With soft sands and crystal-clear waters, Okanagan Lake boasts some of British Columbia's best beaches—Kelowna, Vernon, Osoyoos, and Penticton to name a few. As well as swimming, you can try windsurfing, jet skiing, paddle-boating, or parasailing, with plenty of reputable operators offering instruction and equipment hire.
For sweeping views of the Okanagan Valley, head up to the Alan Brooks Nature Centre outside Vernon. Knox Mountain Park, meanwhile, is a must for its well-marked trails and wonderful lookout points. You might even spot some coyotes and cougars.
Roderick Haig Brown Provincial Park near Salmon Arm is a nature lover's favourite thanks to its chinook, coho, and pink salmon spawning beds. Thoughtfully designated areas along the river let you observe the wildlife in peace and quiet, while the park also features intriguing pictographs of the Shuswap First Nations settlements.
During winter, people flock from far and wide to enjoy snowboarding and skiing in the valley's many ski resorts. The trails at Kelowna's Big White Ski Resort are suited to novices and experts, while Apex Mountain Ski Resort merits a visit for its night skiing opportunities, snow mobile tours, and tube park.