British Columbia’s South Okanagan, just a five-hour drive or a quick 50-minute flight southeast from Vancouver, is a stunning mix of pine forests, winding rivers, sun-drenched vineyards, and orchards overflowing with peaches, cherries, and apples. The quiet country roads meander through the valley, perfect for a leisurely bike ride, lined with charming fruit stands and small, family-owned wineries.

While the Okanagan Valley stretches nearly 125 miles from top to bottom, the southern stretch—from Naramata in the north to Osoyoos in the south—feels like a step back in time. “It’s peaceful and unhurried,” says Kaitlyn Domijan, co-founder of Similkameen Sip & Cycle in Cawston. “It felt like a hidden gem that city folks hadn’t discovered yet—and we found it.”

The region is one of Canada’s few desert areas—though more semi-arid than rolling sand dunes—and the mineral-rich soil, combined with dramatic temperature swings, gives the local wines a unique character. Oliver, known as Canada’s wine capital, and Cawston, the country’s organic farming hub, anchor the area. But beyond wine tastings and farm-fresh meals, there’s plenty to explore. Hiking and horseback riding trails wind through fragrant pine forests and wild sage, while visitors can learn about the Syilx Okanagan First Nation’s rich culture at a cutting-edge cultural center and a winery run by Canada’s only Indigenous winemaker.

With scenic wineries and restaurants around every corner, here are some of the best places to stay, sip, eat, and explore in this idyllic retreat.

### Where to Stay

Spirit Ridge
Perched above a vineyard in Osoyoos, this modern resort blends seamlessly into the desert landscape, with adobe-style buildings offering suites featuring outdoor soaking tubs and sweeping vineyard views. Located on the traditional lands of the Osoyoos Indian Band, the resort collaborates closely with the Syilx Okanagan First Nation. It’s also home to an acclaimed Indigenous-inspired restaurant, The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry, led by chef Murray McDonald. The menu draws from the Four Food Chiefs creation story, featuring dishes like a salmon platter with cured, smoked, and candied salmon, and warm bannock with wojapi berry sauce.

Nighthawk Vineyards
Tucked away in the quiet hills of Okanagan Falls, this intimate retreat offers just two luxurious tented suites overlooking the vineyard. Named Green Lake, the suites feature outdoor soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows to soak in the views. Guests enjoy a bottle of wine and a daily breakfast of homemade pastries, scones, and French press coffee delivered to their door. A short walk through the vines leads to the winery’s tasting room, where you can sample cool-climate wines like chardonnay, pinot noir, and riesling. The Bibby family runs the vineyard, and their son, award-winning chef Carson Bibby, crafts exquisite three-course wine-paired dinners.

The Naramata Inn
Steeped in history since 1908, this charming inn has long been a cornerstone of Naramata. The 12-room inn is set to reopen under new ownership, promising to blend its rich heritage with modern comforts.The inn changed hands this June but kept its charming early-1900s character that guests adore. New owners Christopher Royal and Michael Ziff have reopened the historic property with Bistro Lapin Perdu, featuring French classics like beef tartare and duck confit paired with Okanagan wines. The restaurant and inn grounds will host summer events like “Rosé, Croquet & a DJ” evenings and wine tastings under the stars. Nearby, the Naramata Bench wine region awaits, home to acclaimed wineries like Poplar Grove, CheckMate, and JoieFarm.

### Where to Drink
Nk’Mip Cellars
As Canada’s first Indigenous-owned winery with Indigenous winemaker Justin Hall, Nk’Mip celebrates both award-winning wines and Osoyoos Indian Band culture. Enjoy tastings in their airy room or a leisurely lunch at Sweetgrass restaurant, where the menu blends Indigenous traditions with modern flavors.

Red Barn Winery
This Oliver winery offers a relaxed tasting experience, including their standout Lost Art Semillon—a creamy, fruity white perfect for summer sipping. Live music fills their outdoor space all season.

Liquidity Wines
Perched above Okanagan Falls, this sleek winery invites you to linger over smoky Cabernet Franc and seasonal tapas on their vineyard-view patio. Stay overnight in their stylish loft for a full immersion.

Clos du Soleil
Tucked into Keremeos’ orchard country, this boutique winery crafts elegant Bordeaux-style wines with Similkameen Valley character. Their rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah reflect the region’s sun-soaked terroir.

Cawston & Keremeos Cideries
Beyond wine, the area’s organic orchards yield crisp ciders. Try Lass Chance’s “rescued fruit” ciders, or visit Untangled and Twisted Hills for creative flavors like lavender nectarine in cozy tasting rooms.

### Where to Eat
The Restaurant at Phantom Creek
A culinary highlight, this winery restaurant pairs local ingredients with wines crafted by Napa’s Mark Beringer. Dine amid vineyard views or stop by their stunning tasting room for a glass.

The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
Set on Naramata’s slopes, their sunlit dining room serves seasonal dishes with panoramic lake and vineyard views—a perfect pairing with their estate wines.At this beloved winery, Chef Stacy Johnston crafts a seasonal menu featuring fresh produce from local farmers and sustainably sourced seafood. Enjoy dishes like scallops with truffled pea cream and crispy prosciutto, pumpkin seed and ricotta agnolotti with chives, and wild B.C. sablefish and salmon.

Manzil
Experience the flavors of India in the South Okanagan at Manzil, located in Oliver at Kismet Winery. The name means “home,” and the menu is designed for sharing, offering a modern twist on regional Indian cuisine. Try steamed dhokla bites, blue cod pakoras, or ghee-tempered achari prawns. “Wine isn’t typically paired with Indian food, but we’re changing that,” says Manpreet Dhaliwal, head winemaker and Canada’s first South Asian female winemaker. Along with her sister, Neelam Dhaliwal, the restaurant’s general manager, she has created a welcoming dining experience rooted in culture and community.

Row Fourteen
Dining at Row Fourteen feels like being invited to a meal at an organic farmer’s home in Cawston—unless you’re lucky enough to make friends with one of the friendly locals. Opened in 2019 by Kevin and Annamarie Klippenstein, the restaurant is part of Klippers Organic Acres, nestled in the 14th row of an apple orchard on their 60-acre regenerative farm. “Everything comes straight from our land,” says Kevin. What isn’t grown on-site is sourced from nearby producers. The result is a fresh, hyper-seasonal menu that changes daily, featuring dishes like tender roasted chicken, glazed carrots, kale salad, and warm sourdough with whipped tomato cherry butter. The farm also houses Untangled Cidery and a marketplace selling preserves, honey, and grab-and-go lunches.

### What to Do

Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The interpretive trail at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre winds through fragrant sagebrush, antelope brush with a hint of cinnamon, and towering ponderosa pines. The trail highlights the history and living culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band, with sculpture gardens depicting traditional practices like root harvesting, along with an original village site and newly built tipis and pit houses. Guided tours start inside the modern center, which features North America’s longest rammed earth wall, blending seamlessly into the desert landscape. The nonprofit also supports conservation efforts for the endangered desert ecosystem and the preservation of the Nsyilxcn language.

Sip and Cycle
Exploring Cawston and Keremeos by bike is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. Similkameen Sip & Cycle offers cruiser bikes and e-bikes, complete with baskets for your wine purchases. Owners Joe and Kaitlyn Domijan have mapped out three routes based on their deep connections with local wineries and cideries.

“You’ll ride past orchards and vineyards with mountain views, and the terrain is mostly flat compared to other wine regions, making it an easy ride,” says Kaitlyn. Choose a shorter route with stops at wineries like Clos du Soleil, Orofino, Corcelettes, and Hugging Tree, or take a longer ride along part of the Gran Fondo route beside the shimmering Similkameen River.

Hike, Bike, or Ride on Horseback
For those who prefer outdoor adventures, the South Okanagan offers endless trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through its forested hills. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, there are plenty of serene paths to explore.For a scenic hike or mountain bike adventure, visit the White Lakes Grasslands Protected Area. You’ll find trails winding through golden grasslands and pine forests, ranging from easy walks to steep climbs. South of Naramata, Skaha Bluffs Park offers multiple hiking and climbing routes, while McIntyre Bluff presents a challenging 11-mile hike with panoramic views of Oliver. The historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail follows an old railway line above the Naramata Bench, offering stunning vistas of Okanagan Lake.

For an extended wilderness experience, Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park and Lodge (reopening this summer after 2023’s wildfires) provides spectacular hiking and fishing. A rugged jeep ride takes you into the mountains. Horse lovers can explore Lake Osoyoos’ hillside trails with rescued horses at Sun Hills Riding Centre. Before exploring, learn about the fragile desert ecosystem at the Osoyoos Desert Centre’s interpretive boardwalk.

Sip and Listen at District Wine Village

The District Wine Village in Oliver started as a launchpad for small wineries like Canter Cellars and now hosts 16 businesses. Browse Gather Bookshop’s collection of books and home goods, grab fresh bread at Artisan Bakehouse, or try Ward’s Kitchen’s Korean-inspired pub fare. Summer nights come alive with outdoor concerts, where you can enjoy local wine (or alcohol-free options) paired with live music in a vibrant, festive atmosphere.