Activities in Falka Okanagan, British Columbia

Looking for the best things to do in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, Canada? We covered you.

Falls at Okanagan Falls, British Columbia

We have been creating our home base in Kelowna, BC for over six years. It’s amazing how time flies.

At the time, we were lucky enough to spend a lot of time exploring the sunny Okanagan Valley, with deep, clear lakes, mountains, wineries and abundant orchards.

One of our favorite trips is heading south Kelowna to Okanagan Falls. It’s a beautiful ride, passing through West Kelowna, Summerland, and Peachland Penticton, along the shores of Lake Okanagan.

Okanagan Falls (also called OK Falls) is a smaller city, with a population of about 2,500. The city of Okanagan Falls is located on the southern tip of Lake Skaha.

And the city of Okanagan Falls itself is … how do I say that? Well, the city itself could take advantage of a little beautification. We still enjoy going there, and the surroundings are absolutely stunningly beautiful (especially the wineries and the lake), but the town itself is starting to look a bit tired. Still, we still adore Okanagan Falls and love to visit every time.

Activities in Okanagan Falls, BC

If you are wondering what to do in Okanagan Falls, here are some of our favorite choices, from wineries to waterfalls.

What are the most popular attractions in Okanagan Falls in Canada?

Because Okanagan Falls is a smaller city, there aren’t many tourist attractions like amusement parks or water slides. Still, the lack of tourist traps is part of the charm of a city where the biggest attraction is ice cream called Tickleberries.

Tickleberries

The Tickleberries ice cream shop absolutely must stop at Okanagan Falls.

It is a family business started in 1990. There’s a lot of great stuff here, but with 72 different types of ice cream in stock, we usually start with a delicious cone. If ice cream isn’t your thing, Tickleberry’s makes its own chocolates, candies, candies and corn, and has an interesting collection of items for sale.

Christie Park

Christie Memorial Provincial Park has the longest beach park in OK Falls. It’s right in town, on 7th Avenue on the south shore of Lake Skaha.

More can be done here than hanging out on the well-maintained beach, with beach volleyball courts, wide grassy areas and lots of benches and picnic tables. Christie Park has bathrooms and a dressing area.

If you are here with your dog companion, there is also a beach for dogs.

a trail in the park at OK Falls Okanagan BC

Okanagan Falls KVR Falls

The OK Falls KVR (Kettle Valley Railroad) Bridge is a short walk from Okanagan Falls, next to Christie Park. You will find the bridge at the southern end of Lake Skaha, just as Lake Skaha flows into a five-kilometer-long canal that connects it to Lake Vaseux.

The bridge itself is not very long, but it connects with the Kettle Valley Railway at the northern end, which runs along the western shore of Lake Skaha. It’s a great place to walk and there’s a good chance you’ll see a lot of waterfowl and wildlife.

More exciting is that during the hot summer of OK Falls you will see locals and tourists of all ages jumping off the bridge into the clear water below.

Okanagan Falls Wineries

There are 15 wineries around Okanagan Falls. Undoubtedly, the most famous of them are Liquidity Winery, See Ya Later Ranch and Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars.

Like the rest of the Okanagan Valley, OK Falls are well-suited for wine production, with long, dry and sunny summer days, low risk of autumn frosts and rich soil.

OK Falls wineries include: Black Market Wine Co., Blasted Church, Bonamici cellars, Crescent Hill winery, Echo Bay vineyard, Skaha vineyard, liquidity, Meyer family vineyard, Nighthawk, Noble Ridge vineyard, Pentage winery, Play Estate winery, See Ya Later Ranch, Stag’s Hollow and Wild Goose vineyards.

Overlooking liquid wines near Okanagan BC Falls

What are the best outdoor activities in Okanagan Falls?

Okanagan Falls are all outdoors. The town is located on the southern tip of Lake Skaha, and the mountains are all around.

The warm climate is perfect for wineries, while the lake and mountains mean there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, walks and outdoor activities.

Okanagan Falls

If you’re wondering, “Are there any falls in Okanagan Falls?”, The answer is good … not really.

Unfortunately, the natural waterfalls after which the city is named no longer exist. The city is named after the small double waterfalls at the end of Lake Skaha, where it flows into the Okanagan River. In the 1950s, falls were lost when a flood control dam was built to control the water level flowing south into the Okanagan River.

Depending on the time of year, the dam on Green Lake Road, north of Highway 97, can run quite hard, creating fast currents and rapids.

Campings in Okanagan Falls

The most popular Okanagan Falls camp is a provincial park, aptly named Okanagan Falls Provincial Park. You will also see inscriptions for sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ, which is the name for Okanagan Falls in the local indigenous Sylix language. In fact, it is now officially called sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Provincial Park.

sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ is pronounced s-wuh-wuneet-kw, meaning “small falls”.

The park is managed by the Indian band Osoyoos (OIB). Make camping reservations through Discover Camping with the BC government.

Indian head and peach

The rugged cliffs of the Indian Head in the southwest of Okanagan Falls are some of the most unusual rock formations in Okanagan with huge dark ancient volcanic rocks as well as a pile of hiking trails.

Peach Cliff is east of Okanagan Falls, and at the top is Balancing Rock. Mule fir and high-horned California sheep make this their home, making it a great area for wildlife watching.

wildlife near OK Falls, British Columbia

Lake Skaha in British Columbia

Lake Skaha is one of the warmest lakes in Canada. It is the perfect place for fishing, swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, rowing or simply swimming.

Visit the local Okanagan orchard

With warm summers, Okanagan Falls is home to many fruit stalls along roadsides and in-harvest farms. One of our favorite activities in the Okanagan Valley is a nature ride, stopping at orchards and orchards to enjoy homemade fruits and vegetables.

Climb Skaha Bluffs

There are many routes to choose from, but the climbing walls include Red Tail, Doctor’s Wall, Fortress, Great White Wall, and Grand Canyon and are mostly under 30 feet high.

Do you like outside? Take a look at ours the best hikes in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Dominion Radio Astrophysics Observatory

The Dominion Radio Astrophysics Observatory (DRAO) is located in Caleden, British Columbia, Canada, about 13 minutes drive from Okanagan Falls.

It is an active observatory, internationally known for science and technology, research and development of telescopes, satellite receivers and electronics. Consisting of astrophysicists, astronomers, engineers and technologists, the observatory is known around the world.

The observatory was closed in 2021 for both stand-alone and guided tours due to the pandemic, however in normal times it is open for stand-alone tours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and special guided tours are available upon request.

Skiing or snowboarding at the Apex mountain resort

Mount Apex is a 50-minute drive from Okanagan Falls to Hedley, BC, and west of the Penticton.

The average snowfall is 600 cm (or 20 feet) per year, and groomed and backlog trails are available. There is also an ice rink, and the nearby Nickel Plate Nordic Center offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

It’s smaller than other resorts in Okanagan, like Big White or Sun Peaks, but the cozy atmosphere is part of the charm here.

Baldy Mountain Resort

In the complete opposite direction from Apex, about 55 minutes southwest of Okanagan Falls, is the Baldy Mountain Ski Area.

Baldy Mountain is the third ski resort in British Columbia and is one of the most affordable ski and snowboard ski resorts in BC, Canada. Activities on Mount Baldy include skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There is even a winter golf course with 18 holes, where discs can be rented for something a little different.

Accommodation in Okanagan Falls

Since it is a smaller town, there are only a few accommodation options in OK Falls.

There are only a few options in the town of Okanagan Falls: La Villa Motel, Okanagan Paradise Resorts, Twilight Motel and Holiday Beach Resorts.

Villa Motel. La Villa is a small family-run motel in the heart of Okanagan Falls. Most rooms have a kitchenette, fridge and air conditioning. See prices and availability here.

Okanagan Paradise Resorts. Okanagan Paradise Resorts is an apartment and accommodation unit on Lake Skaha. Prices here.

Holiday Beach Resort Motel. Holiday Beach Motel is located in the heart of OK Falls, across from Christie Park. The apartments have kitchenettes, and there is an outdoor area and barbecue facilities. Check rates and availability at Holiday Beach Motel.

Twilight Motel. Twilight Motel is a small motel with only six rooms. Rooms have a seating area, microwave, refrigerator and toaster. See more.

Shof’s Quarter. Chauffeur’s Quarters is a short 4-minute drive south of OK Falls, near Liquidity Wines. See prices and availability.

Bighorn Ridge Resort. Bed and Breakfast Bighorn Ridge Resort is located about a six-minute drive south of Okanagan Falls. Prices here.

Lake Skaha at Okanagan Falls BC BC Canada sandy beach

Accommodations in Kaladen, BC

Andrews by the lake. Accommodation in St. Andrews is part of a nine-hole golf course. See availability here.

Hill House. Casa Colina is a bed and breakfast just 15 minutes south of the Penticton. It is located on top of a hill with nine acres, beautiful views and lots of space, and even a heated outdoor pool. There are three apartments and a cottage. Look at the prices.

Ponderosa Point Resort. The resort of Ponderos in Caleden has 26 private cabins on the shores of the lake on Lake Skaha itself. It is a beautiful environment and popular among nature lovers who want to get away from it all. The resort itself has many activities, from everything from bowling, tennis to kayaking.

Airbnb in Okanagan Falls

At the moment there are 22 Airbnbs in Okanagan Falls, with everything from living in single rooms to apartments to whole houses located in vineyards.

Looking for great deals for your next Airbnb? Click here to get a $ 35 credit on your new account!

Hotels on Lake Vaseux, BC

Vaseux Lakeside Resort. Vaseux Lakeside Resort is a complex of four townhouses on the shores of Lake Vaseux. Look at the prices.

Okanagan Falls Restaurants

Pizza Kettle Valley and Donair. In the city of Okanagan Falls itself, this pizza restaurant offers thin or thick crust, chicken wings, smoothies and shakes.

Falls Restaurant. Falls Restaurant has Chinese food for dinner and Western breakfast. It is well rated and is a local favorite for good portions.

Bullies Pizza. Bullies Pizza offers pizza with homemade sauce and fresh toppings, as well as pasta.

KJ Caffe bar. KJ is a local cafe with a French-Canadian touch. The coffee is fresh, the bread is homemade, and the locals and tourists are thrilled with this place.

Smoke & Oak Bistro. Smoke & Oak is a few miles south of town.

History of Okanagan Falls

Syilx language speaker and traditional environmentalist Richard Armstrong shares the name Syilx, the meaning, history and cultural significance behind the area known today as OK Falls.