The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley

May 11, 2022 Marianna Hollaway

The Okanagan Valley, in the interior of British Columbia, is a popular Canadian vacation destination known for skiing in the winter and watersports in the summer. The area's quaint towns and lush vineyards are connected by a network of clear blue lakes and rivers and surrounded by rolling, sun-dappled hills. Head to Kelowna for one of several wine festivals or to Penticton for the sugary summer Peach Festival. To the south is Osoyoos, home to an arid desert filled with rare plants and animals.
Restaurants in Okanagan Valley

1. Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad

11611 115th St, Osoyoos, British Columbia V0H 1V5 Canada +1 250-495-6842 [email protected] http://www.osoyoosrailroad.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 637 reviews

Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad

OPEN YEAR ROUND Monday to Saturday. A world Class Miniature Wonderland Experience. 4000 sq ft. of family fun with up to 45 computer controlled trains traveling on 2 km (1 1/4 miles) of tracks weaving through mountains and towns. Discover the 20000 + hand-painted little people and animals in scale 1:87 (HO) placed in humorous and funny situations and scenes. You'll be impressed with the devotion to details and the charm and humor of the presentation. Watch with delight, the unique operational car system running through towns, stopping for gas and traffic lights. So much more than just Trains. When driving from downtown Osoyoos, take Hwy 3 towards Vancouver (about 3 km.) Turn left at the SECOND entrance into the Buena Vista Industrial Park onto 115th Street. Look for the yellow warehouse with the big signs out front.

Reviewed By myersb2017

What a great place for all ages as this is an amazing creation that you need many visits to take it all in as there is so much detail

2. Penticton Farmers' Market

100 Main St Temporarily located in the 500 & 600 blocks of Main Street, Penticton, British Columbia V2A 5A5 Canada +1 250-999-9999 [email protected] http://pentictonfarmersmarket.org
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 240 reviews

Penticton Farmers' Market

At the Penticton Farmers' Market you can find farm fresh veggies and fruits, eggs, honey, baking, preserves and handmade crafts - all grown or produced in the South Okanagan. PFM vendors proudly make, bake or grow everything they sell. The market also hosts a selection of local liquor vendors each week.

Reviewed By VancouverOutside - Vancouver Island, Canada

This Saturday morning market is a "must" when visiting Penticton or the surrounding area. It gets VERY crowded so I would recommend going as early as you can. You can find free parking closely. The market is made up of a "farm and artisan" side and a sort of "retail" side with a few artisan foods mixed in. It is an amazing showcase of what the farms and businesses in the area have to offer and so much of it is great. From wickedly delicious breads, beautiful fruits and vegetables, and beautiful baked items, your basket will be filled within minutes. It would be a true shame to be in this area and not take in this market.

3. Myra Canyon Park

Kelowna, British Columbia Canada +1 250-878-8763 http://www.myratrestles.com
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,649 reviews

Myra Canyon Park

Reviewed By NatalieR629

Such a fun activity to do when visiting Kelowna! My husband and I rented bikes from Myra Canyon bike rental and spent the morning exploring the paths that take you around the canyon, through caves and over old bridges that were previously used for trains. Would highly recommend!

4. Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

5204 24 St, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 8X2 Canada +1 250-549-3120 [email protected] https://www.okanaganspirits.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 169 reviews

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

Okanagan Spirits is Western Canada's oldest craft distillery spanning over a decade in the production of award-winning B.C. spirits. Internationally acclaimed as North America's only designated World Class Distillery (World Spirits Awards), our portfolio includes a range of spirits from Vodka, Whisky and Gin, to Liqueurs and Brandies (Eau de Vie) as well as Canada's first genuine Absinthe.

Reviewed By kenmF4070LC

We visited the distillery in Vernon and the owner gave us a private tour and history. The space, itself, is beautiful--a combination of a retro-steampunk and pioneer vibe due in no small part to the gorgeous brass, steel and copper stills and tanks. The owner gave us an overview of the history of fruit and grain production in the Okanagan and explained how virtually all of the ingredients for the myriad spirits produced by them are locally grown. After the 30-minute tour, we tasted several of their products at the bar: award-winning Scotch-style whisky, Bourbon-style (we really liked the BLK BRBN!), Vodkas, Gins, and Liqueurs. All were well-made, smooth, and delicious spirits. The Raspberry Liqueur was out of this world. We took home several bottles and some very low-priced gift sets that will make excellent Christmas gifts. They even gave us bottles of their own hand sanitizer, produced and donated to front-line workers and the general public during the Covid-19 crisis. Unlike many of wineries that are actually owned by global conglomerates, this is a truly local operation and a world class one at that. Of the many winery and distillery tours we have taken all over the world, this one rates very highly, indeed!

5. Covert Farms Family Estate

300 Covert Pl, Oliver, British Columbia V0H 1T0 Canada +1 250-498-9463 [email protected] http://covertfarms.ca/
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 210 reviews

Covert Farms Family Estate

Established in 1959, Covert Farms Family Estate Winery is located in Oliver, BC on 650 acres of benchland. Winemaker Gene Covert is a 3rd generation farmer who worked this land with his father and grandfather. Our certified organic estate vineyards are influenced by the majestic McIntyre Bluff and managed with biodynamic practices. We craft our estate wines with minimal intervention, using natural fermentation when possible to focus on vineyard and fruit. Our white wines display purity of fruit and a crisp natural acidity coveted by growers, and low yields result in terroir-focused artisan reds that are luscious and age-worthy. Those who love recreation dually appreciate our location at the gateway to the iconic Okanagan landmark McIntyre Bluff, which makes a great place to picnic, bike ride or hike. Secrest Organics at Covert Farms operates our seasonal fruit & vegetable stand, and visitors can get their hands dirty in the u-pick section - selecting ripe produce under the summer sun.

Reviewed By danielleaA406WO

Really beautiful family winery and farm. The Epicurean grand reserve tasting was fantastic - the host was great at explaining the wines and the background and philosophy of the organic farm. She also gave us time to enjoy the wines and didn't rush us at all. The charcuterie board that came with the tasting was really great, with local foods and fresh items from the farm. The wines were a little more expensive than some wineries, but were really interesting and unique. We were so happy that they also have a kids farm tour and tasting as well - our kids enjoyed this winery so much more than other ones with no kids' activities! It made for a much more enjoyable tasting for the adults to have the kids busy.

6. The Book Shop

242 Main St, Penticton, British Columbia V2A 5B2 Canada +1 250-492-6661 http://www.bookspenticton.com
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 301 reviews

The Book Shop

Reviewed By SalsaMom

An absolute MUST go for Book Lovers of all ages. Easily spent over an hour in here and would’ve spent many more had it not been for impatient kids. Loved all the unique and quirky corners and surprise finds. Left will nearly a dozen books (only because I couldn’t carry anymore)... I’ll be back.

7. Skaha Lake Park

Parkview Street, Penticton, British Columbia V2A 3W2 Canada +1 250-490-2400 http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches/parks/skaha-lake-park.html
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 389 reviews

Skaha Lake Park

Reviewed By funtravels4me - British Columbia, Canada

People come from many places to enjoy this beautiful park, beach and amenities. I'm fortunate to live here and be within walking distance of the beach. My friends and I have a picnic at Skaha Park every week during the summer. It is beautiful, refreshing and relaxing. Pay it a visit and enjoy the huge beach, beautiful lake set in a picturesque area.

8. Okanagan Rail Trail

15464-15516 Oyama Rd, Vernon, British Columbia V4V 2C5 Canada http://okanaganrailtrail.ca
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Okanagan Rail Trail

Reviewed By 498bobp - North Vancouver, Canada

This is an old railway line so the grade is flat or with a minimal hill. The trail is wide and well packed gravel. It runs along the lake the entire way to Oyama.

9. Lake Okanagan

Kelowna, British Columbia Canada +1 250-469-8500 http://wibit.com
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,057 reviews

Lake Okanagan

If you spot Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster said to inhabit these waters, you'll make headline news, but other than that, you're sure to enjoy all the recreational activities this 82-mile long lake has to offer: swimming, boating, parasailing and all types of water sports.

Reviewed By abarker02 - Kelowna, Canada

This is one f the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in Canada. Beautiful beaches, clean water and gorgeous scenery all through the valley. A “must experience”!

10. Osoyoos Desert Centre

14580 146 Ave, Osoyoos, British Columbia V0H 1V2 Canada +1 250-495-2470 [email protected] http://www.desert.org/index.php/desert-centre.html
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 161 reviews

Osoyoos Desert Centre

The Osoyoos Desert Centre is a 67 acre nature interpretive facility where visitors can learn about desert ecology, habitat restoration and conservation of endangered ecosystems in the South Okanagan. Guests are invited to explore Canada’s desert by taking a guided or self-guided tour along a 1.5 km elevated wooden boardwalk. In addition, the Centre features an interpretive facility with hands-on exhibits and a native plant demonstration garden. Visitors can also browse through our Gift Shop, enjoy a snack in the outdoor picnic area, or relax at one of the kiosks and take in the spectacular views.

Reviewed By okforyou

IF you want to truly see and understand the dramatic natural landscape of this area, a visit to this Desert Centre is a must. Well explained through the self-guided material and storyboards set out throughout the boardwalk, it provides an enjoyable and enlightening afternoon.

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