Dubbed "Napa of the North", the Okanagan Valley is known for its long growing season and award-winning wines, including pinot gris, pinot noir and chardonnay. With more than 100 wineries operating in the region, there are plenty of touring options.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail offers a scenic path through the wineries in and around the town of Penticton, which is known as the centre of the Okanagan's wine industry. For a downhill ride, hop on the abandoned railway at Chute Lake and ride south to Penticton.
Along the way, stop in for tastings at some of the small-production Naramata Bench wineries, including the award-winning La Frenze and Poplar Grove wineries. Had too many samples to complete your ride? Book a stay in one of the Elephant Winery's charming suites overlooking the vineyards.
Four-Mile Creek Icewine Trail, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
The great thing about many Canadian wineries is that the fun doesn't end when the snow flies. This is certainly true of Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Canada's best-known wine regions. The area boasts four icewine trails allowing visitors to experience rich, sweeter wines made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine.
Four Mile Creek trail is the longest of the four and lies below the Niagara Escarpment. This trail features eight wineries, including the Hillebrand Estates Winery, the first winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake to produce icewine, and Southbrook Vineyards, reportedly Canada's first certified organic and biodynamic vineyard.
The Taste Trail, Prince Edward County, Ontario
This eastern Ontario county is known for its young vineyards and culinary delights. The Taste Trail allows visitors to combine both local food and wine on a gastronomic adventure to experience the area's best restaurants, culinary boutiques and wineries. The self-guided tour features 31 locations (13 of which are wineries) marked with road signs in and around the towns of Wellington, Bloomfield and Picton.
Page 1 of 2 – Find great Canadian wine trails in Quebec and Nova Scotia on page 2.
