Cool Towns in The Great Wilderness
The sheer size of The Great Wilderness defies comparison—yet, for millennia, people here have carved out lives in its farthest corners.
The Okanagan Valley is chock full of fun and exciting things to do during the winter. Whether you like to spend your days out in the snow, enjoying fine food and wine, or attending community events, the Okanagan’s got you covered. Here are 5 things to do in the Okanagan in the winter, courtesy of the BC Visitor Centre at Osoyoos.
1. Wildlights Festival at the British Columbia Wildlife Park
Marvel at the twinkling lights this winter during the Wildlights Festival at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops, on from December 11 – January 3, 2016. In its 18th year, the festival combines a fantastic lights display with a holiday maze, a laser light show, and rides on a miniature train. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out nearby Sun Peaks Resort for some fun in the snow!
2. Sun Peaks Wine Festival
Sun Peaks Village under a blanket of snow. Photo: @putsky88 via Instagram
January 15 – 24, 2016 is the 18th annual Sun Peaks Winter Wine Festival at Sun Peaks Resort. This fantastic annual event is put on by the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some of the outstanding wines from the Okanagan Valley, paired with mouth-watering food from local restaurants. With events like blind tastings, dessert pairing and moonlit snowshoeing, the festival makes for an unforgettable week for any wine enthusiast. As the event is hosted during peak skiing and snowboarding season, you can carve the slopes by day and enjoy the incredible culture of BC wine at night.
3. Okanagan Wine and Dine
The Okanagan Wine and Dine is a yearly event where dozens of restaurants partner up to provide unique wine pairing and dining experiences around the Okanagan. This year’s event will be happening from January 21 to February 7, 2016, It’s a great way to save on tasty meals and wines, while discovering new favourite eating spots. With menu choices in various price ranges and great prizes to win, there’s plenty to love about this award-winning event. Follow them on Facebook for updates on participating restaurants in this year’s event.
4. Big White Ski Resort
A cabin at Big White Ski Resort. Photo: @being_em_lukic via Instagram
Big White Ski Resort, located 56 km (35 mi) southeast of Kelowna, has everything you could want in a resort. With 16 lifts, 11 km2 (2,765 acres) of skiable trails, terrain park, cross country skiing and lit night skiing trails, there’s no shortage of fun in the snow. Skiers and boarders here can try different challenges every day of their visit. This outstanding resort community has first-class accommodations and dining, and hosts many exciting events throughout the season. If you’re looking to get out and enjoy some amazing powder this winter, put Big White on your list.
5. Osoyoos Festival of Trees
The Osoyoos Festival of Trees is a fantastic charity event hosted by Nk’Mip Resort in Osoyoos. Community volunteers come together to turn the resort into a wonderful decorated forest, with all proceeds going to the BC Children’s Hospital. The festival runs until January 3, 2016 and is open to anyone who would like to visit. This year marks the fifth year of the event, and with the help of the local community, was able to raise over $10,000 last year alone for this important cause.
Featured photo: Sun Peaks Resort by @putsky88 via Instagram
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