Culture meets nature

Just south of the Okanagan is the Osoyoos Desert. The hottest, driest part of Canada is also home to the Osoyoos Indian Band and its award-winning winery Nk’Mip Cellars. Taste the incredible reds, tour the winery and be sure to have lunch on the spectacular patio. Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre right next door to learn more about the desert ecology, the rattlesnake rehabilitation programme and local Aboriginal traditions.

4. Galiano Island: Castaway for a day

Get away from it all and visit one of the Gulf Islands. Galiano is less than an hour by ferry from Vancouver, but you’ll feel as if you have travelled to a distant land of pristine nature.

Drive

It measures just 27 kilometres long, so seeing all of Galiano is doable on a day trip. If you come without a car, the best way to get around is to hire a moped from Galiano Adventures. The information centre has free maps and route suggestions.