Travel advisory:
Busy weekend expected
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Posted: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Busy weekend expected
BC Day long weekend is the busiest weekend of the year for ferry travel on the coast. Our major routes between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island are expected to be at or near capacity for vehicles during peak times.
Be prepared for sailing waits if a booking has not been made in advance of travel. Depending on when you arrive, there may be limited or no space available for drive-up vehicles. Check Current Conditions before leaving for the terminal for the latest sailing and capacity information, and check Service Notices for operational updates.
If your plans are flexible, consider taking transit and travel as a foot passenger. Walk-on bookings are available on our major routes at no additional cost and are recommended to help secure your preferred sailing. BC Day long weekend travel tips can be found here.
OVERVIEW
Thompson Okanagan is home to the Canadian Rockies, glacier-fed lakes, and world-famous wineries. Find cooking classes and wine tastings throughout the year or explore the outdoors on a hike or cycling tour. The region also offers charming small towns, cultural festivals, and scenic drives, making it the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and a taste of local life.
Top things to do
Taste world-famous wines
Taste world-famous Thompson Okanagan wines at your choice of a variety of wineries to choose from, along several wine trails.
Credit: Destination BC / Kari Medig
Savour farm fresh food
Excite your taste buds with local produce from orchards and farms, or visit U-Pick farms to harvest your own fruits and vegetables
Credit: @BCAleTrail
Sample local beers
Sample craft beer at local breweries along the BC Ale Trail.
Credit: CC Image courtesy of Fil.Al on Flickr
Enjoy water activities
Fish, kitesurf, windsurf, wakeboard, parasail, jet-ski or take a speedboat on Skaha Lake or Okanagan Lake. Or take it easy and float the Okanagan River Channel between the two lakes.
Credit: Destination BC / Grant Harder
Hike the Kettle Valley Railway
Hike or bike along the old Kettle Valley Railway, boasting scenic views of orchards and vineyards, over 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels through Myra Canyon.
Explore cities
Vernon
Adventure to the Okanagan’s oldest city to enjoy year-round activities from hiking trails full of beautiful spring blooms, to an abundance of freshwater lake activities in the summer, to tasting fall’s delicious harvests, to skiing on SilverStar Mountain in the winter, to relaxing and enjoying the scenic views any time of year—there’s something for everyone.
Kelowna
Kelowna is a staple destination for those visiting the Okanagan Valley. Relax by the water or choose from an array of aquatic activities; including water-ski, paragliding, fishing and more. Be sure to leave time for a round of golf, or a visit to one of the region’s famous local vineyards.
Osoyoos
Nestled in the heart of Canada’s only desert, Osoyoos is a popular retreat known for its picturesque lakes, rolling vineyards, and dramatic landscapes. Relax on sandy beaches, explore scenic hiking trails, or sip award-winning wines at local wineries. With its unique desert ecosystem and vibrant small-town charm, Osoyoos offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Penticton
Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Penticton offers picturesque beaches, year-round recreation, and renowned wineries. Indulge in local cuisine or cycle along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Penticton promises a memorable trip for both the outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for some relaxation.
