Peaks and Vineyards
self drive tour
Explore the vineyards of wonderful Okanagan region, with its abundant fruit farms and cellar doors offering tastings of some of Canada’s best wines. Stroll along lakesides, sample the local vintages and relax in the roadside cafes and bars. The head for the mountains where the air is fresh, the scenery stunning and the hiking trails endless as you relax in the European style resort of Sun Peaks. And as you head back to Vancouver, stop off in Whistler, Canada’s leading mountain resort in both summer and winter.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8-10
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Day 11
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Day 12-13
Day 1 : UK - Vancouver
On arrival at Vancouver airport collect your rental car and make your way to your downtown hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2 : Vancouver
A free day to explore the city. Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver has a thriving multicultural ambiance. The city enjoys a spectacular setting with the Coast Mountains across Burrard Inlet to the north, and the waters of the Strait of Georgia to the west. It is easy to have an authentic experience and get to the heart of what makes this city so different. With vibrant neighbourhoods it doesn’t matter where you go today – you’ll enjoy discovering the sights and simply wandering, dining and shopping. Check out neighbourhoods like the beachside West End area, Gastown’s hip streets and uber-hip Yaletown.
Day 3 : Vancouver - Osoyoos (398km)
Leave Vancouver and head for the BC interior. On the way stop at Harrison Hot Springs where the public springs offer mineral enriched waters that soothe the muscles of weary travellers. Harrison Lake offers a pleasant place to relax or rent a paddle boat and do some exploring on the calm waters. Continue to Osoyoos and relax for the evening in this pleasant lakefront community. Overnight in Osoyoos for two nights where your hotel is right on the lakeside.
Day 4 : Osoyoos
Beach-lovers rejoice – a day at the waterside under the sun on the shores of Osoyoos Lake rivals any oceanfront destination. Visit the wineries of the Osoyoos and Oliver region along the Black Sage bench and the Golden Mile. Did you know that Canada has a desert? The grasslands and bald hills outside the town of Osoyoos are an extension of the Sonoran Desert that runs as far south as Mexico and creeps north to form Canada’s only arid desert. Perhaps take a guided or unguided 1.5km boardwalk through Canada’s desert landscape at the Osoyoos Desert Centre. Learn about the sensitive ecosystem which is home to 100 rare plants and 300 animals found nowhere else in Canada. The Centre also features an interpretive facility with hands-on exhibits and a native plant demonstration garden.
Day 5 : Osoyoos to Kelowna (123km)
Head north this morning to Okanagan Falls at the mouth of the Skaha Lake. Follow the road along the lakeside for a while as you head to Picton and perhaps stop for lunch in this lakeside town on the shores of lake Okanagan. This afternoon drive the western shore of the lake before crossing to Kelowna on the eastern shore where you stay for two nights.
Day 6 : Kelowna
A free day in Kelowna to relax. Check out the energetic downtown and beautiful waterfront boardwalk. Go on a tour of the many local Okanagan wineries, restaurants, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Relax by the lake at one of the many beaches or take to the water for endless lake activities. Visit the farms, orchards, markets, or many local restaurants for delicious seasonal products grown right here. Looking to play a round? Try one of 19 golf courses; Kelowna is a must-play destination for every golf enthusiast!
Day 7 : Kelowna to Sun Peaks (199 KM)
Leave the Okanagan Valley behind today as you head for the mountains. Perhaps stop for lunch in the pleasant town of salmon Arm on the shores of Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. Then continue into the mountains to the European style mountain resort village of Sun Peaks for a four night stay.
Day 8-10 : Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks enjoys not one but three mountains; Tod Mountain, Sundance and Mount Morrisey which in winter offer superb ski-in, ski-out runs to the village below. Summer days in Sun Peaks bring refreshing temperatures and breathtaking 360-degree mountain views. Experience alpine hiking across a dozen trails, biking, golfing on the highest course in British Columbia, family activities and more. Wander through the European-style pedestrian-only village and enjoy the restaurants, cafés and shops. In peak summer there’s often a range of outdoor events to enjoy too.
Day 11 : Sun Peaks to Whistler (183km)
Leave this morning for Lillooet known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail, then enjoy breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier as you drive the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler, Canada’s leading winter sports destination. The attractive village centre sits at the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Day 12-13 : Whistler to Vancouver airport (134km) - UK
Be sure to leave yourself time to enjoy the views as you drive back to Vancouver airport and return your car in time to check in for your homeward flight.
