With its placid lakes, bountiful orchards and kid-friendly hiking trails, the Okanagan Valley is a popular summer destination for Canadians. But thanks to its mild climate, this outdoor playground keeps families busy year-round, whether they cycle the famous Myra Canyon when the leaves change, carve turns at SilverStar Mountain Resort once the snow flies, or hold joeys (a.k.a. baby ?roos) at Kangaroo Creek Farm in the spring. Here are the best ways to keep the littles busy, from South Vernon to Osoyoos.
Photo: Lisa Kadane
1. Play outside at SilverStar Mountain Resort
This impressive resort, located 24 km northeast of Vernon and modeled after a turn-of-last-century mining town, offers outdoor adventure throughout the year. Ski or snowboard its more than 3,200 acres from November through April, and ice skate, go tubing or enjoy a sleigh ride après-ski. During summer, horseback ride around Brewers Pond or on a trail, then take the new gondola to the summit to hike through wildflower-studded alpine meadows, or rent bikes to go cross-country or downhill mountain biking on the resort?s 30+ km of trails. skisilverstar.com Photo: Lisa Kadane
2. Get your cowpoke on at O?Keefe Ranch
Meet a donkey named Flapjack and a zebu named Razzle and learn how to lasso wooden ?cows? at Historic O?Keefe Ranch, just 14 km north of Vernon. The original 1867 homestead of settler Cornelius O?Keefe is now a popular attraction where the whole family can soak in the history. The ranch also organizes s...