Okanagan

Okanagan is a region in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada, comprising the Okanagan Valley and Okanagan Lake. The name derives from the Okanagan people, the Syilx Nation, who have inhabited the area for centuries. The term is used for the valley, the lake, and the broader cultural area.

Geography and climate: The valley runs roughly north–south from the northern part of the Thompson Plateau to the lake near Penticton, extending into North and South Okanagan–Similkameen regional districts. The area has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters, supported by irrigation from rivers and snowmelt. Soils and climate support orchards, vineyards, and diverse agricultural production.

People and history: The Syilx people are the region’s original inhabitants. The Okanagan Nation Alliance represents many Syilx communities. European contact began in the late 18th and 19th centuries, followed by settlement, agriculture, and development. Major communities include Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and Osoyoos.

Economy and culture: The Okanagan is a leading Canadian wine region, with sub-regions such as Naramata Bench, Oliver, and Osoyoos. Agriculture, especially fruit production and viticulture, tourism, and services form the economy. Indigenous heritage remains central, with language revitalization and cultural events represented by the Syilx communities and institutions.

Notable features: Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains provide a landscape of vineyards, orchards, and resort towns. The region is known for outdoor recreation, wine tourism, and a growing tech-sector presence in cities like Kelowna.