Not into skiing? Try these other outdoor Thompson-Okanagan winter activities | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Current Conditions Light Snow  0.0°C

Kelowna News

Not into skiing? Try these other outdoor Thompson-Okanagan winter activities

Image Credit: Shutterstock

With winter fast approaching and the days getting shorter, some fun in the snow might just be what the doctor ordered to help us get through the colder, darker months.

Season passes for skiing have become more expensive and, for many, inaccessible. However, skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only activities on offer this winter.

For example, in Kamloops you can find some of the best ice fishing in the entire province.

According to Tourism Kamloops, the area is known for some of the best still-water and hard-water fishing in the world. Many of the lakes are even stocked annually by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

In January, Walloper Lake will host the annual Family Ice Fishing Day with the Kamloops and District Fish and Game Association and the Kamloops Fly Fishers Association. The lake will be stocked with Rainbow Trout, ready for beginner and advanced fishers to catch.

Lakeside Eco-Sports in Kelowna will also be offering a unique snow e-biking experience.

Rather than wheels, the pedals and throttle power a cat-track at the back of the bike and skis at the front so bikers can glide across the snow with ease.

Lakeside Eco-Sports offers snow e-biking as one of its winter excursions.
Lakeside Eco-Sports offers snow e-biking as one of its winter excursions.
Image Credit: Lakeside Eco-Sports Website

Meanwhile, SilverStar Ski Mountain near Vernon has dedicated fat biking trails for those who want to stay active this winter.

Fat bikes have wide tires that make them suitable for the snow and can be used on many bike trails across the wider Vernon area, such as Kalamalka Lake and Ellison Provincial Park. 

However, for those looking for a more unusual winter sport, skijoring might be the answer.

With roots in Scandinavia, skijoring is a high intensity sport that involves a person on skis being pulled along by a horse or dog. 

A competing team at the Travel Alberta “Chase Winter’s Warmth” 2020 competition.
A competing team at the Travel Alberta “Chase Winter’s Warmth” 2020 competition.
Image Credit: Skijor Canada Website (skijorcanada.com)

If, like most, you lack experience in this canine/equine winter sport, you can enjoy being a spectator at the first local race on Mar. 30, 2024. Sovereign Lake Nordic Club has partnered with Pooch Partners to host a race across Sovereign Lake’s scenic trails.

Other higher speed activities include snowmobiling. Sled Kelowna also offers these experiences in Kelowna’s backcountry.

On the pricier side, Big White Ski Resort also offers dog sledding tours through its winter forests. 

You can also experience the scenic snowy landscape from the comfort of heated dome and with the luxury of a restaurant meal at Frind Winery.

Frind’s outdoor dome-dining experience can be enjoyed for brunch or dinner in a romantic winter setting.

Frind Winery offers a uniquer 'dome-dining' experience.
Frind Winery offers a uniquer 'dome-dining' experience.
Image Credit: Frind Winery Website (Frindwinery.com)

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below. 


To contact a reporter for this story, email Georgina Whitehouse or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.

News from © iNFOnews, 2023
iNFOnews

  • Popular kelowna News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile