OKANAGAN VALLEY - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 386

ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS
Nightlife
Enjoy a drink overlooking Okanagan Lake in the stylish lounge at the Hotel Eldorado
(500 Cook Rd., 250/763-7500, from 11am daily), where tables spread along the waterfront
boardwalk. Right downtown, Sgt. O'Flaherty's (348 Bernard Ave., 250/860-6409), in the
Royal Anne Hotel, is a friendly pub with bands churning out a variety of music styles
nightly from 9pm.
At Lake City Casino (Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, 1310 Water St., 250/860-9467),
don't expect the ritz and glitz of Las Vegas—this is gambling Canadian-style, with the ac-
tion restricted to slot machines, blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, and mini baccar-
at, and everyone's ushered out the front door at 2am.
Festivals and Events
The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival (250/861-6654, www.thewinefestivals.com ) is
somewhat less pretentious than the fall equivalent, with many wineries not normally
open to the public offering tours and tasting sessions through the first week of May.
The Knox Mountain Hill Climb ( www.knoxmtnhillclimb.ca ) , North America's longest
paved motor-vehicle hill climb, has been contested annually since 1957; it's on in late
May. The valley's biggest event is the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival (250/861-6654,
www.thewinefestivals.com ) , held annually over 10 days ending on the Canadian Thanks-
giving long weekend to celebrate the end of the grape harvest. Thousands of visitors parti-
cipate in tastings of food and wine, releases of new wines, cooking classes, and art displays,
with all sections of the industry participating.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND CAMPING
Under $50
Samesun Kelowna (245 Harvey St., 250/763-9814 or 877/972-6378, www.samesun.com ,
dorms $34-36, $89-99 s or d includes a light breakfast) is a centrally located, purpose-built
backpacker lodge. Inside the distinctive three-story building are 120 beds, many in private
rooms (some with en suites), with communal kitchens, bathrooms, a large lounge area, and
free wireless Internet. Out back is a pleasant, grassed barbecue area.
$50-100
High in the highlands northeast of Kelowna, M Beaver Lake Mountain Resort (6350
Beaver Lake Rd., 250/762-2225, www.beaverlakeresort.com , May-Oct., camping $29, cab-