Must-do scenic day trips in the Okanagan and Kootenays

Day trips are the perfect way to explore new places, have fun and make memories without having to commit to a full-fledged vacation. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, a historical tour, or just a fun day out with friends, there’s something for everyone.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite day trip ideas, as well as tips and tricks for planning a successful excursion.

Cities to visit

Here are some of the best cities to visit while in the area. Check out my travel guide posts for a comprehensive list of things to do!

• Kelowna, BC: Known for its stunning vineyards and wineries, Kelowna offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and urban activities.
• Penticton, BC: Nestled between two picturesque lakes, Penticton is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.
• Vernon, BC: Surrounded by scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, Vernon is a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley.
  • Travel Guide Here!
• Armstrong, BC: A beautiful quaint little farm town with delicious restaurants and cute shops.
  • Travel Guide Here!
• Nelson, BC: With its eclectic arts scene, historic charm, and stunning mountain backdrop, Nelson exudes a unique bohemian vibe that captivates visitors.
• Revelstoke, BC: Renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, Revelstoke is a haven for outdoor adventurers seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills.
• Salmon Arm, BC: Embraced by the serene shores of Shuswap Lake, Salmon Arm offers a tranquil retreat with plenty of water-based activities and scenic beauty to explore.
• Castlegar, BC: Positioned at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers, Castlegar is a hub for outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and historical landmarks.
• Cranbrook, BC: Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Cranbrook boasts a rich heritage, vibrant arts community, and easy access to outdoor adventures in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
• Trail, BC: Known as the “Home of Champions,” Trail offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, heritage attractions, and a thriving sports culture deeply rooted in its history.

Types of day trips

Really, a day trip is any mini-trip you complete in a day… Just like the name says! While I’m all for taking an entire weekend to adventure and explore, it’s just not always going to fit into the calendar.

Here are some of my favorite reasons to plan a day trip when I can’t head out for an entire weekend:

1. Foraging trips
2. Hiking trips
3. Sightseeing
   • Just a little heads-up – Most of the day trips that I write about are from the Okanagan region of British Columbia. I’ll also likely share day trips from Toronto, Ontario, where I lived during my master’s degree, and from Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, where I will be living as of August this year (and lived in for a year during my undergrad). So, keep your eyes out for those!

Things to keep in mind while planning day trips

Whether you’re heading into the bush for some foraging, are planning a day hike, or are packing up the car for a fun day of sightseeing, there are some basic things to keep in mind!

Here are my suggestions.

1. Day trips & foraging

Foraging probably requires the most prep, since you need to know what you’re foraging, where it is, and which supplies you will need. Be sure to also think about the type of cover you’re foraging in… Especially if it’s stinging nettle season! And, on that note… If you’re unsure, pack the long-sleeved shirt and pants. Trust me, if you hit nettle in shorts, you’ll regret not wearing the pants.

Planning your foraging day trips

1. Research what you are foraging. Be sure you know how to identify the plant or medicine, are aware of dangerous look-alikes, and take time to understand how to forage the item responsibly.
2. Bring something to hold your goods in. Bring a little bag or container so your goods aren’t wrecked on the way home!
3. If heading into the bush, pack the essentials and let someone know where you’re going. For me, foraging and hiking often go hand-in-hand. If that’s true for you, be sure to pack your 10 essentials and your favorite foraging book!

Researching local foraging spots

It’s important you are always foraging responsibly. Make sure that you have permission, if required, that you do not over-harvest anything (take only what you need and never the first!), and that you are certain what you are taking is safe to consume. And, of course, always leave no trace.

Another thing to keep in mind is how you can give back to the earth for what it gave you. Clean up any debris you find in the area, give water to dehydrated plants, or try to repair damage if there is any. This is the simplest way to thank the Earth for the food and medicine it is providing you.

New to the idea of foraging? Check out my post here: A beginners guide to foraging: What you need to know. And, for recipes using foraged goods (or goods from a forage garden), head over to my recipes section!

2. Hiking trips

Day trips require quite a bit less planning than an overnight or through-hike, but it’s still important to be prepared! No matter how close the hike is, how long or short, you need to be prepared to encounter wildlife and changing environmental conditions.

Learn how I prepare and pack for the trail in my post Hiking 101: A beginner’s guide to enjoying the trail.

Combining hiking and foraging

Like I said, when I’m hiking is my favorite time to forage! For that reason, I usually have a spare mesh produce bag in my pack in case I come across anything I want to bring home. I also always carry my Swiss Army knife.

3. Sightseeing

The lowest prep activity is sightseeing! Check out local events, historical landmarks, or cultural activities in your local area or wherever you are visiting.

Here are some local things I always look for when visiting somewhere new to me:

• Local nature trails and parks
• Historical landmarks like buildings, environmental spaces, or places of cultural relevance
• Museums and art galleries
• Unique environmental landmarks like lakes, mountains, rivers, etc
• Local markets and diners
• Try out local food that is specific to the region
• Current events, especially music, cultural events, or fun things to experience like flower farms
• Local breweries, wineries, or distilleries

Coming soon – I’ll come back to this post in the near future to add my favorite local events and landmarks to visit in the Okanagan and surrounding area, so check back!

Exploring your surroundings

I find the best way to see somewhere new is to chat with the locals about what’s worth seeing in the area. Often when I stop for a bite to eat I’ll chit chat with the restaurant employees. Or, if traveling, I always prefer to spend a few nights in a hostel as this is where I’ve heard about some of the best adventures I’ve been on.

There are also always city centers that you can pop into, too, though these are often promoting the national parks and current events (which are fun, too!). Personally, I prefer to hang out and eat where the locals do. That’s why I often veer away from touristy spaces. That being said, if you’re a tourist… Enjoy the role! Some things are touristy for a reason and are totally worth seeing.

Exploring local culture and history

The biggest thing for me is experiencing local culture and history (as well as local food and drink, of course). When visiting a land that is new to you, try to soak up the rich history by visiting museums or heading on a local walking tour.

Walking tours are a great way to learn about the area you’re visiting, especially in larger cities. They’re often free or by donation, too, which works if you’re traveling on a budget.

Making the most of your day trip

I firmly believe that the best trips are experienced with a balance of planning and heat-of-the-moment adventure. Depending on your travel style, you may prefer to have diligent plans or be totally go-with-the-flow. Honestly, honor whatever works for you! If a strict schedule stresses you out, don’t bother with it.

What I usually do when heading somewhere new is write a list of my top attractions or places to visit. Then I’ll schedule generous gaps in between, allowing for changes of plans should something different come up. This way, I don’t have FOMO since I know what I want to see and I have space to pencil in things I didn’t even consider exploring.

Again, honor your needs and do what works for you – There’s no sense stressing yourself out on a trip by over or under-planning what you’re comfortable with.

Time management and planning tips

On the note of day travel planning and organization, here are some tips to follow when planning day trips.

Planning Tips

1. Decide on your destination and research ahead of time to see what activities or sights you want to see.
2. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
3. Map out your route and consider traffic or any potential delays.
   • I remember once we were visiting Tofino, BC during the summer when there were road closures. If we didn’t plan around them, we could have spent an entire half-day stuck in traffic. Needless to say, it was worth getting up at 6 AM to beat the traffic delays…
4. Make reservations ahead of time if needed (such as for popular tourist attractions or restaurants).
5. Pack snacks, water, and any necessary equipment for activities you plan to do… And extra (just in case).

Time Management Tips

1. Wake up early to make the most of your day.
   • Listen, I’m not a morning person. But, I shove this aside when traveling (and make up for it in caffeine intake…). As bad as getting up early may sound to you, there are lots of things you can do on day trips with a few extra hours.
2. Stick to a schedule to ensure you have enough time for everything you want to do.
3. Prioritize your activities and start with the ones that are most important or time-sensitive.
4. Allow for some flexibility in your schedule in case things don’t go as planned.
5. Take breaks and rest when needed to avoid exhaustion.

Day trips in the Okanagan region of British Columbia

The Okanagan is and always will be home. Not just because I love my little hometown, but because it is centrally located for tons of amazing little day trips!

Here are some of my favorite cities and places to visit within the region.

1. Kelowna: Kelowna is a vibrant city in the Okanagan region that offers many attractions such as beaches, parks, and wineries. Visit the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market, hike Knox Mountain Park, or take a winery tour.
2. Penticton: Penticton is a picturesque town located in the southern Okanagan Valley. Enjoy a day at the beach at Skaha Lake or Okanagan Lake, go for a bike ride along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, or visit the Okanagan Falls wineries.
3. Vernon: Vernon is a small city located in the North Okanagan Valley. Visit the historic O’Keefe Ranch, hike the BX Falls Trail, or explore the local art scene at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. One of my favorite things to do here in the summer is to hit the beach – The stunning turquoise lakes are incredible.
4. Osoyoos: Osoyoos is a popular tourist destination in the southern Okanagan Valley known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches. Go for a swim at Osoyoos Lake, hike the Haynes Point Provincial Park, or visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
5. Kamloops: Kamloops is a city located in the Thompson River Valley north of the Okanagan region. Visit the Kamloops Museum and Archives, hike the Kamloops Heritage Trail, or explore the local art scene at the Kamloops Art Gallery.

Day trips in the Kootenays of British Columbia

And, if I had to move anywhere else, I would move out to the Kootenays. I absolutely love getting up early and taking day trips out this way, as there are so many funky little towns and so much natural beauty to explore.

Here are some of my favorite places to visit in the Kootenay region:

1. Nelson: Nelson is a charming small town located on the west arm of Kootenay Lake. Visit the historic Baker Street, hike the Pulpit Rock Trail, or explore the local art scene at the Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History. There are also some incredible snowshoeing trails in the winter months.
2. Creston: Creston is a picturesque town located in the Creston Valley. Visit the Kootenay Wildlife Heritage Centre, hike the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area trails, or take a scenic drive along the Kootenay Loop.
3. Castlegar: Castlegar is a city located at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. Visit the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, hike the Waldie Island Trail, or go fishing at Lower Arrow Lake.
4. Kimberley: Kimberley is a town located in the Purcell Mountains. Visit the Kimberley Heritage Museum, hike the Marysville Falls Trail, or take a scenic drive along the Kootenay Rockies Circle Tour. The wildlife and natural beauty is awe-inspiring.
5. Fernie: Fernie is a small city located in the Elk Valley. Visit the Fernie Museum, hike the Mt. Fernie Provincial Park trails, or go mountain biking at Fernie Alpine Resort. If you’re there in winter, take advantage of the snowboarding and skiing trails at the Alpine Resort, too.
6. Revelstoke: Home to most of my favorite hiking trails and filled with adorable local shops, a vibrant music scene, and a great place for winter sports, Revelstoke is one of the main attractions for tourists in the summer and winter alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, British Columbia’s Okanagan and Kootenay regions offer a plethora of opportunities for unforgettable day trips. Whether you’re looking to forage for wild berries, greens, and mushrooms, hike through picturesque mountain landscapes, or take a scenic drive along winding roads, there’s something for everyone.

The Okanagan region is known for its stunning vineyards, beaches, and quaint towns, while the Kootenay region offers rugged wilderness and charming small towns. No matter where you choose to explore, these day trips are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Thank you for reading. ♡

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• Day hiking gear list (& my favorite gear!)
• Hiking 101: A beginner’s guide to enjoying the trail

Frequently asked questions about day trips