The Napa of the North: Days of Wine and Nights of Films!

You’ll find Canada’s “Napa of the North” starts in the resort town of Osoyoos, just five miles north of the eastern portion of Washington’s  border. Located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, this area also happens to be the warmest spot in Canada. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as Canada’s “Palm Springs”.

While Osoyoos has been a family resort destination for quite a while with Canadians, Americans are just now starting to appreciate it. And why not? The place is gorgeous! Rolling hills, fruit orchards, vineyards and breathtaking lake Osoyoos. You might actually think that  you’ve arrived in Locarno, Switzerland, until you realize that there are probably a lot more wineries here!

Just the short drive north from Osoyoos to the quaint town of Oliver, you’ll have the opportunity to visit probably 30+ excellent wineries, including Black Hills Estate winery, owned by the actor Jason Priestly …and that’s a 16 minute drive. Continue on the road for another 40 minutes or so to Penticton and  Summerland and you’ll find about  25+ more! And the driving Scenery from Osoyoos to this area keeps getting nicer. Make sure to stop by and view “Spotted Lake”, just outside of Osoyoos. During the summer months, when the water evaporates, spots appear in various colors because of the water’s high mineral content.

Back in Osoyoos, there’s plenty to do here. You can stat at the Spirt Ridge Vineyard Resort, just overlooking Osoyoos, which provides big-time resort feel, with it’s spacious 1-2-3 room  units and villas, as well gorgeous views. From this resort you can walk over to Nk’Mip winery, the first Aborginal owned winery in North America, unwind in the resort’s spa, play golf, relax by the pool or visit the nearby Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.

For a day trip, head five miles south into Washington state and visit the quaint town of Oroville, which is home to four excellent wineries, including Esther Bricques, Copper Mountain, Lake Crest and Okanogan Estate winery. Oroville also boasts an excellent brewery the Apline Brewery, where brew master Bart, from Munich, brews some of the best beers in the Northwest. His copper brew kettles, which he brought with him from Bavaria, are the only ones in the state.

Oroville is also home to the annual Tumbleweed Film Festival, which takes place every August. Tumbleweed’s film fest offers short and feature films from around the world and showcases these films at the local wineries and brewery.

This portion of Washington, the Okanogan County, also offers plenty of things to do. You can hike the scenic Similkameen river trail, float down the Okanogan river, fly fish, or visit the ghost town of Molson. For a change of pace, stop in the “town” of Chesaw for a brew at the tavern. On the 4th of July, this town is hopping during it’s annual 4th of July Chesaw Rodeo.

There’s a lot to do just in this portion of Washington, so if you’re too tired to make the trek back into Canada, consider  Oroville’s lakefside resort Veranda Beach which also offers a great restaurant the Globe at the Beach.

When you’re ready to set off on your own road trip to discover both the Canadian Okanagan and the Washington Okonogan, make sure to contact your Concierge, as they can help you book flights, car rentals, reservations or packages…and also save you a discount! Just call 1-800-205-7130 or email travel@compasscooperative.com.