Why Okanagan in British Columbia is a great vacation with older teenagers

According to Celeste Moure Thompson Okanagan region in British Columbia is a bit of an all rounder for vacations with older teens, here’s how to make plans.

Okanagan Lake, British Columbia

In British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan region, a day could start in the only true desert in Canada, then take in a waterfall that is taller than Niagara: the 463-foot Helmcken Falls. Alternatively, hike in the world’s only inland temperate rain forest, and finish with night-time views of Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

Winery, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Explore wine trails and myths in the Okanagan Valley

Visitors can also relax and enjoy one of the many wine trails in the Okanagan Valley. The Thompson Okanagan region, which covers 124 square miles, has over 200 wineries. Near Kelowna, on Okanagan Lake, there are almost 30 of them.

Okanagan Lake is a popular spot for boating, boarding, and fishing all year round, and it is also where the area’s mythical lake monster, Ogopogo, lives.

When is the best time to visit

 The Okanagan Wine Festivals take place in spring, fall, and winter and feature vineyard tours, meals among the vines, and seminars with wine industry pros.

Kelowna Yacht Club, Okanagan

How to get around the Okanagan region

Major centers are Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Osoyoos; you’ll need a car if you want to visit more than one.

Each city has a small downtown core that’s easily explored on foot, by bike, or via BC Transit bus. Okanagan Wine Country Tours arranges single- and multiday winery visits, or you can cruise the region in the backseat of a 1956 Cadillac with Vintage Wine Tours.

Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa, Vernon, Okanagan

Where to stay with your older teenagers

Sparkling Hill Resort is a dazzling creation of Gernot Langes-Swarovski, the owner of Swarovski crystal. He used two million of the shining stones to decorate this glittering resort. Its design showcases crystals everywhere—in the ceiling and in the walls.

The lavish resort has sleek guest rooms designed to enhance the views of the lake and mountain scenery. They have sliding windows that go from the floor to the ceiling, crystal glass fireplaces, and showers that you can walk through and see outside.

See more of our recommended family hotels in Vernon

What not to miss in Okanagan

Perched on a hill in West Kelowna, Mission Hill Family Estate offers a tasting bar for sampling its award-winning wines and cellar tours with a sommelier. Order the braised venison and figs at their alfresco restaurant and let the sommelier pair it with the perfect glass of wine.

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