Look between the Okanagan Valley’s mountainous peaks, fruit orchards and breathtaking lake and you’re sure to find world-class wineries, known internationally for producing excellent fruit and hybrid wines.

Today, the Okanagan Valley is British Columbia’s foremost winemaking region, and is home to over 172 wineries and counting. Spanning over 2,400 hectares, this winemaking area is spilt into sub regions that each have their own distinctive climates and soil varieties, allowing a greater range of wines to be produced here.

The Okanagan Valley has been used for winemaking since the 19th century; the first winery opened here in the mid 1800s, producing only communion wine. However, the Prohibition of the early 20th century put a stop to any development of wine production in the area until the 1930s. By the 1970s, the Okanagan Valley’s winemakers had started production in earnest and today the region is home to over 60 grape varieties, from rich Merlot to aromatic Riesling.

With the staggering Rocky Mountains and miles of undisturbed, ancient forest, it’s little wonder that Western Canada is home to some outstanding areas of natural beauty. From Mount Revelstoke’s head clearing rainforest trails to the unspoiled wilderness of Jasper National Park and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff, here we take a look at the most beautiful national parks to visit in Western Canada.