Wine, dine and enjoy some downtime in the Okanagan Valley.
1. TANTALUS VINEYARDS
If you’re a Riesling lover, Tantalus is the place for you. Located on Okanagan’s southeastern slopes, Tantalus is one of the oldest vineyards in B.C.—grapes were first planted on this land in 1927, when growers realized the area possesses the perfect conditions for grape growing. The winery now produces the award-winning Old Vine Reisling, as well as outstanding pinot noir and chardonnay. Eco-conscious wine lovers flock to the vineyard for its organic, biodynamic and sustainable practices—the tasting room was the province’s first LEED-certified winery. The vintners also maintain beehives on-site to help pollinate vines.
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2. THE VIBRANT VINE
Tastings here take place in a charming yellow cabin with a quirky rock-and-roll vibe inside. Vineyard manager and winemaker Tony Lewis is a former rock drummer and his brother, Phil Lewis, designs the winery’s psychedelic 3D artwork and labels. Head out to the backyard on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months and enjoy free performances by local musicians.
3. CAMELOT VINEYARDS ESTATE WINERY
Go from psychedelic to Medieval English at Camelot. Acclaimed Canadian winemaker Ann Sperling helped Camelot owners Denise Brass and Robert Young develop their well-rounded wine list. The theme of the tasting room is medieval. It’s decorated with a six-foot-tall suit of armour, assorted shields, swords and jousting gloves. Look for the replica of the round table from King Arthur’s court. The winery’s grandest event of the summer is its medieval fair held every August. Popular events include sword fighting and blacksmithing demos.
4. WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
At the helm of this award-winning farm-to-table restaurant is chef and sommelier Mark Filatow, whose inventiveness defies description. Start your dining adventure with appetizers and tapas, including Peace River elk tartare served with a gin aioli or organic salad served with King Cole blue cheese produced by Upper Bench winery in Penticton. But the real star here is the dinner menu—it melds beauty with substance in dishes like organic pork loin with blue corn polenta, and squash-filled pierogies.
5. SALTED BRICK
Small plates with big flavours headline this top-notch charcuterie shop and restaurant. Chef Jason Leizert makes his own artisanal charcuterie like elk and cranberry using locally sourced, free-range meat. Salted Brick turns out a whole host of sandwiches, meat and cheese platters for lunch and brunch. Meat lovers rejoice: the Wine and Dine dinner menu offers heartier mains like braised pork belly and cassoulet. Pop into their shop to stock up on pantry provisions, such as rhubarb jam, maple bacon fat and olives.
6. HILLCREST FARM MARKET
Owner Barbara Bal serves the best pakoras in the west—golden-fried cauliflower, potato, sweet white onion, chickpea flour and spinach treats. The kitchen rolls out Western fare for breakfast, but Indian staples, such as butter chicken and aloo gobi, enliven the menu for lunch and dinner. At the adjacent market store, pick up fresh-pressed apple juice made from apples grown on the family’s neighbouring orchard.
7. MYRA CANYON RENTAL
The historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail has long been a favourite for cyclists of all ages and physical ability. Rent a bicycle and journey through the trail’s vineyards, orchards and tunnels. Pack a lunch for the 24-km circuit, which usually takes about four hours to complete.
8. MCSCOOTS MOTORCYCLE & SCOOTER RENTALS
If pedaling isn’t your speed, rent a scooter from to discover Kelowna at a peppier pace. These Yamaha mopeds are easy to operate and you don’t need a special license—just bring your class-5 Alberta driver’s licence with you. Training and a helmet are provided. Rent by the hour, half- or full-day.
9. KELOWNA BEACH RENTALS STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
It’d be a shame to come all this way and not enjoy Okanagan Lake itself. Here, you can swim the clear waters, relax on the sandy beach or test your sea legs on a standup paddleboard (SUP). Rent a board and cruise the gentle waves of Okanagan Lake. For something even more challenging, try an SUP yoga class, during which you paddle, squat and plank your way through a great workout on the water.
10. BEST WESTERN PLUS KELOWNA HOTEL & SUITES
When visiting Kelowna, book here and get the guaranteed best price. The Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites offers complimentary hot breakfast buffet, a sports pub, wellness spa, indoor heated saltwater pool, outdoor hot tubs and fitness facility. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so you can bring man or woman’s best friend along for the ride. Reserve a room at this and other great Okanagan properties at AMATravel.ca/hotels.