RV Lifestyle From the moment you first see the Okanagan Valley, it is obviously a special place. The Okanagan is characterized by a dry, sunny climate, beautiful landscapes and a series of lakes. In the centre of British Columbia, near the very bottom of Canada, there is a desert. Dust kicks up and hovers in the air with each step, as if trekking through the Arizona outback. Surrounding the desert, however, are grasslands that look and feel as arid and dry as the official desert territory. But, within this land, there is fertility. The desert and sandy slopes and benches that make up the South Okanagan also double as wine country, bursting with goodness. On the horizon are mountains of green foliage, aqua blue lakes and, in the distance, rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see. Before becoming a wine destination, the Okanagan was a family holiday spot, best known for its “beaches and peaches” – the lakes with their sandy shores, boating and waterskiing, as well as the countless farm stands offering fresh produce and fruit. The beaches and peaches – and cherries, apricots, apples and pears – are still there, and the Okanagan still welcomes families. With its mild, dry climate, the region is also popular with golfers, hikers and bikers. Two towns are standouts for their concentration of vineyards and wineries: Oliver (named for longago British Columbia premier JohnOliver) and Osoyoos (which shares a name with one of seven Okanagan bands; pronounce it “oo-SUE-yooze”). Together, the towns boast 39 wineries that extend from the lush valley into the semi-arid mountains which surround the area. The South Okanagan A Special Place Osoyoos and Osoyoos Lake 22 | www.snowbirds.org
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