By Marina White, Athletic Therapist
What would you do if pain didn’t stop you? Akin to Dr. Suess’ infamous book, “Oh The Places You’ll Go”, this blog is all about Oh The Places You Could Go!
- Okanagan Rail Trail- Perfect for all ages and activity levels. This pathway runs from Okanagan Lake in Kelowna to the end of Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream. Future plans may include an extension to Armstrong, then on to Sicamous! Previously an abandoned CN rail line, it now is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream. Bike, walk or run all, or part (total distance is 48.5km) and see how train passengers got to view the Okanagan by rail in the early 1900’s.
Read more about it here: https://okanaganrailtrail.ca/
- Kettle Valley Rail Trail & Chute Lake Resort– Access to the Myra Canyon Trestles (Okanagan portion of the KVR) trail is located in East Kelowna. Nestled high in mountains of the Okanagan, the beginning of Kettle Valley Rail trail actually starts in Midway, BC and eventually ends in Hope, BC. Once a thriving rail line, freight carried on the KVR consisted primarily of ore from the Kootenay region of British Columbia, as well as forestry products and fruit from the Okanagan. Now an abandoned railway bed (decommissioned in 1952), it serves as a popular hike or bike ride for many tourists and locals alike. Chute Lake Resort can be found on the KVR between Kelowna and Naramata. It was recently spruced up by its new owners. Chute Lake was previously a stop on the rail line to fill up water for the steam engines, it now boasts 8 cabins, with mountain or lake views, to rent for the night and 8 Lodge Rooms. Looking for a something a little more rustic and have your own tent? Camp out for the night in a single tent site.
Read more about it here: https://bcrailtrails.com/ and here: https://www.chutelakelodge.ca/
- Wild Play Element Parks- Located on the land formerly known as 8 Mile Ranch, this adventure park boasts 27 ziplines, 58 aerial games, 40ft jump, and a 100ft giant swing. I’ve been told the giant swing is NOT for the faint of heart!
Check it out here for more information: https://wildplay.com/kelowna/
- Oyama Zip Line Adventure Park– Located less than an hour from Kelowna, it boasts lake 180-degree lake views (Kalamalka and Wood Lakes) with its Premium Guided Zipline Tour. The aerial park allows you to climb the Okanagan tree tops with a high rope’s obstacle course and six ziplines. If your family includes young ones, the Little Monkey Playground is perfect. Since opening in 2011 as a new tourist attraction, many more zip lines, obstacle courses, and nature paths have been created. Both adults and kids alike will have a blast.
Here is their website: https://www.oyamazipline.com/
- ZipZone Peachland- Canada’s highest freestyle zipline at heights of 381 feet in the air! Depending on time and budget, options include 2, 4, or 6-line tours. Other adventures include a Ninja obstacle course, a challenging climbing wall, family games and puzzles to entertain and leave you laughing and smiling. Forty minutes on the highway will get you there in no time.
Here is their website: https://www.zipzone.ca/
- Enderby River Float and Penticton Channel- Located only 70mins to Enderby or 50mins to Penticton you can make a day out of these adventures. Bring an old blown up inner tube or one of those fancy floatation flamingo’s (& perhaps an adult beverage or 2!) and slowly make your way down the water without a care in the world. Floats can last as long as 30mins to a full day in Enderby, depending on where you start and finish. If you plan to float the entire Penticton channel, prepare for a 3 to 4-hour ride. Make sure you wear your sunscreen!
- Enderby Cliffs Trail- When in Enderby why not try this (approx.) 4 hour round trip hike to some of the most amazing views the Okanagan has to offer. The cliffs tower high above the Shuswap River offering breathtaking views of the Shuswap and North Okanagan regions. It is rated as a moderate hike in difficulty. It is highly suggested you bring food and PLENTY of water for this hike.
- Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park Rock Climbing- Skaha Bluffs is the rock-climbing destination of BC’s Okanagan region. The provincial park is located on the edge of Penticton (south), just north of Okanagan Falls and takes about an hour to reach from Kelowna. Skaha boasts 66 crags and cliffs housing over 1000 designated routes. While the majority of these are bolted sport climbs, trad climbers will also find plenty to keep them entertained. The grades range from 5.0 to 5.13. The season runs from March to October or November.
- Myra Canyon Adventure Park- Not only is there an adventure park where not only can you zip line and climb challenging rope courses, but they also have horse-back riding and bikes you can rent.
Find out more here: http://www.myracanyon.com/
- Smile Cycle Tour- If you are looking for something a little closer to home, then grab a bunch of friends and try out the Smile Cycle tour. You will group pedal around the city on Kelowna’s first big bike, the Smile Cycle. Hot day and you are feeling thirsty? Do their Craft Beer Crawl. Have some friends who are not familiar with Kelowna? The Discover Kelowna route is just what you are looking for!
Go here to book your tour: https://www.smilecycletours.ca/
Which ones have you done?! If you are missing out on these activities because of pain or an injury, we can help! Call or email us today, so you can start your bucket list tomorrow!
www.okanganathletictherapy.com