Biking -- The best Okanagan Valley off-road bike trail is the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The tracks and ties have been removed, making way for some incredibly scenic biking. The most picturesque and challenging section of the route is from Naramata, north of Penticton along the east side of Okanagan Lake. The rails-to-trails route climbs up steep switchbacks to Chute Lake and then across 17 trestles (recently rebuilt after burning in a forest fire) as it traverses Myra Canyon. The entire mountain bike route from Naramata to Westbridge in the Kettle River Valley is 175km (109 miles) and can take from 3 to 5 days. For more information on cycling the route, contact the visitor center above, or contact the Bike Barn, 300 W. Westminster (tel. 250/492-4140), which has bike rentals and lots of friendly advice. Also check the website at www.spiritof2010trail.ca.
Boating & Watersports -- The Okanagan Valley's numerous local marinas offer full-service boat rentals. One of the most convenient, the Marina on Okanagan Lake, 291 Front St., Penticton (tel. 250/492-2628), rents ski-boats, Tigersharks (similar to jet skis or Sea-Doos), fishing boats, and tackle.
A popular activity is renting a rubber raft from Coyote Cruises (tel. 205/492-2115), in the blue building along the river at Riverside Drive, then floating from Okanagan Lake down to Skaha Lake, which takes about 2 hours. On a hot day, you'll be joined by hundreds of other people in rafts, inner tubes, and rubber dinghies; the water fight of your life is almost guaranteed.
Skiing -- Cross-country and powder skiing are the Okanagan Valley's main winter attractions. Intermediate and expert downhill skiers frequent the Apex Resort, Green Mountain Road, Penticton (tel. 800/387-2739, 250/492-2880, 250/292-8111, or 250/492-2929, ext. 2000, for snow report; www.apexresort.com), with 56 runs and 52km (32 miles) of cross-country ski trails. Day passes are C$60 adults, C$49 seniors and ages 13 to 18, and C$37 kids 12 and under. Facilities include an ice rink, snow golf, sleigh rides, casino nights, and racing competitions.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
