North Okanagan Communities

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation, the five welcoming communities of the North Okanagan Valley encourage travellers to slow down and veer off the beaten path. The fertile valley and surrounding forests, lakes and mountains invite a deeper connection with nature, and ask that in return, guests tread lightly and show respect for this nourishing land. Each North Okanagan community offers year-round activities to enjoy at your pace, and balances adventure with opportunities for cultural immersion. Brush up on history at an engaging museum, admire Canadian creations on art-themed walking tours, and celebrate sport, music or the great outdoors at an annual festival that brings friends and family together. These less-touristy cities and towns will also feed your belly as well as your soul, thanks to restaurants and craft producers whose food and drink comes from nearby farms, orchards and vineyards.

The North Okanagan’s commercial and cultural hub is home to a thriving arts community as well as a growing food scene, thanks to farm-to-table restaurants and craft distilleries, cideries and breweries. Vernon also boasts 300 kilometres of single- and double-track trails that entice runners, hikers, and cyclists keen to go the distance in the Trails Capital of BC.

The village of Lumby is close to crystal-clear lakes, enchanting forests and the rugged peaks of the Monashee Mountains. Find your bliss by launching off a mountain in a hang glider, hiking through stands of old-growth cedars, or searching for wildlife along the Salmon Trail.

The City of Armstrong and Township of Spallumcheen are rich in agricultural heritage, making them a hub for agritourism in the North Okanagan. Enjoy farm-fresh food and events that celebrate the region’s ranching roots—shop the weekly Farmer’s Market in Armstrong, capture the perfect Instagram shot at Bloom’s Sunflower Festival in Spallumcheen, or unwind with a craft cider.