Bridal Veil Falls is a great first road trip stop when driving east from Vancouver. This impressive 60m high waterfall cascades down steep rock.

The 1km loop trail to the base of the waterfall is straightforward but features a steady uphill all the way, with some steps. Allow 30 minutes for the hike.

Driving Highway 3 between mid July and mid October? A must-do is the drive up to the Cascade Lookout, accessed via the paved 7.8km long Blackwall Road. The views of the valley are spectacular.

Blackwall Road continues 6km after the lookout and leads to alpine meadows, which come to life with wildflowers in late July. If you have the time and your own vehicle (not a rental, as the road is not paved), I'd recommend the side trip.

Feeling hot and have time on your side? Bromley Rock Provincial Park is a popular place to wade and swim in the Similkameen River, though some caution is needed (currents can be strong in late spring, early summer). It's a good place to stop for a picnic as well.

There is a small provincial campground in addition to the day-use area - all 17 sites are reservable four months in advance.

Keremeos is the fruit stand capital of British Columbia! The produce is fresh and usually pretty cheap. Our favourite stand is Peach King Orchards (also located in this guide), but honestly, you can't go wrong.

Here's a quick guide to when to expect which type of fruit - exact timeframes vary year to year.

Cherries - Mid/late June to mid August
Apricots - Mid July to early August
Peaches - Mid July to early August
Prunes and plums - Mid August to mid September
Pears - August to September
Apples - August to late October

Pumpkins and squash - September to October

Penticton is a beautiful small city in British Columbia's South Okanagan region. Surrounded by forested mountains and squashed between two lakes, this destination is visually stunning and a hub for outdoor recreation. Best of all, it's hot in summer and not that cold (by Canadian standards) in winter.

If you want to relax by the beach, paddle on a lake, float down a river on an inflatable tube, visit some local wineries and hike some scenic trails, Penticton is an ideal place to go.

I've lived in Penticton for 10 years and have hosted many friends and family in that time. This guide features the best local activities, tried and tested over many years. For more info, check the Best of Penticton website.

Although Penticton is a popular summer destination, it's very much a Canadian tourist spot. So I've marked it as 'off the beaten path' with international visitors in mind.

Okanagan Beach is Penticton’s most popular stretch of sand, located on the northern side of the city. The beach is 1km long, with a designated swimming area and elevated promenade along the full length.

Lakeshore Drive also borders the beach, with half a dozen motels and restaurants on the other side. The beach is widest at the western end, around the historic SS Sicamous sternwheeler.

There are a number of water slides along the shore, as well as a floating platform. During the summer months, an inflatable water park is situated just offshore (admission fees apply) on the west side. The water is pretty shallow so great for kids or just anyone wanting to relax!

Penticton Lakeside Resort is the premier place to stay in the city - it's all about location, location, location. The hotel sits right on the shore of Okanagan Lake, surrounded by municipal parks. Most downtown restaurants and shops are only 5-10 minutes walk away. Most of the big summer events (like Peachfest) take place in the adjacent parks.

There are three places to dine within the resort itself, with a range of price levels. Outside, there is a private beach with a marina. Walking paths connect to Penticton's Okanagan Lake promenade and the Ikeda Japanese Garden.

Rooms and suites are set into two accommodation buildings, with the newer 'West Wing' offering the most upscale surroundings. Many of the rooms have gorgeous lake views.

Kin & Folk is one of the highlights of Penticton's surprisingly good food scene. This modern restaurant specialises in contemporary Asian-fusion with ingredients and ideas from Korean, Japan and China, with a hint of Italy.

The menu is playful, particularly during happy hour, and hints of chilli abound across many dishes. Meat takes the focus of many dishes, but there are some innovative vegetarian and fish options too.

As for the bar, cocktails are a focus. If you can, visit at happy hour and try some of the more experimental variations! There is some attention paid to non-alcoholic drinks as well (hooray)