TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Annabella Stoll-Dansereau | University of British Columbia | Photo by KDBelliveau, CC-BY-SA-4.0
This isn’t for the faint of heart, but this zipline park is a must-do when visiting Peachland. While it doesn’t showcase the community of Peachland, it is still an epic tourist destination.
This park offers six of Canada’s highest and longest zip lines. If you are afraid of heights, this might not be for you, but if you are willing to take the ride, you will be rewarded with beautiful views.
Photo: https://www.tourismkelowna.com/plan/about-kelowna/neighbouring-communities/peachland/
If you just arrived at Peachland and want to talk with a local, this would be a great spot. While this list will provide you with some fun places, the visitor center will provide more up-to-date and current events, like music in the park dates or if any community events are happening while you are there.
Photo: Google Street View
At first glance, this might look like a zoo, but it’s not! All these birds were either rescued either from being abandoned or abused. So instead of feeling bad when viewing these animals, you can feel like you are making their lives better.
This place is run by two individuals who have made it their life mission to help parrots and other exotic birds recover after mistreatment. Usually, they open their doors to the public from spring to fall and may do reservation-based tours in the winter.
This small museum has hundreds of artifacts, photographs and more that would be typical of your average museum. Peachland has a much deeper history than you might expect and ties back to the kettle valley railway construction.
If the museum’s contents aren’t of interest, the design of the building must be. It was created initially as an eight-sided church!
Photo: https://peachlandhistory.ca/
Located in the same area as the visitor center, this art gallery gives the chance to showcase local artists. One of the best ways to understand the culture of a small town is to start by looking at the art produced in the area.
While there are always pieces on display, they also often have events, such as the one shown as an example above, where you meet the faces behind the artwork.
This extremely easy hike gives you a fantastic view of Hardy Falls, pictured above and is a must-see if you come to Peachland. The walk will take less than an hour at an extremely leisurely pace stopping at the falls to enjoy the view (if you were quick, it might only take 10 minutes). There are many benches along the way if you want to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Photo: https://www.tourismkelowna.com/listing/hardy-falls-regional-park/1616/
Unlike your typical beach, this one has an upgrade. Equipped with a miniature zip line, rope swing and diving board, it seems like a waterpark, not a public beach! In the summer, lifeguards are on duty, and a concession is open for treats and quick meals. This is, in my opinion, the unique beach in Okanagan. While it doesn’t have nice sand, it makes up for the fun activities you can do.
Photo: https://www.exploratoryglory.com/lake-it-and-love-it-lake-reviews/swim-bay-peachland-british-columbia
Just off the side of the highway, this winery is an excellent stop if you enjoy alcohol and wine tasting. You can make reservations or drop by for tastings; however, be warned that they fill up quickly because of their popularity. This winery has been passed on between generations from its establishment in the early 1900s.
Today the vineyard is giant and extremely beautiful, so even if wine isn’t your thing, you may still enjoy a tour of the site.
Photo: https://www.visitpenticton.com/listing/fitzpatrick-family-vineyards/
Being a tiny town, this bistro is one of the only café-style restaurants; however, just because it’s the only one doesn’t mean it doesn’t deliver quality. They offer a range of delicacies like pastries, pies, and cookies, plus quick meal items like sandwiches or wraps. This is a perfect place to stop by for a snack or lunch. If you aren’t hungry, you can still get something to go, like their homemade bread to bring home.
Photo: https://www.blissbakery.ca/location/bliss-bakery-peachland/
