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The Kootenay Rockies
Naramata and the
Okanagan Valley
Located in southern British Columbia, the
Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in
all of Canada and the prime holiday destination for
British Columbians. The main centres are Kelowna,
Penticton and Osoyoos, but charming Naramata is
located close to the Okanagan Mountain Park and
is a quieter base. Through the summer months a
hot sun transforms the countless sandy beaches
of its lakes as a variety of outdoor and water
activities spring into action. The climate also suits
grape cultivation: the Okanagan is the country’s
premier wine region, fast gaining international
recognition for its variety of grapes and particularly
for its excellent ice-wine. Any wine-tasting tour
will be spectacular here, with the backdrop of
Lake Okanagan with its golf courses and ski
resorts set amongst rolling hills.
Naramata Inn
NARAMATA INN
This beautiful heritage inn is nestled in the small
town of Naramata overlooking Lake Okanagan,
just a 15 minute drive north of Penticton. Built in
1908, the inn has been lovingly restored to
preserve the genteel charm of the Edwardian era.
The 12 guest bedrooms are fitted with turn-ofthe-century
furniture, luxurious linens, the original
sash windows and claw-foot baths. Bathrooms
have heated tile floors and separate showers
while all rooms have a semi-private balcony or
deck. The restaurant is renowned locally and the
wine bar offers a large selection of Okanagan
vintages. The inn offers free bicycle rental to
guests and after a day in the saddle its full-service
spa comes into its own.
The Kootenays
The Kootenay Rockies are British Columbia’s
answer to Alberta’s famed Rocky Mountains and
hold the same UNESCO World Heritage Site
status. Just as big and beautiful, they are far less
visited and offer visitors the chance to have the
really big open scenery to themselves. Wedged
between the mountains are sparsely populated
valleys with large numbers of grizzly and black
bears, deer, moose and elk: you have an excellent
chance of seeing the large mammals. Located in
the south-eastern corner of the province, between
the Okanagan and Banff, the region includes several
different mountain ranges, including the Rockies,
Cross River Cabins
Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees. The area does
not get the same level of publicity as its Alberta
counterpart but it should: it’s an undiscovered gem.
CROSS RIVER CABINS, NEAR
KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK
Cross River Cabins are located in a spectacular
area that offers both adventure and the
opportunity to completely relax. This small,
family-run property has distinct environmental
policies to help preserve the beauty of the natural
landscape. Just eight cabins are surrounded by
beautiful pine trees and breathtaking views of the
Rocky Mountains. The main lodge is spacious,
providing a kitchen, dining area, and a large living
room. Personal service and great food are
hallmarks here and three buffet-style meals a
day are included.