Valley’s best places for a tourist selfie
With this being the busiest weekend of the year in the Okanagan Valley, for the benefit of the thousands of visitors, here is our list of the 10 best places to take a tourist selfie.
Selections were made by the staff of Okanagan Weekend and are ranked in order.
1. THE OGOPOGO 2. THE SAILS Kelowna
As a piece of public art, it’s fantastically kitschy and an eternal hit with the tourists.
The Ogopogo sculpture in downtown Kelowna is probably the most photographed sculpture in the city.
The only close contender, really, would be the nearby Sails sculpture, which makes the end of Bernard Avenue the perfect twofer spot for a selfie.
Kelowna artist Bob Dow Reid crafted the Sails, more properly known as Spirit of Sail, in the late 1970s. Unlike most things from that decade, his work has stood the test of time, and lends a graceful and even more lovely feeling to the waterfront location.
The Sails, which some uncharitably describe as a giant lobster claw, is undeniably the most recognizable symbol of Kelowna. In fact, an image of it used to be on the city’s official logo, until dour-minded bureaucrats decided it was too tiredlooking and replaced it with a meaningless spirograph thing. Sail on, forever, Spirit of Sail! And you, too Ogopogo. The cheesy representation of Okanagan Lake’s most famous inhabitant is all kid-pleasing goofiness, with a bright green coat, horned head, and red tongue.
There were nefarious plans to relocate Ogopogo behind the new visitor centre taking shape further north on Queensway, possibly to class up Kerry Park where he now resides. But saner heads prevailed, and Ogopogo awaits your presence, and your camera, right where he has been since 1960.
3. THE PEACH Penticton
The Penticton Peach is definitely the most popular portrait place in Penticton.
Thousands of selfies have been taken here before it was even a word and now, more than ever, The Peach has become the top selfie spot with fun seasonal changes like bunny ears, Santa hats, a grape (for April Fool’s Day), pumpkin and more.
During the infamous riot of the early 1990s, it was even rolled into the lake by hooligans. Ironman athletes traditionally had a group photo taken at The Peach of all the locals who were going to compete in the famed triathlon.
When major sporting events are held in Penticton which draw a nationally-televised audience, The Peach is often used on the broadcasts as an establishing shot.
4. KNOX MOUNTAIN Kelowna
Knox Mountain boasts one of the best views over Kelowna.
To access the first lookout spot, park at the bottom of the mountain and hike up either the trail or the road.
At the top you will reach a parking lot and a gazebo, which is the perfect place to snap a photo with Kelowna and the bridge below.
For those wanting easier access to the views at the crown lookout, parking is available near the gazebo, no hiking required.
Hikers who don’t mind a steeper trail can hike up past the crown lookout parking lot up to the apex lookout.
There you will find another gazebo, and another photo opportunity with the stunning views over the city.
Every May long weekend, the Knox Mountain Hillclimb sees Knox Mountain Drive closed to regular traffic in favour of race cars.
5. MISSION HILL WINERY’S BELL TOWER West Kelowna
Rising majestically atop the mountain at West Kelowna’s Mission Hill Family Estate is the winery’s 12-storey bell tower.
It anchors the winery’s stunning architecture and is thus the perfect place to take a selfie or two.
Most who snap a photo with the eye candy don’t know the bell tower’s, and the entire winery’s, design is the vision of proprietor Anthony von Mandl and Seattle architect Tom Kundig.
Von Mandl grew up as a school boy in Europe hearing church bells, so he wanted something similar at the winery.
Kundig designed it and the centuries-old Paccard Bell Foundry made four bronze bells to ring on the hour.
Paccard also made the bells at Sacre Coeur in Paris and New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
After pictures at the bell tower, drop by the tasting room to sip and buy award-winning vintages or have lunch on the Terrace.
6. PINCUSHION MOUNTAIN Peachland
They say that to be a real Peachlander, you have to have done two things — climb Pincushion Mountain and swim across Okanagan Lake, making Rattlesnake Island your turnaround point.
Since taking a selfie while swimming can be hazardous, and expensive if you drop the camera, consider earning your honorary Peachland citizenship by climbing the mountain instead.
It used to be a very difficult climb on a trail that wasn’t well marked in places. But now, while still challenging in parts, it’s an ascent that most able-bodied people can manage.
Best to do it in the morning, however, as lack of tree cover in some parts makes the climb very warm later in the day.
At the pinnacle, you are rewarded with unparalleled views of the Okanagan that stretch from Kelowna to Naramata. There’s a Canadian flag, not right at the summit, but at a point where you can take a great selfie with the lake shimmering in the distance.
7. MUNSON MOUNTAIN Penticton
Similar to Hollywood, the Penticton sign on Munson Mountain has been greeting visitors to the Peach City for decades.
Although it’s somewhat challenging to get to if you’re not sure where you’re going, many visitors and locals love to have their photo taken with the sign. It can also be taken in the distance from across the lake on Highway 97. Volunteers have helped keep it in tip-top shape for years.
8. KANGAROO CREEK FARM Lake Country
Who says you have to go all the way to Australia to see kangaroos?
Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country has dozens of kangaroos hopping around.
At the farm, you are in the pen with the kangaroos, so you can get up close and snap a picture, and even pet their soft fur.
For an even more adorable photo opportunity, you can hold a little joey.
Staff at the farm wrap up the baby kangaroos in blankets and hand them over to visitors.
Along with kangaroos, the Kangaroo Farm has wallabies, peacocks, pigs and emus.
There is never a dull moment at the farm.
9. THE MURALS Vernon
No trip to the North Okanagan is complete without visiting the downtown murals and wall art, perfect for a selfie.
The 28 murals depict the history, culture, folklore and scenery which Vernon is renowned for. There are guided tours available, but most tourists prefer to browse at their own pace.
We don’t want to say which one is our favourite because it’s open for huge debate, perhaps it deserves its own Okanagan Top 10 list.
Many other communities have mural programs — Stony Plain, Alta. is one — but Vernon’s is by far the best.
10. KETTLE VALLEY STEAM ENGINE Summerland
The anticipation of the engine arriving at the Kettle Valley station is an experience in itself. The Spirit of Summerland is perfect for a timeless selfie, and, if you’re lucky, one of the crew will be in the picture as they dress in period outfits.
There’s tons of great opportunities for pictures on a KVR trip (especially during their Great Train Robberies) but, the best, by far, is the engine.
It enthralls both young and old — toddlers to senior citizens.