VISIT THE OKANAGAN ANY TIME
The summer months are a great time to visit the Okanagan, but there are advantages to enjoying new adventures in the spring and fall.
Summer is always an ideal time to visit the Tri-Lakes region. But if a busy schedule or alternate plans mean you have to arrange a trip earlier in the spring or later in fall, don’t despair. The Okanagan is always full of surprises no matter when you explore the area.
Set your Sights on Spring
Weather is always unpredictable in mountainous and valley regions and the Okanagan is no different. While sunshine may not prevail every day in the shoulder season, the good, bright days always outweigh the bad. Average temps can jump as high as 16 C (60 F) in April, 20 C (68 F) in May and 24 C (75 F) through June. So, the weather conditions can pretty much be on your side to enjoy an array of activities – regardless if you’re on the water or not.
Plus, some of the marinas open as early as April 1 so it’s not uncommon to see anglers idling out for the first cast of the season, boats being lifted and moved into slips, or boaters blasting along the lake – all well before the May Long Weekend. Spring is also a time when marinas are not as congested with transient boaters, moorage options are more readily available, and there’s the chance to enjoy solitude on the lake. Although it may get a bit chilly when the sun goes down in April or early May, being prepared with proper apparel can offset the slightly lower temperatures.
Anglers will also appreciate the fishing throughout the spring. Many species inhabit shallower depths on Okanagan Lake before they dive into deeper, cooler water for the summer months. This means trolling to 40 to 60 feet is a lot easier than using downriggers, heavier weights or large tackle to find some real action. Other lakes in the area such as Kalamalka near Vernon and Skaha in Penticton offer great fishing opportunities as well.
For instance, Skaha is active with Rainbows and Kokanee from March through to December – with May being the ideal time for Kokanee (as well as November and December if you’re that bold). If you launch your boat on Kalamalka, there’s a good chance that Kokanee or Rainbow will keep your line tight and busy (as they are known to be active from April to November). If the fish, however, just aren’t biting no matter where you go, simply enjoy the peacefulness on the lake as boat traffic is commonly at a minimum.
While Okanagan Lake is always “chilly yet refreshing,” it’s midMay and early June when the paddle boards and kayaks come out or wakeboarders fly through the air during their first run of the season. There are plenty of other on-water activities to enjoy this time of year as well.
Plan a Trip for Fall
September and the start of fall is also a special time in the Okanagan. Temps still remain at comfortable levels and even though they may drop down to an average high of 13 C (55 F) by mid-October, there’s still plenty to see and do on those crisp, clear days. It’s common to see many boaters powering up around the lake, kayakers still meandering, and many sailboats gliding on the lake’s surface through September. Fall in the Okanagan is also renowned for the commencement of the grape harvest (that continues to November) throughout the many world-class wineries.
While any season is ideal to visit all of the region’s wineries, spring and fall are unique times. The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival is loaded with events from April 30 to May 17 and you can taste some of the newest creations from local vintners. There’s also the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival in early October. Both are engaging and the ideal time to savour local vintages, while embracing the overall ambience of the scenic vineyards – you won’t be disappointed.
Wine isn’t the only beverage that’s celebrated in the Okanagan. Visiting boaters can drop into the Kelowna waterfront and visit the The Great Okanagan Beer Festival, May 6 - 10, 2020. This five-day celebration caters to craft beer lovers with an eclectic mix of suds at the local bars and pubs. The real highlight, however, is on May 9 with Beer at the Lake in Waterfront Park. This is when more than 60 craft brewery vendors tend to 3,500-plus thirsty attendees – it’s an epic celebration of beer and beverage. There’s also BC Cider Week in May that recognizes the fruits of the region, which are the fundamental ingredients that result in tantalizing local ciders.
Aside from water activities, events, and indulging in wine, beer and cider, there are numerous trails to explore in the spring and fall. While spring is an ideal time to experience the region’s fragrant, colourful and blooming orchards, there are also hundreds of kilometers of hiking and biking trails to discover. Some choices include Rose Valley in West Kelowna, Pincushion in Peachland, Stephen’s Coyote Ridge in Glenmore, or Kalamoir Park in West Kelowna. There’s also Knox Mountain, a local favourite that’s easily accessible just north of downtown Kelowna.
Although there’s some exposure and certain challenges on most of these trails, the views and scenery are second to none.
Visiting in the spring or fall has many benefits. There are fewer crowds in the more popular restaurants meaning you can enjoy quieter dining experiences and often savour fresh seasonal ingredients. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, there are significant cost savings on accommodations at many of the local hotels, resorts and retreats. Many offer special packages and are definitely worth searching out.
To say that one season is better than the other in the Okanagan is not accurate. All seasons here offer many benefits. But for those recreational boaters looking to get an early start to their boating season or want to take one last trip before the gloom of winter, spring and fall are perfect times to visit. You won’t regret it.