Why Snowbirds Should Flock to Peachland, BC.

Why Snowbirds Should Flock to Peachland, BC.

The term” Snowbird” is a classic description of Canadians fleeing the cold Canadian winters.

Snowbirds are thought to flock to the heat of Florida, California, Arizona. Perhaps Mexico, and often the Caribbean or Hawaii. But many travellers are opting to avoid travel in the United States with the relative affordability of an off-season British Columbia vacation. Thousands of snowbirds are now setting themselves up in Okanagan communities like Kelowna, Peachland, Penticton and Osoyoos every year.

Yes, the Okanagan is still in Canada, so it does see a real winter, but a milder one than other parts of Canada. Mild, dry winters, lots of activities for seniors & no need for additional U.S. health insurance, and not paying a 30% premium on the dollar are just a few reasons why snowbirds across Canada are choosing to spend their winters in this desert haven.

The Okanagan winters are very mild compared to the bitter cold of the neighbouring prairie provinces, which is why the biggest percentage of Okanagan snowbirds come from Alberta, with guests from Saskatchewan and Manitoba tied for second place.

Imagine this: It’s February, long past the twinkle of Christmas, and it snowed overnight. Again. Your car is buried up to the door handles. With the windchill, it’s nearly -25C, and it’s going to get colder overnight. But instead of shoveling out your car, you can sip your morning coffee in your warm bright suite and soak up the views of the sun shimmering on the lake and the hills beyond.

In Kelowna, according to Tourism Kelowna, February’s average low is just a balmy -5 C, and it often reaches the average high of 4 C. You seldom wear your Winter coat. On morning walks with your partner along the lake, most days, just your sweater, and your coffee to keep you warm.

The Okanagan Valley has earned itself a reputation as one of Canada’s best destinations for food and wine. In the past the local wineries closed down for the winter season and many of them still do, but more and more tasting rooms and restaurant wineries are staying open (though, often with abbreviated hours) all winter long. Anyone who has visited the wineries over the summer knows that they tend to be crowded by tourists, but in the winter you’ll have more space to saunter up to a tasting bar and really get to know a winery’s fine selection.

Wineries:

Kelowna Wineries: Kelowna Tourism listing

West Kelowna Wineries: West Kelowna Wine Trail

Peachland Winery: Hainle Vineyard Estate Winery

Summerland Wineries: Bottleneck Drive

Naramata Bench Wineries: Naramata Wineries

Outdoor recreation:

Not only is Peachland, BC blessed with a wonderful summer season but a beautiful winter as well. It is a perfect place to visit for winter adventure. After an exciting day you can return to Peachland for a great dinner at the local restaurants, a glass of fine local wine and a cozy night at your B&B which caters to winter adventure guests as well.

There are so many winter opportunities to enjoy in the area! Some are right out the back door of your B&B as well as world class downhill skiing within a relaxing hour’s drive. Winter is a time to enjoy another season and take advantage of lower winter prices.

For a full description of winter hiking, snowshoeing, x-country and down hill skiing please review my article in Okanagan Life, Snowshoeing and Skiing in the Peachland Area and Winter hikes and adventure in the Peachland area.

Indoor recreation:

Peachland 50 + Activities Centre offers a variety of daily activities, as well as monthly and annual special events.

Peachland Community Hall Recreation offers top quality fitness and recreational opportunities.

Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre (JBMAC) is an easily accessible multi-use facility where people of all ages and abilities gather to enjoy recreation activities! The Centre is 12 minutes north of Peachland.

The Penticton Community Centre is a modern facility with many health, fitness and recreation options. The Centre is located in Penticton 30 minutes south of Peachland.

Road Trips:

The Okanagan has beautiful countryside to see year-round. I have designed a number of road trips to see this diverse countryside. Please see Okanagan Life to view these road trips:

Eagles Nest Road Trips: Wood Lake & Okanagan Centre Rd. Loop

Eagles Nest Road Trips: Back Road to Kelowna

Eagles Nest Road Trips: Keremeos, Osoyoos Loop

Eagles Nest Road Trips: Keremeos, Fruit Stand Capital of the World

Eagles Nest Road Trips: Summerland Loop

Eagles Nest Road Trips: Skaha Lake Loop

Where to stay in Peachland:

Peachland is ideally situated in the Okanagan Valley. Summerland is 12 minutes south and Penticton is 30 minutes south. West Kelowna is 12 minutes north and Kelowna is 35 minutes north east.

This article is a collaboration of three 5-star B&Bs in Peachland. They all offer winter discounts, excellent accommodations with private entrances and deck as well as full kitchens. If you decide to book with them then mention the discount code beside the Hosts information and they will provide an additional discount. See you this winter!

Peachland Eagles Nest B&B         1eaglesnest.ca      murray@1eaglesnest.ca

604-786-9908

Host: Murray Wood        Discount code: 9908

Lake Ave. Place B&B       Lake Ave. Place                 keithpthom@gmail.com        250-870-8891

Host: Keith Thom             Discount code: 8891

Beachlife Sweet Guest House         Beachlife Sweet          beachlifesweet@gmail.com

250-862-6149                         Host: Rodney Irwin          Discount code: 6149