Okanagan / Interior BC
Overview
British Columbia’s Interior Region stretches from east of Fraser Valley to the Alberta border, with the US along the south (Washington State). The Thompson-Okanagan Region is part of the greater Interior Region, with the Okanagan Valley being a main attraction due to its resort areas and wineries. Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Vernon, and Oliver are the larger municipalities of the region, and are popular for tourists as well as BC vacationers.
Did You Know?
The Okanagan is humourously known for its fictitious lake monster Ogopogo, but also for having more wineries than any other region in Canada.
Climate / Landscape
The Interior Region of BC enjoys four distinct seasons of weather from snowy winters to sun-drenched summers perfect for the many orchards and vineyards.
The region ranges from dry desert area to green parklands to the mountainous terrain approaching the Rocky Mountains.
The Okanagan Valley’s landscape provides for some of the best outdoor sports and leisure opportunities in the province.
Amenities
Sun Peaks, Big White and Silverstar ski resorts are just a few of the resort-style ski communities in the area. These resort areas include boutique hotels, ski-in ski-out condos, restaurants and shops.
Summers in the Okanagan are best lived at one of several lakes, with incredible boating and water activities, camping and fishing, and endless parks, trails, and biking terrain.
Urban areas offer established downtowns with shopping, dining, services and entertainment.
Infrastructure
Hospitals operated by the regional health authority include Kelowna General Hospital, Penticton Regional Hospital, Vernon General Hospital and South Okanagan General Hospital.
Post secondary institutions include University of British Columbia – Okanagan, Thompson Rivers University, College of the Rockies, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Okanagan College, and Selkirk College.
Kelowna International Airport provides the main gateway to the Okanagan, with regional air travel available through Penticton Regional Airport and Vernon Regional Airport, among others.
