Savor the Okanagan: British Columbia's scenic valley with its deep lakes wineries and hot restaurants is at its summer best - tourism; restaurant, hotel information - includes recipes

Sunset, August, 2003 by Kate Washington, Steven R. Lorton

Kelowna

With a population of more than 100,000 and a thriving economy, this city has big hotels and resorts offering everything from water sports to nightlife; some of the region's finest restaurants are here. But what comes as a surprise is the richness and diversity of Kelowna's cultural scene. In a six-block cultural district east of the Grand Okanagan, you'll find an assortment of museums, private galleries, and shops. Tourism Kelowna, 544 Harvey Ave.; www.kelownachamber.org or (800) 663-4345.

ATTRACTIONS

Cultural district. Built inside a restored 1917 fruit-packing house, two museums, the British Columbia Orchard Industry Museum and the Wine Museum (orchard museum closed Sun-Mon; 1304 Ellis St.; 250/763-0433, 250/868-0441 for the wine museum) present exhibits focusing on the fruit-growing industry from 1900 to the present and the wine industry from 1500 B.C. on. The excellent VQA Wine Shop here sells wines and ice wines from 46 different vintners. The Kelowna Art Gallery (closed Men, call for other hours; $4; 1315 Water; 250/762-2226) is a nonprofit public gallery of fine arts with changing exhibits and a permanent collection. The Kelowna Museum (10-5 Tue-Sat; 470 Queensway Ave.; 250/763-2417) offers a historical view of the region, including information on natural history and the life of the people, and an 1860s trading post. For a century's worth of Canadian military artifacts, stop in the Okanagan Military Museum (10-4 Tue-Sat; $1 suggested donation; 1424 Ellis; 250/763-9292).

DINING

Fresco. Regional, seasonal, and fresh is the mantra for the Okanagans best restaurant. The signature oat-crusted Arctic char comes with spinach flan. Dinner only 1560 Water; (250) 868-8805.

Harvest Dining Room. Executive chef Jim Armstrong works directly with local growers to get perfect produce, such as the golden beets that set off a beautiful dish of halibut and pea shoots. Dinner only At the Harvest Golf Club, 2725 K.L.O. Rd.; (250) 862-3177.

Vintropolis Tapas Bar. This Kelowna hot spot offers small plates and an extensive list of wines by the glass. Lunch and dinner. 231 Bernard Ave.; (250) 762-7682.

LODGING

The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort and Conference Centre. A big, glitzy resort hotel right on the lake with 320 rooms, restaurants, casino, and spa. From $299. 1310 Water; www.grandokanagan.com or (800) 465-4651.

Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel & Villas. This elegant, Tuscan-style hotel with 78 guest rooms and suites is the place to disappear under the Okanagan sun, sequestered from the hubbub of Kelowna From $225, 3766 Lakeshore Rd.; www. manteo.com or (800) 445-5255.

Penticton

The largest city in the South Okanagan sits on a sliver of land between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes. Its 2 miles of public beach are packed with sun worshipers in summer. The nearby town of Summerland is like an old-fashioned English village. Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, 888 Westminster Ave. W; www.penticton.org or (250) 492-4103.

ATTRACTIONS

Giant's Head hike. A 2-mile, 50minute hike on the Don Agur Trail to the 2,772-foot summit and a breathtaking panorama. For directions visit the Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism, 15600 Hwy 97; www.welcometosummerland.com or (250) 494-2686.