Why the Okanagan is One of the Best Regions in British Columbia

Image Credit: Robbie Down

British Columbia is defined by its unique setting, which plays a notable role in its desirability. It has numerous distinct regions, from the forests of Vancouver Island to the mountains of sea to sky country. While every region of the province is beautiful and appealing, Okanagan might stake a claim to being the most desirable region in British Columbia.

Okanagan is in south-central British Columbia, away from the province’s coast. It is a place with a strong appeal to homebuyers and tourists alike. Let’s explore what makes Okanagan such an excellent place to explore.

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Natural Beauty

Like the rest of British Columbia, the Okanagan is a location with abundant natural beauty. It has everything from high mountains and lush valleys to deep forests with sparkling lakes. There are many beautiful places in the Okanagan, including Okanagan Lake. Okanagan Lake stretches for 135 kilometers, with deep blue waters and surrounding forests. Many of the area’s biggest cities are located along the lake’s shores.

There are also many mountains in the Okanagan, including Big White Mountain and Okanagan Mountain. There are incredible forests to explore as well, like the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve, a proposed 67,000-acre national park. It is a region with a lush setting and outstanding natural beauty.

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Food and Drink

If there’s one thing that comes to mind when people think of the Okanagan, it is likely the area’s food and drink. The Okanagan is famed across Canada as one of the best regions for foodies and lovers of delicious drinks. Okanagan’s wine production may be its most significant specialty. The Okanagan Valley wine region is the second-largest in the country, with more than 120 vineyards and 200 wineries. The region is known for its chardonnays and rieslings.

The same fertile environment that makes the Okanagan ideal for wine production contributes to the region’s status as a hotspot for farm-to-table food. The Okanagan has a thriving agriculture industry and many restaurants that serve gourmet meals from locally-sourced produce.

Image source: tourismkelowna.com

Appealing Towns and Cities

The Okanagan isn’t as densely populated as some regions of British Columbia, but you’ll still find a share of appealing towns and cities. Many cities and towns in Okanagan are nestled in pristine natural settings that are ideal places to make a home. Kelowna is the biggest city in the Okanagan, home to more than 130,000. This beautiful city is right on the shores of Lake Okanagan and has a vibrant food scene, more than 20 local wineries, and a busy downtown.

Penticton has about 35,000 residents and is based on the waters of Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake. It has nearby mountain ranges, vineyards, and a year-round warm-to-mild climate. Other great towns and cities in the Okanagan include Vernon, Summerland, Kamloops, and West Kelowna.

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Year-Round Outdoor Recreation

One of the nicest parts of living in this region is that residents have something exciting to do outdoors, no matter the time of year. The lakes and forests are perfect for avid hikers, boaters, and swimmers in the summer. The waters of Lake Okanagan are ideal for water sports, and many people enjoy fishing in the many lakes that dot the region.

During the winter, the Okanagan has many regions that are hugely popular ski and snowboarding destinations. Big White Ski Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort, and Sun Peaks Resort are just three of the many premier destinations for skiers and snowboarders. It is the ideal place to live for those who love getting out and active throughout the year.

Image source: forbes.com
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