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Wine and Spirits Tour of the North Okanagan |
 This is a beautiful drive of the North Okanagan, where you will see absolutely beautiful views of both Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes. Most of the tour is alos suitable for biking although it would be too long for a single day trip.
We will start on 25th Ave. and 34th St. and travel due wouth. 1km - You will see the Baseball fields and the DND lands on you left the road becomes Commonage Road. 2km - Allan Books is on your left and you can glimpse Okanagan Lake to your right. This are has a lot of birds so keep your eye out for eagles and hawks which frequent the area. 3km - You will see Benchrow Rd. to your right but keep going straight on Commonage Road. The road on this tour alternates between pavement and gravel. At approx 8.5 it becomes pavement again at the intersection. Stay right and go up towards Predator Ridge. 12.8km - You will see the beautiful links course of Predator to your right and some of the new homes that surround it. 13.7km - Right is the turn off to Predator but we continue straight ahead and the road again becomes gravel. We pass some very alluring homesteads with their own little lakes. 19km - We have started to travel down into Carr's Landing and the road becomes pavement again. Once again you have a peek-a-boo view of the spectacular Lake Okanagan. 22kn - Veer right and stay on Commonage Rd. past the firehall which is straight ahead. This road takes you through beautiful orchards while descending to the lake. 25.7 km - T intersection turn left onto Carr's Landing - you are closer to the lane now and get wonderful views all the way down to the lake. 30.3km - T intersection - Okanagan Center Road W - turn right down onto the lake level. 32.2km - Camp Road is to your left - it is a very sharp turn up the hill. You will almost immediately see the vineyard of Gray Monk Wineries. Turn at the second right had entrance - it is a hard right turn because you are coming up the hill but this is a great spot to take in a wine tour, perhaps have lunch on their beautiful patio and absorb the view. This is just a delightful pause. Upon Leaving Gray Monk turn right and stay on Camp Road as it winds its way up the hill. 34.5 - Turn right into Arrowleaf Winery. This winery is new to this region but has already won several awards, they are known primarily for their Baccus which is a clear crisp white wine. 35.2km - Again stay on Camp Road as it travels up past Lehman Road, then down through the orchards to Okanagan Center Road East. 37.9km - Turn Right on Okanagan Centre Road East past the Fire Department. 38.6 - Bottom Wood Lake Road turn left, you go past the school but it is a very pleasant ride past a gold course, traveling towards Woods Lake. 41.2km - Woodsdale turn right, go past many of the resort entrances. 42.2km - Turn left onto Oyama Road which takes you up through the agricultural land with both orchards and farms, some really great views of both Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake. You will pass Art Galleries and other curio shops so this is an area you should meander through - except the unexpected. 50km - You are coming down on Oyama Road past old warehouse but an assortment of antiques, art and curio shops some with little restaurants provide ample opportunity for a break. 52.2km - Back to Hwy 97, turn right. This Hwy provides wonderful views of Kalamalka Lake, 'The Lake of many Colors'. In the heat of the summer the streaks of brilliant blue at this end of the lake are truly spectacular. 72km - Kekuli Rd. is to your right - if you want to drive off the busy Hwy., this road gives you that opportunity and takes you closer to the water. Stay on the road to the look-out. 76.5km - You are back on the Hwy. Turn right towards Vernon. 77km - Turn right at the corner Hwy. 97 and 25th Ave. You will immediately see Okanagan Spring Brewery but turn left onto 28th Street and stop for a visit to Okanagan Spirits our newest Distillery. It is well worth the visit. We are now going out to O'Keefe Ranch and Hunting Hawk Winery. Turn right on to 30th Ave - Vernon's main street. Travel up about 4 city blocks to 27th St, and turn left and head out of town. 81km - You will see a subdivision on your left with several Big Stores as you leave town towards Swan Lake/Kamloops. 86km - Swan Lake Fruit and Garden Centre is on your left - this is a wonderful deli and is a great place to pick up the necessary items for you next picnic. If you are not stopping, stay to your right in the right had Lane on the Hwy. and follow the signs for Kamloops and O'Keefe Ranch. There is a left hand turn at the bottom of the turn-off to ensure that you stay on Hwy 97. 101km - You reach O'Keefe Ranch and Hunting Hawk Winery - what a wonderful place to end you day. Discover this regions' past and sip some for our local wine. |
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