Valleys & Vineyards: A North Okanagan Adventure 

Life takes root in the soil and sunshine of Valleys & Vineyards, one of British Columbia’s iconic areas. And at the heart is the North Okanagan, a hidden gem with lush grasslands, sparkling lakes, welcoming communities, and farm-to-table goodies. This is our home, a place where adventure meets authentic local culture. Where mountain mornings meet laidback afternoons. And, where you can play, sip, and slow down, all in the same day.

So, how do you make the most of your time here? Let’s start with a few local favourites.

Valleys: Trails & Community Tales  

In the five vibrant communities that stretch across this valley, movement is simply part of life. Greater Vernon, known as the Trails Capital of BC, anchors a growing network of well-maintained trails. But Enderby, Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Silver Star, and Lumby each add their own loops, viewpoints, and hidden gems to explore. Bike through the trails. Paddle glassy lakes at sunrise. Hike over rolling bluffs.

When it’s time to fuel up and wind down, these fertile valleys are also home to delicious food and drink. Slow down, taste local, and meet the makers. Stop at roadside fruit stands and pay a visit to seasonal farmers’ markets in each community. Experience multi-generational farm traditions at Davison Orchards, where fresh-from-the-field is the real deal.

Indie dining and roadside gems add even more flavour to your stay. Indulge with friends at Black Pine Social in Silver Star. Linger over brunch at Wild Oak Cafe or a small-batch espresso at PV BLVD Coffee in charming Armstrong. In Vernon, savour seasonal plates at Ratio Coffee & Restaurant, elevated comfort at The Edge Restaurant and Bar at Rise Resort, or handmade Italian at Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana. 

But what truly sets these valleys apart is the sense of connection. Here, people say hello. Shopkeepers remember your name. And community events feel like an open invitation. 

Immerse yourself in the living history and culture of the Splatsin, a Secwépemc Nation, and the Syilx/Okanagan people through Indigenous-led experiences like Ancestral Heartbeats Tours. 

Festivals, galleries, and community gatherings reflect our local creative spirit. Take in exhibitions and creative programming through the Vernon Community Arts Centre and Vernon Public Art Gallery. Near Armstrong, the North Okanagan Barn Quilt Trail takes you on a self-guided tour off the beaten path, exploring decorated barns in the area. When you visit Silver Star, be sure to browse the village’s newest gift shop and art space, Gallery Artiva, curated by renowned local artist Raffaella Vaz and two-time Olympian, snowboarder Crispin Lipscomb. 

Plan your trip around one of the many events that take place here, from powwows to live music and sporting events like the highly anticipated Crankworx Summer Series mountain biking festival at Silver Star.  

Vineyards: Sip & Savour Local

The sun-soaked Okanagan Valley is the largest and oldest grape-growing region in BC. Everywhere you look, more than 200 wineries pepper the countryside, producing 80-plus wine varietals. With a distinct climate and gentle breezes whispering off the lakeshore, the North Okanagan stands on its own as a winemaking sub-region. Wines here are bright and aromatic with hints of florals and fruit; all produced by vintners from small-batch operations and sprawling estates alike.

Begin your North Okanagan wine journey in Enderby, where Waterside Winery & Beverage Co. and Baccata Ridge Winery offer boutique tastings in a relaxed rural setting. In Vernon, the family-run The Perch Winery is a 10-acre farm that overlooks Swan Lake. 

Lake Country, on the bluffs above Okanagan Lake, is home to the famed Scenic Sip wineries, a haven for award-winning wines, tasting events, and farm-to-table cuisine. 

Extend your stay for more tastings with a twist. The North Okanagan is also home to an abundance of orchards, including Cambium Cider Co. and Farmstrong Cider Co. in Spallumcheen, both offering a variety of hand-crafted beverages from locally grown apples and delicious farm-style bites. The Vernon area also offers memorable tastings at Okanagan Spirits and Honeymoon Meadery at Planet Bee.  

Move in the Mountains

What valley is complete without a peak? Perched at the edge of the Monashee Mountains, Silver Star Village is a mid-mountain playground; colourful, welcoming, and packed with adventure. Winter here brings feather-light powder and lively après, with downhill skiing and a legendary cross-country skiing network. Summer transforms the village into a mountain biking and hiking paradise with sweeping valley views and plenty of fun events. 

Getting Here  

Make your way to our Valleys & Vineyards paradise by car, with routes along Highway 97 and Highway 6. You can also hop on a flight to Kelowna International Airport (YLW), then rent a car to drive north. Start planning your trip.