Thompson Okanagan

We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs such as Green Tourism.

The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail is part of the longest rail trail network in British Columbia. During your green holiday in Thompson Okanagan, experiences on the trail can be self-guided or part of an organized tour, with sections ranging from family-friendly day-trips to overnight legs for experienced riders. The KVR was originally built as a rail corridor for the now-abandoned Kettle Valley Railway. As such, the grade along the KVR never rises above 3% at any point, making it accessible to users of all varieties and various modes of transportation. Myra Canyon is a popular section of the KVR as users are able to travel over man-made trestles and through blasted rock tunnels.

The Thompson Okanagan is rich in indigenous culture with three different indigenous nations calling this region home: the Syilx (Okanagan, the NLaka’pamux (Thompson), and the Secwepemc (Shuswap). Fortunately enough, these nations have chosen to establish organizations and businesses in the region to educate residents and visitors about their culture and the lands that they’ve shepherded for generations. Stay and play at Spirit Ridge and Nk’Mip Cellars in Osoyoos while you educate yourself at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. Or you may choose to head to the Shuswap to find yourself at Quaaout Lodge where there are a number of cultural activities and learnings offered for visitors to immerse themselves in. All that is expected of visitors is respect for these people, their culture and the land.

When the temperatures drop as fall drifts into winter, the ski hills open up. There are a number of ski resorts in our region including the ‘Big 3’ of Big White, Silver Star, and Sun Peaks. These resorts offer a number of winter recreation activities on top of skiing & snowboarding. In addition, these resorts have bustling ski villages for those looking to relax and explore in between runs. There are also a number of boutique ski hills in the Thompson Okanagan. These boutique resorts, like Baldy Mountain, Manning Park, and Apex Mountain (among others), may have less amenities but offer more space and have equally as great slopes!

In this area of British Columbia, you will experience a landscape with rolling hills, lush valleys, narrow lakes with sandy beaches and high mountain peaks calling for outdoor adventures. It’s one of the most diverse regions to ride your bike, from world-class bike parks and deep forest single-track to open and spacy desert tracks.
On foot you can walk through old growth forest over moss-covered floors and follow the trails up to alpine meadows surrounded by jagged mountains and stunning glaciers.

You’ve likely already heard but the wine region in the Thompson Okanagan is very well renowned. Sometimes referred to as ‘Napa North’, there are over 200 wineries in our region. There are a number of wineries in the region that are consistently bringing home international wine awards. With plenty of wine touring options available, including bicycle, and customizable tours, there will be a wine route with your name on it. This is an experience not to miss during your green holiday in Thompson Okanagan.

The mountains of British Columbia are what make this region so unique. Our provincial parks are some of the best in the country and offer unrivalled access to boundless nature. Our region boasts the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, and a place nicknamed, “Canada’s Waterfall Park”, in Wells Gray Provincial Park. There are over 42 named waterfalls. In the Similkameen Valley waits EC Manning Provincial Park, which offers 83,671 hectares of untamed wilderness and plenty of rewarding day hikes.