3 BC Destinations Where Summer Lasts a Little Longer

Here are three great BC gems that enjoy extended summer weather while the rest of Canada is putting on toques and scarves!

There is a nip in the air and golden colours on the trees. Autumn is here and winter is coming – all things to consider if you’re in sun-chasing mode in Western Canada.
 

Osoyoos

Located in BC’s South Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos is an ecologically special location. Known as a pocket desert, Osoyoos is host to unique flora and fauna because it is so much warmer and drier than the surrounding regions. This unusual little pocket of warmth with its
beautiful golf courses, vineyards, warm lakes and orchards has become known not only as a wonderful place to visit in the summer but also as a late-season paradise. Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Sonora Dunes are a 3 minute walk from one another and the Osoyoos Golf & Country Club is a mere 10 minutes beyond.
Temperatures in the Osoyoos remain in the high teens to mid-twenties even in the fall. Bird-watching, beach lounging, eco-tourism, fishing, boating, and hiking are just a few of the outdoor activities on offer in autumn. Osoyoos also offers plenty of cultural and artistic experiences too between the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad (a charming miniature wonderland of computer controlled trains…the kids will be absolutely delighted), concerts and art shows. If you’re looking for a place to escape to for a few rounds of golf or just to bask in some rays, Osoyoos is a wonderful choice.
 
 

Kelowna

On the Eastern shores of Lake Okanagan, surrounded by beautiful pine forests, beaches, vineyards and golf courses is the inviting little city of Kelowna.
Another great fall destination, Kelowna offers all the amenities of a larger centre including an airport (Kelowna is only a 1 hour flight from Calgary). Kelowna is quickly emerging as a golfers paradise, with 18 courses to choose from. When you’ve put away the clubs, go visit a winery or a brewery, go for a hike or a horse-back ride, or pop into one of the many galleries and artists studios. Kelowna is host to literally dozens of excellent restaurants, cafes and steakhouses. If you want to experience one of the top 5 winery restaurants in the world (as touted by Travel & Leisure Magazine), then book a table at Terrace Restaurant for a world-class meal enjoyed while overlooking rows of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
 
 

Vernon

Summer Lasts a little longer
Another little city in the Okanagan that holds warm weather for a little longer than the norm, and only about 175km from Osoyoos, is Vernon.
Surrounded by over 100 lakes (seriously), and beautiful grasslands, it’s not just pretty it is the perfect place to take your loved ones for a fall getaway. More humid than Osoyoos, Vernon is known for its softly sloped hills of green, wonderful golf courses, lakes and beaches. If you’re a golfer, you’ll be impressed to know that world-class Predator Ridge, a local 36-hole golf course is one of only 2 public courses in Western Canada to be ranked as one of Canada’s top 25 golf courses (Score Magazine). Other fall activities include climbing, hiking, and boating. Vernon is really spectacular in the summer so don’t forget your camera.
 

Get me outta here…

If you’re craving a little more sunshine and heat before you have to pull out the down parka and mukluks, give our Destination Experts a call to learn more about Osoyoos, Kelowna and Vernon. You can reach our highly skilled team 7 days a week at 1.877.902.1616.