Hidden Gems in the Okanagan
Cafés, wineries, trails, beaches and more that are easy to miss — each card says why it’s a gem.
How we pick our Hidden Gems
Every Hidden Gem is chosen by hand, one place at a time. We look for spots that are easy to miss: small independents, places off the main strip, or somewhere a local tourism, parks or community source points to as a lesser-known find. Each one has to be worth the trip on its own merits. Star ratings and review counts don’t decide it, and the list isn’t ranked: “Mixed” order changes every day. Every card tells you why it made the cut.
Open Now is based on each place’s listed hours. Hours can change for holidays, seasons or special closures — check with the venue before you go.
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Rocky Ridge Park (Turtle Mountain)
Open to the public
Vernon's quickest 360-degree view. A flat 0.4 km trail and a wooden staircase lead onto the open rock of the ridge, with Greater Vernon, Swan Lake and Okanagan Lake all…
Why it’s a gem: Vernon's quickest 360-degree view, a short climb to a ridge-top park most visitors never find.
Free
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La Casa Bianca Winery
By appointment · call ahead
La Casa Bianca Winery is an unassuming Oliver fruit winery that grows its own ingredients on site.
Why it’s a gem: An unassuming fruit and nut winery in Oliver making walnut, apricot and haskap wines with minimal additives.
Dogs OK Patio +2
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Teassential
Open now · Closes 5 PM
Vernon loose-leaf tea shop with in-store bubble tea, bubble tea kits and teaware; ships tea online.
Why it’s a gem: A specialty Vernon tea shop known for imaginative house blends.
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Vaseux Lake Provincial Park
Open to the public
Vaseux Lake is the Okanagan beach for people who want the lake without the engines: as a Migratory Bird Sanctuary it bans motorized boats, so the beach, which runs the…
Why it’s a gem: A motorboat-free lake in a migratory bird sanctuary, with a calm beach most drivers zoom past.
Free Dogs OK
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Inkaneep Provincial Park Campground
Hours not confirmed · call ahead
The smallest provincial campground in the South Okanagan, with seven riverside sites walled in by wild rose thickets.
Why it’s a gem: A tiny riverside campground under tall cottonwoods north of Oliver, loved by birders and often with sites free.
From $18 / night Dogs OK +1
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Tender Hope Winery
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Tender Hope Winery is in Oliver's District Wine Village, where owner and winemaker Efi pours every tasting himself.
Why it’s a gem: A District Wine Village winery where owner-winemaker Efi pours every glass.
From $10 Dogs OK +4
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Chaibaba
Open now · Closes 5:30 PM
Kelowna tea shop blending organic, globally sourced loose-leaf teas, with an in-store drink menu.
Why it’s a gem: A cozy downtown tea shop full of plants, books and organic loose-leaf blends, a calm break from Bernard Ave.
Dogs OK Patio
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Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve Trails
Open to the public
A rare ecological reserve with walking trails: two easy loops through wetlands and open country near Otter Lake, the 4.3 km Coyote Loop and the 1.7 km White Tail Wander.
Why it’s a gem: Easy loop trails through protected Douglas-fir forest, bordered by Spallumcheen farmland.
Free
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Cedar Creek Park
Open to the public
Cedar Creek Park is the biggest off-leash dog beach in Kelowna, and on a hot summer’s day that is the whole point: a beach and swimming area on Okanagan Lake where you…
Why it’s a gem: Kelowna's biggest off-leash dog beach, with a swim area, mountain views across the lake and a big field for dogs to socialize.
Free Dog Friendly
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Lumby Golf Club
Hours not confirmed · call ahead
Lumby Golf Club is a municipal nine-hole course just east of the village, open since 1963 and known for its unusual sand greens and mountain views.
Why it’s a gem: A village course just east of Lumby, played on unusual sand greens with mountain views.
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Brigade Trail & Priest Camp Historic Park
Open to the public
Priest Camp Historic Park at the Garnet Valley Dam is the trailhead for the Brigade Trail, a 4.1 km path that follows part of the original Okanagan fur brigade route.
Why it’s a gem: A preserved fur-brigade camp and a stretch of the original trail, a route used for at least 6,000 years, up in Garnet Valley.
Free Dogs OK +1
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Beat Patisserie
Open now · Closes 6 PM
Small woman-run pastry shop in Lake Country: morning pastries, high-end pastries, breads and loaves, buttercream wedding cakes.
Why it’s a gem: A small Lake Country patisserie led by a pastry chef with Michelin-starred experience and highly distinctive creations.
Gluten-free Open early
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Solvero Wines
By appointment · call ahead
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; its 2025 Pinot Gris won Gold at WineAlign 2026.
Why it’s a gem: A terroir-focused Summerland winery tucked into the forest at high elevation.
From $15 Dogs OK +2
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Mill Creek Regional Park
Open to the public
A cool, shaded surprise east of Kelowna's airport.
Why it’s a gem: A cool, shaded creekside walk under cedars, a surprising bit of rainforest right by Kelowna's airport.
Free Dogs OK
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Kickininee Provincial Park
Open to the public
Kickininee Provincial Park is three tiny lakeside picnic areas tucked between Highway 97 and Okanagan Lake, 10 km north of Penticton, each with a buoyed swimming area…
Why it’s a gem: Three tiny lakeside picnic coves hidden between Highway 97 and Okanagan Lake, great for a quiet swim or snorkel.
Free
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KJ Coffee Bar
Open now · Closes 3 PM
KJ Coffee Bar is a local cafe right on Highway 97 in Okanagan Falls, easy to miss but worth the stop.
Why it’s a gem: A roadside coffee bar in Okanagan Falls with everything baked in-house, an easy wine-country pit stop.
Dogs OK Vegan +4
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Pamplemousse Jus Natural Winery
By appointment · call ahead
Natural wines from Summerland fruit, incl. pet-nats, orange wines and piquette.
Why it’s a gem: A low-key natural-wine farm winery in Summerland known for pét-nats.
Free Dogs OK +3
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McKinley Mountain Park
Open to the public
The City of Kelowna's "Mini Knox": a 17-hectare hillside park in the McKinley area where a short hike of about 1 km uphill ends at a wide view along Okanagan Lake to…
Why it’s a gem: Kelowna's 'Mini Knox': a short 1 km climb in the McKinley area to a big view up and down Okanagan Lake; the City lists it as a hidden gem.
Free Dogs OK +1
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Gellatly Heritage Regional Park
Open year-round
Gellatly Heritage Regional Park is a 2.6-hectare park that tells the story of the pioneering Gellatly family.
Why it’s a gem: A small Westbank park built around a pioneer family cemetery where Gellatlys have been buried for more than a century.
Free Dogs OK +1
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A Touch of Austria
Closed today · Opens Fri 1 PM
Reservation-only Austrian garden cafe: organic Viennese pastries, live piano, award-winning garden.
Why it’s a gem: A reservation-only musical garden café at a Smith Creek home, with Viennese pastries, Sachertorte and live piano.
Patio Live music +1
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Kopje Regional Park
Open to the public
Kopje Regional Park is a serene spot on the Carr’s Landing shore of Okanagan Lake with a view across to James Grant Island, a protected bird sanctuary, and the historic…
Why it’s a gem: An eight-acre lakeside park in Carr's Landing with a heritage house and views to Grant Island, mostly known to locals.
Free Dogs OK
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Hardy Falls Regional Park
Open to the public
The easy waterfall walk at the south end of Peachland.
Why it’s a gem: An easy, shaded 430-metre walk over Deep Creek bridges to Peachland's waterfall, where kokanee spawn each fall.
Free Dogs OK
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The Gallery Winery
Closed today · Opens Fri 12 PM
Estate Riesling (Between Friends) and the Amethyst Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend; also Ehrenfelser.
Why it’s a gem: A boutique West Kelowna winery pairing wine with art on every label.
From $10 Dogs OK +4
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Kingfisher Interpretive Centre
Open to the public
A volunteer-run Chinook salmon hatchery on the Shuswap River with riverside trails. Its free Salmon Egg Take on the Thanksgiving weekend is a hands-on family event.
Why it’s a gem: A volunteer-run salmon hatchery on the Shuswap River where you can see salmon in their habitat.
Free Dogs OK +1
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Sarsons Beach Park
Open to the public
Sarsons Beach Park is the Lower Mission beach to choose when you would rather not share the beach with a crowd: the City describes it as usually quieter and less crowded…
Why it’s a gem: A Lower Mission beach the City says is usually quieter than the big lakeshore beaches, with a swim area and playground.
Free
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Maude-Roxby Wetland (Bird Sanctuary)
Open to the public
A raised boardwalk winds through willows and cattail marsh to a viewing platform over Okanagan Lake.
Why it’s a gem: A boardwalk through a lakeside bird sanctuary hidden at the end of a residential street in Pandosy.
Free
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Chabendo Gelato
Hours not confirmed · call ahead
Every batch of gelato at Chabendo is made by hand in a small shop on Old Main Road in Naramata.
Why it’s a gem: A small-batch gelato stop in Naramata with genuine Italian craft and unusually little visibility for the quality.
Vegan Vegetarian +3
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Castoro de Oro Estate Winery
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Golden Mile wines from a vineyard planted in 1980, incl. Crimson Rhapsody red blend and Heart of Gold white.
Why it’s a gem: A down-to-earth family winery off Highway 97 known for golf-cart vineyard tours.
Dogs OK Patio +2
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Cools Pond Park
Open to the public
A small rural wetland just north of Vernon with a short, flat pathway and a covered wooden platform over the water.
Why it’s a gem: A small rural wetland north of Vernon that's the North Okanagan's easiest birding stop.
Free
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Mackie Lake House
By appointment · call ahead
1910 lakeside heritage home in Coldstream with period furnishings, guided tours and afternoon teas.
Why it’s a gem: A 1910 Kalamalka Lake home kept by a volunteer non-profit, with guided tours and traditional tea services.
From $15 Lake view +3
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Raymer Bay Regional Park
Open to the public
Raymer Bay is, in the Regional District’s own words, a hidden gem off Westside Road and the perfect spot to spend a day at the beach.
Why it’s a gem: A quiet Westside Road beach the Regional District itself calls a hidden gem, with a playground, picnic shelter and mooring buoys.
Free
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Chill&Go Tacos
Closed today · Opens tomorrow 10 AM
Mexico City-style tacos: handmade corn tortillas, al pastor off the trompo, aguas frescas and craft cocktails.
Why it’s a gem: A family-run Vernon taqueria with fresh chilaquiles and real home-style Mexican cooking.
Kids OK
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Mount Conkle Park
Open to the public
A District park on Mount Conkle above Prairie Valley, a local favourite for mountain biking and trail running.
Why it’s a gem: A quiet hillside park above Prairie Valley with Summerland views, overshadowed by nearby Giant's Head.
Free Dogs OK
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Fox & Archer Wines
Hours not confirmed · call ahead
Cool-climate, small-batch Semillon, Pinot Noir and Malbec, all from the Naramata Bench.
Why it’s a gem: A husband-and-wife Naramata winery making small-batch wines from a vineyard they planted themselves.
Dogs OK
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Rock Ovens Park
Open to the public
A regional park for hikers and cyclists along the old Kettle Valley Railway above Naramata.
Why it’s a gem: Stone ovens built in 1911-1915 still stand beside the old Kettle Valley Railway grade above Naramata.
Free Dogs OK +1
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Gratify
Open now · Closes 5 PM
100% plant-based, gluten-free Penticton cafe: wraps, bowls, salad rolls and cashew cheesecakes.
Why it’s a gem: A fully gluten-free, vegan café on Main Street whose baking even non-GF folks rave about.
Vegan Vegetarian +2
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Kaloya Regional Park
Open to the public
Kaloya Regional Park is a peninsula that juts into Kalamalka Lake at Oyama, with a sandy beach and swim area on one side and a lilypad pond on the other, which makes it…
Why it’s a gem: A little peninsula on Kalamalka Lake at Oyama with a sandy swim area and that famous turquoise water, minus the Kal Beach crowds.
Free
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Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park
Open to the public
A natural, forested greenway that follows the canyon of Trepanier Creek through Peachland.
Why it’s a gem: A shaded canyon greenway along Trepanier Creek, Peachland's cool escape on a hot day.
Free Dogs OK
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Naramata Creek Park Waterfall Trail
Open to the public
Naramata's waterfall walk is a 2.5 km round trip on a packed trail up the forested creek to a series of falls.
Why it’s a gem: A 2.5 km forested creek walk to a series of waterfalls just outside Naramata village, loved by families and dog walkers.
Free Dogs OK
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Rotary Beach Park
Open to the public
Rotary Beach Park is Oliver’s only public swimming area, a family-friendly park in the southwest corner of Tuc-el-Nuit Lake with a playground for ages five to twelve…
Why it’s a gem: Oliver's only public swimming area, a family beach with a playground tucked into the southwest corner of Tuc-el-Nuit Lake.
Free Dog Friendly
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The Ridge Pub & Restaurant
Open now · Closes 10 PM
Osoyoos adobe-style pub at Highways 97 and 3 with a river-side patio, live music and games room.
Why it’s a gem: A slightly tucked-away Osoyoos breakfast spot with big plates and house-made sauces.
Vegan Vegetarian +6
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Dickinson Family Farm
Hours not confirmed · call ahead
Orchard RV campground in Summerland with u-pick cherries from over 6 varieties each July
Why it’s a gem: A family cherry U-pick that has the World's Tallest Tripod Orchard Ladder, about 30 feet high and built in 2000.
Dogs OK Kids OK
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Father Pandosy Mission Heritage Site
Open to the public
The first permanent non-Indigenous settlement in the Okanagan, founded by Oblate priest Father Pandosy in 1860.
Why it’s a gem: The historic buildings of an 1860 Oblate mission, open daily with a $5 voluntary admission, tucked off Benvoulin Road.
Free Groups +1
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One14 Coffee Co.
Open now · Closes 4 PM
Small Penticton coffee shop in the old Cannery building with fresh-baked goods and a childcare-coffee morning.
Why it’s a gem: A small-batch coffee bar tucked inside Penticton's Cannery Trade Centre that you'd only find if someone told you.
Dogs OK Vegetarian +3
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Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park
Open to the public
Gellatly Nut Farm is a century-old nut orchard on the shores of Okanagan Lake with a small beach at its edge, which makes for a different kind of beach visit: swim, then…
Why it’s a gem: A small lakeshore beach on a century-old nut farm, pairing a swim with flat orchard paths and heritage buildings.
Local Favourite Free Dogs OK
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Sparrowgrass Field & Flower
Hours not confirmed · call ahead
U-pick flower farm near Armstrong with seasonal events, ice cream and a heritage pumpkin patch
Kids OK Groups
All places on this page, A–Z (92)
- A Touch of Austria
- Anthony Buchanan Wines
- Baccata Ridge Winery
- Beat Patisserie
- Bertram Creek Regional Park
- Black Widow Winery
- Bonamici Cellars
- Brigade Trail & Priest Camp Historic Park
- Buffalo Rouge Brewing Co.
- BX Creek Trail & BX Falls
- Castoro de Oro Estate Winery
- Cedar Creek Park
- Chabendo Gelato
- Chaibaba
- Chill&Go Tacos
- CODE Wines
- Controlled Entropy Distilling
- Cools Pond Park
- Dickinson Family Farm
- Echo Bay Vineyard
- Fairview Cellars
- Farming Karma Fruit Co.
- Father Pandosy Mission Heritage Site
- Fox & Archer Wines
- Gellatly Heritage Regional Park
- Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park
- Glen Canyon Regional Park
- Gratify
- Hardy Falls Regional Park
- Hidden Chapel Winery
- Hidden Lake Recreation Site
- Hidden Vines Family Estate Winery
- Inkaneep Provincial Park Campground
- Kalamoir Regional Park
- Kaleden Hotel Park
- Kaloya Regional Park
- Kasugai Garden
- Kettle Valley Winery
- Kickininee Provincial Park
- Kingfisher Interpretive Centre
- Kitchen @ Ve Oh Lay Acres Honey Wine & Farm
- KJ Coffee Bar
- Kopje Regional Park
- Kuipers' Peak Mountain Park
- La Casa Bianca Winery
- Lariana Cellars
- Liber Estates
- Lumby Golf Club
- Mabel Lake Golf & Country Club
- Mackie Lake House
- Manitou Park
- Maude-Roxby Wetland (Bird Sanctuary)
- McKinley Mountain Park
- Mill Creek Regional Park
- Mocojo Winery
- Mount Conkle Park
- Munson Pond Park
- Naramata Creek Park Waterfall Trail
- Nuyens Park
- Okanagan Falls Museum (Bassett House)
- OKGN To Go
- One14 Coffee Co.
- Osoyoos Oxbows Trail
- Pamplemousse Jus Natural Winery
- Penticton Ikeda Japanese Garden
- Powell Beach Park
- Raymer Bay Regional Park
- Rigour and Whimsy
- Roche Wines
- Rock Ovens Park
- Rocky Ridge Park (Turtle Mountain)
- Rotary Beach Park
- Rustlers Table
- Sarsons Beach Park
- Scorched Earth Winery
- Shannon Lake Golf Club
- Shuswap Cider Company
- Solvero Wines
- Sparrowgrass Field & Flower
- Summerland Ornamental Gardens
- Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club
- Teassential
- Tender Hope Winery
- The Bistro - by Intermezzo
- The Flealess Hound Pub
- The Gallery Winery
- The Ridge Pub & Restaurant
- Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve Trails
- Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park
- Vaseux Lake Provincial Park
- White Lake Grasslands Protected Area
- Yuki Sushi
Only after parks, waterfalls and quiet beaches? See Secret Spots →