South Okanagan named top place in Canada to visit post-pandemic by Vacay.ca

Photo: South Okanagan Travel Alliance

The South Okanagan is the place to be post-pandemic, according to Canadian online travel magazine Vacay.ca.

The site has launched a list of the 20 best destinations to travel to in Canada in 2021, once restrictions lift, and the South Okanagan nabbed the number one spot.

They note that unrestricted travel will likely begin just as the fall harvest season kicks off, and note the South Okanagan as a perfect spot to enjoy the end of summer and early autumn.

“This year, given what the world is going through, the South Okanagan was a clear choice for the number one spot in our rankings because of all of the outdoor activities it offers and the sense of safety you feel once you’re there," Vacay.ca co-founder Adrian Brijbassi said.

Vacay points to the likelihood that road trips and nature escapes to smaller destinations will still be popular this summer as vaccines roll out but social distancing is still in place, making communities like Naramata, Oliver, Summerland, Okanagan Falls and Kaleden particularly enticing.

"We are thrilled to receive this recognition," said Brad Morgan, marketing director of Travel Penticton and managing partner of Visit South Okanagan.

"The diversity of experiences and the connectivity of the partner communities is what attracts visitors to the South Okanagan. We have something for everyone and the scenic route that connects us makes for a day-tripper’s paradise. We look forward to welcoming visitors when the time is right."

Vacay notes the more than 70 wineries that operate in the 100-kilometre stretch between Penticton and Osoyoos as a particular selling point.

The ranking consists of data from a survey of travel journalists country-wide.

Kelowna also made the list, coming in at the 19th spot. B.C. destinations earned five spots, more than any other province.

The full ranking is as follows:

1. South Okanagan, BC
2. Cape Breton Island, NS
3. Banff National Park & Lake Louise, AB
4. Dawson City, YT
5. Victoria & Cowichan Valley, BC
6. Prince Edward County, ON
7. Gaspereau & Annapolis Valleys, NS
8. Quebec City-to-Tadoussac, QC
9. St. John’s & Irish Loop, NL
10. Charlottetown, PEI
11. Golden & Revelstoke, BC
12. Niagara Region, ON
13. Georgian Bay, ON
14. Gaspesie, QC
15. South Shore, NS
16. Shediac-to-Saint John, NB
17. Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park, BC
18. Saskatoon & Prince Albert National Park, SK
19. Kelowna, BC
20. Pukaskwa National Park, ON