calgary to kelowna
Apr 4th, 2007, 08:57 AM
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calgary to kelowna
My family is planning a week in August. We fly into Calgary and would like to spend a few days in Banff. From there we would like to head into BC. I've heard Golden and Kelowna are nice. Any suggestions?
Apr 4th, 2007, 09:30 AM
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Just as well I clicked on your name, looked at one of your previous posts, and got some <b><i><u>CONTEXT</u></i></b>. It saved me from having to type, and you having to read, my long lecture about the craziness of undertaking such a venture. The fact that you are repeat visitors to the Canadian Rockies makes <b>all the difference</b>.
The area around Golden is nice. But it's just a hour's drive west of Lake Louise. So the scenery around there does not represent a huge change from the Banff / Lake Louise area. But it's true that Yoho National Park, which lies between Lake Louise and Golden, is especially scenic. Also, the 2-hour drive from Golden to Revelstoke, includes Rogers Pass, and it too is a very scenic, mountainous area.
The Okanagan Valley, in which Kelowna is situated, is not as dramatic from a scenery point of view. I would call it hilly more than mountainous. It is a relatively arid region.
People who have been to Italy say that the Okanagan Valley reminds them of some parts of that country. Other people who have been to Australia’s Barossa Valley north of Adelaide say it reminds them of that. What it reminds me of is the wine producing region to the north of Cape Town, South Africa. In fact, when my husband and I are in the Okanagan, we have to pinch ourselves to remind ourselves that we’re in Canada and not in our native Southern Africa.
The Okanagan has attractive, long, narrow lakes running down the middle of the valley, from north to south. There are some nice beaches along the lakes. There are lots of water sports on the lakes. The area is known for its fruit orchards and vineyards. Visiting vineyards for wine tasting is a popular activity. There are golf courses, for those who are so inclined. You can ride the Kettle Valley Railway’s steam train.
Kelowna is the biggest town in the Okanagan Valley. It's too big for my taste. I would stay in a town no bigger than Penticton. That town, Penticton, is quite nice from the point of view that it is wedged between two lakes, and you can enjoy them both.
From a town size point of view, I prefer Oliver and Osoyoos, which are still smaller than Penticton.
What I think is nicest of all is a really small town like Naramata.
But do be aware of distances. Use Map Quest ( www.mapquest.com ) to figure them out. Basically it takes pretty much a full day to travel from the Okanagan to Calgary.
The Okanagan Valley actually is closer to Vancouver than it is to Calgary. In that sense, Vancouver Airport might be a better gateway.
There also are some regional airports, e.g., in Kelowna.
I've just thought of another thing. The Okanagan Valley sometimes does get very hot in summer. It can experience weather in the 100 deg F range. But it's a dry heat. Also, when you're on vacation, you're living in swimsuits, shorts, tank tops and sandals, so that makes the heat easier to take too. Still, I thought you should be aware of that.
Hope that helps.
The area around Golden is nice. But it's just a hour's drive west of Lake Louise. So the scenery around there does not represent a huge change from the Banff / Lake Louise area. But it's true that Yoho National Park, which lies between Lake Louise and Golden, is especially scenic. Also, the 2-hour drive from Golden to Revelstoke, includes Rogers Pass, and it too is a very scenic, mountainous area.
The Okanagan Valley, in which Kelowna is situated, is not as dramatic from a scenery point of view. I would call it hilly more than mountainous. It is a relatively arid region.
People who have been to Italy say that the Okanagan Valley reminds them of some parts of that country. Other people who have been to Australia’s Barossa Valley north of Adelaide say it reminds them of that. What it reminds me of is the wine producing region to the north of Cape Town, South Africa. In fact, when my husband and I are in the Okanagan, we have to pinch ourselves to remind ourselves that we’re in Canada and not in our native Southern Africa.
The Okanagan has attractive, long, narrow lakes running down the middle of the valley, from north to south. There are some nice beaches along the lakes. There are lots of water sports on the lakes. The area is known for its fruit orchards and vineyards. Visiting vineyards for wine tasting is a popular activity. There are golf courses, for those who are so inclined. You can ride the Kettle Valley Railway’s steam train.
Kelowna is the biggest town in the Okanagan Valley. It's too big for my taste. I would stay in a town no bigger than Penticton. That town, Penticton, is quite nice from the point of view that it is wedged between two lakes, and you can enjoy them both.
From a town size point of view, I prefer Oliver and Osoyoos, which are still smaller than Penticton.
What I think is nicest of all is a really small town like Naramata.
But do be aware of distances. Use Map Quest ( www.mapquest.com ) to figure them out. Basically it takes pretty much a full day to travel from the Okanagan to Calgary.
The Okanagan Valley actually is closer to Vancouver than it is to Calgary. In that sense, Vancouver Airport might be a better gateway.
There also are some regional airports, e.g., in Kelowna.
I've just thought of another thing. The Okanagan Valley sometimes does get very hot in summer. It can experience weather in the 100 deg F range. But it's a dry heat. Also, when you're on vacation, you're living in swimsuits, shorts, tank tops and sandals, so that makes the heat easier to take too. Still, I thought you should be aware of that.
Hope that helps.
Apr 24th, 2007, 11:19 AM
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Yes, I agree, the Okanagon is a better bet, Check out Summerland and Penticton at one end and Sicamous and Salmon Arm at the other. Unfortunately, you really have to go through Kelowna to do this trip. K is just as dreadful as the other poster indicated..all shopping malls and fast food places, but the highway goes right through the middle...plan on early in the AM (like before 8) or after 7pm-it is such a zoo otherwise. But the rest of the OK valley is SO worth it.
Apr 24th, 2007, 12:44 PM
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Before everyone dismisses Golden as a stop, there are other activities besides mountain biking in the summer. Among other things, it's the centre for white-water rafting on the Kicking Horse River with a number of companies offering expeditions, and for the less adventurous, there are jet-boat tours on the Columbia.
http://www.canyonjet.ca/index.html
The Kicking Horse gondola and Eagle's Eye restaurant at the top are quite spectacular.
The Okanagan is certainly attractive, but I agree with others that Kelowna is not the best place to stay.
http://www.canyonjet.ca/index.html
The Kicking Horse gondola and Eagle's Eye restaurant at the top are quite spectacular.
The Okanagan is certainly attractive, but I agree with others that Kelowna is not the best place to stay.
