I'm going on holiday for two weeks in August with my boyfriend. After a weekend in Whistler, we're going to Tyax Mountain Lake for 4 nights - has anyone been to Tyax, have any feedback? From there, I'd like to spend 3 or so days in the Okanagan before heading back to Vancouver. Where would anyone recommend to go? (B&B's & hotels/resorts, not camping) What are the must-sees? Also, I'd like to stay in a winery, with a nice restaurant, near a beach (within easy walk or driving distance). Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Diane

I've stayed at Sandy Beach Resort B&B room in Naramta (near Penticton)..loved the beach, close to wineries.

I second Sandy Beach! It's right on the beach in lovely little Naramata. The B&B lodge includes breakfast, the more expensive cabins don't. They have boats, tennis court, pool, hot tub, etc. Try Lake Breeze Vineyard just down the road for lunch, or Hillside Estates closer to downtown Penticton. If you'd like a photo of the beach and the lodge at Sandy Beach, write to me at [email protected] and I'll email them to you.

Things to do besides visiting wineries:
Naramata - bike or hike the Kettle Valley trail, visit the lavender farm
Summerland - take the steam train, hike up Giant's Head, buy syrup/jam at Summerland Sweets
Penticton - visit the SS Sicamous

I've never been to Tyax.

Visit any visitor centre in the Okanagan...they will have maps with all sorts of wine tours. They are all over the place...one of my favorite things to do in the summer

Sandy Beach sounds great, thanks very much for the recommendation. Do you know how long it would take to drive from Tyax (near Lilloet/Gold Bridge) to Naramata? Is this viable in 1 day, or is it better to do a stop off, say in Kamloops/Kelowna?

It's an easy one day drive.
I always recommend Gehringer Bros Winery-http://www.winepressnw.com/wineries/okanaganvalley/gehringer.html - fine whites in the German style by true artisans.
Their best products are for sale only @ the winery.
http://www.joie.ca/ is a place I haven't tried but looks interesting-just what the area needs.
http://www.bcwine.com/
http://winepressnw.com/bc/
http://www.winegrowers.bc.ca/Default.asp

Do the drive in 1 day. The drive from Kelowna to Penticton is quite nice. You will be driving along the lakes district, very scenic, but one lane each way for part of the drive , so it's not a fast drive - just enjoy the scenery. While passing through Kelowna, stop at a winery or two...you may not come up this way again as there are so many wineries in the Penticton, Naramata area. Mission Hill is a large, established winery that is interesting to check out - has a great view of Lake Okanagan, which you will drive alongside for several miles and swim in when in Naramata. Also stop at a fruit stand along the way for some fresh fruit to take with you along the way.

Thanks everyone for all your help. Sandy Beach doesn't actually have availability when I want to go there - does anyone know anyone else nice to stay in Naramata? (b&b)

Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa looks very nice, but it just doesn't have the setting of Sandy Beach.