Naramata sits at the tail end of a long road, tucked along the mountainside and nestled next to the Okangan Lake. It feels like one big breath of fresh air because it’s so far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life everywhere else in our province, especially at peak tourism season. No, you won’t find big box stores in this village, nor endless traffic; instead, Naramata is the type of place that moves at a slower pace and instinctively reminds you to do the same. 

And at the height of midsummer, in the middle of the week? It’s even more idyllic. 

So we’ve crafted the perfect 2-day itinerary for those who want to experience Naramata as it’s meant to be explored: on a regular day, mid-week, when the streets are quiet and the atmosphere calm.

DAY ONE: WINE-PAIRED FUN

You can’t start your trip without a scenic drive! 

The renowned Naramata Bench winds along both sides of the road as you head northwest from Penticton, leaving big city life behind. The roughly half-hour trip is sprinkled with well-known wineries, smaller mom and pop brands, various orchards, distilleries, and a brewery, as well as the endless blues of a sparkling Okanagan Lake. The wind is soft, swaying the vines and leafy trees, especially at this time of year. 

July in Naramata is an outdoor lover’s dream.

As you roll down towards the village, we highly recommend a stop (or five!) at some of the well-known wineries along the way. One of our personal favourites includes Howling Bluff Winery, known for their exceptional pinots. For an extra-special treat, try out their chocolate and fortified wine pairing! It includes both dark and white chocolate bites along with their 2018 Forbidden Fort Blanc and 2015 Forbidden Fort Noir.

Or, if you’re in need of a lunchtime snack, hit up JoieFarm Winery for a selection of delicious sips and mouth watering gourmet hotdogs (we’re partial to their Bahn Mi, but you can’t go wrong with a classic Chicago!). And they always have a white and red wine available to pair, plus a monthly special to add to your order, giving you a taste of their winemaking style as you lounge beneath the sun.

As the afternoon lingers on, finish your wine tour at Little Engine Wines for their newly opened Evening Lounge (only available Thursday through Saturday, so depending on your arrival). You can enjoy a glass—or bottle—out on their patio overlooking the vineyard, and pair your sips with local artisan cheeses, baked breads, fresh crudités, and a selection of mocktails or craft beers from Abandoned Rail. It’s a great palate teaser before you head into the village and check-in to your accommodation.

For places to stay, there are no shortage of eclectic options in this village. For rustic luxury, Sandy Beach Lodge & Resort sits you right along the water, or perhaps for a little more homestyle comfort, try one of the many B&B’s at local wineries. When it comes to iconic hospitality, the historic Naramata Inn has been a village landmark since 1908—and why not stay here, especially when you’ll be dining in their new bistro this evening!

Dinner at Bistro Lapin Perdu is a feast for the senses. With a focus on classic French countryside cuisine and a focused selection of wines that highlight both international and local tastes, you can easily spend a few hours out on their Veranda enjoying the sunshine, a glass of something delicious, and plates that warm you from the inside out. And, to finish your first day off in style, head downstairs for their speakeasy lounge, The Burrow, where vinyl records and a cool, underground atmosphere transport you to the 1920s.

Don’t forget—if you arrive on a Wednesday, the famous Naramata Farmers Market spreads out all across Manitou Park! From 4 to 7pm, you can peruse a selection of locally made products, beautiful fruits and vegetables, baking, farm eggs, takeaway meals, preserves, handmade treasures like pottery, jewellery, and glassware, and so much more. 

It’s the perfect way to experience a slower pace of life in a community that celebrates and uplifts one another.

DAY TWO: SLOW LIVING IN NARAMATA VILLAGE

Your second day begins with a leisurely, morning stroll to Just Baked, Naramata’s cutest, coziest coffee shop! Tucked away with a shopfront that feels like a hole in the wall—in the best way possible—they have a superb selection of specialty coffees and delectable treats like cakes, cookies, and more, along with local fan-favourite: sausage rolls! Order to stay and enjoy the soft sun out front, or take it to go because today is all about exploring the village wonders.

All along Robinson Ave you’ll find the lifeblood of the community: locally-owned businesses. Places like Sun N’ Sup, a beloved paddle board shop that even offers lessons for those who need a bit of help standing up! With a selection of beachwear and other items, including kayak rentals, you can sip your coffee and search through a selection of Cali-style outfits while also planning your future aquatic adventure. The Okanagan is, after all, all about lake livin’.

Continue next door for more retail therapy at Shades of Linen Clothing, an artsy, eccentric stop with bohemian vibes, checkered floors, and gorgeous wracks full of chic options that can withstand the summer heat. Give your wardrobe a makeover and enjoy a runway style montage as you lose yourself in their collection. 

You also have to schedule a stop at 4th Meridian Art & Auction! This Naramata location is the cutest summer pop-up version of their larger location in Penticton, but equally set up with art, vintage finds, quaint and quirky gifts, handmade pottery and ceramics, prints, as well as a curated selection of travel memoirs and other curious collectables.

Just across the street don’t miss out on visiting the Naramata General Store, serving curated convenience to locals and tourists alike! Consider it your one-stop-shop with must-have staples as well as elevated foodie options because you can hit the deli, wine and beer store, and even postal service in one central location. If you want to enjoy a light picnic along the water for lunch, be sure to gather locally-sourced fruits and even a fully stacked charcuterie box…

After all, the afternoon is focused entirely on soaking up the outdoors!

It’s time to wander the beautiful parks, enjoy a stretch of the famous Kettle Valley Rail Trail, maybe a hike to the Naramata Creek Park Waterfall, or a couple hours out on the water. Whatever your speed, the important part is that you’re enjoying the natural beauty of Naramata, connecting with the landscape, and soaking up the summertime vibes. It’s life, unplugged and unrushed.

After some light exercise and outdoor exploration, it’s time for a well-deserved dinner—and you’ve got a few options! For warm comforts, stop at Real Things Pizza, especially when they have their special 2-Buck Tuesdays. We’re talking handmade, 100% Naramata slices with some unique options… And did we mention they even deliver directly to the beach?! Another choice is the newly opened Mile 9 Food + Drink, especially with their gorgeous outdoor shaded patio and a selection of local wines and delicious bites.

But for us? We suggest a vegetable-forward, super fresh, incredible meal at Terroir Kitchen. Owner and Executive Chef Tristan Bunkwoski spent quite a few years honing his culinary skills in Michelin names, and brings that level of excellence to his approachable—but refined—restaurant along the vines. You haven’t lived unless you’ve had his signature dish: coffee-roasted carrots! It’s an explosion of flavour that perfectly pairs with his selection of seasonal cocktails and wine options. 

For evening entertainment, there’s always something going on somewhere in the Bench, especially at one of the wineries! Whether it’s happy hour, a summer concert series, or more specific events tailored to the season, you won’t help but fall in love with the local charm. 

Or just bring a blanket and watch the sun set across the valley, enjoying the stillness of the moment because there’s nothing quite like those golden-hour views lighting up our desert hills. Listen to the gentle lapping of the water, dig your toes into the sand, and celebrate connecting with a place as beautiful as Naramata.

You might not have pictured a mid-week visit to a sleepy village as one of the most incredible, rejuvenating experiences you could find in our valley this summer, but we’re here to prove you wrong. Naramata is an oasis just off the beaten path, waiting for you to discover its charms. And on your way out of town, bring a piece of the magic with you when you stop for fresh cut flower bouquets at Naramata Supply Co—it doesn’t get anymore Naramata than that! 

There’s no shortage of things to discover in this village, especially when you visit on a regular day, in the middle of the week, like a local. When you walk at a slower pace you remember to fall in love with the everyday all over again. 

XOXO,

Your Okanagan Curators