also in Canada. You can visit the Okanagan Valley and see world class vineyards or drive along the west coast and hang out on beautiful beaches.

If you’re quickly looking for snow-capped mountains, head north from cosmopolitan Vancouver up to Whistler where you can ski or snowboard during winter months or go downhill biking in the summer.

Want to see salmon spawning or visit the Rocky Mountains in its rawest form? British Columbia has both.

Dreaming of warm mountain lakes in summer, natural hot pools year round and great hiking? BC has that in droves.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family on a road trip, or you just want to explore some beautiful sights with your friends, there’s something in BC for everyone.

So whether you’re a local wanting to broaden your range, on vacation traveling with family or friends, or just want to get away from it all, here are some of our favourite drives in BC that will take you off the beaten path and into nature’s playground.

The best road trips in British Columbia, Canada

Whether you have your own car or are looking to rent a vehicle, these are the best road trips in British Columbia to take in the beautiful scenery of this Canadian province.

If you’re in the mood for a guided tour, BC has plenty of bus tours available and if you want to see the province unfettered, traveling the province by motorcycle is an amazing experience. Whether you’re looking for the best motorcycle insurance or want to check out the best things to see and do from Vancouver to Banff, this post has you covered.

The Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Highway

Vancouver to Powell River - 170km (105mi) - 4h 20m (2 Ferry crossings)

The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of the most popular hikes in BC, and for good reason. It’s located just north of Vancouver on the coast, and offers a variety of different options for hiking. This includes a section that goes right along the water with stunning views of mountains and ocean alike.

What does this have to do with road trips? Well, not only can you stop and hike the trail, but getting there is also a beautiful drive with tons of great coastal views and mountainous backdrops along the way.

A few highlights along this route include the 2 ferry crossings (the first at Horseshoe Bay and the second at Earl’s Cove) with possibilities to see everything from whales to dolphins and even killer whales right from your vehicle. The majority of the drive is 2 paved lanes and large animal sightings are common so keep your eyes open for any fauna in the area including moose, deer, bears, mountain goats and cougars.

If you want to continue your drive once you reach Powell Bay, you can take a ferry over to Vancouver Island where you’ll start your island adventure near Comox.

The Okanagan Valley – Highway 97

Vernon to Osoyoos - 173km (107mi) - 2h 25m

The Okanagan Valley is home to some amazing wineries and fruit orchards that have been around before BC was even a province!

Starting up around Vernon and continuing south down to Osoyoos you’ll see some of BC’s prettiest lakes starting with Kalamalka Lake that, depending on the season, can range from cyan to indigo.

As you drive south from Vernon on Highway 97 through Lake Country and get into Kelowna, the heart of BC’s interior, there’s tons of things to do with the family including hanging out along the boardwalk of the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake (one of the few lakes in Canada to never freeze in the winter) and grab an ice cream before heading to the beach.

As you continue through West Kelowna (home to great vineyards like Mission Hill and Quails Gate) you’ll soon find yourself driving through towns named Peachland and Summerland (great names right!) before arriving in Penticton. Make sure to walk the boardwalk in town before continuing your drive south down to Osoyoos, the warmest city in Canada!

If you love vineyards and cideries, there are literally hundreds in the Okanagan Valley with many just off the highway so pick up a winery guide available nearly everywhere in the valley before you start your Okanagan BC roadtrip.

The Coquihalla Highway – Highway 5N

Hope to Kamloops - 203km (126mi) - 2h 15m

The stretch of highway from Hope to Kamloops has 2 things in abundance, beautiful scenery and infamous notoriety. The Coquihalla features gorgeous mountain rivers and some beautiful mountain vistas however it’s also the star in a show called Highway Thru Hell, depicting the sometimes hazardous conditions that can occur during the winter months. Since it is a high mountain highway through some unforgiving terrain, there is some merit to the legends but if in doubt, check out the Drive BC website and just pay attention to the weather.

That said, the Coq was originally built as a connector to speed up the route that the Trans Canada highway originally took as it made its way west. While the drive is indeed faster via the Coquihalla, the beauty of the drive is also unmistakable.

If you’re feeling the urge for a hot soak, veer off the highway near Bridal Falls to check out Harrison Hot Springs.

As you leave Hope via Highway 3 East (make sure your tank is full since the next gas station in Merritt is 120km or just over an hour away), you’ll quickly jump onto Highway 5 heading to Merritt and Kamloops. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the Othello Tunnels just past Hope are worth a hike

As you pull into Merritt itself (most of the town is to the north of the highway), you can now choose to continue northeast on Highway 5 to Kamloops or head southeast down Highway 97C to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley.

If you’re planning to drive right through either cities as you continue east, the drive south toward Kelowna will add half an hour to your journey however it is a prettier drive by far and takes you through several small towns and cities.

The Island Drive – Highway 1 and Highway 19

Victoria to Qualicum Beach (Vancouver Island)- 158km (98mi) - 2h 25mins

Though not officially called The Island Drive, navigating this section of Vancouver Island definitely fits the bill. As you leave Victoria, the Victorian architecture filled capital of British Columbia, and head north on Highway 1, you’ll pass quaint villages, pretty murals and get the occasional sweeping views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.

There are hundreds of places to stop along the way to grab a bite to eat, hike or shop however there are a few wineries and cideries around Cobble Hill that are worth checking out. If you want a quick hike, it’s also worth checking the Kinsol Trestle just before Cobble Hill. It’s one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures in the world and is amazing to see. It’s part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and is a popular hiking area.

Nanaimo is the next major city on the way north. It’s not a bad place to stock up supplies for your Qualicum Beach stay (if you’re planning a short vacay) and is also the other major ferry terminal if you want to hitch a ferry back to the mainland.

As you continue north you’ll eventually reach picturesque Nanoose Bay and then Parksville, another major waterside destination in its own right though the long sandy beaches along Qualicum Beach are usually what attract the crowds.

While in the region, make sure to check out the Goats on the Roof (literally) at the Old Country Market as well as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Both are great places to take the kids and hang out for a few hours.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway – Highway 99

Vancouver to Whistler - 121km (75mi) - 1h 25mins

Not many people who visit Vancouver, often ranked as one of the best cities on earth, don’t take a day or two to make their way up to Whistler, BC’s premiere ski destination. The hour and a half roadtrip north up Highway 99 is filled with gorgeous ocean and mountain views and passes through Squamish, an outdoor lovers playground.

With everything from rock climbing to Bald Eagle viewing tours in the winter (it held the largest eagle viewing count in the world at 3769 with around 1300 spotted most given years), if you like the outdoors then likely Squamish has something for you. Squamish is also home to the wonderful Sea to Sky Gondola, a year round engineering marvel that zips you to the top in comfort with plenty of trails on either landings.

As you drive into Whistler, it’s quickly evident why it’s touted as an adventurers destination with a myriad of activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. After hitting the slopes, make sure to check out the town centre (known as The Village) with great shopping, restaurants and pubs open year round. Though we often think of Whistler as a winter destination, there are plenty of activities there happening year round.

Visiting in the summer? Check out Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a popular scuba diving destination with artificial shipwrecks and reefs supporting a huge variety of marine life, such as octopus, lingcod and starfish just minutes north of Horseshoe Bay. Don’t know how to dive? Take a course or explore the rocky beaches and go swimming in the ocean for a nice break from your road trip.

The Glacier Drive – Highway 5 and Highway 16

Kamloops to Jasper - 441km (274mi) - 4h 45mins

While Jasper isn’t technically in BC (it’s 20km from the BC/Alberta border), the vast majority of this drive is in British Columbia and it’s a beautiful road trip through valleys and mountains, with a few great sites along the way.

As you head up Highway 5 north from Kamloops, a great little city fronting the beautiful Thompson River and home to the BC Wildlife Park, you’ll pass wide open valleys that soon turns into winding mountain passes. The nicest part about this Kamloops to Jasper road trip is that the highway follows along the North Thompson River for a sizable portion of the drive, which makes for a great backdrop and gorgeous views.

Along the way, you can check out some amazing waterfalls or go whitewater rafting around Clearwater. If you don’t have time to check them out but want to stretch your legs, check out either North Thompson River Provincial Park right before Clearwater or the Blue River Provincial Park. Both are right along the highway and are easy to pull off into.

As you turn right (North) onto Highway 16 (known as the Yellowhead Highway) you’ll have another few places to stop with Rearguard Falls Provincial Park just on the right and then the Mount Robson visitor centre with Mt. Robson (the tallest mountain in the Rockies) as a nice backdrop. If you’re an avid hiker, the Berg Lake Trail (23km) is often considered one of the top 5 best hikes in Canada with plenty of gorgeous scenery and wildlife spotting.

Pulling into Jasper, it’s easy to see why it’s touted as one of the best destinations in Canada. From the stunning water colors of the Athabasca River and surrounding lakes, to its proximity to glaciers and icefields to the Sky Tram and Marmot Basin ski resort it has plenty to see and do including Canada’s best Dark Sky festival.

If you have the time, there are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada less than an hour from Clearwater. Helmcken Falls, the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, in gorgeous Wells Gray Park is just one of them. You can also check out both Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls while on the way. Total time to Helmcken Falls is around 45 minutes (44km) one way.

The Cathedral Drive – Highway 4

Parksville to Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) – 50km (31mi) – 44mins

We only discovered this route a few years ago when visiting Port Alberni for the first time but it’s a quick, gorgeous drive through old growth forests and one of the prettiest walkways you’ll find on Vancouver Island.

Just as you pass picturesque Cameron Lake, past the halfway point of your journey, lies Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This trail leads to the most accessible giant Douglas fir tree stands on Vancouver Island. You can walk the short number of trails under the shadow of giant Douglas-fir trees with some more than 800 years old.

Due to some severe windstorms over the years, some of the ancient trees have fallen and the park and trails are continually being monitored and repaired. Make sure you check to make sure it’s open if you decide to make the trip out there.

The Rocky Mountain Pass – Highway 1

Revelstoke to Lake Louise - 227km (141mi) - 3hours

The Rocky Mountains are a some of the most mountainous terrain in the world however the drive through them is often a very pleasant experience. Similar to Jasper, Lake Louise is only 10km from the BC/Alberta border so the majority of this road trip takes place in British Columbia.

Along the way, you’ll drive over Canada’s highest mountain pass, see a few hot pools, look up at the second tallest waterfall in Canada, traverse the premiere whitewater rafting river in the country plus witness some of the best scenery Canada has to offer.

Leaving east down Highway 1 from Revelstoke, a former train station hub and home to the great Revelstoke Mountain resort and Pipe Mountain Coaster, a 1.4km all downhill rollercoaster that barrels your way down a mountain, you’ll soon hit a series of boardwalks and trails. The one you don’t want to miss is Giant Cedars Boardwalk, a quick 20 minute walk through some extremely large cedar trees.

Right after that you have Canyon Hot Springs resort with a nice set of hot pools and soon after that you’ll be climbing through Roger’s Pass, the highest point along Canada’s 8000+km TransCanada highway.

As you arrive into Golden, Canada’s whitewater rafting capital, there are a myriad of adventures you can partake in like whitewater rafting or checking out the Golden SkyBridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge and zipline site. After Golden you have Field, a cute mountain town with nearby access to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s 2nd highest waterfall and around 10 minutes off the highway.

Once you arrive in Lake Louise, you’ll want to check out the gorgeous turquoise lake the town is famous next to stunning Chateau Lake Louise. There are some great hikes around the area and if you happen to be there in winter, Lake Louise Resort is considered one of the best ski resorts in Alberta.

If you want to read about more things to do along British Columbia’s TransCanada Highway, check out our ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip guide.

The Pacific Rim – Highway 4

Port Alberni to Tofino (Vancouver Island) - 126km (78mi) - 1h 50mins

Traveling on Highway 4 west from Port Alberni to the coastal side of Vancouver Island is a leisurely affair with some beautiful coastal roads, some old growth forests and plenty of sights along the way.

As you leave Port Alberni, a small city on the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest ocean inlet, you’ll quickly pass Sproat Lake, a 4 season area with lakeside cabins and camping sites popular with fishermen and boaters alike. Next, you have Wally Creek. Right beside the highway with parking spaces, this is a perfect spot to jump in and cool off in the cristal clear blue water.

Continuing on you finally arrive at the coast. If you want to explore some of the natural beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park, now’s a great time to stop and grab a pass at the Pacific Rim Visitor centre. If you want a small detour, feel free to head south down to Ucluelet while first stopping off for a short walk around the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail.

To the north and towards our final destination of Tofino, another great walk is the Rainforest Trail that is a wood boardwalk & gravel trail through a veritable forest of cedar & hemlock trees covered in moss.

Next you have the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with a tiny tourist town (Long Beach) on the edge of a nature lovers coastal retreat. Near endless stretches of beach attract surfers year-round however most visit simply to watch the waves and walk the miles of sand.

Soon you’ll be at the end of your road trip and driving into Tofino proper. This cozy town on the edge of the world is popular with surfers, nature lovers, whale watchers and hikers. In summer the population swells but it’s also a popular area year round with some great chefs and restaurants calling the town home.

Another popular surfing and beach spot in the area is Chesterman Beach on the southern outskirts of Tofino. There are plenty of inns and hotels in the area if you plan to stay for a few days.

The Kootenays – Highway 6, 31A, 31 and 3A

Nakusp to Creston via Balfour - 218km (135mi) - 3h 15mins (1 Ferry crossing)

Unfettered nature is the best way to describe this road trip through British Columbia’s fabled Kootenays. Gorgeous lakes, relaxing hot springs, swaths of forests and a ferry ride are all highlights of this drive.

We first start in Nakusp, a nice beach village on the edge of the rather long Upper Arrow Lake. The Nakusp region is always busy in summer and has a gorgeous beach with clear water. As you head southeast out of town on Highway 6, you’ll soon be driving parallel to picturesque Slocan Lake. As you arrive into New Denver, a quaint village along the lake bank, you’ll soon be heading due east on Highway 31A.

As you drive over the Kokanee Glacier ranges, you’ll eventually reach Kaslo, a village on the west shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenay region. If you want to stretch your legs, a quick walk along the Kaslo River Trail in town is a nice diversion and there’s a few good restaurants here as well. Further south of Kaslo, Fletcher Falls makes a great short pit stop with some nice little falls just off the highway.

Next we have Ainsworth Hot Springs, a favorite place of ours with some really nice hot springs and a heated hot springs cave. There’s also a delicious restaurant on site as well and if you stay in the hotel, the hot springs are included. Otherwise, they offer day passes for visitors.

After a lovely drive south along along Kootenay Lake we arrive in Belfour where it’s time to jump on a ferry over to Kootenay Bay as we continue down Highway 3A. The highway itself follows Kootenay Lake all the way towards Creston so don’t worry about getting lost now. Creston itself is a valley town with a variety of amenities, hotels and restaurants plus a few wineries and the Columbia Brewery (home of Kokanee beer) that gives brewery tours. If you’re there in summer, make sure to check out the wetlands at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre.

To get to Nakusp, you can either head due south from Revelstoke on Highway 23 or head east from Vernon on highway 6. Either roads are great however the additional cable ferry ride from Needle to Fauquier is a great bonus when driving in from Vernon and there are some great views and awesome lakes, namely Mable Lake, Sugar Lake and Echo Lake just off Highway 6 that are worth checking out as well if you have time.

Bonus Road Trip – The Island Highway – Highway 19N

Comox to Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) - 290km (180mi) - 3 hours (1 Ferry crossing)

Since no list is ever complete, we’ve decided to throw this last BC road trip in as a bonus. It starts in picturesque Comox.

In Comox you can check out the fisherman’s wharf or one of the numerous beaches such as Goose Spit Park. Kite surfing is a popular pastime here as well you’ll likely see some kites flashing by as you walk the many beaches.

Heading north up Highway 19, you’ll soon be arriving in Campbell River. The city is a very popular whale watching center as well as famously hosting grizzly bear tours. Either tour can be booked well in advance with several companies and some even guarantee a sighting or your next tour is on them. Another popular activity here is heading to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge with it’s large suspension bridge and waterfall as well as checking out the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, one of the largest salmon hatcheries in Canada.

Continuing past Campbell River (make sure you fill up before leaving) you have a lot of land to cover that includes a few rivers plus a lake before getting back to the coast. Soon you’ll be pulling in to Port Hardy and able to check out the many beaches and marinas plus a plethora of day trips to places like God’s Pocket Marine Preserve to view sea lions. Taking a guided kayak tour is a definite must if the weather is nice.

You can get to Comox from the mainland via a BC ferry from Powell River so if you’ve done the road trip there then this route is a natural progression of it. You can also take a ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. If you plan to do this 16 hour ferry, renting a room on board is a great way to relax and see everything along the way.

Final notes on the best road trips in BC

After having our home base in BC for over a decade, we’ve had the opportunity to see a large portion of it and can never get enough of the beautiful scenery, the friendly people and the wild beauty. While this list isn’t exhaustive, we hope it gives you a few ideas of some of the best road trips in British Columbia and inspires you to visit and see the province for yourself.

Think we missed a hidden gem? We’d love to hear about it below. Safe travels.

First you’ll start your trip in a metropolitan paradise then along the way you’ll see more waterfalls, lakes and hot springs than you can remember, a number of resort style lake towns you won’t soon forget then drive through some of Canada’s highest mountain peaks and finally arrive in one of the most famous mountain resort towns in North America.

A quick note on Canadian Geography and Distances

While being from Canada means we’re often immune to it’s many charms, we do know that a visit to Canada is on many peoples travel bucket list. Covering a huge portion of land between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and as far north as the North Pole, the terrain and people you’ll meet in Canada are as varied as anyplace you’ll find on Earth.

Starting on the west coast you have gorgeous coastal areas leading into the majestic Rocky Mountains followed by miles of grassy rolling hills that lead to seemingly never ending prairies in the center of Canada. From there you hit the many small lakes and hills of the rock covered Canadian Shield before finally arriving at the Great Lakes themselves which then leads you the Appalachian Uplands and back down to the Atlantic ocean. And that’s only if you travel in a straight line!

Over the years we’ve met numerous travelers who’ve asked if they can land in Toronto and drive to Vancouver in a few days. Well, to be blunt, that’s a 40+ hour straight drive with no stops through 5 provinces and is over 4,200 km or 2600 miles in distance.

If you actually wanted to drive Canada from side to side you’re looking at over 80 hours of driving (7100 km or 4400 miles) and that doesn’t include ferry time to Vancouver Island.

Needless to say, visiting Canada from Coast by vehicle is way more than you’re going to manage in a weekend or even a few weeks if you actually want to experience any of our varied country. It’s also why Canadians tend to measure our distances in hours rather than kilometers and you’ll see that happening right across the country. Finally, if you’re renting a car for your travels, make sure to get car insurance now.

The Ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

One popular driving route that we do often recommend to visitors is the Vancouver to Banff road trip. It’s a beautiful 10 hour drive through the Rocky Mountains that has plenty of things to offer no matter what time of year you get here. Of course, stopping and checking out the sites isn’t included in that 10 hour time frame so choose when and where to stop as you see fit.

So, sit back and enjoy the ride as we present to you the ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip with a few possible stops and things to see along the way.

This list is by no means all encompassing but we will include a few notes on things to check out if time or the season permits. Also, while you can easily drive this distance in a day, we recommend taking a few days to get there to stop and enjoy a few of the regions highlights along the way.

Plenty of places to stop along the way

We start our journey in British Colombia’s largest center and Canada’s third largest city (after Toronto and Montreal). Sitting just north of Seattle, Vancouver is a great blend of nature and urban living with mile high skyscrapers overlooking dozens of beautiful parks and even more beautiful coastal waterways. The entire city is nestled in a large valley with ocean on one side and mountains on the other.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Whether you’re jogging along the miles and miles of paved paths on the famous Vancouver Seawall, relaxing on the clean sands at Kitsilano Beach, checking out the restaurants and pubs in cobblestoned Gastown, ordering a microbrew on Granville Island or checking out Canada’s largest urban park (the famed Stanley Park), Vancouver likely has something for you to enjoy.

Some of the other great things to see and do in Vancouver include visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, touring the Granville Island Public Market, viewing the Museum of Anthropology on the sprawling grounds of the University of British Columbia, checking out the Orpheum Theatre for it’s world renowned sympathy orchestra, going high end shopping along Robson Street, riding the Aquabus along False Creek From Hornby to Granville to The Village, climbing up grueling Grouse Mountain, visiting the Capilano Salmon Hatchery and taking the kids to the always impressive Science World.

Vancouver is considered a foodie’s dream come true with dozens of foods and flavor’s calling the city home. With tons of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants ranging from world class street food to some of North America’s finest dining, Vancouver is also home to Canada’s largest Chinatown.

It’s over a century old and also third in size in North America only to New York’s and San Francisco’s. Vancouver’s Chinatown is overflowing with oriental foods and delicacies as well as many exotic spices and goods.

If you get tired of the urban life, not far from Vancouver’s city center you can head north to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and cross some breathtakingly high ravines or have a treetop walk in a true coastal rainforest. We actually prefer going a bit farther north to Lynn Canyon Park where the prices are cheaper but either place will be worth bringing your cameras if you value suspension bridges, waterfalls, deep ravines, gigantic trees and being completely surrounded in nature.

If you crave nightlife, the Granville Entertainment District is the place to be Vancouver (especially Friday and Saturday nights) with a long strip of nightclubs and enough neon lights to make Vegas proud. Gastown has tons of late night eats with more than a few pubs and micro breweries thrown in for good measure, Yaletown has some higher end bars, Kitsilano has some of the best sportsbars in the city and if you’re looking for alternative lifestyles, then Davie Village is the place to be.

After you’ve had your fill of Vancouver, it’s time to head east down Canada’s only transcontinental highway, Highway 1.

Coquitlam, Surrey and Abbottsford, British Columbia

The Greater Vancouver area encompasses several communities however it’s hard to discern where one area ends and another begins as you leave the city. Soon you’ll be passing through Burnaby, home to the Simon Fraser University and the 3 storied juggernaut, Metrotown, BC’s largest mall. If you have some shopping you want to do, pretty sure you’ll find it at Metrotown.

Next areas on the list you have Port Moody and Coquitlam to your north (home to Mundy Park, a large urban park with great walking trails and 2 small lakes) and New Westminster to your south (famous for trendy pubs and it’s cool Quayside Park where you can watch big boats moving up and down the waterways).

Next you’ll cross the iconic Port Mann Bridge (make sure to have your camera ready) sitting over the mighty Fraser River, British Columbia’s longest river and renowned for it’s excellent fishing. The Fraser River also contains many of BC’s larger hydro electric dams to the north and meets the ocean not too far from here so large boats can be seen on either side of the bridge at all hours of the day.

Soon you will be arriving in Surrey and if you love old electric trams then you can check out the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway where you get to ride an old streetcar and learn about Vancouvers electric train history. If it’s a hot day, White Rock is a very popular beach and if you want to miss the crowds then Crescent Beach is also popular but often less crowded.

The next city on the list is Abbottsford. Well known for it’s excellent blueberries in late summer (make sure to stop off the highway and buy a basket of them for your Vancouver to Banff road trip), it also houses Clayburn Village with a great little old style candy shop and tea house that’s worth a peruse.

Chilliwack, British Columbia

As you leave Abbottsford, you have some decisions to make depending on the time of year and what you value most. Chilliwack is a good sized working city but it’s greatest attractions lie to the south and the east of the city proper. Essentially, if it’s summer time, you can head south for a fun day at Cultus Lake Adventure Park, a huge sprawling waterpark with rides and amusements for the whole family. It’s a guaranteed fun day and we have friends that make the pilgrimage out there every summer with their kids.

If you want to get out and see nature (and have some beautiful pictures), make sure you check out Bridal Veil Falls Waterfall to the east of Chilliwack. The falls are beautiful to see the majority of the year and there’s some great hiking in the area. The falls are a vertical 10 minute hike so make sure you’re up for it but most people have no problem hiking up to see them.

Agassiz and Hope, British Columbia

On the other side of Chilliwack, you’ll be driving into Agassiz. It’s a sleepy little community however now you have a choice of continuing on to Hope or to driving up to Harrison Hot Springs. We love staying in Harrison Hot Springs however it’s not as much as a quick stop as it is a destination in it’s own right. Nestled along the shores of picturesque Harrison Lake lies Harrison Hot Springs Resort (and for which the neighboring town is named for).

With five spring fed hot mineral pools on site, it’s easy to lounge the day (and night away). While the once opulent hotel has seen better days, it’s the only place in town to fully soak in the natural pools. While pool use is included with your stay, they sometimes allow day passes. Please check before you go though just to be sure.

Regardless of whether you stop in Harrison Hot Springs, make sure you fill up your car in Hope. It’s well over an hour until you’ll see the next gas station in Merritt.

From Hope you’ll be getting off the Trans Canada Highway #1 and taking highway #5, the Coquihalla Highway. Not only will it speed up your travels, this newer highway takes you past the unforgettable Othello Tunnels.

The Othello Tunnels were first built back in 1914 as part of the Kettle Valley Railroad and include a series of five large tunnels originally built for railway access but were closed down in the 60’s and are now part of the Trans Canada Trail system (a walkable trail that spans the length of Canada). Constructed through a mountain of native granite and connected by trestles over the 300m high Coquihalla Gorge, the Othello Tunnels aren’t something that should be missed.

As you leave the trestles, enjoy the scenery as you cruise along Canada’s famed Highway Through Hell, as seen on the Discovery Channel. Don’t worry, unless you happen to be driving through a snowstorm you’ll be fine (and even then just slow down and you’ll be fine). In the summer it’s a nice drive as you arrive into Merritt.

Merritt, British Columbia

Merritt is famous for it’s yearly country music festival, the Rockin River Music Fest that it holds towards the end of July every year. Famous country singers from Willie Nelson to Toby Keith to Travis Tritt to Keith Urban to Tim McGraw have graced its stage and hung out in their huge campground.

As you leave Merritt, you’re going to want to leave Highway 5 and head south down Highway 5A towards Kelowna. If you didn’t fill up in Hope then definitely fill up before you leave Merritt since it’s another hour and 20 minutes before you get into Kelowna and see your first gas station. Highway 5A will change into the Okanagan Connector at one point so just stay on Highway 97 towards Kelowna and you’ll be fine.

Kelowna, British Columbia

Now we might be biased (since we’re currently based out of Kelowna) however Kelowna and the Okanagan have a ton to offer people. From award winning wineries to beautiful beaches and gorgeous parks, the Okanagan Valley in BC is a great place to be and one of the warmest areas in Canada. The main highlight is the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake that ties the valley together (also one of the only lakes in Canada that never freezes).

With over 182 licenced wineries in the valley, if you’re a wine lover you can spend days just hopping from one vineyard to another. If you prefer cider there are dozens of cideries plus tons of microbrewers as well in Kelowna proper.

While of course we can’t list them all, if you only have time for a few wineries then these are some of our favorites with the most ambience (though not necessarily our favorite wines) and the ones we’ll often bring new visitors to see:

West Kelowna:

• Mission Hill Family Estate Winery – Fabulous architecture high on the hill and gorgeously manicured grounds, this place is considered royalty in the valley.
• Quails Gate Winery – As well as having a delicious restaurant, they let you wander around the rows of vines and also offer an affordable tour (when available) to show behind the scenes of a working vineyard.

Kelowna:

• Summerhill Pyramid Winery – Known for their white pyramid and nice views across the lake on the opposite side of Mission and Quails Gate they also have a popular restaurant.
• Soma Craft Cidery – Nestled in the woods in a park like setting on the east side of Kelowna, this place has delicious cider, a Farm Inn you can stay at and llamas you can feed.
• BC Tree Fruits Cider Co – This place is part of a fruit packing plant in the industrial section of Kelowna so isn’t pretty like the others on this list however the cider is tasty (and they have a large selection) plus you can walk next door to their market where they have a dozen different local apples you can buy year round to enjoy on your roadtrip.

Lake Country:

• Grey Monk Estate Winery – Scenic drive and tasty port (try it with chocolate!) on the way towards Vernon. It’s worth the drive plus there are 2 other trendy vineyards (Ex Nihilio and ArrowLeaf that are only a few blocks away) that have great food in season (make sure to book first if you’re wanting to eat at either place in the summer though.)

If you love fruit, there are orchards everywhere in the valley with fruit stands everywhere selling everything from 50 different apple varieties (September to October with some available at BC Tree Fruits near year round) to some of the best peaches you’ll find anywhere on earth (mid July to early September). Cherries are in season the beginning of July and there are plenty of u-pick centers if you’ve never had the good fortune of picking them straight off a tree (just try not to eat them all so you have some to take with you on the rest of your roadtrip).

We’ve written several guides on fun things to do in Kelowna so I won’t rewrite it all here but you have the lake and dozens of beaches in the summer and Big White, an internationally acclaimed ski resort just 30 minutes south of Kelowna in the winter that will rival any ski hill on earth. For the rest of the year you have tons of great trails, hikes, pubs, restaurants and activities to make your time here fly by.

As you leave Kelowna east on Highway 97 towards Vernon, make sure to pay attention to the lakes on the right. The high on the hill view of green tinged mineral Kalamalka Lake is always impressive and soon you’ll be in Vernon which also happens to be about the midpoint of your trip from Vancouver to Banff. Congrats for making it this far!

Vernon, British Colombia

Vernon has tons to offer including another well loved ski hill, Silverstar Mountain. If you’re here in the winter and enjoy downhill skiing then it’s another great option after Big White.

Vernon also has multiple beach areas (some on Kalamalka and some on Okanagan Lake) and is also home to Splashdown Vernon, a small but fun outdoor waterpark. Vernon is also full of restaurants and has a popular brewery (OK Brewery) right in town that gives tours.

Vernon is also home to Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery and if you like whisky and gin or fruit infused spirits then definitely swing by and taste their liqueurs and grab a bottle to take home with you.

As you continue out of Vernon on Highway 97A North, you’ll soon pass through Armstrong.

Armstrong, British Columbia

Armstrong, known throughout Canada for their Armstrong Cheese and specifically their squeaky cheese, the company unfortunately no longer offers tours at their factory. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, feel free to stop at The Village Cheese Company for some artisan cheese samples and small tour. They even have their own brand of squeaky cheese if you’ve never had it!

If you love kitschy highway stops, then make sure to stop at the Log Barn 1912 before you reach Enderby. Don’t worry about spotting it, there are a dozen signs pointing to it and if the large dinosaurs, dragons and sculptures sitting outside don’t catch your attention then you really shouldn’t be driving! There’s a shop inside with ice cream, candy and wacky souvenirs as well as a quick walk around the grounds gives you a minute to stretch your legs.

Enderby, British Columbia

Enderby is a cute little town but it’s major claim to fame is the Starlight Drive-In. The 6,000 square foot screen to the south of town is the biggest drive-in movie screen in North America and one of the last in Canada. Operating from June until September, it makes a great night out with the family. If you happen to make it then and decide to catch a movie, Salmon Arm is only 20 minutes away and has more hotels than Enderby does.

If you don’t need a place to sleep, then continue up Highway 97A towards Sicamous. This is a gorgeous drive right along the edge of Mara Lake and while you’ll likely lose 10 minutes rather than going up through Salmon Arm I promise you’ll enjoy it.

Sicamous, British Columbia

As you arrive into Sicamous proper, you’ll need to take a right onto Highway 1 heading east. Don’t worry, you’ll stay on Highway 1 for the rest of your ultimate Vancouver to Banff roadtrip so don’t worry about maps for a while. Just go east wayward traveler.

When we pass through Sicamous we often fill up our gas tank. Soon we’ll be crossing into the Rockies and gas prices go up 10 cents a liter once you hit Revelstoke. Weirdly, Golden is always cheaper than Revelstoke and is another option if you can easily make it another 220 km on your current tank.

If you enjoy dairy farms and ice cream, then D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous is a must stop. Fresh homemade ice cream and the ability to walk through a real working dairy farm with cows and a small menagerie of animals out back. They also have a great little fruit and veggie stand (the last real one on your journey) right across the street from June to September. Follow the signs as you turn onto Highway 1 and it will be on your right.

We now continue our road trip towards Revelstoke however first we have 2 interesting stops you might want to check out. First up is Crazy Creek Hot Pools, about 20 minutes east of Sicamous. This little 4 season roadside resort offers hot spring to it’s weary travelers from 9am to 9pm 365 days a year. Best part is that no reservations are required so if you’re up for a hot dip then nothing is stopping you.

5 Minutes further down the road from the hot springs you have the sister attractions of The Enchanted Forest and SkyTrek Adventure Park. Both are open from June to September. The Enchanted Forest is a nature walk through a magical land of castles, miniature houses and a giant treehouse while SkyTrek is an aerial adventure park that will have you climbing, jumping and zip lining from one treetop platform to another.

10 minutes east of the adventure park you’ll find Three Valley Gap where you’ll catch a glimpse of history as this old ghost town harkens back to the 1800’s and pioneer days of a British Columbia western town. The distinct Three Valley Lake Chateau on the banks of the lake also makes a great picture spot before you keep heading east to Revelstoke.

Revelstoke, British Columbia

Revelstoke is an old train town with plenty of ties to the railroad. We always enjoy walking along the raging Columbia River as we pull into town to stretch our legs a bit. If you turn right immediately as you cross the bridge there is a small park next to the road. Leave your car in the parking lot then follow the pathway left under the train bridge.

If you love trains than the Revelstoke train museum shouldn’t be missed and if you’re there when it’s open, a quick 30 minute guided tour of the Revelstoke Hydro Dam makes for an interesting diversion.

Another popular attraction in Revelstoke is Revelstoke Mountain Resort. In the summer they have downhill biking and the Pipe Mountain Coaster, which features 1.4 kilometres of twists and turns as you hurtle down a mountain on a small rollercoaster while travelling at speeds of up to 42 kph. In the winter the park receives 30 to 40 feet of snow and the ski hill features a descent of 1,713 vertical meters (5,620 feet) – the most in North America.

Heading east down Highway 1, we’re now on our way to Golden, BC.

Glacier and Rogers Pass, British Columbia

As we leave Revelstoke, we soon reach Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail and Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail. Both are greatly named and fun little hikes. The one you don’t want to miss though is Giant Cedars Boardwalk. It’s a quick 20 minute walk along a well signed wooden boardwalk through some of the largest cedar trees you’re ever likely to find.

Only a few minutes farther up the highway you’ll find Alberta Canyon and the Canyon Hot Springs Resort. Unlike Crazy Creek, these hot pools are only open from May to September and they also offer cabins and campsites if you’re making the trip pulling a camper of RV.

From Revelstoke to Golden you’re going to be climbing like crazy with the peak just between Glacier and Rogers Pass. This is the highest point of the Trans-Canada highway so be proud. You made it to the top and now it’s just smooth sailing from here on out. If you need a bit of a stretch make sure you check out the Rogers Pass National Historic Site. If it’s the middle of winter, just take a picture of those 20 foot tall snowbanks to each side of your car as you continue east to Golden.

Right before you get to Golden, you’ll reach the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre. It’s a wolf habitat and interpretive center that’s open to tours year round (no reservations required) and gets you up close and personal with some real North American wolves.

Golden, British Columbia

Golden is a great mountain town that always surprises us with the new things we find to do there. One thing to do is you can check out the Golden SkyBridge. Open from June to October, Canada’s highest suspension bridge traverses 426 feet above an wide canyon and features a zipline, climbing ropes and a canyon swing if you can handle your heights.

If you love water and adrenaline, Golden is Canada’s whitewater rafting capital with several white water rafting companies operating in town. Rafting excursions run along the fast flowing Kicking Horse River all summer long and most rafting companies have offices either in Golden or just east of the city.

If you want to stretch your legs, there is a beautiful covered pedestrian bridge spanning a portion of the river next to the Porcelain Garden park close to downtown. There are several restaurants and pubs nearby as well if you want to grab a bite to eat.

As we leave Golden, we’ll soon find ourselves in a different province and a different time zone so get ready to set your clocks an hour forward!

Before that though, you might want to pull over in a few areas (like Faeder Lake, Finn Creek or Natural Bridge) and take some pictures. From Golden to Lake Louise the rivers and lakes start taking on a turquoise glow due to their high clarity and mineral content that is hard to resist photographing. From little waterfalls here and there to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery, your head will be whipping side to side never knowing which side of the car you should be looking.

If you’re lucky you’ll spot a giant grizzly or maybe a giant moose. Bighorn sheep and large elk are also often spotted along the highways and if you see a bunch of cars pulled over or clumped together there’s a good chance there’s an animal nearby.

Field, British Columbia

One thing you’ll need as you drive towards Banff and Lake Louise is a National Park Pass. Park passes can be bought ahead of time or from certain vendors. Visitors arriving from Calgary and the west can easily purchase their passes as they pass into the Banff National Park however visitors coming from the east don’t have access to a kiosk. It’s suggested for you to either pre-purchase one online here or at one of the approved locations like the Yoho National Park Visitor Center just off Highway 1 in Field.

The good news is that if you purchase a National Park pass for the year, they are good across the country and this pass also gives you access to breathtaking Takakkaw Falls on the other side of Field. So does a day pass so don’t fret, you just get more time to explore this cool region.

Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park is accessible June to October and can be reached by a 10 minute drive along Yoho Valley Road just off Highway 1 a few minutes past Field. There is a nice park at the end and a short 10 minute walk (1.3km) that will bring you within sight of Takakkaw Falls. With a total height of 373 metres (1,224 ft) and a single drop of 254 metres (833 ft), this glacier fed body of water makes them the second tallest waterfall in Canada.

As we head east and finally cross into Alberta, set your clocks ahead 1 hour…. Now!

Lake Louise, Alberta

Beautiful turquoise lake? Check. Beautiful chateau? Check. World class skiing? Double check.

What Lake Louise lacks in amenities, it makes up for with unrivalled beauty. If you can ignore the hordes of people, walking around the cloudy turquoise waters of Lake Louise can be magical.

Whether you rent a canoe and explore the lake from above the water or decide to grab your walking shoes and head to the right past Chateau Lake Louise along Lakeshore Trail is up to you. Walking to the end of the trail or just stopping on one of the many benches and just enjoying the relative quiet compared to the main area, now is a perfect time to take a picture. If you can get one with one of the red canoes framed just right you might even decide to frame it.

If you happen to be here in the winter, while you won’t be able to see that turquoise glow, you might be lucky enough to strap on some skates and skate over it. Nicely groomed for most of the winter, you can rent skates right by the water or in town. Feel free to check out some other nearby lakes for skating as well.

While Lake Louise gets all the attention, Moirane Lake is equally as pretty and some even think it’s prettier. Regardless, it’s definitely less busy and has some more challenging hikes if you’re so inclined to take them.

Another great hike people enjoy is the hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. While it’s not a crazy far, the 7.2km round trip hike does play on you if you’re not accustomed to hiking at this elevation.

Skiing and snow boarding are of course the other half of Lake Louise’s appeal. When the ground starts to freeze and the snows come thick, Lake Louise becomes one the best ski hills in the country. On nice winter days, it’s not uncommon to see a steady line of cars driving in from Calgary and the highway looks more like a living being rather than pavement.

If you happen to be staying in Lake Louise itself, Chateau Lake Louise is a gorgeous option however there are more options in town plus some great fireside pubs to cozy up to anytime of the year.

Finally, even if it’s the middle of summer, take a gondola ride up the ski hill. You’re almost guaranteed to see some wildlife and the view from the top makes the gondola ride so worth it. If it’s winter, grab you board and enjoy!

As we take our final leg east towards Banff, it’s time to congratulate yourself. You’ve just made it through some of the worst passages in the world and lived to tell the tale. Now just imagine those brave men and women who first crossed those mountains and tamed that wilderness to get us where we are now. 2 months travels in under 9 hours of driving. Love it!

If you have a little more time (roughly an extra 20 minutes) and want to see some more gorgeous country with a better chance to get up close with animals and nature, jumping off of Highway 1 in Lake Louise and heading to Banff along Highway 1A (the Bow Valley Parkway) is a solid choice (just ensure the roads are fully open first). Castle Cliff, Silverton Falls, Johnston Canyon, Backswamp and Bow Valley Parkway are all picturesque diversions.

If you’re here to ski or snowboard, Sunshine Mountain is another great ski hill and is often the first hill to open every year. With some epic snowfall, it’s always a favorite with locals.

Banff, Alberta

As we finally pull into Canada’s premier mountain town, the urge to party all night can be strong. Don’t give in, even though the party never stops in Banff, you’ve just had a long day and it’s time for a rest.

In the morning you can check out some of Banff’s best sites and activities. From skiing nearby Mount Norquay in the winter to riding up Sulphur mountain on the Gondola in summer there’s plenty to do. (If you’re up for climbing the hill yourself they give you a free lift down! Budget 2 solid hours.)

You can hike or bike down to beautiful Bow Falls, drive up Tunnel Mountain looking for elk (they’re everywhere up there) or check out the sulfuric delights of the Banff Cave and Basin National Historic Site. There are horseback tours, biking tours, boating tours and even canyon and rappelling tours.

Of course you’ll want to check out the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory and eat at some top class restaurants while you’re here. Whether you stay at the Banff Fairmont Springs or not, you definitely need to drive up there and walk around the place as well. The hotel exudes old world charm and is definitely worth checking out.

After all that driving, you’ll likely want to soak your troubles away in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Open year round these, the naturally fed hot springs are a great way to unwind after a few hard days behind the wheel.

With that, we’re at the end. We hope you enjoyed your ultimate Vancouver to Banff roadtrip and hope you get to continue to explore more of Canada during your trip.

Getting back to Calgary and other notes

While there are no commercial airports in Banff, many people choose to land or leave Banff through Calgary since it’s a major city and less than an hour from Banff by car or bus shuttle. If you’re flying in from Toronto, the east coast of Canada or some other country, just reverse this list and start at the bottom and you’ll be fine.

Let us know if we forgot anything that should be on this list. Safe travels and welcome to Canada!

Since setting up a home base in BC’s mountainous interior a few years back, we’ve had ample opportunity to check out our hometown of Kelowna. We’ve also had the pleasure of exploring the majority of the beautiful Okanagan Valley that contains both Kelowna and nearby Penticton.

As we continue exploring this section of Canada, we’re constantly finding new things to do here and enjoy spending both summer and winter days driving around the 200 plus kilometers that make up the Okanagan Valley.

After discovering so many fun things things to do with the family in Kelowna, we’ve decided to go a little farther south and see what nearby Penticton offers. Only 40 minutes away from Kelowna proper, we’ve discovered that there are many family fun things to do in Penticton as well, no matter what your age.

We still have a few Penticton activities to check out ourselves, but summer isn’t officially over quite yet and we know there’s a good chance we’ll be back in Penticton again soon.

The Best Things to Do in Penticton British Columbia, Canada

So, if you’re looking for what to do in Penticton, check out our fun options below.

Kayaking with HooDoo Adventures in Penticton

Whether you’re setting out for a day of paddling on Okanagan Lake or taking one of their paddle and wine tasting tours, you’re still in for a great day.

Less than a block to the water, HooDoo Adventures even lets you rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and check out Okanagan Lake on your own. For a guaranteed good time, take a tour with the owners Mike or Lindi to learn more about the history of Penticton and the surrounding area. They truly are a fountain of information and are both avid outdoor adventurists.

On our tour, the kids loved kayaking under the boardwalk and stopping off at the faraway beach for a quick snack and to explore the water. With or without the kids, you’re guaranteed a great day on the water and we look forward to one day taking their famous Kayak and Wine tour.

Tubing on the Penticton Channel

A classic Okanagan event, floating on a tube or raft down the 7km (4 mile) Penticton Channel (also known as the Okanagan River Channel) that runs from Skaha Lake down to Okanagan Lake is an annual event for many families that live in the area. I first went over 15 years ago and had a great time with a bunch of friends. This year we plan on going with the kids and enjoying a nice barbecue after the trip.

You can do it on your own or you can jump on the Coyote Cruises bus and rent one of their tubes or rafts (Approx $6 for a tube and $6 for a bus ride.) Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and something to drink because the full tube ride takes between 3 to 4 hours. If renting a tube from Coyote Cruises, they’ll only drop you off at the halfway point. Just be mindful of their hours since they don’t allow anyone past the halfway point past 4:30 PM.

If you’re going tubing in Penticton on your own and want to save some cash, it’s a good idea to have two vehicles, so you can easily get back to your car or get 1 person to hop on the bus from Coyote Cruises to go pick up your car while everyone waits at the beach. You can pack some clothes and towels in a dry bag and tie it to your tube for an added convenience.

If you’re going on your own, all you need is a flotation device (anything from an inner tube to a cheap lounger will do) and a way to get to one of the two drop off points. You can either jump on your tubes at the beginning of the channel at Skaha Lake or stop off at the corner of Green Mountain Road/Fairview Road and Highway 97, behind the Super Save gas station). Parking is limited at the halfway point and there’s a Tim Hortons just across the bridge if you’re hungry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Play at the Loco Landing Adventure Park in Penticton

With everything from mini golf to high level ropes, including speedy go karts and ridiculously fun and a little wet bumper boats, Loco Landing Adventure Park is every child’s dream come true. This family run operation allows you to pay as you go for each activity or you can opt for a one time do it all pass that has no expiry and can be used by multiple people. We ended up buying two cards for the kids and bought separate go kart, mini golf and bumper boats passes for ourselves.

Loco Landing in Penticton also has an Aeroball court (2 player versus trampoline basketball) and the Big Baller with it’s WipeOut style fun. They also have a blow up American Ninja style course for the kids and trampolines complete with harnesses for safe back flips. There’s also an outdoor climbing wall and a small restaurant/canteen where you can grab a bite to eat or something to drink.

The Loco Landing Adventure Park started in Penticton over 10 years ago as a family run park and every year they add another activity. To be honest, the place just keeps getting better year after year and the kids had a blast.

Hang at the beach at either Okanagan or Skaha Lake

With not one but two lakes in Penticton proper, you can always be guaranteed a spot on the beach. Whether you’re hanging out on Okanagan Lake in the north of town or the equally beautiful Skaha Lake in the south end of town, both the beaches and activities are endless. With spray parks, playgrounds, volleyball and tennis courts, concession stands and picnic areas in both places, you can easily spend the whole day in either location without having to leave.

You can also rent stand up paddle boards and boats at both places and there’s washrooms a plenty. You can also opt in to float down the Penticton Channel starting from Skaha Lake or ending up in Okanagan Lake.

Go kart racing at Top Gear Karting in Penticton

Perfect for the older kids (and that includes parents), Top Gear Racing has go karts to suit the speed demon in anyone. With a banked corner and a winding track nearly a kilometer long, this course will tax even the hardiest of racers.

Timed laps go up on the daily leaderboard and you can race up to 8 people at a time or work towards breaking your own lap record. They also offer courses for younger drivers and double karts for parents with younger children.

Indoor climbing with HooDoo Adventures in Penticton

The only indoor climbing gym in Penticton, there’s no doubt the climbing walls at HooDoo Adventures will get your blood pumping. Especially great for adults practicing their bouldering skills, kids will also love the top rope climbing walls. As we found out the day we went there, it’s also a great place to have a birthday party.

Hoodoo Adventures in Penticton also rents out everything from kayaks to stand up paddle boards to bicycles and even snowshoes for those cooler winter months. They also offer some of the best tours in all of the Okanagan Valley.

Coffee and playgrounds at Jumping Beans Play Cafe

If you feel like having a coffee and snack while your little ones run around and play, then Jumping Beans Cafe might be the place you’ve been looking for. With inside wooden play structures and interactive games, the younger kids can work off some steam while you enjoy a decent latte.

It’s a win win for everyone and great for those cooler winter days or even in the height of the areas incredibly hot summers.

Ride the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Penticton

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is 20 minutes north of Penticton but is definitely worth the trip. Whether you’re just going for a ride or taking part in the Great Train Robbery and barbecue, you’ll be transported back in time 100 years as you climb aboard the 1912 steam locomotive lovingly named the 3716.

The 90 minute, ten mile journey of the Kettle Valley Steam Railway takes you by beautiful vineyards, large fruit orchards and through breathtaking vistas before getting a great view of the lake 238 feet above the canyon floor while crossing Trout Creek Bridge. Whether you love old steam trains or just riding in comfort as you take in the beautiful scenery of the Kettle Valley, this train ride shouldn’t be missed.

Hike or Climb at Skaha Bluffs

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, just south of Penticton, is world famous for rock climbing, and one of the best places for climbing in Canada.

There are also well maintained trails, if you’re not the hiking type. There’s a lot of wildlife: You may even catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep, fringed and small-footed myotis bats, night snakes, or a Western screech owl.

Shop at Penticton Farmers Market and the Downtown Community Market

What happens when you close the majority of downtown Penticton every Saturday morning for a few hours to host a market? Usually good things.

The award winning Penticton Farmers Market coupled with the Penticton Downtown Community Market together form one of the biggest markets in the province. With hundreds of vendors selling everything under the sun you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy.

You’ll find everything from eggs & honey to fresh veggies & fruits straight from the farm including fresh baking, handmade crafts and delicious preserves. The best thing about it is everything at the Farmers Market in Penticton is either grown or produced in the South Okanagan valley. They also offer an ever changing selection of local liquor vendors every week so you’ll also get the chance to sample some of the regions best wines and spirits all in one place.

The Penticton Downtown Community Market runs every Saturday from May to October from 8:30 to 1:30 pm.

Bike the Kettle Valley Trail

Towards Naramata, on the east side of Okanagan Lake leaving Penticton, lies the old Kettle Valley Railroad line. This section of the railway is no longer in use and you can bike the Kettle Valley Trail all the way to Kelowna. Overlooking the lake with wide, flat terrain, the trail is easy to bike and the views overlooking Okanagan Lake are gorgeous with beautifully restored classic wooden train trestles found all along the route.

If you don’t have your own bike you can rent one from a few places in town including HooDoo Adventures or take their well reviewed bike tour.

Head to the Penticton Pump Track or the Penticton Skateboard Park

A new free activity added to Penticton last year is the amazingly popular Penticton Pump Track. This paved oval track has dozens of mini hills and crests that will keep the kids (or the parents) busy for hours. It’s a great course for budding mountain bikers, BMX’ers and experienced riders as well. Located on Naramata Road at the Poplar Grove Parking lot, near the entrance to the Kettle Valley Trail it makes a great start or finish to a day of riding the trails.

Have a rebellious teen or a budding Tony Hawk in your group? Don’t worry, there’s a large skatepark in Penticton right next to Loco Landing that will have the kids grinding the rails and doing massive grabs, flips, ollies and slides in no time.

Walk the plank in Penticton

While there are no wooden planks left, there are miles of paved boardwalks that circle the city. If you start at the skatepark besides Loco Landing Adventure Park and continue past the SS Sicamous (the largest surviving stern wheeler in western Canada and a nice museum as well) you can follow Okanagan Lake all the way past the Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre through Okanagan Lake Park and the Penticton Japanese Gardens all the way to the Penticton Yacht Club and Marina with all it’s sailboats and powerboats.

With the lake and the Penticton beaches on one side and restaurants, hotels and shops on the other, the Penticton boardwalk makes for a great stroll whether your a jogger, a power walker or just a family taking a stroll through town.

SS Sicamous

History buffs will love the visiting the SS Sicamous stern wheeler. It’s one of the most famous Penticton attractions and points of interest. The SS Sicamous launched in 1915, and was used to transport passengers and cargo to locations all along the shores of Okanagan lake. It was known as a beautiful, luxurious voyage, and it’s well worth a look. The SS Sicamous took its last run in 1951. Today, it’s preserved as a museum that’s open to the public.

Take the plunge in Penticton

If you happen to be in Penticton during their crazy hot summers, love water activities and have already tubed the channel, the Penticton WiBit might be for you. This floating outside watercourse comprises dozens of huge air filled obstacles that will not only get your adrenaline up but give your kids the workout they so desperately need. With water trampolines, climbing walls, obstacle courses and splash pads, if you’re not having fun then you must be doing something wrong.

Situated just down the beach from Loco Landing and the SS Sicamous stern wheeler on the west end of Okanagan Lake, this floating waterpark is open from 10 am to 8 pm every day of the summer beginning in June. Just note that kids aged from 5 – 7  require a parent to go with them (parents are free with kids 5 – 7) and they have reduced prices for evenings so if you’re feeling a little cheap this might be the best time to go.

Eat your fill in Penticton

With over 100 restaurants in and around Penticton there’s something for every palate. From simple but tasty burgers and fries at Burger 55 to world class fare at the Bistro at Hillside Winery there’s also something for every budget.

While restaurants are scattered around town, you’ll find the greatest concentration of them near the downtown core and along Lakeshore Drive West.

If you’re wanting a real treat and you’re in Penticton during the summer, grab a bag, or even better, a bucket of mini donuts for the family. The mini donuts in Penticton are freshly made to order right off the beach at Our Little Donut Factory and they’re delicious. After that you can grab a bench or picnic table across the road along the boardwalk and watch the birds vie for your attention as they strut their stuff at the beach. It was a highlight of our last trip down there.

Wet your whistle in Penticton

With over 80 wineries within a 20 minute car ride of downtown Penticton, as well as 5 craft breweries and 2 distilleries, you might have wished you left your kids home for this trip.

All joking aside, the Okanagan Valley itself is home to over 300 wineries and Penticton is home to a good portion of them. With everything from wine tasting to cellar tours to even stomping the grapes yourself you can find a winery in Penticton that appeals to both you and even your kids. Most offer grape tasting for wee ones as well so the kids can feel like part of the action.

Some of the more popular wineries around Penticton include Bench 1775, La Frenz, Pentage Winery, Red Rooster, Ruby Blues and Lake Breeze. In terms of craft breweries, you have Highway 97, Barley Mill, Bad Tattoo Brewing, Tin Whistle Brewing and Cannery Brewing. Maple Leaf Distillery is the largest of the local distilleries.

Note: Some of the best restaurants in the Okanagan Valley are at the wineries, so bring an appetite and your wallet. Wines directly from the wineries might be a dollar or two cheaper than the stores but falling in love with a local wine and buying it by the case can get expensive quickly.

Not wanting to risk the road after hitting a few of the wineries? Go on a winery tour with Hoodoo Adventures and let them drop you off at your hotel when you get home.

Check out wine tours in Pentiction here.

Get Your Farmer on at Covert Farms Estate Winery

Technically, Covert Farms Estate Winery is 35 minutes south of Penticton in the town of Oliver. There’s a working farm here, as well as a working winery, and a highly rated farm tour. A few years ago Covert Farms hosted the Amazing Race Canada. Every year in September, Covert Farms hosts the Freak’n Farmer obstacle race.

Visit the Penticton Visitor Centre

If you’re just coming into Penticton, it’s probably worth your while to grab a map of the local wineries and attractions from the excellent Penticton Visitor Centre located at 888 Westminster Ave. (It’s right beside the ever popular Penticton Convention Centre.) They can also help you with finding some of the more hidden gems in the area, direct you to special events that are on the horizon and can answer any questions you might have regarding Penticton and the rest of the Okanagan Valley here in BC, Canada.

The Best Tours in Penticton

Viator offers some great tours and experiences in Penticton and throughout the Okanagan Valley.

You’ll find everything from boat rentals to bubble suits to winery and foodie tours and more.

Check out all of Viator’s Penticton tours here.

So while we’ve stayed downtown for a quick Vancouver family vacation more than a few times, and though there are some fantastic hotels in the area, there are two big disadvantages to a downtown Vancouver family stay.

The first is cost. Hotels in downtown Vancouver can be quite expensive, especially if you look at getting a suite with a bedroom or kitchenette, or if you’re booking in peak season. Parking can also be crazy expensive if you’re by the water and some of the nicer hotels require you to pay extra for WiFi, sometimes even per device.

Second, downtown Vancouver accommodations can be quite busy, and it’s not always the most kid-friendly place, especially around the bars on Granville Street. Though Vancouver is a great walking city, staying downtown still requires you to be careful, especially with little ones in tow.

So when UBC’s West Coast Suites, located on the quiet and stunning University of British Columbia (UBC) lands, reached out to us about a stay, we were excited to give it a try.

We planned to use the fully furnished suites, perched on the quiet and expansive green campus, as our base for exploring Vancouver with kids. Not only are the world class Museum of Anthropology, the impressive Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the fantastic Botanical Gardens and more within easy walking distance at UBC, there’s an abundance of great food right on campus.

The best part is that downtown Vancouver and many of the city’s other major attractions are just a short car trip or bus ride away.

See prices and availability here. Check out reviews on TripAdvisor.

• West Coast Suites at UBC – Our Review
• Fun family things to do near UBC
• Food on the UBC campus

West Coast Suites UBC

As we drove through busy Vancouver, and on through the quiet, lush, green oasis of the enormous UBC property, we were sure we’d made the right choice. On one side we could see the spacious UBC campus on the left of us and we kept getting peeks of British Columbia’s stunning Pacific Coast on the other.

After the easy drive to West Coast Suites, we checked in at the next door Walter Gage Residences. The helpful front desk staff promptly got our key card, and pointed out some of the fun things to do with kids on the UBC campus. More on the details of our Vancouver family vacation later!

Within a few minutes, we’d whisked our stuff up the elevator, and I was relaxing on our couch, overlooking the trees in the courtyard, and enjoying a fresh Starbucks coffee from the single serve coffee maker in our cozy kitchen.

Our Suite

All of the suites at West Coast Suites are large, quiet one bedrooms with balconies and full kitchens.

There’s no oven in the suites, but there is a stove top, a microwave, and most importantly, a dishwasher, plus a full kitchen table and mini-fridge. The kitchen was fully kitted out, including everything from pots and pans, glassware, cutlery, and even a corkscrew and bottle opener.

All the suites at UBC’s West Coast Suites are one bedroom, with a king bed in the bedroom plus a sofa bed.

There’s a LED TV, an in room safe, plenty of quality toiletries, and high quality linens.

Amenities

At the top of my list for hotel amenities is always WiFi. WiFi here is fast, free and reliable, with speeds at well over 35 mbps. That’s far better than the WiFi you’ll find in most homes.

There’s even free long distance in North America, making it easy to connect with friends and family.

Room Amenities at West Coast :

• Free Canada/USA calling
• Large LED TVs with cable channels
• Parking is $10/day plus applicable taxes
• 24 hour front desk
• Guest launderette
• Complimentary newspapers at reception
• On-site vending facilities
• Open year round

See prices and availability here.

Check out reviews on TripAdvisor.

What’s nearby?

We were pretty busy around the University of British Columbia itself, before we even headed into Vancouver proper for our downtown Vancouver family day trip. There’s a full list of what we did on campus below, but our highlights included the Museum of Anthropology, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum and the Greenheart TreeWalk at the UBC Botanical Garden. Click here to skip to our list of fun family activities and attractions near UBC.

There’s also a lot to eat on campus at the UBC, with dozens of cafes, restaurants and food trucks. Click here to see all the great eats on the UBC campus.

West Coast Suites at UBC is a short drive from downtown Vancouver, but located on some of the most beautiful land in Vancouver. The University of British Columbia pretty much owns the entire western tip of the Point Grey Peninsula. Within walking distance, there are rose gardens, Japanese rock gardens, botanic gardens, canopy walks, regional parkland, hiking trails, plus all the amenities below. The Museum of Anthropology is a ten minute walk from West Coast Suites, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park is two and a half kilometers (one and a half miles) away.

Shopping

One thing we were a little uncertain of was if there was shopping nearby for groceries and other necessities. Luckily for us, it’s a short drive (or even walking distance, if you’re so inclined) to Wesbrook Village shopping center, which has a Save on Foods grocery store, plus plenty of shops.

Vancouver with kids – at UBC Campus

We had a blast being in Vancouver with kids at the UBC Campus. There’s a lot to do on the University grounds, and we’ve listed some of our favorites below. You can check out the other UBC attractions here.

Tip! If you’re planning to visit several UBC attractions, look into the UBC Museums and Gardens Pass. You can buy adult, concession (senior, youth or student) or family passes. The pass gives you admission to the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the Nitobe Memorial Garden and the UBC botanical garden. It also gives discounts on food, books, clothing and the canopy tree walk.

On campus events and the Eclipse!

We were lucky enough to visit UBC during the 2017 solar eclipse. The astronomy society was handing out free eclipse viewing glasses just a short walk from our hotel at West Coast Suites, with displays and plenty of folks on hand to help.

While the eclipse was the big event when we visited (the people in the picture below were all gone an hour later), be sure to check what’s going on at UBC during your visit. There’s almost always something fun and interesting happening on campus.

Beaty Biodiversity Museum

The first thing you’ll notice at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum is the blue whale skeleton that looms over the entire facility. There’s an interesting documentary to watch inside about how the fossil was found, unearthed, cleaned and installed. Inside the vault-like downstairs, there are more than two million specimens of plants, marine invertebrates, insects, birds, fish, vertebrates, fungi, and fossils.

Museum of Anthropology (MOA)

We were especially taken by the stunning displays of First Nations totem poles inside the main floors of the MOA. It’s an impressive collection, as the MOA houses 38,000 ethnographic objects, as well as 535,000 archaeological objects inside. It houses collections from multiple cultures, but is best known for the large and impressive collection of art from First Nation band governments of the Pacific Northwest. The MOA building was designed by famed architect Arthur Erickson.

Tip: Don’t miss the outdoor longhouse recreation behind the museum building.

UBC Botanical Garden

Lovers of botany will adore the UBC Botanical Garden, as it covers nearly 110 acres (44 hectares) and has over 8,000 different plants.

We loved the long, serene winding trails under great big, shady trees, as it gave the kids (and us!) a chance to burn off some energy.

Greenheart TreeWalk

While you’re there, don’t miss the Greenheart TreeWalk! The kids had a blast tearing along this 310 metre (1,000 foot) long canopy walkway. The walkway is suspended from looming cedars, Douglas firs and grand firs (many of them over 100 years old), and reaches a height of almost 20 metres (65 feet). This isn’t for the faint of heart, or lead of foot, but our eight year old managed it beautifully, even taking the lead and egging us on.

Tip! The Greenheart TreeWalk is not included in the UBC Museums and Gardens Pass; the pass offers a 10% discount on the treewalk.

Nitobe Memorial Garden

The Nitobe Memorial Garden is a traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden. It’s officially part of the UBC Botanical Garden, but it’s located separately, close to Wreck Beach.

UBC Aquatic Centre

New in 2017, the UBC Aquatic Centre has a kids area, diving pool, swimming pool, whirl pool, hot tub and a sauna. It’s also only a two minute walk from West Coast Suites.

Farmer’s Market

UBC farmer’s markets serve up farm fresh produce at a weekly on-campus market from late spring to fall. We stopped by the pop-up market at the UBC bookstore, but there are also farm gate sales. Dates and details change, so check here first before you go.

Tip! There are also seasonal u-picks for blueberries, pumpkins, hops and more. If you’re around on the weekend, the UBC Farm offers free public tours at 11:00 am each Saturday. Check the UBC Farm page for details

More UBC attractions

There are plenty of other attractions on campus, including the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and the UBC School of Music. Check out the UBC attractions page for more.

Wreck beach

Well, what to say about Wreck beach? There are a few things you need to know before you go.

First, it’s absolutely stunning, and well worth a look. Second, it’s clothing optional, so do with that what you will. Third, the most popular access is by Trail 6 by a steep and difficult set of 473 stairs.

Fourth, it has quite the reputation around Vancouver for it’s alternative culture, which includes the clothing optional scene, but also extends to a hippie culture of body painters, beach casinos, and a relaxed attitude toward pretty much anything. Read into that what you will but everyone we talked to said it was a cool place to hang out on a hot day and the unobstructed Pacific Ocean views from the beach are breathtaking.

Vancouver Family Vacation

There are hundreds of other things to do on a family vacation in Vancouver. I’d say the top, don’t miss family attractions, are the Vancouver seawall, the Vancouver Aquarium, Science World at TELUS World of Science, Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge (or the free Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge) and Granville Island. Our comprehensive post on family things to do in Vancouver is coming soon!

While at West Coast Suites, we took the car downtown (it’s a short 15 minute drive if traffic is good) a few of times to visit friends, and check out a few downtown attractions. Most people just jump on a bus and grab the Skytrain around town.

Vanier Park 

Vanier Park is in the Kitsilano neighborhood in Vancouver, and home to the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the City of Vancouver Archives, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. There’s a lot of green space here, making it perfect for a relaxing day under the trees.

If you go during summer, check to see if the International Children’s Festival is happening in the park.

Kitsilano Beach Park

Kitsilano Beach Park is just to the West of Vanier Park (you can easily walk from one to another). It’s a long, lovely stretch of sand that faces picturesque English Bay.

Yaletown

We even got a chance to check out a little nightlife in Yaletown, when we popped out for supper with a friend. Yaletown is one of the busiest parts of Vancouver, and packed with trendy restaurants and bars in old warehouse buildings.

Food at UBC

Food on the UBC Campus is divided into two main groups: outlets owned by the Student’s Union, and outlets under the ubrella of the University’s Food Services.

UBC Food Services

UBC Food Services has over 40 outlets on campus with everything from chains like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, to mini marts, to full service restaurants, to food trucks. Many get their ingredients from the on campus UBC Farm, and fresh seafood is 100% Ocean Wise certified. We couldn’t try all 40 places to eat (unfortunately!), but we did get a chance to check out a few.

The Hungry Nomad

Where else would us Barefoot Nomads go to eat than the Hungry Nomad?

This food truck serves up delicious vegan poutine, with large portions for around $6. We bought two poutine as a snack, but there was far too much for the four of us (two adults and two preteen kids) to eat. Great value.

Harvest

We came in quite late one night after a long walk around the UBC Botanical Gardens, and wanted nothing more than to put our feet up and relax in our room. Luckily, Harvest was on the way home, and we grabbed a rotisserie chicken, roast vegetables, a tasty chickpea sandwich, and two bean burritos for the kids. Perfection!

Mercante

This is the place to go on campus if you’ve got a craving for authentic made-to-order traditional Italian pizzas cooked in a hot stone hearth oven. Each pizza is a great value at about $12, and we only needed two to stuff two adults and two preteen kids to the gills.

AMS Student Union

UBC’s student’s union (AMS) has several foood and drink eateries located in the Nest (the main student’s union building), including the Grand Noodle Emporium, Uppercase, Honour Roll, The Pit, Palate, and Ph Tea.

Being the coffee and baked goods lovers that we are, we made a quick beeline for Uppercase, which had an impressive display case of baked goods and bagels. Was it good? Let’s just say that I was contemplating a move to the UBC campus so that I could make this a daily staple.

UBC Vancouver Accommodations

We found West Coast Suites one bedroom suites to be perfect for our family, but UBC has other accommodation choices as well.

Pacific Spirit Hostel at Place Vanier Residence

With rooms starting at $39 a night, this is a fantastic value in sometimes expensive Vancouver.

The Pacific Spirit Hostel has private single rooms or private twin rooms. There’s a shared lounge with LCD TV and on site laundry. Linens, towels and bath amenities are provided. Parking is $10 a day plus taxes, or you can buy a weekly permit.

Ponderosa Residence and Walter Gage Residence

Private suites at Ponderosa Residence and Walter Gage Residence are only available from May 15 to August 25 each year. There’s a wide range of places to stay here, including studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units.

Units have a full kitchen with complimentary high speed WiFi, LCD TVs and free Canada/USA calling.

Accessible suites are also available. Parking is $16/day plus applicable taxes at Ponderosa. Parking is $10/day plus applicable taxes at Gage.

What you need to know

West Coast Suites is on the UBC Campus, at 5961 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver.

West Coast Suites is easily accessible by car, but can also be accessed by transit, with a major bus exchange located on campus.

Have you stayed at West Coast Suites UBC? What did you think? 

Now, what are your thoughts on locally made craft spirits sourced straight out of people’s backyards? Interested?

Okanagan Spirits, out of Vernon, BC is western Canada’s oldest craft distillery and the quality comes through both in the taste and in the story of how this small family owned distillery has become a driving force behind the provinces’ burgeoning small craft distillery market.

We were lucky enough to find ourselves at the impressive new 16,000 square foot Okanagan Spirits Vernon location and had the opportunity to try out some of their newer lines, as well as some of the classics, while talking with the family who helped bring this product to life.

We visited our local Kelowna’s Okanagan Spirits branch a few years back and loved trying out all their specialty craft liqueurs. Well, two years on, we’re still big fans and the fact that all of Okanagan Spirits’ ingredients are 100% locally cultivated here in our home province of British Columbia makes it all the better. We especially love that the majority of their spirits retain a little of their fruit heritage.

The Okanagan Valley is a 200 km (125 mile) long mountain valley boasting a string of crystal clear mountain lakes, pine forests and stunning mountains in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. It’s best known for some of Canada’s warmest weather and it’s hundreds of world class wineries centered around the valley’s largest city of Kelowna. It’s also the home to the majority of Canada’s fruit orchards, all bursting with apples, cherries, peaches and apricots.

At Okanagan Spirits family owned distillery, all alcohols are made from local 100% British Columbia grains and fruit. The produce comes from local farmers, growers, orchardists and often even from some local’s backyards.

When they couldn’t source enough rhubarb from local growers, the company put a out call out to local gardeners. Soon, they were inundated with locally Okanagan grown rhubarb for their award wining rhubarb liqueur. Likewise, they’ve traditionally made their apricot brandy from a local 100 year old apricot tree.

Today, Okanagan Spirits is North America’s only World Class designated distillery and masterclass designated distiller from the World Spirits Awards in Austria.

We met with Tyler Dyck, whose family has been at the center of Okanagan Spirits from the beginning. Tyler says that the demand is especially strong for gin, vodka, and whiskey spirits. In fact, their Canadian whiskys are so popular they can’t keep up with demand, especially for their award winning Laird of Fintry single malt.

Luckily for us, they hold back a percentage of every release so you can still try Canada’s first bourbon style corn whisky (BRBN), Western Canada’s first single malt whisky (Laird of Fintry) and their fabulous Canadian Rye whisky (Okanagan Spirits Rye) at either their Vernon or Kelowna branch.

What’s in a name? You’ll notice that Okanagan Spirits spell whisky without the ey at the end. Guess what, both whiskey and whisky are allowed spellings. Traditionally, the Scots spelled it whisky while the Irish spelled it whiskey. American whiskey’s traditionally end with the extra “e” as well, and most Canadian and European countries spell it whisky.

Laird of Fintry single malt whisky

The quality of Okanagan Spirits whiskey-based liquors hasn’t gone unnoticed in some pretty notable quarters. During a Royal visit to the Okanagan Valley in 2017, Prince William and Kate had a chance to sample the spirits, with William saying he “liked the Laird of Fintry, and Kate thought the blackcurrant liqueur was lovely” says Tyler.

There’s no denying that the Okanagan Spirits Canadian whiskeys are hugely successful, not only with customers who love their unusually smooth quality, but with judges at the World Spirits Awards in Austria.

The Laird of Fintry Single Malt Whisky was the first Canadian Whisky to receive a gold medal at the World Spirit Awards. It’s one of eight awards taken home from the World Spirit awards in 2017, including five gold, one silver and two bronze.

Tip! Want to get your hands on the award winning Lord of Fintry whisky? Click here to join their newsletter and you’ll find out when the next batch is ready.

BRBN

Since bourbon can’t officially be called so in Canada unless it’s US made, similar to how sparkling wine can’t be called Champagne unless it’s made in France, a fortified wine can’t be called Port unless it originates in Portugal or Scotch has to be made in Scotland, Okanagan Spirits has had a little fun with the name and BRBN is the result.

Regardless of how it’s spelled, Okanagan Spirits BRBN is made in the traditional bourbon way using corn and barley all sourced just miles from their shop. Milled onsite, once fully fermented it’s left to mature in carefully selected white American toasted oak casks. If you fancy yourself a bourbon lover, you’ll love it’s sweet honey and molasses flavour with just a touch of burnt caramel.

Scroll down for our Suburban BRBN Iced Tea Lemonade Recipe for a tasty summer drink!

Okanagan Spirits BC Rye Whisky

Canadian rye whisky is known the world over. While you’ll find a Canadian whiskey behind nearly every bar around the world, Okanagan Spirits rye isn’t setting out to imitate what has come before. With their own blend of locally harvested rye and malted BC barley, there’s a lot of love that goes into every bottle.

This love is apparent when you get a chance to sample the Okanagan Rye for yourself. Like all of Okanagan Spirits alcohol, extra time is taken to remove all the impurities resulting in some of the highest quality spirits you’ll find this side of the border.

Visit for yourself to get a world class tour and tasting, and ask any of the helpful and knowledgeable staff about the fermentation and distillation process and how the team at Okanagan Spirits goes that extra mile to ensure that only the best of the best ever sees the inside of a bottle.

While you’re there, be sure to try the amazing sea buckthorn liqueur. You’ll most often see sea buckthorn touted as a new super-antioxidant used in top tier skin care products. In a liqueur, it’s honey-smooth taste is finished by a note of almost citrus. It’s light, not cloying, and will make you want more!

The story and the team behind Okanagan Spirits

Okanagan Spirits is a true local success story. It was started with a group of like minded investors led by the Dyck patriarch, Tony Dyck, back in 2004. A few years later, Tony and the family bought out the rest of the group and now Okanagan Spirits is wholly a family owned (and run) business.

The Dyck family has been part of the Okanagan Valley for close to a century, with roots among family and friends in the early days of back yard stills and moonshine so in some ways you can say they’re carrying on a long family tradition.

In 2004, the new distillery started with Eau de Vie fruit brandy, aiming to blend high quality spirits with local origins. Over time, customer demand saw them expand to spirits like gin, vodka, whiskey, absinthe and their many delicious fruit liqueurs. The fact that the majority of their liqueurs are fruit based rather than grain based means a little of that lovely fruit flavour remains present in every product.

Today, son Tyler Dyck (CEO) has a hand in what seems to be every aspect of the business and even heads the Craft Distiller’s Guild of BC to help bring about change in how BC deals with local craft distillers.

Extended family, like Tony’s sister Mary are often on hand to help out and when large events occur, every one in the family gets called in. Last year, the distillery was part of about 80 fundraiser and charity events.

Master distiller Peter von Hahn has been the creative mastermind behind a lot of the products and is a major part of Okanagan Spirits focus on quality. He is Canada’s most awarded Craft Distiller and the only distiller in North America with both the Master Class and World Class Distillery designations from the European Based World Spirits Awards.

In person, von Hahn is both engaging and personable, with plenty of travel stories, and it’s easy to see where the creativity at Okanagan Spirits alcohols originates.

Junior Distiller Christopher Burke is in charge of Okanagan Spirits’ expansion into one of Micki’s favorite Okanagan Spirits whiskeys, the Bourbon-style BRBN. With a degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, he brings a European sensibility to the team.

Despite talented distillers and family teamwork, getting a new craft distillery up and running hasn’t always been an easy ride. The Dyck family has pushed for years for changes in liquor laws to allow craft distilleries to succeed in British Columbia. They’re still struggling with provincial requirements that cap the amount of whiskey that craft distillers are allowed to produce and sell and have even formed the Craft Distiller’s Guild of BC to help fight for those changes with the government.

A peek inside Okanagan Spirits Vernon distillery location

The new location in Vernon opened in 2015. It’s an impressive facility, at over 16,000 feet with a gorgeous 1930’s prohibition era theme.

Without a doubt, the stunning showpiece of the distillery is North America’s tallest copper pot still, a 24 foot, 50 plate distillation system. We’ve never seen anything like it. In fact, the distillation system is so tall they had to cut a skylight in the roof to accommodate it.

The distillation system was purchased from Germany and assembled on site in Vernon, as what Tyler says was like “the world’s largest and most challenging LEGO set”.

Each type of alcohol is carefully distilled in the behemoth distillation system and due to it’s height and design, Okanagan Spirits can achieve a higher purity than many of it’s competitors.  This means a lot of their alcohols, and their whisky for sure, have a smoother finish with less of the burning sensation you get from less pure blends.

The distillery itself taps into the rich history of homegrown stills and bootleg moonshine in the Okanagan. The showrooms speakeasy style features a vintage car plucked from the dusty garage of an old family friend and a long bar set on aged barrels.

Want to see more? Peek inside the Vernon location.

Suburban BRBN Iced Tea Lemonade Recipe

We experimented with about five bourbon-based drinks at home for this post so we could bring you our own tasty BRBN-based summer cocktail (yes, lol, sometimes our job is tough), and this was by far our favorite. It’s a light, refreshing summer cocktail that’s easy to drink yet still allows a little of that bourbon flavour through.

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups boiling water
• 4 Earl Grey tea bags
• 1 oz BRBN
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (you can also use 1 tbsp granulated sugar as a substitute)
• Ice
• Orange slices, for garnish
• maraschino cherry, for garnish

How to make

Pour boiling water over tea, steep for five minutes. Take out tea bags and refrigerate for at least an hour.

In a highball glass, add 1/2 cup iced tea, bourbon, juices and syrup or sugar. Serve over ice and garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Tip! We used fresh squeezed orange and lemon juice, and it gave a nice flavor, but boxed juice works perfectly well.

Irish Buck

While this is traditionally a Saint Patrick’s Day recipe, we love the combination of BRBN, lime and ginger ale for summer.

What you’ll need

• Ice
• 1 oz BRBN
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 5 oz ginger ale
• lime wedge, for garnish

How to make

Fill a glass with ice, and pour over BRBN, fresh lime juice and ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge.

When to Visit

Visiting the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada this summer? Besides for hundreds of wineries, great beaches and some amazing hikes, make sure you check out Okanagan Spirits Vernon or Kelowna locations. They’re open year round and besides for the taste rooms, they also have a lounge and patio in the summer.

You can check out our previous Okanagan Spirits Kelowna tour here and if you’re trying to figure out what else there is to do in Kelowna check out this post we wrote last summer.

Want to find out more?

You can order Okanagan Spirits online, or pick some up at your local BC liquor store.

You can also visit Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery  in store in the new Vernon distillery location, or at their Kelowna storefront.

Visit them on their website, or on Facebook or Twitter.

We love to have family activities in our hotel as well as feel that the kids are welcomed (rather than just tolerated).

We found that family friendly vibe and more at Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, only an hour and a half from Vancouver.

Check resort prices now.

We found several reasons why Harrison is a great for families. In fact, we found 22 fun reasons:

The family pool

When we visit with our kids, the the outdoor family pool is where we spend almost all of our time. It’s large – almost 4,000 square feet – and has a gradual, sloped entrance that’s perfect for toddlers. It’s also wheelchair accessible! The temperature’s perfect for the family, at 28 °C (83 °F).

The view

The resort is right on the shore of stunning Harrison Lake, with views of the lake and mountains in the distance.

Happy kids!

The kids had a blast playing in the pools, exploring the resort, and just being themselves!

The comfy beds

After a day in the pools, it was absolute heaven to sink into the hotel’s plush, comfy beds. So relaxing!

Plenty of dining choices

The resort has four on-site restaurants: Miss Margaret’s casual cafe, the Lakeside Cafe with gorgeous views of the lake, the Islands Bar, and the Copper Room, where they have dinner and dancing. There’s even a kids’ dance floor at the Copper Room! If you’re not up for going out, just slip into your complimentary bathrobe, and order room service.

Warm, personal service

From the time we arrived to the time we left, we found nothing but warm smiles and staff that were willing to help with whatever we needed.

Kid-friendly

Wherever we went, the kids were treated like welcome guests. We even found these adorable little Sasquatches in our room when we arrived!

Free WiFi

In Canada, most higher end hotels charge a rather steep fee for Internet.

Finding free WiFi in our room was a huge bonus!

Complimentary bathrobes

Who doesn’t love a plush, comfy bathrobe? We loved having complimentary bathrobes to use on our way to and from the hot pools.

Lounging by the fireplace

The resort has a huge common area where you can relax by the fire, read, or enjoy each other’s conversation and company.

Bonding time

It’s just a pleasure to be able to put everyday life on the back burner for a while, and just enjoy playing with the kids!

The waterfall

We had a blast playing in the waterfall in the family pool!

Grown up time!

If you’re looking for some adult-only time, the warmer adult only pool is a perfect escape. It’s also open later so after the kids go to bed you can head down and enjoy some kid free time.

The gift shop and store

You’ll be able to pick up any necessities and snacks at the well stocked on-site gift shop.

Relaxing on the balcony

How fun is this? We loved relaxing on the balcony taking in the beautiful sights of Harrison Lake and Echo Island right in front of the hotel. With wine for us, and cookies and juice for the kids we made it into an impromptu picnic.

Five pools to splash in!

Harrison’s hot mineral pools have drawn visitors since the Salish Coast Indians discovered their medicinal properties and rejuvenating effects. More recently, they’ve drawn famous guests such as Clark Gable, John Wayne, Michael Bublé, Robin Williams, and Liam Neeson.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa has five different mineral pools fed by the nearby hot springs. Each pool is kept at a different temperature from 28C /83F all the way up to 40C /104F year round. Outdoors you’ll find the large family pool, a lap pool, and the adults-only pool. If you want out of the sun, there are also two indoor pools; the crescent shaped deep pool and the hot pool.

The Spa

A resort wouldn’t be a true place to relax without a spa. You can choose from stone or deep tissue massage, a facial, or other treatments. There are even little princess manicures and pedicures for those under 13!

The gym

The state of the art, fully equipped gym is perfect if you’re looking for a place to work out.

It’s an affordable choice for Canadian travelers

With the high US dollar, many of us Canadians are looking for destinations where our Canadian currency will go farther. Staying within Canada has become a hot trend for Canadian travellers looking to save money while the Canadian dollar is weak.

Harrison Lake

We were completely happy playing in the pools and exploring the resort, but if you’re looking for more activities, there’s a lot to do and see near the resort, especially in summer.

The resort has a marina where you can take a fishing tour, rent jet skis, stand up paddle boards or kayaks, play with bumper boats, or even jump on a boat that will take you on a tour of beautiful Harrison Lake and get a closer glimpse of Echo Island.

There’s also the huge Harrison Hot Springs Water Park right in front of the hotel that will make any kids day a complete hit.

Posh, luxurious bathrooms

Clean, spacious, and luxurious!

Harrison Hot Springs

The Harrison Hot Springs Resort is right on the main boulevard of the lovely mountain resort village of Harrison Hot Springs, where you can spend a day at the lakeside beach or at the warmer kid friendly Harrison Lagoon. With tons of pathways, ice cream stands and restaurants along the main thoroughfare, there’s plenty to hold your interest year round.

It’s close to Vancouver

Harrison Hot Springs is only an hour and a half (120 km/75 miles) east of Vancouver, only three hours north of Seattle and 2 1/2 hours from Kelowna or Kamloops.

Looking for a deal for the family?

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa has seasonal family packages and discounts available. Check resort prices now.

Wondering what to read next?

• The Best Things to Do, See and Eat in Vancouver + Where to Stay
• Where to Travel While the Canadian Dollar is Weak
• Our Favorite Outdoor Gear for Making Adventure Easier
• Watching Bald Eagles on a River Float in Squamish, BC
• The Best Family Things to Do, See and Eat in Kelowna, BC

We stayed as guests of the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa. All opinions are our own.

The snow is falling in soft, giant, sleepy flakes, muffling almost all sound. All I can hear is the gentle splashing of our oars and the gurgle of the stream below. The scenery is stunning, with Sunwolf’s yellow rafts bobbing on crystal-clear glacial water, and dreamy mist-cloaked mountains in the distance.

But I came for the eagles, and they don’t disappoint.

Soon, the silence is broken by the swoosh of a bald eagles’ wings as it settles to rest in the trees along the bank. The enormous eagle’s beak rips apart a half-eaten salmon that’s clutched in the raptor’s razor-sharp talons.

It’s the spawning salmon that bring thousands of bald eagles here. They return every winter to this spot just outside of Squamish, in the small community of Brackendale, British Columbia to gorge on salmon from the glacial-fed Squamish and Cheakamus rivers.

Today, Brackendale is rapidly becoming known as one of the best places in the world to spot bald eagles.

My first eagle is soon joined by another, and another, and within 20 minutes I’m starting to lose count. Along this stretch of the river, it’s not uncommon to see 80 or more eagles during a one-hour float tour.

Seeing this many eagles in their natural environment is a privilege that was almost denied to all of us. In the late 1950s, bald eagles were on the brink of extinction in the continental United States, with only 412 nesting pairs in the 48 contiguous states of the USA.

Today, thanks in large part to the reduction of the use of pesticides like DDT and controls on hunting, the bald eagle population has rebounded, with an estimated 110,000–115,000 birds in Canada and the USA.

After an hour on the water, my feet are starting to tingle from the cold.

Luckily, hot chocolate and warm chili by the fire in Sunwolf’s cozy riverside lodge are a welcoming treat. The treats, plus some impossibly thick homemade brownies, are from the on-site Fergie’s Cafe.

Here’s a note from Fergie’s website, 2019! Fergie’s is currently closed due to a fire in our kitchen in April 2018. The long-awaited rebuild began on October 15, 2018 and we are hoping to reopen in the spring of 2019.

Fergie’s, best known for its tasty Eggs Benny, is fast becoming the go-to breakfast place for anyone driving the Sea to Sky highway between Whistler and Vancouver.

After stuffing myself with a few brownies, I’m off to my welcoming little cabin, which is also part of the resort operated by Sunwolf. My cabin is rustic but cozy, and kitted out with a gas fireplace and a comfy queen size bed.

Ever-present at the resort, and on the float, are Jake and Jess, Sunwolf’s energetic and personable owners. They’re a young British expat family who left behind thriving careers in the UK for the welcoming climate and outdoor adventures in nearby Whistler. After a stint working hospitality jobs in Whistler, the couple bought the rustic Sunwolf lodge.

With the decision to buy Sunwolf, Jake and Jess became part of a close-knit community in Squamish, which works together to promote eagle conservation.

The heart of that conservation effort is a few miles away at the Brackendale Art Gallery in the town of Brackendale, a small community just north of the Squamish town center.

If you’re lucky, you’ll run into Thor Froslev, the Gallery’s owner. Thor’s an 83 year old who’s been an outspoken advocate for the eagle population in Squamish probably since before you were born.

We’re in luck when we visit, and pretty soon Thor’s telling us a winding tale that’s liberally peppered with good-humored expletives. To hear Thor tell it, his involvement with the eagles started on a typical day with the “West Coast pissin’ down rain”, and continues to this day.

As he regales us with the tale of his journey from longeshoreman to Brackendale’s most outspoken eagle advocate, you can see that even though he’s 83, he has no plans of slowing down.

Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival & Count

Every year in January, the small community of Brackendale hosts the Winter Eagle Festival. Most events are arranged through the Brackendale Art Gallery, and include music, dance, and even a lecture series.

What you need to know: the Eagle Float

You can book the Eagle Float Tour directly through Sunwolf. Tours take about an hour, and depart at around 10:30am directly from Sunwolf. Tours start at $110 CDN, and include tea, coffee, muffins and a lunch afterward. Rain boots, pants & jackets are provided if you need them, as is a personal flotation device (PFD). Dress warmly!

Where to stay

Sunwolf offers rustic riverside cabins, each outfitted with a gas fireplace and cozy queen bed. Some come with a full kitchen, or small kitchenette, and many have a double day bed. Larger groups can be accommodated in the fully renovated Fisherman’s Cottage (sleeps eight) or the Logger’s Shack (sleeps four).

Where to Eat

Fergie’s Cafe is part of Sunwolf lodge, and the goodies we ate after the eagle float were all handmade at Fergie’s. It’s a small place that serves up a hearty and homemade breakfast and lunch, with picnic tables outside for the summer months.

How to get there

Brackendale, located in northern part of the town of Squamish, is a short 40 mile (63 km) drive from Vancouver, BC. You can rent a car, or Sunwolf can arrange a shuttle for the eagle float that can pick you up from Whistler or Vancouver.

The closest international airport is Vancouver (YVR), which has flights arriving from most international destinations everyday. 

Adventure the easy way – tours in Squamish

Don’t forget to check out the stunning Sea to Sky Gondola when you’re in Squamish. The views are stunning, and you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, wander along hiking trails, go tubing, or walk across the suspension bridge onsite.

Need more info?

Be sure to check out the official Explore Squamish website, and the Destination BC website.

In the mood for a little more beautiful scenery? Check out this video from Destination BC that shows how truly wild and beautiful this province really is.

*Note: I visited Squamish courtesy Destination BC. As always, though, all opinions are our own — We would never recommend something to you that we haven’t tried and loved!

Almost ten years ago, Micki and I decided to make Kelowna our Canadian home base. To say we kind of like the city would be an understatement.

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is definitely one of Canada’s golden cities. You can do everything from climbing mountains in the mornings to lazing by the beach in the afternoon and then having supper at a world class winery before heading out for a night on the town.

For the kids, Kelowna has so much to offer, from water parks and beaches to adventure centers and grape stomping, plus it also has some of the best weather to be found in Canada.

We’ve had a time checking out the local sites this past decade, and now we’re passing on some of our very favorite fun things to do with the family in Kelowna.

Without further ado, here’s our list of some of the best kids activities and family attractions in Kelowna.

Okanagan Lake

Kelowna lies on the shores of Okanagan Lake. In the summer, the city is transformed into a water lovers’ playground with eight designated beaches and ample beach access.

If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even spot the elusive Ogopogo. A local water legend in the vein of the Lochness monster with reported sightings in the valley for the past hundred years.

For the watersport adventure crowd, you can do everything from flyboarding to jetboating to parasailing on the big lake. You can rent motorboats, jet skis, kayaks and even stand up paddle boards at the main marina in town or bring your own and use one of the three boat launches in Kelowna proper.

With a lively downtown marina, you can even moor your boat right in the heart of the city for the day while you head to the beach or the park with the kiddos, or grab a bite to eat on trendy nearby Bernard Street.

With so many beaches, there’s also bound to be a beach that appeals to you. Most are great for families and there’s even one your dog can fully enjoy.

Hot Sands Beach – City Park

The kids will love the warm sand and nice water at Hot Sands Beach. Right downtown next to the popular City Park and the marina, it’s one of the longest and busiest beaches in Kelowna. It has watersport rentals as well as the ever popular Aqua Park with over 16 oversized inflatable water activities that are great for kids or the young at heart.

Gyro Beach – Boyce

You can also check out popular, family friendly Gyro Beach, with its own watersport rentals, snack shop, washrooms, volleyball courts and playground. Gyro Beach has a very gradual beach incline which makes it great for throwing a frisbee or a ball in the water.

Cedar Creek Park

Cedar Creek Park is one of Kelowna’s only dog friendly beaches (Lake Avenue is also dog friendly, as is the Downtown Sails Dog area/Kerry Park, and Sutherland Bay Park to the north of downtown). Cedar Creek Park is off-leash, and a long pebble beach with picnic tables and washrooms that make it a great place to let your dog cool off on a hot summer afternoon while you get to relax or throw a ball with the kids.

Rotary Beach Park

Just down the road from Gyro Beach, Rotary Beach Park on Lakeshore Road has all the facilities you need to enjoy a day in the sun including picnic tables, washrooms and a playground. It’s also the city’s top kite-boarding beach.

Kelowna Parks

If you love the outdoors, but aren’t in the mood for sand, Kelowna has over 200 dedicated parks and green spaces throughout the city. We have a saying when guests come here: “If you’re ever more than a few blocks from a park then you know you’ve left the city“. Here are a few of our favorites.

City Park

The largest and most prominent park in Kelowna is City Park. It’s adjacent to downtown and surrounded by a long paved boardwalk, and borders the very popular Hot Sands Beach.

This huge park is within steps of the marina and also features volleyball and basketball courts, expanses of green grass, a huge playground complete with a mini zipline for the kids, a free waterpark that includes a two-story water dragon slide, a skate park as well as free washrooms and change rooms.

At night and on the weekends, local artisans and vendors set up mini stalls along the boardwalk. You’ll never know what you might find since it varies from day to day.

The park is also a great jumping off point to delicious eats downtown. If you feel like a bit of ice cream, definitely try out nearby Moo-Lix Ice Cream on Bernard. Delish!

Mission Creek Park

Mission Creek Park has a large playground with swings and a great rope pyramid to climb for the older kids. There’s also a free indoor Environment Educational Center (EECO) right in the park and outside you can watch Kokanee salmon spawning in late September to early October right in the heart of the city.

There are ample covered picnic areas, washrooms and over 12 kilometers of pathways with over 3 kilometers directly along Mission Creek. In summer, there’s also a small kid friendly water channel that the kids can play in, so make sure you bring their swimsuit if you’re checking it out in July or August.

Ben Lee Park

This great little park has a free water spray area in the summer, a canteen with washrooms and an always busy skate park. In winter there’s an outdoor rink and the park has paved pathways that are great for walking or riding your bike.

Waterfront Park

This meticulously groomed park features outdoor art, meandering paved pathways and a large wooden boardwalk along Okanagan Lake with gorgeous city views. Close to some of the city’s finest dining, it also has small ponds that are great for RC boating and letting the kids sail little sailboats. Waterfront Park also has its own popular beach.

Knox Mountain

If you love hiking or even if you just like checking out beautiful views, then Knox Mountain needs to be on your list. Just a few minutes from downtown, Knox Mountain offers something for almost everyone, and we think it’s one of the best hikes in Kelowna.

You can hike, bike or drive up to the halfpoint lookout, or keep going to the top of the mountain. You can even play some free disc golf (18 holes) or tennis at the foot of Knox.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can park at the base and take the graveled pathway up the hill to the mid point lookout. It’s a bit of a hike but nowhere near as long as climbing the rest of the way to the summit. If you want to bike or run you can follow the longer paved road to the middle or top as well.

Finally, if you just want to check the amazing panoramas you can drive up the mountain and park your car at the midpoint and near the peak. From your car you can get some great views, but if you walk to the lookouts you can see most of Kelowna, Okanagan Lake and a sizable portion of the valley from up there.

On days when we feel like going for a long hike and don’t feel like climbing much, we head farther down the road and follow the path around Knox Mountain and go to check out Paul’s Tomb, a gorgeous little spot overlooking a rocky, dog friendly beach with a nice alternate view of the lake. This is a great walk with kids and dogs since it offers a lot to see, but isn’t overly strenuous.

Myra Canyon Trestles

If you thought Knox Mountain was a nice hike, then you need to check out Myra Canyon. This popular, well maintained and scenic portion of the former Kettle Valley Railway comprises 18 giant trestle bridges and two tunnels, and features some amazing views over the lake.

Stretching just over 12 kilometers, you can walk the popular portions of it or bike the whole way.

For those of you without your own bicycle, they even rent bikes right in Myra Canyon’s parking lot all summer if you need one. You can also join a tour that will explain the 100+ year long history of this historic railway stretch and the rebuilding of the trestles after the major fires in the area in 2003.

Fruit Orchards

If you’re lucky enough to visit Kelowna during the summer or early fall, you can visit the hundreds of orchards found throughout the valley. There’s a reason the popular fruit juice giant Sunrype has called Kelowna home for over 70 years. There is a ridiculous abundance of fresh, local fruit in this city.

From cherry orchards to peaches, nectarines and plums, you’ll find an orchard with all your favorite fruit. In fall it’s apple time and the town is busy harvesting. If you don’t see a loaded apple truck driving by in late August or September, then frankly you aren’t looking hard enough.

Many orchards allow fruit picking by the pound (u-pick or they pick) and there are dozens of fruit and vegetable stands throughout the city with many of them found on Benvoulin Road.

Our kids love picking their own cherries and we go to nearby, family run Arndt Orchards a few times each summer depending on what type of cherry is ready to be picked. It’s a great way to spend a few hours while getting the whole family out together, and nothing beats the taste of ripe, fresh picked fruit. Just try not to eat it all before getting back in your car.

Kelowna Farmers’ Market

From 8 am to 1 pm every Wednesday and Saturday morning from April to November, you can check out the Kelowna Farmers’ Market which is moving to the Landmark District for summer 2024. In winter, the market moves indoors to the Parkinson Rec Center.

The giant outdoor summer market features over 165 vendors and offers everything from local fruits and vegetables to local meats and dairy. It’s a great way to see what’s in season and to try out everything from fancy cheeses to fancy jams.

The Kelowna Farmers’ Market has been running for over 20 years and also includes local artisans showcasing jewelry, handcrafted pottery, soaps, handcrafted woodwork and plenty more. Grab the kids a giant candy floss or a bucket of kettle corn and peruse the aisles of local works to your heart’s content.

Every year, we bring visiting friends and family to the outdoor market.

World class wineries

With over 200 wineries calling the Okanagan Valley home and over 30 wineries in Kelowna proper, finding a bottle of your favorite vintage is as simple as grabbing a handy Wine Trails from the City of Kelowna and hopping in your car and spending an afternoon tasting everything from Merlot to Chardonnay.

Whether you’re checking out world renowned wineries like the sprawling and very photogenic Mission Hill Estates (which has a great hill for the kids to roll down), the amazing lake views at Quail’s Gate or eating at the decidedly tasty restaurant at Volcanic Hills, you’ll still be just minutes from downtown Kelowna.

If you’re wondering what’s in it for the kids, Kelowna has multiple family friendly wineries where the kids are as welcome as their parents, and get their very own non-alcoholic wine to sample (aka grape or apple juice). However, if your kids are old enough and you’d rather leave them at home or at the beach for the day and be able to sample the many wines more, ahem, liberally, you can jump on one of the many wine tasting tours offered around town and let them whisk you about while providing delicious meals and entertaining commentary.

World class distillery

If you prefer vodka, gin, whisky or delicious fruit infused liqueurs over crushed grapes, then you can check out the Okanagan Spirits Distillery right in downtown Kelowna. Coupled with their main distillery in Vernon, they produce some delicious spirits thanks to the Okanagan’s abundant fruit orchards.

The kids will love checking out the huge bubbling Jack Cousteau styled copper distiller while you try out their ridiculously tasty, award winning Blackberry Liqueur, and if you’re brave enough, a shot of their very own absinthe. Located right downtown close to the marina and park, it makes a great stop on a busy day and there’s an ice cream shop and poutinerie only a few doors away.

Skating at Stuart Park

If you happen to be in Kelowna in the cooler months (December to February), then the place to be is skating outdoors at Stuart Park on Water Street. Open from 6 am to 11 pm every day, you can rent skates right on the spot and glide along Kelowna’s largest outdoor ice skating park. The ice is groomed regularly, you can enjoy the great views of the lake and downtown while grabbing a warm cup of hot cacao and hanging out with friends.

Kelowna Indoor Adventure Centers

If you’re tired of the heat (and Kelowna gets lots of it in summer) or you’re in Kelowna during the cooler season, there are a ton of fun indoor areas for the whole family as well.

EnergyPlex

The EnergyPlex is Kelowna’s largest indoor playground for kids, with four stories of fun, including trampolines, foam pits, rope swings, a huge cube climb, a rock wall, a Ballistix Ball Range (huge foam ball shooting adventure) and a laser tag arena that are sure to tire out any active child. If you have energetic kids, this is definitely the place to bring them.

H2O Adventure and Fitness Center

H2O is the one of the largest municipal water parks in Canada. It includes a wave pool, surf wave simulator, river run, water slides and a kid’s spray park. It’s perfect fun for any age, and you can also enjoy the 12,000 sq ft of fitness and cardio space if you want to let older kids go their way while you go yours.

YMCA

The Kelowna YMCA in Rutland is a huge facility with an aquatic area, gymnasium, youth zone, a 100 m walking track as well as a large fitness area. The aquatic area includes a diving pool, an eight lane lap pool and a warm lazy river complete with spray-jets and a large hot tub. You can do a drop in anytime. There’s also a smaller YMCA in downtown Kelowna.

McCurdy Bowl Center

Fun for the young or old, Kelowna’s McCurdy Bowling has a bowling lanes complete with black light, glow in the dark neon bowling for those times when you want escape a world of pastels., in addition to regular bowling We love that there are bumper guides that cover the gutters as well as roll assists to make it more fun for the smaller kids. One of our favorite pubs, Freddy’s Brewpub, is attached to McCurdy Bowling, which is a huge plus for us.

Kelowna Outdoor Adventure Centers

Feeling like you need a little outside exhilaration? Kelowna has several family friendly outdoor adventure centers that will bring out the kid in anyone.

Myra Canyon Adventure Park

At Myra Canyon Adventure Park high above Kelowna and below the Myra Canyon Trestles you can hike or bike the trestles, jump in the saddle and go for a horse ride or test your Tarzan abilities on their well rated tree top course high above the valley.

Scandia Golf and Games

With some of the best indoor and outdoor mini golf in the valley, you can enjoy everything from bumper cars and go karts to batting cages, a huge arcade and laser tag at Scandia Golf and Games. It’s always a fun place to bring the kids. We come here a few times a year, and always have a great time.

WildPlay Kelowna

From ziplining to free falling, WildPlay, just outside of Kelowna on Highway 33, WildPlay is an adventure playground. With 10 ziplines and a giant, 110 foot pendulum swing, you’re sure to get the blood rushing while you’re there. For everyone aged five and up, there’s the Monkido course (as in monkey see, monkey do). This climbing, ziplining, jumping and swinging obstacle course will test your mettle at heights ranging from 6 to 60 feet and is a lot of fun for everyone.

Children’s Outdoor Activities in Kelowna

Need to find something a little tamer for your kids to do outside and can’t decide which ones are right for you? Check out this list of outdoor kids activities you can do in Kelowna.

Kangaroo Creek Farm

Kangaroo Creek Farm is a near the Kelowna airport. You can pet baby kangaroos, wallabies and even have adorable sugar gliders climbing into your pocket. Fees go to the animals. Guaranteed to leave everyone in your group with a smile.

Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure

Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure in Kelowna has a great traditional petting zoo complete with adorable bunnies and goats that you can pet and feed. They also offer a fun hedge maze, and the cost is under $10/day per person.

Kelowna Events

There’s always something happening in Kelowna, it seems, and many of the events are family friendly. There are too many to list here, but the Fat Cat Children’s Festival is well worth a visit if you’re here in June. If you love wine, I enjoyed stopping by the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon‘s Wine & Music Festival at Waterfront Park with great wineries and live music.

If you’re the active type, there are plenty of fun outdoor races that are kid friendly. A few years ago, Micki and our then 10 year old son had fun at the FoamFest 5K race (for kids 10 and over) and they’re checking out the Freak’n Farmer Adventure Obstacle Race (with special categories for kids of all ages) at Covert Farms near Penticton for next year.

For event info, check out the event pages for Tourism Kelowna and KelownaNow (a local online newspaper).

Tours of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

Want to work with a local company? Check out Red Dog Wine Tours or Wicked Wine Tours. They rate highly on TripAdvisor. Their most popular tour is the West Kelowna wine tour, but they also do tours in Kelowna proper, as well as private tours.

Where to Stay in Kelowna

Kelowna has well over 100 hotels, with plenty of options from luxury villas and hotels to budget friendly accommodation.

Luxury – The Delta Grand Kelowna

Known locally just as the Delta Grand, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort is Kelowna’s most well known higher end hotel.

I’ve spent some time here during local conferences, and had a chance to tour around the hotel as well, and really love the stunning location right downtown on the banks of Okanagan Lake, with a modern and elegant feel. There’s a rooftop Jacuzzi, heated outdoor pools, a great in-house restaurant, and a fully equipped conference centre.

Check prices and availability here.

Airport Hotel – Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport

The Four Points by Sheraton at the Airport is a brand new hotel, with excellent ratings.

It’s directly across from the airport (you could easily walk), with an indoor pool, and restaurant and a bar that get good reviews.

See prices and more info.

Family Lakeside Holiday Resort – Cove Lakeside Resort

Both Hotel Eldorado and Cove Lakeside Resort get excellent reviews, but Cove Lakeside Resort wins out here because of their more affordable rates. This is a fantastic family place to hang out, as each room has a kitchenette, wireless internet access and a spa bath, and the resort has a lovely outdoor swimming pool, smaller water slide and outdoor tennis courts. There’s a sandy beach, bikes for use, and an onsite restaurant and spa.

See Cove Lakesite prices and availability.

Budget hotel – Super 8 West Kelowna

If you have a car and you’re willing to be out of the heart of Kelowna proper, you can almost always get a great rate at Super 8 West Kelowna. We stayed here a couple of years ago, and thought it was reasonable value for the price we paid (around $120/night CDN during summer high season).

It’s fairly basic, but gets solid reviews, and has a small onsite outdoor pool. Rooms also have a fridge, with is a big plus for us.

See prices and availability

Budget backpackers – Samesun Kelowna Hostel

There are only a few choices of hostels in Kelowna, and the best of the bunch is Samesun Kelowna Hostel, with clean, bright rooms and a strong social vibe.

It’s smack in the middle of the action downtown across from City Park, and even has a hot tub. Important: This isn’t a family-friendly hostel: You must be at least 19 years old to stay here and have valid government issued photo ID from outside Kelowna.

See Samesun prices and availability.

About Kelowna

Nestled in BC’s southern interior, Kelowna is the jewel of the Okanagan Valley. On the shores of 135 kilometre long Lake Okanagan, it’s only 3 1/2 hours from Vancouver by car and half an hour by plane. Kelowna is one of Canada’s warmest cities in summer, with averages around 30 Celsius (86 F), it’s also one of Canada’s warmest places in winter with most days well above freezing. This makes Kelowna a great city to visit any time of the year.

In the summer, thanks to hot weather and sunny skies, Kelowna is transformed into a vibrant beach town with tons of activities for the young, the old and everyone in between. There is something for everyone here with tons of nightlife, tons of wildlife and tons of the fun thrown in for good measure.

Kelowna is also only 30 minutes away from world famous Big White Ski Resort and an hour from smaller but equally fun Silverstar Ski Resort. No matter the season, there’s always something fun to do.

More great articles:

• The Pros and Cons of Living in Kelowna, BC: A Local’s Guide
• The Best Breakfast in Kelowna: A Local’s Guide
• Things to do in Okanagan Falls British Columbia

Work, school, family obligations, housework, daily chores, renovations, you name it. They can all start to get to you after a while.

Sometimes it’s nothing more than a case of cabin fever after a long week cooped up inside, or the draw of leaving your worries behind for a few days.

Get things done or get away?

For most North Americans, weekends are a time to get things done or a time to get away from it all. With the local spring weather getting nicer every day, and a growing annoyance at the way electronics seemed to be taking up most of our days, we decided it was time to get away.

The catch was that we didn’t want to spend a fortune flying somewhere or wasting our entire weekend in the car. We opted instead for a getaway within a few hours drive.

The answer to our predicament was blatantly obvious. So when Kampgrounds of America offered us a chance to try out a local KOA, we jumped at the opportunity to head outside.

It was time we ventured out into the great outdoors and got our camping groove back on.

Growing up outdoors

You see, before Micki and I had kids there was nothing we enjoyed more while home in Canada than packing up the car and heading to some campsite for a few days. It didn’t matter how close it was to home or how remote, we enjoyed it just the same.

Back then, camping got us out of the city and away from any obligations and our hectic city life. These days, it’s more about unplugging from the digital world and spending some quality time with the kids.

You see, growing up, my family always owned a travel trailer. From May long until September’s Labour Day weekend, the chance of finding us at home on a Saturday or Sunday was pretty minuscule. And woe to any family or friends who decided to get married over the summer and force our family to waste a weekend in town.

Growing up, my family camped everywhere within a few hours drive of our house and many of my fondest childhood memories are of camping.

So it was with great anticipation that we assembled all our old camping gear and loaded the car to see what adventures we could find.

We’re on our way

Since we are still fairly new to BC’s Okanagan region and unsure whether we could find and assemble all our old camping gear, we decided to stay in a simple KOA cabin. This one in particular had exactly one double bed, two bunkbeds and a shelf, and we had to bring our own sleeping bags. There was no bathroom, no kitchen and no water in the cabin at all, and besides for a single light there was only one electrical plug.

This suited us fine as it was as close to camping in a tent as you can get without having to set up a tent or worry about rain.

The kids thought it was great as well. We didn’t even have to break out the electronics once all weekend which makes the trip worth it for that alone. One of the major reasons for choosing to go camping in the first place was to get unplugged from it all.

Hot springs and cold ice cream

Not only did we get to stretch our legs in the great outdoors, but we also had the chance to lounge in the nearby Crazy Creek hot springs for the day. There’s nothing like playing in 90 to 100 degree water for a few hours to relieve the back and neck while gazing up at the majestic Rocky mountains in the background. The kids loved all the different temperature pools and especially found the cold dipping pool particularly entertaining.

We also stopped off at real working dairy farm and had some of their old fashioned ice cream. If you’re ever in Sicamous, BC, Canada, make sure you stop off at the Dutchmen Dairy and try out their homemade ice cream for yourselves. Delish!

When we weren’t off checking out the local sites, we were busy playing with the kids in the Sicamous KOA park and giving them our 100% undivided attention for a few solid hours. Something every child cherishes and something we always seem too preoccupied to do.

To finish it all off, we sat by the campfire every night to teach the kids the fine art of marshmallow roasting as we recounted the days events and swapped stories. We even managed to roast some pizza pops over the campfire which I hadn’t done in ages. (Imagine a taste similar to wood fired pizza in a handy, easy to hold format.)

Making the pizza pops is incredibly easy – just buy some pre-made pizza pockets (we use Pillsbury Pizza Pops as they hold up well over the campfire). Then put them inside a campfire basket grill (like this one on Amazon).  Cook until the cheese inside is melted and they’re hot. It’s not a fancy recipe, but it’s amazing how cooking over the campfire transforms the taste of these to something delicious.

All in all, it was a great weekend for family bonding, as well as the perfect jumping point for us to get back into camping as a family. You can rest assured it won’t be our only trek into the wild this summer as we look forward to exploring this area of BC.

We want to thank to the lovely people at the Sicamous KOA for making our stay comfortable (and providing us with a heater to keep the chill, late spring mountain air at bay). It’s just a few kilometres outside of Sicamous, BC, Canada, and in summer, the Sicamous KOA offers mini-golf, a swimming pool and pancake breakfasts plus an arcade, pool table, and indoor movie room for those rainy days. If you want a little more info, check out our review of the Sicamous KOA campsite on Trekaroo.

It’s your chance to win!

And now for one of our very favorite parts of life here at The Barefoot Nomad – giving you a chance to win!

KOA and Trekaroo are giving away three great prizes – complimentary camping vouchers for KOA!

Grand Prize: 3 complimentary KOA Camping Vouchers good for one night apiece; including Deluxe Cabins, at any KOA campground in North America. $500 prize value.

Smaller Prizes: 2 complimentary KOA Camping Vouchers good for one night apiece; including Deluxe Cabins, at any KOA campground in North America. $300 prize value

Head on over to the contest page to enter! Contest details here.

Want to learn more?

You can find out what other families are up to at their local KOA on Trekaroo’s What’s Behind the Yellow sign page.

Check it out, there are a lot of fun family vacation ideas and tips!

If you’re looking for a KOA site near you, just visit the KOA online booking page.

Check out the KOA website, blog, or grab the KOA app.

You can follow KOA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

We received a complimentary stay at a Sicamous, BC campground via Kampgrounds of America however they never asked us to have such a good time. The opinions stated are our own. This is a sponsored post for Trekaroo. com.

Don’t forget! Head on over to the contest page to enter! Contest details here.