Carols Lakeview B&B - Peachland, B.C.

Your Hosts, Carol and Bob Detwiller

We are providing the following information to assist our visitors arriving in Western Canada for the first time. Although the beautiful Okanagan is a destination in itself, the vast Canadian West has much the offer.

Vancouver International Airport is a fifty minute non-stop flight aboard Westjet to Kelowna's modern airport ($ 60 - 150 Cdn). Vancouver situated on Canada west coast is about 3 ½ hours driving time from Peachland (please be careful from late fall to early spring as the TransCanada Highway passes through some very high country with frequent fog and snow) on a modern expressway that is all four lanes divided except for about 30 miles which is being upgraded. The trip begins in the delta farmlands and extends up through some beautiful treed mountainous slopes. It is very scenic during good weather.

Vancouver, over 1.8 million in the metropolitan area, boasts all the amenities of a modern city. An expanding Light Rapid Transit system connects can get to most areas without driving concerns. Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Gastown, and Whistler Ski Resort are just some of the major attractions.

While in the Vancouver area consider a trip to "The Island". Vancouver Island is an unbelievable stop. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the southern tip. Truly, the Island is one gigantic garden with its center piece the famous Butchart Gardens. A short trip up island will take you into some of Canada's oldest rain forests. The Island is a beachcombers paradise. Vancouver Island is served both by air and BC Ferries with several connections to Vancouver and Washington State Ferries, USA. Try this link to Victoria, Vancouver, and the Gulf Islands B&Bs.

Both Edmonton and Calgary International Airports welcome guests to western Canada. Westjet serves Kelowna ($ 83 - 200 Cdn) from both locations with one hour non-stop flights.

From Edmonton the most scenic route would be through Jasper National Park then you have a choice; the Yellowhead highway to Kamloops then down to Kelowna and Peachland. Via Rail serves the Edmonton - Jasper - Kamloops route where you could rent a car for a pleasant 2 hour journey into the Okanagan. Alternatively, you could travel from Jasper down to Banff National Park via the Columbia Icefields (the top of the North American continent with waters flowing to the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic through the Hudson Bay) to Lake Louise where you would join the TransCanada Highway and head west through the Rogers Pass. The trip through the Icefields is a once in a lifetime experience so have lots of film. It is however extremely high country and prone to unpredictable weather. The highways are well maintained but you can expect delays when the winter months are near. Snow is not uncommon even during the summer. You will need several days to truly enjoy this trip as there are many stops along the way. Plan an overnight in Jasper and Lake Louise areas. Bed and Breakfasts abound in these areas just search <"bed and breakfast" +Banff> and <"bed and breakfast" +Jasper> on the Net.

From Calgary you will pass through Banff and Lake Louise before entering the Rogers Pass. This country is a hikers and skiers delight with Sunshine Village staying open until late May. The summer nature trials are fantastic with another scenic stop at Moraine Lake (Valley of the Ten Peaks) near Lake Louise. Lake Louise to the Okanagan is a six to eight hour drive.

Mountainous driving is not for the novice. Take your time and do not plan to drive at night. Be very defensive as the other driver is likely trying to look at the same thing as you and it may not be the road. Expect large trucks and slow moving camper trailers on the TransCanada. Winter driving in the Canadian Rockies takes on a whole new meaning. The days are short and can be interrupted by avalanches and heavy snowfalls. If you are at all concerned consider taking a tour bus or chauffeured car.

Always obey notices about approaching and not feeding animals you will encounter. Expect to see Rocky Mountain Sheep, Goats, Bear, wolves, elk, deer, etc. Bear are especially dangerous around camp sites and in the spring when cubs may be near. Elk are common in both Banff and Jasper streets and a bull elk can easily overtake a golf cart during the fall rut. Remember these are wild animals and are unpredictable.