New Products
This is a region that amazes visitors with its diversity. From the dry and arid desert in the south, to the lush spectacular mountains in the north, our region provides an abundance of activities for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as mountain biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, canoeing and wildlife viewing. Sport lovers will be busy with championship golf courses, destination ski resorts and boating activities. Families can enjoy farms, beaches and a multitude of fun choices for everyone’s particular tastes. And speaking of tastes… vineyards, wineries, fresh fruit, scenic dining… the Thompson Okanagan is a sensory experience not to be missed. Located halfway between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, we are located 45 minutes flying and 4 hours driving time from Vancouver and 45 minutes flying and 8 hours driving time from Calgary.Planning Assistance
In addition to the information available here, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association can provide you with supporting material, custom itineraries, images and information on the Thompson Okanagan and over 2,000 of our stakeholders to choose from. We would also be happy to educate your staff with additional “wow” features of our region and assist you with a familiarization tour to the Thompson Okanagan. We want to provide you with the tools to make an exciting new product!Travel professionals requiring assistance from one of our marketing team members can contact a travel trade department member who will respond to your request within 48 hours of receipt.
| Ellen Walker-Matthews Market Experiences Specialist – South Region Email: marketsouth@totabc.com Tel: 250.860.5999 ext. 215 Howard Grieve Market Experiences Specialist – North Region Email: marketnorth@totabc.com Tel: 250.860.5999 ext. 204 |
Gary Aldus Market Experiences Assistant Email: marketadmin@totabc.com Tel: 250.377.4383 |
May 2012 Thompson Okanagan Signature Experiences Collection
* NEW - SALUTE THE SALMON - MJO TOURS / PODOLLAN INN
Join MJO Tours on a Canadian fall foliage journey to the famous Adams River where the sockeye salmon life-cycle begins and ends. Feel the autumn air on your face as you wind through the forest, the rush of the river beside you as the sockeye return to mate and die. You will be immersed in First Nation's heritage and culture as your interpretive guide shows how this journey of the salmon impacted the lives of both aboriginals and early settlers. Complimenting this day of discovery is a series of wine tastings featuring the cool-climate wineries product paired with cheese and artisans meats, all made and produced locally. Overnight stays are at the luxurious Podollan Inn where you will also enjoy a three-course Chef-inspired dinner at Table 24 with each course accompanied by a selection of three recommended paired wines.www.mjotours.com
Mary Jo O'Keefe mary-jo@mjotours.com
* NEW - DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? - INTERIOR WHITEWATER EXPEDITIONS
Canoeing, Hiking and Rafting.....there is more adventure and jaw-dropping natural beauty in this journey than you could ever imagine. This is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. Professional guides accompany you as you canoe the pristine waters of Mahood Lake in Wells Gray Park. Savour gourmet, local Canadian cuisine cooked over an open fire. Hike to remote Mahood River and experience the majesty of Sylvia and Goodwyn Falls. Along the way, you'll discover First Nation's pictographs that exist along the canyon walls in the Mahood Valley...dating back as far as 3,000 years. Climb aboard your rafts to begin the two day adventure travelling down the mighty Clearwater River surrounded by towering canyon walls, rapids and chutes, probably the greatest in all of British Columbia.www.interiorwhitewater.com
Doug Trotter dftrots@telus.net rafting@interiorwhitewater.com
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Rocky Mountaineer offers unique train vacation packages on three rail journeys into the Canadian Rockies rolling through the centre of the Thompson Okanagan region. This luxurious train travels by daylight through the beauty of Canada’s West, overnighting in Kamloops. Through our region you can take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the rugged Fraser Canyon, badlands of the Thompson and cool blue lakes of the Shuswap. Named by national Geographic Magazine as one the great train trips in the world!www.rockymountaineer.com
Ian Robertson - irobertson@rockymountaineer.com
SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY
When Summerhill Pyramid Winery owner Stephen Cipes first visited the Okanagan in 1986, the New York developer believed he’d found unique conditions to produce intensely flavoured small organic grapes. The Summerhill Pyramid is second only to the Great Pyramid of Egypt for alignment and precision. The French tradition of putting sparkling wines in a dark, cool place for thirty days for the cuvee and dosage to ‘marry’ was Cipes original inspiration to achieve this goal. The aging of Summerhill wine in this true pyramid is the final step in production.www.summerhill.bc.ca
Stephen Cipes - scipes@summerhill.bc.ca
MIKE WIEGELE HELI-SKIING
Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing/Boarding and Cat Skiing is regarded as the best heli skiing in North America and arguably the world- 3.5 hours north of Kamloops near the Rocky Mountains. With more than 10 meters of snow each year, Wiegele is renowned for majestic, pristine powder and exceptional ski terrain. Located in Blue River, Mike Wiegele’s Heli Village provides exclusive luxury in a self-contained resort setting. Impeccable safety record, luxurious accommodation, dining and amenities make this the nirvana of winter resorts!www.wiegele.com
Daniela Aufschnaiter – daniela@wiegele.com
GREAT ESTATES OF THE OKANAGAN
Great Estates of the Okanagan Wine Tours visits five of the most exceptional wineries in the Okanagan Valley for a unique touring experience. A special route has been designated through breathtaking scenery ... a route off the beaten path and not marked on standard wine tour maps. Guided or self driven, the Great Estates Tour will take you along side 100 miles of cool pristine lakes in the Okanagan Valley. Along the way are rest areas and picnic stops, providing a great place to stretch your legs and take in British Columbia’s Wine Country.www.greatestatesokanagan.com
Raquel Meriam – raquelmeriam@vincor.ca
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE WINERY
At Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, making great wines and providing a special place where people can enjoy them has been proprietor Anthony von Mandl’s dream and life’s work. The winery is a refuge from the hurried pace of daily life. Mission Hill is world renowned for its award winning wines, stunning setting and architecture, and Terrace Restaurant - honoured as one of the top five winery restaurants globally.www.missionhillwinery.com
Jane Charbonneau – jcharboneau@missionhillwinery.com
VIA RAIL CANADA - ABOARD 'THE CANADIAN'
VIA Rail's historic 'Canadian' train offers a number of packages of luxurious rail travel including cross-Canada experiences and scenic trips through stunning areas of B.C. and Canada's Rocky Mountains. Packages include travel through the gorgeous Thompson Okanagan region including Gold Country, Kamloops, the South and North Thompson Valleys, and the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies - Mt. Robson. The trips feature the pampering of Sleeper Touring class and sumptuous meals, as well as exciting views of scenery and wildlife.www.canadaviarail.com/trans_ canada/across_canada/index.html
Josephine Wasch - Josephine_wasch@viarail.ca
November 2011 Thompson Okanagan Product Tip Sheet
FLOAT RAFTING NEAR MOUNT ROBSON PROVINCIAL PARK UNESCO SITE!
Relaxing 2 1/2-hour return trip on the Fraser River and its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains.
This is a rafting adventure suitable for people of all ages including children – no paddling required. Enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the entire Canadian Rocky Mountains. Wildlife abounds along the Fraser, home to the largest salmon run in the world. There are excellent viewing opportunities for bear, moose, deer, bald eagles, beaver dams/lodges and chinook salmon, so please bring your camera! Float by historical points of interest while listening to interpretive talks provided by guides.www.mountrobsonwhitewater.com
Jody Cinnamon: jody@mountrobsonwhitewater.com
DESERT NORTH ADVENTURES
New Adventure Vacations in the Thompson Okanagan
Desert North Adventures offers single and multi-day all- inclusive adventure tours, specializing in guided fly fishing excursions and guided off-road motorcycle tours. Desert North has access to all lakes in the Thompson region and some “special” private lakes that hold big fish where there is little pressure – allowing the opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime. This area is the “Rainbow Trout Capital of the World”. For Enduro riding, specific trail systems have been chosen for off road riders including kids, beginners, intermediate level, women and anyone looking to advance their skills. Golf and Fishing Packages including “Golf with a Pro” are available with all of Kamloops’ Award Winning Championship Golf Courses.www.desertnorthadventures.com
David Olds or Mike Porco: info@desertnorthadventures.com
“COUPLES SIZED” HOUSEBOATS IN THE “HOUSEBOAT CAPITAL OF CANADA”
This new size is ideal for a family or couple wanting a comfortable little houseboat to explore Shuswap Lake, Canada’s paradise known as wild and rugged yet home to pristine, sandy beaches, towering waterfalls, and warm, clear water. At almost half the cost of the next size houseboat, a destination adventure on the water beats any hotel room! The boats are outfitted with all the basic amenities and galley appliances for cooking up some fabulous meals. The stateroom has a comfortable queen bed and 2 additional double beds are in adjoining rooms. Just in case you get tired of the fabulous scenery, there is a flat screen TV and DVD player. You don’t need a boat operator’s license or experience and you can be your own captain the first time out!TwinAnchors: www.twinanchors.com
Penny Hoban: penny@twinanchors.com
HELI-SKIING AT SPARKLING HILL RESORT WITH EAGLE PASS HELISKIING
Guests of Sparkling Hill Resort looking to add some adrenaline to their vacation can book private, custom packages or single-day skiing from the resort with Eagle Pass Heliskiing. The terrain Eagle Pass uses for heli-skiing is a mere 15-minute flight from Sparkling Hill Resort. Unique to Heliskiing is a long awaited opportunity for heli-skiing guests to bring spouses along on their ski vacation who can use the full-service spa and amenities or enjoy nearby Silver Star Mountain Resort. Guests also have the option of being picked up via helicopter from Kelowna International Airport. Sparkling Hill’s stunning rooms and gourmet meals plus KurSpa’s multifaceted treatments provide a sanctuary that focuses on whole body health and wellness.www.sparklinghill.com
Wendy Patriquin: wendy.patriquin@sparklinghill.com
SILVER STAR RESORT – HELI-SKIING IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS
Eagle Pass Heliskiing began offering day skiing from Silver Star Mountain Resort commencing December 2011. Stay and ski at one of Canada’s favourite family resorts and enjoy all the untracked powder and incredible alpine terrain you can shake a ski pole at. Silver Star’s charming resort village is just one hour from the Kelowna International Airport and offers a full range of ski-in/ski-out accommodation, a great selection of restaurants and pubs, and a host of other non-ski activities. Before climbing aboard with Eagle Pass, you can hit the groomers with the family, work up those ski legs in the steeps of Putnam Creek, and join in a day of ‘Powder Prep’ lessons from one of Canada’s finest Ski Schools.SilverStarMountainResort: www.skisilverstar.com
EaglePassHeliskiing: www.eaglepassheliskiing.com
Robin Baycroft: rbaycroft@skisilverstar.com
NK’MIP DESERT CULTURAL CENTRE – CULTURAL VISION QUEST PROGRAM
The NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre’s “Cultural Vision Quest” program integrates modern technology with a traditional spiritual guidance ritual to highlight First Nations respect for the land.Adventure Dynamics: Through a variety of fun activities designed for team building, guests have the ultimate experienceinself-challenge. Teamsstrategizein competition to gain the most points, completing challenges both mental and physical.
Vision Quest Rapelling: Guests hike through the desert to a designated climbing area offering a beautiful view of the Okanagan’s stunning vista. From there, they navigate their descent down a solid rock face.
Vision Quest Adventure Dynamics and Rapelling can be combined with First Nations team building, smudging, drumming, storytelling and singing options.
NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre: www.nkmipdesert.com
Charlotte Stringam: cstringam@oib.ca
TOD MOUNTAIN RANCH
A small exclusive guest ranch offers horseback riding vacations
Hidden in the Louis Creek Valley, 45 minutes from Kamloops and in the shadow of Sun Peaks Resort, the ranch can accommodate 16 guests in new cabins, each with private bathroom. All rides are kept to a maximum of 8 riders and can be tailored to accommodate all levels of horse riding experience. Guests share western-style living with dining and games area in the guest lodge. The small yet upscale ranch offers stunning views, great food, good company and a peaceful, calm environment to relax. Unlike most other guest ranches, guests at Tod Mountain can interact with their horse as much as they want from the time they arrive until they leave.www.todmountainranch.com
Tracey O’Connell: tracey@todmountainranch.com
WINERY CULINARY WORKSHOPS – GUEST CHEFS UP CLOSE & PERSONAL!
Hester Creek Winery offers weekly cooking classes beginning in April. Guest Chefs including Eric Pateman from Edible B.C. and Umberto Menghi will host only 14 guests for an evening around a giant granite countertop in the winery’s demonstration kitchen. Award winning wines are paired with each course and recipes of course can be taken home – no secrets in this kitchen! There is also a door-to-door shuttle service available for each guest.www.hestercreek.com
Kathy Mercier: kathy@hestercreek.com
VALHALLA HELICOPTER TOURS
Valhalla Helicopters in Kelowna Launches Helicopter Wine Tours in the Okanagan Valley
Buckle up for a high-flying Heli-Wine tour that seamlessly pairs an exhilarating flight-seeing excursion with the fruits of the valley’s many vineyards. Full & half-day options are available, as well as charters for sightseeing, hiking, biking, alpine picnics, fishing, skiing or special occasions. A Heli-Wine Tour is a one-of-a-kind experience which combines a 2-hour scenic helicopter flight with 4 more hours on the ground to enjoy the beverage that has made the Okanagan so well-known. A Heli-Wine Tour is tailor-made by each customer and permits a group of up to 4 people to fly to their choice of 30 participating wineries in a day.www.valhallahelicopters.com
Chinook McLean: tours@valhallahelicopters.com
POPLAR GROVE WINERY
Poplar Grove Winery recently opened a 9,500-sq-ft state-of-the-art winery on top of Munson Mountain at the gateway to the Naramata Bench. The new winery space is home to a working winery, showcase barrel hall and an expansive tasting room. Visitors can tour the barrel hall, sample Poplar Grove’s award-winning wines and enjoy a picnic on the viewing deck overlooking Penticton’s scenic waterfront. Artisanal cheeses,meats and breads are available. Within the new estate vineyards, Poplar Grove planted foundation plants to harmonize with biodynamic principals – including hard fescue, red clover and bluegrass. The vineyard edges are lined with crested wheatgrass, wild mustard and annual rye.Poplar Grove Winery: www.poplargrove.ca
Laurie Barnes: laurie@poplargrove.ca
BREWSTER VACATIONS OKANAGAN MOTORCOACH TOURS
Our famous Okanagan region is renowned for wines. The “Napa of the North” as it is sometimes affectionately called by locals also has lakes, orchards and gardens that provide a magnet for explorers traveling across British Columbia. Brewster is offering many new travel opportunities to the Okanagan from Calgary or Vancouver with several options for staying extra days in Kelowna! Extra departures May through October and return trips Vancouver to Kelowna provide convenience and flexibility for those wishing to see the mountains of B.C., beautiful wineries and the chance to taste delicious agricultural products in the fruit basket of Western Canada!Brewster Vacations: www.brewster.ca
Liz Hogg: lhogg@brewster.ca