August is an emotional month in the Okanagan due to wildfire season, and this year is no exception.

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the ongoing fires in our valley, especially those who have been evacuated or lost their homes, and our deepest thanks and gratitude go out to the firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel who are fighting to keep our communities safe. It is in these times that we see folks come together and support one another.

In addition to all the amazing ways you can help out like donating or volunteering for those directly impacted, we wanted to make a fun, simple list of ways to still get out and experience the Okanagan this month. Wildfires typically hit our tourism industry hardest, and usually these brands and businesses make the majority of their annual earnings in these key months, which means any disruption can be a big burden. So to help folks get out and enjoy the area, we whipped up a few simple ways to still celebrate the rest of summer this month.

And to further the support, be sure to tag @editorspicksokanagan and the brands and business for any deals or experiences. It’s time to showcase the strength and resiliency of our valley!

1. Watch the sunrise with a locally roasted coffee, especially when the day is clearest from smoke.
2. Enjoy brunch overlooking the lake.
3. Discover a winery you’ve never visited. There are over 200 in the Okanagan Valley!
4. Happy Hour Sips on a waterfront patio, because why not.
5. Arrive at a restaurant by boat, especially across the lake or in a different town.

6. Wander a farmers’ market—there are so many.
7. Pick up fresh fruit from a roadside stand, or better yet, get out and enjoy some u-pick options.
8. Spend the afternoon at a local beach and finish with ice cream.
9. Explore a small town you’ve never stopped in before like Armstrong, Kaleden, OK Falls, or even Keremeos.
10. Book a staycation at an Okanagan hotel or resort and enjoy some R&R.

11. Shop locally owned boutiques, particularly ethically-sourced and sustainable products.
12. Discover a local artist or gallery—they always have seasonal exhibits!
13. Rent some equipment and paddle on Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake, or Osoyoos Lake.
14. Take a scenic drive through iconic wine country areas like Naramata or the Black Sage bench.
15. Stop for ice cream on a hot summer afternoon.

16. Visit a craft brewery or cidery, especially since we have so many to discover.
17. Enjoy dinner on an outdoor patio.
18. Catch live music under the stars at one of the live music events happening around the valley.
19. Treat yourself to a chef-driven dining experience taking place this month.
20. Walk or cycle part of the KVR Trail, especially a section you’ve never been before.

21. Pick up a bottle of local wine to take home—or a case, because 12 bottles is always better than one.
22. Share your favourite Okanagan business online, write a positive review, or even like and comment on their socials.
23. Bring friends to your favourite local spot, especially the hidden hole-in-the-wall establishments.
24. Discover somewhere completely new, and bonus if it’s outside of your current town or city.
25. Above all, choose local whenever you can.

The list is simple, but the intention is not. We deeply care about our community here in the Okanagan, and that includes those displaced by the wildfires, those fighting them, and the brands and businesses hit hardest by the impact to tourism. So, in any small way that you can, we hope you can still get out and support locals at this time. 

This August, let’s remain #OkanaganStrong. 

Xx,

Your Okanagan Curators