Oliver Vacation Rentals

The idyllic town of Oliver lies nestled in Canada's only desert area. Located at the south end of the Okanagan Valley, the region has been home to First Nations Peoples for hundreds of years. Visit to taste robust red wines, tee off on a scenic golf course, and hit the local theatre once dusk falls. A vacation rental in town or lakeside lodging allows you to experience Oliver while enjoying the comforts of home.

World Cuisine and Golf-side Dining

Oliver's dining scene covers everything from tried-and-tested restaurants along Main Street to those within wineries and golf courses. A romantic evening in low-lit interiors awaits at Pappa's Firehall Bistro whose signature specialties include Mediterranean fire-grilled chicken, and the Firehall Vintage sangria cocktail. Housed in a former Catholic Church, Medici's Gelateria & Coffee House offers over 40 flavours of premium Italian ice cream, along with a pleasing selection of fresh soups, wraps, salads, and paninis.

The Rattlesnake Lounge at the sprawling Inkameep Canyon Desert Golf Course keeps diners satisfied with its tasty nachos, fish tacos, poutines, and signature mussels. The views are to-die-for too! Finally, don't leave Oliver without stopping by at one of its wineries. The award-winning Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Winery is a must for its Italian specialties. When spice cravings set in, consider digging into some creamy butter chicken, crispy samosas (pastry parcels filled with meat or vegetables) and tangy paneer (cottage cheese) dishes at Best of India Restaurant.

First Nations Culture and Live Entertainment

Housed inside the former BC Provincial Police station, the Oliver Museum is a good place to learn about the region's fur trading, mining, and ranching past, as well as South Okanagan's colourful ecosystem. Artifacts here provide an insightful snapshot into the lives of the Syilx Okanagan people. While here, don't miss the original jail of Fairview town, which lies just behind the museum.

If you're interested in pictographs, check out the cliff faces near Vaseux Lake, a region that has been settled by First Nations Peoples for centuries. McIntyre Creek Road by the Vaseux Lake Wildlife Centre is an especially popular location with history lovers and pictograph hunters.

Once back from your day trip, catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster or foreign language film at the independent Oliver Theatre. Venables Theatre is worth visiting for its hilarious stand-up comedy, dance spectacles, and tribute acts, including the likes of Queen, Edith Piaf, and Bruce Springsteen.

Hikes, Bikes, and Wine Trails in Oliver, BC

For a day of quiet relaxation, unwind at Rotary Beach by Tuc-el-Nuit Lake, known for its picture postcard views of the lake and mountains. Or how about a bike ride down the International Hike and Bike Trail which runs alongside the Okanagan River. Look out for the bright pink lilies, salmon spawns, painted turtles and secluded swimming spots along the trail. Sweeping views over Osoyoos and Cawston reward those who hike to the top of Mt. Kobau, a very accessible mountain.

Wine aficionados will certainly enjoy the Golden Mile Stamp Mill Trail which meanders through some of Okanagan's Valley's best wineries. Winter vacationers will love visiting Mt. Baldy, a winter wonderland where you can go skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing to your heart's content.

Garlic Festivals, Pork Festivals, and More!

Oliver's festival calendar is no ordinary one, attracting visitors from far and wide - so it's best to book your accommodation in advance. PIG OUT is the town's annual vineyard pig roast where chefs from the town's top-rated restaurants display their pig-roasting skills. Expect the best beef from around British Columbia too. Every Thursday, all through July, the Oliver Bandshell presents Music in the Park. Bring a blanket and settle down to an evening of music under the stars.

With August comes the Oliver Sunshine Festival & Parade, a fiesta of music, parades, and vendor markets that showcase the valley's agricultural prowess. Garlic lovers are in for a treat at the Garlic Festival in September, where Oliver's garlic farmers present their produce at the Hester Creek Winery. There's live music by local Okanagan musicians too.

October ushers in the Oliver Cask and Keg festival in a night that brings together the region's best cideries, breweries, and distilleries. There are food trucks and artisanal goods too. Finally, there is the Festival of the Grape that takes place during the eagerly-awaited Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Cheer on the grape stampers, tuck into local delicacies, and dance the night away at this lively event.

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