One of Canada's top places to visit in 2025 is this BC spot with sandy beaches and vineyards

The desert landscape, beach towns, and rolling hills of this region in B.C. make it one of the most unique vacation spots in the country. It's among the world's best wine regions and was ranked as one of the best places to visit in the country in 2025.

U.S. News released the list of the best places to visit in Canada in the new year, considering factors like affordability for U.S. travellers, entertainment options, hotels and resorts, expert opinions and user votes. On the list, alongside beloved destinations like Whistler and Banff, sits the Okanagan Valley.

It's unlike any other place in the country, famed for its summer beach town vibes, sprawling wineries, and idyllic lakes. Summertime is when the area comes alive, with fields of lavender blooming, vineyard tours, lake swims, and farmers markets.

There are many communities in the area, making it the perfect road trip destination. Driving through the towns you'll pass by mountains, valleys, and desert scenes.

Within the region is Canada's only desert, set in the town of Osoyoos. You can head to the Osoyoos Desert Centre and the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre here and explore the stunning landscape.

Thanks to the particularly warm climate, this town is also home to the warmest fresh-water lake in the country — Osoyoos Lake. Jumping into the water in July and August you'll be greeted by temperatures of a toasty 24°C. The lake is also surrounded by beautiful scenery and is perfect for boating or paddleboarding in the summer months.

It's also beach-town vibes here, with stretches of sand you can lay out on.

A visit to the Okanagan isn't complete without some winery tours though. If you want a particularly wine-fulled afternoon you should check out District Wine Village in Oliver. You can stroll around the little village and try out some different wineries all in one spot.

Burrowing Owl Estate is also a beautiful vineyard in Oliver that you can visit for a picturesque day.

There's no shortage of options though, including many surrounding the main city in the region, Kelowna. You can check out a list of wineries on the tourism website.

If you want an afternoon surrounded by beauty without the sipping, you can visit the peaceful fields of lavender. Check out Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm or McKinley Lavender Farm to breathe in the relaxing fields of flowers.

A 2025 summer getaway here is calling! If you're based in Vancouver you can take an hour-long flight to Kelowna or make the four-hour road trip.