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The Thompson Okanagan

Welcome to Thompson Okanagan

The Thompson Okanagan Region is one of the most unique areas in British Columbia's interior. Here, you'll discover Canada's only true desert, striking waterfalls and rain forests, unbelievable mountains, and a collection of scenic small towns. Aside from the region's varied geography, locals also love Thompson Okanagan's wineries and unusually warm climate almost all year-round.

Thinking about making a move to the Thompson Okanagan? Let's explore everything this region has to offer!

Thompson Okanagan at a Glance

Demographics

Population: 462,000+
Largest City: Kelowna
Median Home Value: $756,200
Median Rent: $1,469

Getting Around

To Vancouver: 4 hours
To Calgary, AB: 7 hours
To Kamloops: 2 hours
To Kelowna Int'l Airport: 22 mins

Our Top Picks for the Thompson Okanagan

There's no region quite like Thompson Okanagan, especially if you have a passion for the outdoors. However, Thompson Okanagan isn't just known for its one-of-a-kind geography—it's also a hub for history, arts, culture, and wine! Here are a few more highlights of this breathtaking area you won't want to miss.

Spectacular parks and rec

Unlike many other regions in Canada, Thompson Okanagan enjoys more than 2,000 hours of sunlight every year, which makes it easy to enjoy this area's unbelievable natural beauty. Here, locals love boating on the Okanagan Lake, honing their skills at a ski resort, or cycling the Kettle Valley Railway to see the area's unusual desert scrubland. 

Looking for more highlights? We recommend Mount Robson (the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies), Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, or Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.

Shopping and dining

You'll find plenty of spots to shop and dine the day away in Thompson Okanagan's larger cities. Kelowna is known for its lakefront location, as well as the Orchard Park Shopping Center and diverse downtown district. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at Central Kitchen + Bar or Lakeside Dining Room.

Other top destinations can be found in Kamloops, Vernon, and Penticton. Aberdeen Mall, Theo's Restaurant, and Fresh Lemongrass are just a few favorites. 

Local attractions

Believe it or not, Thompson Okanagan is actually known as Canada's wine country. The first vineyard was planted in 1859 at the Oblate Mission, and the industry took off in 1976 after Okanagan growers began planting German grapes, such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. Today, the region is home to more than 100 small vineyards, and wine trails are a popular attraction for tourists. Thompson Okanagan is also home to a number of ski resorts, Helmcken Falls, and the Kamloopa Powwow.

Community Guide to the Thompson Okanagan

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