Lake Country
THE CITY · LAKE COUNTRY, BC

Nestled between three stunning lakes, Lake Country, BC, offers a vibrant mix of award-winning wineries, family-friendly communities and year-round outdoor recreation.

59 places · Updated September 2026Community guide · Go Kelowna

01AT A GLANCE

The details that matter.

Lake Country, BC, is a district municipality composed of four distinct communities: Winfield, Oyama, Okanagan Centre, and Carr's Landing. Situated between Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka lakes, it's celebrated for its Scenic Sip wine trail, extensive Okanagan Rail Trail, beautiful parks and beaches, and its blend of agricultural roots with growing residential neighbourhoods. Its proximity to UBCO and the airport makes it a desirable location.

Population
~18,000
From downtown
20 min to Kelowna
Known for
Wineries, lakes, orchards
Best for
Families, wine lovers

01Local Favourites

•Refresh & Refuel

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•Swirl & Sip

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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Your Guide to Lake Country Living

Welcome to the heart of the Okanagan, where the good life grows.

The short answer

Lake Country is a collection of communities defined by water, with Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka lakes shaping its lifestyle. It's known for world-class wineries along the Scenic Sip trail, fresh fruit from local orchards, and incredible outdoor access via the Okanagan Rail Trail.

01Our Neighbourhoods

The Four Communities

Kaloya Regional Park, Lake Country
Kaloya Regional Park, Lake Country

Lake Country is more a collection of communities than a single town. Winfield is the commercial hub, where you’ll find shops, schools and services. It’s the most suburban of the four, offering convenient access to everyday amenities and family-focused neighbourhoods.

Oyama is beautifully positioned on a narrow isthmus of land separating Wood Lake and the jewel-toned Kalamalka Lake. This unique geography gives it a classic summer-village feel, with beaches and parks like Kaloya Regional Park always close by.

Okanagan Centre is steeped in history, a quiet, mainly residential community that slopes down to the western shore of Okanagan Lake. It’s home to waterfront properties and has a more rural, established character. Carr's Landing, on the northern edge, offers a similar peaceful, lakeside lifestyle with stunning views and a strong sense of community.

Local tips

  • Each community has its own distinct personality; spend time in each to find your fit.
  • Winfield offers the most convenience for daily shopping and services.
  • Oyama is your spot for instant access to both Wood and Kalamalka lakes.
  • Carr's Landing and Okanagan Centre provide a quieter, more rural lakeside feel.
02Wine Country

The Scenic Sip Wine Trail

50th Parallel Estate Winery - Block One Restaurant, Lake Country
50th Parallel Estate Winery - Block One Restaurant, Lake Country

Lake Country is a premier Okanagan wine destination. The Scenic Sip trail features a cluster of celebrated wineries, each offering unique experiences and award-winning wines. You’ll find stunning architecture and panoramic lake views at every turn, making for an unforgettable day of tasting.

Gray Monk Estate Winery is one of BC's original estate wineries and the first to plant Pinot Gris in Canada. Its restaurant, The Lookout, offers incredible views over Okanagan Lake. A short drive away, 50th Parallel Estate Winery impresses with its dramatic, modern architecture and acclaimed Pinot Noir. Its Block One Restaurant is a top culinary destination.

The trail also includes gems like Peak Cellars, the first of the O'Rourke Family Estate wineries, known for its cool-climate wines and garden bistro. Ex Nihilo Vineyards offers a taste of luxury with its artful wines, while Intrigue Wines provides a warm, family-owned experience with a lovely picnic area. Wineries like Arrowleaf Cellars and Blind Tiger Vineyards round out the diverse offerings.

Local tips

  • Book tastings in advance, especially on summer weekends.
  • Consider a guided tour with a service like Sip Happens Wine Tours to explore safely.
  • Many wineries host events and live music in the summer.
  • Pace yourself and enjoy the food pairings offered at many winery restaurants.
03Outdoor Life

Lakes, Parks & Trails

Okanagan Rail Trail, Lake Country Trailhead, Lake Country
Okanagan Rail Trail, Lake Country Trailhead, Lake Country

Life here revolves around the water and the outdoors. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a highlight, offering a flat, accessible path for cycling and walking along the shores of Wood and Kalamalka lakes. It’s a spectacular way to experience the valley’s scenery, connecting communities and providing endless recreation.

Kaloya Regional Park, a peninsula jutting into the stunning, multi-hued Kalamalka Lake, is a family favourite for swimming and picnicking. Beasley Park, on Wood Lake, is another popular spot with sports fields, a playground, and a great beach for summer days. For hikers, the trails of Spion Kop offer rewarding climbs and panoramic views of the entire region.

Beyond the main parks, you'll find smaller gems like Reiswig Regional Park and Kopje Regional Park. Beaches abound, from the popular Coral Beach Park to quieter spots like Pebble Beach and Whiskey Cove Park. The opportunities for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and simply enjoying the lakeside setting are endless.

Local tips

  • Rent an e-bike to cover more ground on the Okanagan Rail Trail.
  • Pack water shoes for some of the rockier beaches.
  • Check trail conditions for Spion Kop before you head out, especially in early spring or late fall.
  • Dogs are permitted on-leash in Kaloya Regional Park between November 1 and March 31.
04Farm to Table

Orchards & Local Flavour

Turtle Bay Pub, Lake Country
Turtle Bay Pub, Lake Country

Agriculture is the backbone of Lake Country. The area is rich with orchards and farm stands, especially during the summer and fall harvest seasons. Driving along the country roads, you'll find countless opportunities to buy fresh-picked cherries, peaches, apples, and more, directly from the growers.

Well-known spots like Rose Hill Orchard offer dozens of apple varieties and a u-pick experience, while Gatzke Orchards is a classic farm market stop. Many smaller family farms, like Gambell Farms and Rusty Acres Organics, sell a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Following the Farm Gate Trail is a perfect way to discover these local treasures.

When it comes to dining, Lake Country has beloved local spots. For classic pub fare with a view, Turtle Bay Pub on Wood Lake and Woody's Pub are institutions. You'll find delicious Greek food at Greek House Restaurant, diner classics at Norman’s Diner, and great pizza at Pane Vino Pizzeria. For a coffee or a treat, The Salty Caramel Kitchen and Wooden Nickel Cafe are local favourites.

Local tips

  • Bring cash for smaller farm stands that may not accept cards.
  • Check social media for u-pick hours and availability, as it changes with the season.
  • Make reservations for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
  • The Turtle Bay Pub patio is a prime spot in the summer, so expect it to be busy.
05Smart Growth

Education & Innovation

Woody's Pub, Lake Country
Woody's Pub, Lake Country

Lake Country's location is a major draw. It sits directly next to the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus (UBCO), a dynamic and growing institution. This brings a youthful energy to the area and provides residents with access to university events, research, and facilities. The campus is a significant driver of innovation in the region.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is also just minutes away, making travel incredibly convenient for residents and visitors. YLW offers direct flights to major Canadian cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, as well as some US and seasonal destinations. This ease of access has made Lake Country an attractive place for professionals and families who need to travel for work or pleasure.

The proximity to both a major university and an international airport has contributed to Lake Country being one of BC's fastest-growing communities. It attracts people seeking a high quality of life without sacrificing connectivity and educational opportunities.

Local tips

  • Explore the public walking and biking trails on the UBCO campus.
  • Check for public lectures and events at UBCO, which are often open to the community.
  • Take advantage of the airport's proximity for easy weekend getaways.
06Putting Down Roots

Family Life & Housing

Gray Monk Estate Winery, Lake Country
Gray Monk Estate Winery, Lake Country

Lake Country is exceptionally well-suited for families, offering a blend of rural charm and essential amenities. The district has dedicated elementary, middle, and secondary schools, and its communities are filled with parks, beaches, and recreational opportunities that encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle. The strong sense of community is evident in local events and the friendly atmosphere.

The housing landscape is diverse. You'll find everything from established single-family homes in Winfield to modern lake-view properties and sprawling agricultural estates. Neighbourhoods range from master-planned communities to quiet, rural pockets. While known for some luxury properties, Lake Country also offers more attainable options like townhomes and duplexes, catering to a range of buyers.

The demand for homes here is strong, reflecting the area's popularity. This has influenced property values, but many residents feel the lifestyle benefits are a worthy trade-off. The balance of small-town feel, natural beauty, and convenient access to the amenities of Kelowna and Vernon makes it a highly desirable place to call home.

Local tips

  • Explore different neighbourhoods to get a feel for their unique character.
  • Connect with local real estate agents who specialize in the Lake Country market.
  • Spend time at local parks and community centres to meet other families.

•ON THE MAP

Lake Country, pinned.

All 59 places in our Lake Country guide on one live map. Zoom in, tap a pin for photos and directions, then open the full profile.

59
Places
10
Wineries
46
Rated 4.5★+

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•FAQ

Good to know

Lake Country is best known for its stunning natural setting between Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka lakes. It's famous for the Scenic Sip wine trail, numerous orchards and farm stands, and the popular Okanagan Rail Trail for cycling and walking.