From the Okanagan

Posted by on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

Taking a short break from the busy world of GolfScene to experience some golf and other attractions in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. This is a part of Canada that I have heard a lot about.  Being a first time visitor, I thought I’d share the experience.


Nice to be able to fly out of the relaxed Kitchener-Waterloo airport last Sunday on a Westjet flight to Calgary with a connection to Kelowna. First time using this newly renovated airport, and it won’t be my last. If I can avoid Pearson, I will. The airport is customer-friendly and the Westjet staff were first-class. Zero hassles!


Met in Kelowna by our host, Golf the World Vacations and transported to the Coast Capri Hotel where I met the small group of travel writers and tour operators who I’d be spending the week with – playing a little golf and learning about the Okanagan.


Monday morning:  Following breakfast at the hotel we headed off for our first round at Gallagher’s Canyon, a spectacular track that winds it way through tall ponderosa pines and alongside the canyon, named after an early settler in the region. Our host was Chris Currie, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Golf BC (Okanagan).


Found it interesting that all the golf carts had licence plates, and upon enquiry found that in British Columbia if the golf cart has to cross a public road, a licence is required. The fleet of 72 carts each has a licence plate and the cost to the golf course is about $30 per cart, annually.


As you play along the edge of the canyon, signs warn you of what might be below.


Following golf: Quick shower and shave – and it was off to the Summerhill Pyramid Winery for a tasting and dinner. Instead of a traditional wine cellar, the wine is housed in an actual pyramid, right on the grounds, with controlled temperatures to store the wines on site. Billed as ‘possibly the most unique winery in the world’, Summerhill, one of dozens of wineries in the region is a must visit. The views of Okanagan Lake, the food and the ambience was also ‘out of this world’. Summerhill claims to be ‘Canada’s most visited winery and also Canada’s largest organic vineyard. A great way to end our day.


Tuesday:  After a good night’s rest (even though I am still on Ontario time) saw us up early and off to the Okanagan Golf Club, also on the edge of town. Two courses sit side by side, a Jack Nicklaus design called The Bear and a Les Furber design, called The Quail. We played The Bear and toured the Quail. Another full day of golf with a spectacular view that accompanies just about every shot.


In fact, I believe views are what make the Okanagan a little different than anywhere else in the country. Everywhere you look, it’s another wow. The ‘Seventh Wonder of Canada’, according to the CBC is the unique rock formation aptly called layer-cake mountain.


Wednesday we check out of the Capri Hotel, play The Club at Tower Ranch, a Tom McBroom design and then it’s off to Predator Ridge.


Stay tuned!


For more check out the links -  www.gallaghersgolf.com |  www.summerhill.bc.ca


About Norm Woods
Norm was the founder of GolfScene Media.

Filed under eNEWS · Tagged with

May Also be of Interest:


You're Away

Let us know your thoughts...