Springtime in the Okanagan brings no end of things to do

“LOCATED midway between the
Rocky Mountains and the Pacific
Ocean, and just a few hours from
the Lower Mainland, lie the
Okanagan and Similkameen
valleys.

’This region, in south central
British Columbia, is home to roll-
ing hills, fresh-water lakes, and
snowy peaks that create a hubub
of activity.

While the area is semi-arid and
contains one of several Canadian
deserts, it is also home to moun-
tains and forests, as well as an
abundance of fresh water in the
form of the Similkameen River,
Okanagan Lake, , and ‘many other
- lakes and rivers.

One .of the.things that draws
people to this region is its climate
— for 2,000 hours of every year,

the Okanagan Valley basks -in
sunshine.

The area is famous as a fruit
producer with fruit stands dotting
the roadsides across the Okanagan
from eary in the summer.

While cherries, apples and
peaches can be picked ripe from
the trees or purchased at a local
fruit stand, one fruit grown in the
Okanagan is more commonly pur-
chased by the bottle.

The Okanagan Valley is one of
the country’s major wine produc-
ing areas with 17 wineries that

open their doors for public tours ©

and tastings.
‘Once travellers have quenched

-their thirst for fresh fruit and fine

wines, the region has myriad out-
door activities available to suit
every taste.

Photo D Don Welxl
iF BOATING is an appealing pastime, then sailing on the lakes of

the Okanagan ~ like this one near Vernon — is a perfect choice.

OKANAGAN SEASONS
_RESORT

Fabuicus SKE PACKAGES

Big White/Silver Star/Apex Alpine
Indoor Pool * Jacuzzi e Sauna « Fitness Centre
¢ 24 Hr. Movies, Sports & Disney « Restaurant » Lounge

per person
double occupancy

INCLUDES: * 1 Night acrommodation ¢ 1 Lift Ticket per person
» Full Breakfast « Full Use of Resort Facilities

4580 Highway 33 West, Kelowna, B.C.
Canada V1X 129

“reseevarions: (GO4) 860-5707

FAX: (604) 860-3033

From the region’s major centres
— Kelowna, Penticton, and Ver-
non — Visitors have access to any
number of activities as well as be-
ing able to enjoy the sites and
sounds of .a more urban environ-
ment.

Fishing, hiking, boating, para-
sailing, camping, rafting, and
cycling are popular pastimes,
along with waterskiing, bird
watching, mountain biking and
horseback riding.

Families can enjoy special at-
tractions suited to all ages in-
cluding waterslides and beaches.

The more adventurous might try
out some bungy jumping, wind
surfing or hot-air ballooning —
and everyone can enjoy beautiful
scenery across the region.

Home to some of the best ski-
ing in the province, the area
allows enthusiasts to try their
skills in several locations including
Silver Star, Big White, and Apex
Alpine.

Exchange the ski boots for golf
shoes and the fun doesn’t stop,
with courses throughout the valilies
to suit every ability level.

The spectator can take in races
and rodeos as well as theatre, or
visit history museums, art galler-
ies, or heritage sites.

But one of the most popular
spectator sports in the area is
done on the shores of Okanagan
Lake with a patient eye and a
camera. Kelowna’s most famous
resident is Ogopogo, the legendary
lake serpent that is spotted cach
summer enjoying the Okanagan
sunshine. :

Although the beast is the sub-
ject of much curiosity and con-

troversy (is it an actual or a
mythical creature?), the B.C.
Wildlife Act prohibits any harm
being done to Ogopogo.

And if your thirst is for know-
ledge, the Okanagan Similkameen
region is also home to the

* Okanagan Summer School of the’

Arts, the Okanagan Hockey and
Goaltenders School. the
Hatheume Lake my Fishing

Schoo!, the Lance Lundy School
of Golf, and the Waterski School.
For more information on_ this
region of the province, call the
Okanagan - Similkameen Tourism
Association at 769-5959.

For more on individual com-
munities, contact the Chambers of
Commerce or the Travel InfoCen-
tres in those areas.

GETAWAY

10 Free Mini Vacations
3 days and 2 nights in the

KELOWNA _
Name
Address
City

Phone

If you win ... would you prefer

R.V. Rental Space

or Hotel/Resort Accommodations

; _Postal Code

Occupation

| Yes CJ No
Yes No

Draw date is April 15th, 1993 married [] singte [-]

_ All entries must be received in our office by this date.

H Please mail to:
_ Kelowna Getaway

PO. Box 377, Winfield: B.C. VOH 260 oS

" PENTICTON; B.C. -V2A 7MS

‘. Tel ( 604) 493: 8221

FAX: = (004 493- 0607 ,

“CALL TOLL FREF
“ 1-800-663-9400