yestravel

We're planning to drive cross country this summer. We have been chunking the trip and taking it small sections at a time for planning purposes. We've got it going across the US, up the coast and to Ucluelet. Two places we have never been to and want to visit in Canada after Ucluelet (&Tofino) are the Sunshine Coast and Okanagan Valley. We're interested in hearing places people like there. We enjoy hiking, art museums, architecture, good food and oddities. Your suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

sludick

Sunshine Coast is wonderful. Don't miss the Laughing Oyster restaurant in Powell River. Wonderful food and views, maybe music. http://laughingoyster.ca

sundriedtopepo

The Okanagan lakes are so beautiful in summer. The whole valley is prime camping in the summertime, so lots of tourists escaping the Wet Coast to the dry warmth of the interior. There are estate wineries all throughout from north to south.

The drive up to the Okanagan is very scenic as well. Highway 5, which branches off at Hope and goes north to Merritt, then west to Peachland, is an easy drive in the summer. As you come into Peachland, the road goes south to Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos, or north to Kelowna and Vernon.

We love Penticton because it's central for wineries in the area (also because my sister lives there ) Some of our favorites are along the Naramata Bench, where there are also some good b&b's with amazing views over Okanagan Lake.
There is a hike along the old Kettle Valley railway line that goes along the Naramata bench, winding through orchards, and increasingly, vineyards.
Best wineries along the bench, in my opinion, are La Frenz, Lake Breeze for whites and lunch, Hillside for the restaurant, and Joie Farm, but there are many others to try too. Tasting fees are very reasonable, and most don't charge if you buy a bottle or two.
http://www.joiefarm.com/

Our favorite restaurant in Penticton is Theo's, the best Greek food anywhere, and very atmospheric with different rooms, a deck, a big old Greek fireplace and pics of the owners' family from the early days.

Kelowna is much bigger, traffic can be pretty snarly in the summer, but on the Mission side of the lake are a couple of nice hotels. Great if you like water sports and a gorgeous peaceful spot to enjoy the view.
A couple of beautiful wineries to enjoy on the westside are Mission Hill and Quail's Gate. The restaurant at Quail's Gate is very popular and for good reason; so are the wines, particularly whites and pinot noir. Reservations required.

Osoyoos is the biggest of the small towns if you choose to take the southern route. We love a weekend or so at the Watermark Resort but there are also a couple of nice places on the water around the lake.

Also in Osoyoos, Nk'Mip Resort has a really good restaurant, and their patio is a lovely spot for lunch with a view over the lake.
Meyer Family vineyard and Blue Mountain in the area have very very good Pinot Noirs.

So Kelowna is bigger, more amenities, more posh hotels, while Penticton is more of a small town feel, and it has 2 lakes, both with nice beaches.

I hope this somewhat conveys how much we love the Okanagan. It looks somewhat desert-like, but with all those vineyards, orchards and beautiful blue lakes, it can't fail to impress. If you are there mid-July it shouldn't be too hot yet.
Hope this helps!

sludick

Great advice from sundriedtopepo. Nk'Mip - Spirit Ridge - is a lovely place to stay, too, as is Watermark. Another winery with a restaurant that has awesome views is Burrowing Owl.

Enjoy.

yestravel

Thanks so much -- this is so helpful!

sundriedtopepo

Happy to help!

immimi

If you are going to Lund drop by Nancy's for a berry scone and a view of the busy harbour ( esp. if it's spot prawn season).

In Powell River the funky little Casa del Sol makes great tacos that you can enjoy while sitting on the deck watching the ferry dock. The resto is in the original town jail all done up Mexicana.