Looking for the best things to do in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, Canada? We’ve got you covered.
We’ve made our home base in Kelowna, BC, for over six years now. It’s amazing how time flies.
In that time, we’ve been fortunate enough to spend plenty of time exploring the sunny Okanagan Valley, with its deep, clear lakes, mountains, wineries, and abundant orchards.
One of our favorite trips is to head south from Kelowna to Okanagan Falls. It’s a beautiful drive, passing through West Kelowna, Summerland, Peachland, and Penticton, along the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Okanagan Falls (also called OK Falls) itself is a smaller town, with a population of only around 2,500 residents. The town of Okanagan Falls is located on the southern tip of Skaha Lake.
The town of Okanagan Falls itself is… how do I say this? Well, the town itself could use a little bit of beautification. We still enjoy heading there, and the surrounding area is absolutely stunningly beautiful (especially the wineries and lake), but the town itself is beginning to look a bit tired. That said, we still adore Okanagan Falls, and love visiting every time.
Things to do in Okanagan Falls, BC
If you’re wondering what to do in Okanagan Falls, here are some of our favorite picks, from wineries to waterfalls.
What are the top attractions to visit in Okanagan Falls, Canada?
Because Okanagan Falls is a smaller town, there aren’t a lot of tourist attractions like amusement parks or water slides. That said, the lack of tourist traps is part of the charm in a town where the biggest attraction is an ice cream parlor called Tickleberries.
Tickleberries
Tickleberries ice cream shop is an absolute must stop in Okanagan Falls.
It’s a family owned business started back in 1990. There’s a lot that’s great here, but with 72 different kinds of ice cream in stock, we usually start with a delicious ice cream cone. If ice cream isn’t your thing, Tickleberry’s makes it’s own chocolates, fudge, candies and kettle 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 Skaha Lake.
There’s more to do here than hang out on the well maintained beach, with beach volleyball courts, wide grassy areas, and plenty of benches and picnic tables. Christie Park has washrooms and change areas.
If you’re here with your canine companion, there’s also a dog beach.
Okanagan Falls KVR Kettle Bridge
The OK Falls KVR (Kettle Valley Railway) Bridge is a short walk from the town of Okanagan Falls, and right next to Christie Park. You’ll find the bridge at the South end of Skaha Lake, just as Skaha Lake empties into the five km long channel that connects it to Vaseux Lake.
The bridge itself isn’t very long, but it connects to the Kettle Valley Railway Trail on the North end, which runs along the West shore of Skaha Lake. It’s a great place for a walk, and there’s a good chance you’ll see plenty of waterfowl and wildlife.
More excitingly, during OK Falls hot summer, you’ll 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. Of these, the most well known are arguably Liquidity Winery, See Ya Later Ranch, and Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars.
Like the rest of the Okanagan Valley, OK Falls is well suited for wine production, with long, dry and sunny summer days, low risk of autumn frost, and rich soil.
The Wineries at OK Falls 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.
What are the best outdoor activities in Okanagan Falls?
Okanagan Falls is all about the outdoors. The town is nestled at the southern tip of Skaha Lake, with mountains all around.
The warm climate is perfect for wineries, while the lake and mountains mean there are plenty of opportunities for watersports, hikes and outdoor activities too.
Okanagan Falls Waterfalls
If you’re wondering, ” Are there falls in Okanagan Falls?”, the answer is well… not really.
Unfortunately, the natural waterfalls the town is named after no longer exist. The town was named after small twin waterfalls at the end of Skaha Lake, where it emptied into the Okanagan River. In the 1950s, the falls were lost when a flood control dam was built to control the level of water flowing south into the Okanagan River.
Depending on the time of year, the dam on Green Lake Road, just north of Highway 97, can run fairly strong, creating a fast current and rapids.
Okanagan Falls Camping
The most popular Okanagan Falls campground is the provincial park, aptly named Okanagan Falls Provincial Park. You’ll also see signage for sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ, which is the name for Okanagan Falls in the local indigenous Sylix language. In fact, it’s now now officially named sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Provincial Park.
sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ is pronounced s-wuh-wuneet-kw, means “little falls”.
The park is managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB). Make camping reservations through Discover Camping with the BC government.
Indian Head and Peach Cliff
Indian Head’s ragged cliffs to the southwest of Okanagan Falls are some of the most unusual rock formations in the Okanagan with huge dark ancient volcanic rock as well as a bunch of hiking trails.
Peach Cliff is just east of Okanagan Falls, with Balancing Rock perched at the top. Mule deer and California bighorn sheep make this their home, so it’s great area for wildlife viewing.
Skaha Lake in British Columbia
Skaha Lake is one of the warmest lakes in Canada. It’s the perfect place to fish, swim, water ski, wake board, sail, paddleboard or just go for a swim.
Visit a Local Okanagan Orchard
With it’s warm summers, Okanagan Falls is home to many roadside fruit stands and u-pick farms. One of our favorite things to do in the Okanagan Valley is take a drive around the countryside, stopping at orchards and fruit stands to enjoy home grown fruits and veggies.
Climb Skaha Bluffs
There are plenty of routes to chose from, but climbing walls include Red Tail, Doctors Wall, Fortress, The Great White Wall and The Grand Canyon, and are mostly under 30 meters tall.
Love the outdoors? Check out our best hikes in Kelowna British Columbia.
Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) is located at Kaleden, British Columbia, Canada, about a 13 minute drive from the town of Okanagan Falls.
It’s an active observatory, known internationally for science and technology research and development into telescopes as well as satellite receivers and electronics. Comprising astrophysicists, astronomers, engineers and technologists, the observatory is well known around the world.
The observatory was closed in 2021 to both self-guided and guided tours because of the pandemic, however during normal times, it’s open for self guided tours Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and special guided tours are available upon request.
Ski or Snowboard at Apex Mountain Resort
Apex Mountain is a 50 minute drive from Okanagan Falls to Hedley, BC, and west of Penticton.
It averages 600 cm (or 20 feet) of snow a year, with groomed and back country trails available. There’s also a skating rink, and nearby Nickel Plate Nordic Centre has snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
It’s smaller than other resorts in the 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 of Apex, approximately 55 minutes southwest of Okanagan Falls, lies the Baldy Mountain Ski Resort.
Baldy Mountain is the 3rd highest elevation ski resort in British Columbia and is one of the most affordable skiing and snowboarding resorts in BC, Canada. Activities at Baldy Mountain include skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. There’s even an 18 hole winter disc golf course complete with disc rentals for something a little different.
Okanagan Falls Accommodation
Because it’s a smaller town, there are only a few options for accommodation in OK Falls.
There are only a few options in the town proper of Okanagan Falls itself: La Villa Motel, Okanagan Paradise Resorts, Twilight Motel, and Holiday Beach Resorts.
La Villa Motel. La Villa is a small family 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 a condo and vacation rental unit beside Skaha Lake. Prices here.
Holiday Beach Resort Motel. Holiday Beach Motel is in the heart of OK Falls, across from Christie Park. Suites have kitchenettes, and there’s outdoor space and barbeques available. See prices at the Holiday Beach Motel.
Twilight Motel. The Twilight Motel is a small motel with only six rooms. Rooms have a sitting area, microwave, a fridge and toaster. See more.
The Chauffeur’s Quarters. The Chauffeur’s Quarters is a short 4 minute drive south of OK Falls, close to Liquidity Wines. See prices an availability.
Bighorn Ridge Resort. Bighorn Ridge Resort Guest House Bed and Breakfast is about a six minute drive south of Okanagan Falls. Prices here.
Accommodations in Kaladen, BC
St. Andrews By The Lake. St. Andrews’ accommodation is part of a nine hole golf course. See availability here.
Casa Colina. Casa Colina is a bed and breakfast just 15 minutes south of Penticton. It’s set on a hilltop with nine acres, great views and plenty of space, and even a heated outdoor pool. There are three suites and a cottage available. See prices.
Ponderosa Point Resort. Ponderosa Resort in Kaleden has 26 privately owned lakeshore cabins on Skaha Lake itself. It’s a gorgeous setting, and popular with nature lovers that want to get away from it all. The resort itself has plenty of activities, with everything from bocce ball to tennis to kayaking.
Airbnb in Okanagan Falls
AT this time there are 22 Airbnbs in Okanagan Falls, with everything from single room stays to condos to entire houses set in vineyards.
Looking for a great deal on your next Airbnb? Click here to get a $35 USD credit on a new account!
Accomodations at Vaseux Lake, BC
Vaseux Lakeside Resort. Vaseux Lakeside Resort is a four townhouse complex on the shores of Vaseux Lake. See prices.
Okanagan Falls Restaurants
Kettle Valley Pizza and Donair. In Okanagan Falls town itself, this pizza joint offers thin or thick crust, chicken wings, smoothies and shakes.
Falls Restaurant. Falls Restaurant has Chinese food for dinner and a Western breakfast. It’s well rated, and a local favorite for the good sized portions.
Bullies Pizza. Bullies Pizza offers up pizza with homemade sauce and fresh toppings, as well as pasta.
KJ Coffee Bar. KJ is a locally owned café with a French Canadian twist. The coffee is fresh, the bread is homemade, and locals and tourist alike rave about this place.
Smoke & Oak Bistro. Smoke & Oak is a few kilometers south of town.
Okanagan Falls History
Syilx language speaker and Traditional Ecological Knowledge keeper Richard Armstrong shares the Syilx name, meaning, history and cultural significance behind the area known today as OK Falls.
How far is Okanagan Falls from Kelowna?
It’s a 81 km (50 miles) drive from downtown Kelowna to Okanagan Falls. The drive takes just over 1 hour.
From the Kelowna Airport, it’s a 1 hr and 20 minute drive of about 95 km (59 miles).
How far is it from Penticton to Okanagan Falls?
It’s a short 19 minute, 21 km (13 miles) drive from Penticton to Okanagan Falls.