Things To Do
in Lake Country
Lake Country is a semi-rural municipality in the central Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada, set between Kelowna and Vernon along the shores of Okanagan and Wood Lakes. The area is known for its orchards, vineyards, quiet lakefront communities (Winfield, Oyama, and Okanagan Centre) and a relaxed, outdoors-oriented lifestyle. Visitors come for water sports, cycling and hiking on nearby trails, and to taste wines and fruit produced in the fertile valley.
Seasonal festivals, farm gates and easy access to Kelowna’s services make Lake Country a convenient base for exploring the Okanagan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Kelowna and check into your lakeview accommodation. Breathe in the crisp Okanagan air and take in panoramic vistas from your balcony. Fuel up with a locally roasted coffee at a nearby café.
Wander through downtown Kelowna to explore artisan shops and galleries. Stroll along the waterfront boardwalk and watch sailboats drift by on Okanagan Lake. Sample fresh pastries at a patisserie before heading back for a short rest.
Dine at a farm-to-table bistro serving seasonal Okanagan produce. Sip a flight of craft beer at a local brewery while chatting with friendly brewers. End the night with a lakeside walk under twinkling stars.
Join a guided boat tour for an immersive Okanagan Lake cruise. Learn about the history and geology of the region from your knowledgeable skipper. Capture unforgettable photos of shimmering water framed by mountain silhouettes.
Anchor at a secluded cove for a lakeside picnic prepared by a local gourmet deli. Take a refreshing swim or try stand-up paddleboarding in calm, crystal-clear waters. Lounge on the deck and soak up warm sunshine while diving into a good novel.
Return to the marina as mellow sunset hues paint the sky over the lake. Indulge in fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant known for its panoramic views. Toast to a perfect day on the water with a chilled glass of Okanagan white wine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $6-9 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| 🚗Local taxi / ride-share (3–5 km) | $10-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lake and vineyard scenery with plentiful outdoor activities
- Close to Kelowna while retaining a quieter, small-town feel
- Abundant local fruit and winery experiences, especially in summer and fall
- Limited public transit and services in some areas—a car is useful
- Can be very busy and pricier during peak summer weekends and harvest season
- Seasonal wildfire smoke is a potential concern in late summer
Places to Visit in Lake Country
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset over the lake create dramatic light for reflections, sailboats and mountains in the distance—excellent for wide panoramas and golden-hour portraits.
Rows of vines and fruit trees offer graphic lines and seasonal colors—spring blossoms and autumn harvest provide particularly photogenic scenes.
Gentle trail with viewpoints over lakes and wetland areas—good for action shots of cyclists, landscape compositions and intimate nature photography.
Historic farm estate, waterfall and rugged shoreline provide varied backdrops for nature and heritage photography (short drive from Lake Country).
Local ridges and viewpoints above the valley offer sweeping vistas of the lake, vineyards and distant peaks—best during clear weather or sunrise/sunset.
Food in Lake Country
Lake Country Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught or regionally sourced freshwater fish prepared simply—find it on menus at lakeside restaurants and seasonal bistros.
Must-Try!
Fresh stone fruit in season (late summer) appears in pies, tarts and preserves sold at farm stands and cafes across the valley.
Perfect accompaniment to local wines at tasting rooms—look for plates featuring regional cheeses, cured meats and pickles.
Pacific smoked salmon offered as appetizers or on breakfast dishes; widely available at markets and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers’ markets and roadside fruit stands in Winfield and Oyama sell fresh cherries, peaches, apples, local honey and preserves—ideal for picnics and tasting the harvest.
In summer look for weekend pop-ups, community market stalls and winery food trucks offering tacos, BBQ and wood-fired items near wineries and parks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are polite and respectful—queueing, saying "please" and "thank you" are expected in shops and services.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out rubbish, stay on trails and respect private farmland and posted signs.
Lake Country sits on the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation—be respectful, seek permission for photography of cultural sites and support Indigenous businesses where possible.
Residential and rural areas are quiet, particularly at night—avoid loud behavior and respect local quiet hours.
Safety
Tipping in Lake Country
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or $2–5 for exceptional service; tip taxi drivers and hotel staff modestly. For small cafes and market stalls a tip jar is appreciated but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (tap/EMV common). Contactless payment and mobile wallets are increasingly used; carry some cash for small market purchases. ATMs are available in larger centres and Kelowna.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and sunny—perfect for swimming, boating, cycling and outdoor festivals; expect busy weekends and higher prices in July–August. Pack sunscreen, a hat and book popular activities in advance.
Harvest season with cooling temperatures and spectacular foliage in orchards and vineyards; ideal for wine tasting, cider events and quieter trails. Some facilities close after the main tourist season.
Mild compared with interior BC mountains but cold nights and occasional snow are possible—lakeside views are peaceful; nearby ski resorts are accessible for day trips. Bring layers and be prepared for icy roads at times.
Blossoming orchards and warming days; variable weather with cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Great time for fewer crowds, lower rates and spring birding.
Lake Country at Night
Hiking in Lake Country
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multi-use trail linking communities with scenic lake and orchard views—suitable for walking, cycling and easy day hikes along mostly flat terrain.
Short hikes to waterfalls, historic estate grounds and rocky shorelines; great for mixed landscape photos and moderate walking distances.
Short, accessible strolls around Wood Lake and small nature reserves offer birdwatching and peaceful shoreline scenery—ideal for families and gentle hikes.
Farm roads and vineyard tracks provide pleasant walking routes through cultivated landscapes—ask landowners for permission where properties are private.
Airports
How to reach Lake Country by plane.
Primary regional airport serving the central Okanagan with regular domestic flights and seasonal connections; about 20–40 minutes' drive to most parts of Lake Country.
Smaller airport to the south (around 1.5 hours’ drive) offering limited regional flights—useful for travel within the Okanagan but less convenient than Kelowna.
Larger regional airport to the north-west (roughly 2 hours’ drive) with connections to some Canadian destinations—an option for alternate routing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term families who work in agriculture, services and nearby Kelowna contribute to a community-oriented feel.
Attractive climate and relaxed lifestyle draw retirees and seasonal residents seeking quieter lakeside living.
The area is on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) peoples—Indigenous culture and history are important to local identity.
Tourists in summer and seasonal workers during harvest time form an important temporary population, especially around orchards and wineries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
As across Canada, hockey is popular at youth and adult levels; local rinks host community leagues and events.
Golfing is a popular recreational activity thanks to several scenic courses in the central Okanagan.
Sailing, powerboating, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and kayaking are widely enjoyed on the lakes during summer.
Road cycling and trail/rail-trail riding are common, with many recreational and serious cyclists taking advantage of quiet roads and scenic routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lake Country.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common—many cafés and bistros offer salads, grain bowls and vegetable-focused mains. Ask about using local cheeses and eggs.
Vegan choices exist but can be limited in smaller establishments. Larger cafés and Kelowna-area restaurants (short drive) have broader vegan menus; call ahead to confirm.
Gluten-free options are widely available; most eateries can accommodate allergies with GF bread or pasta substitutes—always inform staff about cross-contamination concerns.