Come celebrate Pride in this corner of British Columbia and stay to explore its amazing wineries and outdoor attractions.
This spring and summer, discover one of Canada’s best kept secrets when it comes to inclusive and welcoming destinations—places LGBTQ2S+ travellers will want to return to again and again—British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan.
Tucked between the rugged mountains and shores of stunning lakes, the communities of Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Osoyoos are the perfect Canadian gems to explore in the weeks ahead.
Located in the province’s sunny interior and marked by wilderness experiences, world-class wineries and welcoming hotel, restaurants and cultural attractions, they each feature something that will appeal to everyone.
Here is everything you need to know to discover these B.C. destinations in the months ahead.
How to get here
Whether you prefer to drive or fly, there are several ways to get to the Thompson Okanagan. Major domestic carriers including Air Canada, WestJet and Porter service Kelowna (YLW) and Kamloops (YKA) airports, as well as regional airline Pacific Coastal.
Those travelling to Penticton Regional Airport (CYYF) can book with either WestJet or Pacific Coastal. For those planning on visiting Vernon, it is advised you fly into Kelowna, and, for Osoyoos, to fly into Penticton.
For those driving, the Trans-Canada Highway—which links Vancouver to Calgary—passes through Kamloops. It is about three-and-a-half hours from Vancouver and a seven-hour drive from Calgary. Heading south from that city, the Highway 97 corridor is the main connection for Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Osoyoos. If you are driving from Vancouver, Highway 3, which turns off the Trans-Canada Highway near the community of Hope, will also take you to Osoyoos.
What to expect with the weather
In the northern end of the Thompson Okanagan, Kamloops is known as the second-sunniest city in British Columbia. Spring can be a mix of moderate days with a sprinkling of rain and sunshine, with summers featuring low humidity and temperatures that can reach into the 30s.
Located more in the centre of the region, Kelowna features average May highs of 20 degrees Celsius, though evenings will cool down overnights, so you will want to make sure to pack a jacket or sweater. Summer temperatures are in the mid to high-20s, perfect for enjoying lake activities during the day and other more strenuous outdoor activities in the mornings or evenings.
In the south, Osoyoos is slightly warmer—yet still comfortable—with May’s average temperature around 22, and around 26 in June, again offering ideal temps to hit the local hiking trails or doing some mountain biking.
Pride events to plan for
Several of the cities in the Thompson Okanagan host pride festivities in the late spring and planned to coincide one after the other—so you can maximize your rainbow flag waving. Kelowna Pride Week gets things started with events planned for May 26 to June I, including its Pride March and Festival on May 31.
Running from June 2 to 8, Vernon’s festivities are a mix of fun-filled events and educational experiences for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies. It is followed by Kamloops Pride, a week-long celebration of diversity and inclusivity that runs from June 9 to 15 and closes with a vibrant Pride parade on its final day.
And for those planning ahead for an early fall vacation, visitors to Osoyoos will want to arrive in September for the Osoyoos Pride Arts Festival, which is organized by the South Okanagan Similkameen Pride, an organization that hosts events throughout the year.
Get outdoors this spring
Whether you’re a nature-filled adventure seeker or just a wilderness walker, the Thompson Okanagan is the place for you. In Kamloops, for example, you can easily spend a who day visiting BC Wildlife Park, which is a refuge for nearly 200 animals and 65 different species that are native to the province. That includes some real bears, like the only Kermode bear—also knows a spirit bears—in human care in the world.
Vernon is known as being the Trail Capital of B.C. and features an extensive network that cater to every level of outdoor enthusiast, from walkers to mountain hikers, while in Kelowna you can rent a bike from Myra Canyon Trestles and pedal along a historic railway trail full of amazing views.
If you are in Penticton, and need a cardio fix, take your bike out on the nearly complete Lake-to-Lake Bike Route, a scenic cycling trail that connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake that is opening this spring. In nearby Osoyoos—which is known for its lakes and desert landscapes—do some birdwatching at the Osyoos Desert Centre, on a self-guided walk at the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre or at the Osoyoos Oxbows
Explore the flavours of the region
Along with its desert landscapes, Osoyoos is also full of vineyards, and plays host to the ever-fun Half Corked Marathon—a 20 to 24 kilometre run through vineyards, valleys and roadways where participants refresh at wine stations along the route all while dressed in creative costumes. It is sold-out for this year, but it is still fun to line the route, admire the costumes, and enjoy a glass of wine. While during a visit to Penticton you can take part in a Winemaker Dinner, which are hosted regularly at different wineries and sees local vintages paired with dishes made using delicious local products.
The local bounty is also on display in Kelowna, where early April sees the reopening of the Kelowna Farmers’ Market, a must-stop for local produce and artisanal goods, for the season. The twice weekly market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, features more than 100 vendors selling treats and handicrafts, and there ARE even live performances.
The city is also home to Paynter’s Fruit Market that sells fresh, local fruit and produce, and there are several craft breweries in Kelowna’s north end where you can enjoy a pint or two on a patio. And, in Kelowna, check out the city’s impressive selection of breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries—there are guides that can take you to award-winning wineries and breweries in the region if you are not sure which to visit.
Vernon is also home to a popular farmers’ market and Davison Orchards—it opens in May—where you can try some local, seasonal produce, and visit the K’nmaĺka Sәnqâĺten (Kalamalka Indigenous Garden) to learn about the Syilx Okanagan, their connection to the land and about traditional plants, medicine and foods.
In Kamloops you will find an active dining scene, with everything from cozy cafes and elegant restaurants to brewpubs. There is also the Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market, which is held outdoors during the warmer months in the 200 block of St. Paul Street on Saturday and along the 400 block of Victoria Street on Wednesdays. Along with artisanal creators and handicrafts, it is an opportunity to meet, mingle, support and learn more about local producers.
To discover all the amazing things waiting to be enjoyed by 2SLGBTQIA+ visitors to the welcoming Thompson Okanagan region this spring and summer, visit travellingout.ca.
