Happy summer everyone! We are moving full steam ahead here and it already feels like the summer is slipping away so quickly. Time moves fast when you’re having fun!! I am so grateful that I have been able to spend my summer in the Okanagan, enjoying everything that it has to offer. Here’s a list of some of my favorite things to do in the Okanagan during the summer.

Do a local hike

There are so many different options out there, from more challenging hikes such as Pincushion to more easygoing hikes such as Naramata Creek Falls. I definitely recommend going earlier in the day so you can enjoy yourself and beat the heat. Regardless, it’s a great way to stay active, and there are many more ways to get out there and enjoy the outdoors!

Enjoy the beach (or pool)

When it is super hot as it tends to get here in the summer months, hitting the beach or a pool is where it’s at. Thankfully, we have many options to choose from, with lakes located throughout the Okanagan Valley. Being in the water is definitely the best place to be on those days where it’s a scorcher. Make sure to seek out some shade so you aren’t in the sun the entire time, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Sling a lip over some ice cream

Is summer really summer without some ice cream? I think not. Though my stomach can’t handle a ton of ice cream, I try to have some when I can. Tickleberry’s is by far the best place for ice cream in the Okanagan. They are located in OK Falls and have a wide variety of flavours – plus, they have recently expanded to offer more dairy-free options, which is awesome! The store also has a range of gift options, featuring lots of local products, and it’s a good place to shop while you are waiting to get your ice cream 🙂

Find restaurants with incredible views

You can never go wrong with an incredible view while you are enjoying a lovely meal. Luckily for us, the Okanagan is plentiful with stunning places to visit in truly remarkable settings. A couple highlights on my list include The Patio at Nk’Mip Cellars in Osoyoos, the Vanilla Pod at Poplar Grove in Naramata, and the 19 Bistro at Fitz Winery in Peachland. There are many more options out there, but these three in particular remain some of my favorites. Plus, they are all located at wineries, which means you can also enjoy a tasting while you’re at it!

Go wine tasting

Obviously my favorite activity on this list, wine tasting is always a good idea. With so many world-class wineries and new ones popping up every year, you really can’t go wrong with wine tasting in any part of the Okanagan. This year, I received an uncorkBC wine passport, which provides you with complimentary wine tastings at 35 different wineries throughout the Okanagan! It’s been a great way to explore some new options, and enjoy what our region has to offer. I am looking forward to continuing to use up the passport for the rest of the summer.

Some of my favorite wineries that I’ve visited this summer so far include:

Moon Curser Vineyards in Osoyoos – if you like red wine, you should definitely make this a stop on your journey. All of their red wines are exceptional, it was hard for me to choose which one I liked the best! Highly recommend, they have a great view overlooking the vineyard, and the semi-private tasting room was gorgeous.

Church & State Winery in Oliver – the terroir tasting out in the vineyards was amazing, it’s definitely worth a bit extra to really have the time to learn a bit more about the vines, winemaking process, and of course, taste the wine right in the vineyard!

Wild Goose Winery in OK Falls – all of their wines are incredible and their wine club is pretty excellent too. I may or may not have purchased multiple bottles here because they were all so delicious. Plus, I’ve heard their on-site restaurant is spectacular.

Tightrope Winery in Naramata – one of the first sustainable wineries in the region. Really neat tasting experience that also came with a branded wine glass for us to keep, which was so appreciated!

Lunessence Winery in Summerland – such a gorgeous view of the vines and lake below. Their wine was excellent and they also offer an incredible charcuterie platter as well. It was my first time visiting, but I will definitely be back!

Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards in Peachland – I recently visited after not having been here for a number of years, and the view absolutely took my breath away. All that you can see are incredible vines in the vineyard, the lake, and the mountains. Absolutely stunning! I really enjoyed all of their wines and am sure I will be back again in the future.

So there you have it, some of my favorite ways to enjoy the summer in the Okanagan. I am looking forward to soaking up these moments with the rest of summer that we’ve got left. Tell me: what’s your favorite way to enjoy the summer season? Let us know in the comments! If you’re not from here and planning to visit, make sure to check out some of these suggestions and enjoy your adventures in the Okanagan!