Home / Events

Events

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association invites you to their free “7 Celebrations Series” of events to reconnect in the communities throughout the Thompson Okanagan., we are lucky enough to live in an incredible place that is composed of diverse communities and cultures. Here, we believe in sharing what we love about this region with each other and our visitors.

Reconnecting in the Boundary

Christina Lake, January 27- 29, 2023

More details to come on location.

Over the last 200 years, many intrepid explorers have visited Christina Lake and the surrounding area. Christina Lake was part of the region inhabited by the Sinixt First Nations, also known as the Arrow Lakes People. Age-old pictographs are at several places along the northeast lakeshore—evidence of these first inhabitants and visiting tribes. They offer a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s past.

Revisit the legend and lore of the lake and learn about the Indigenous, and later, Japanese culture that composes this community. Local artists, performers, and storytellers will all be present to celebrate and educate locals and visitors of the history and current happenings of Christina Lake and Boundary Country.

Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at BoundaryCountry.com.

Jan 27, 2023 – Jan 29, 2023

8:00 AM

Reconnecting in the Boundary Country – Christina Lake

Reconnecting in the North Okanagan

Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium. Vernon, February 5, 2023

Silver Star Mountain Resort, February 3-5, 2023

Vernon is within the Okanagan Nation traditional territory, also known as the Syilx Nation. S-Ookanhkchinx or Okanagan translates to “transport toward the head or top end”. Silver Star mountain’s history reaches back centuries to include Indigenous use as a summer ground for hunting and berry picking.

The first Winter Carnival in Vernon was held on Long Lake (Kalamalka Lake) on February 23, 1893. It was stated this was the first affair of its kind to be held on ice in the Province of British Columbia. The first annual Vernon Winter Carnival (as we know it today) was held in 1961. Through honoured Carnival traditions and exciting new opportunities, residents and visitors get to show their community spirit— to show the true Carnival spirit.

Vernon and Silver Star Mountain host the traditional Winter Carnival celebrations and help us reconnect to the culture in the North Okanagan through live performances, interactive experiences, local food, ice sculpting, and artisan markets. The diversity of the cultures and traditions in the North Okanagan is what makes it an incredible place to live and explore.

Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at TourismVernon.com and DestinationSilverStar.com.

Feb 3, 2023 – Feb 5, 2023

9:30 AM

Reconnecting in the North Okanagan – Silver Star Mountain

Feb 3, 2023

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Reconnecting in the North Okanagan – Vernon

Reconnecting in the South Okanagan

Downtown Summerland, Summerland, February 18-20, 2023

When you journey through the spectacular Okanagan landscape, travelers are following in the centuries six-thousand year old footsteps of the Okanagan peoples. Filled with vintners and entrepreneurs who honour the spirit of Summerland, the town has become a place where tradition meets innovation in perfect harmony.

Visit Summerland for a truly authentic Okanagan experience and enjoy live performances and buy local, shop local to support the businesses that hold the community together.

Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at VisitSummerland.com.

Feb 18, 2023 – Feb 20, 2023

8:00 AM

Reconnecting in the South Okanagan – Summerland

Reconnecting in the North Thompson

Sun Peaks Village, Sun Peaks, March 3-5, 2023

Sun Peaks offers deep steeps, long cruisers, glade zones, powder stashes, and corduroy groomers all found within 4,270 acres of skiable terrain. Three mountains surround a European-style, ski-through village filled with quaint shops, cafés, and eateries.

The Secwépemc peoples have been venturing to Swelkwek’welt, known today as Sun Peaks, to hunt and gather, develop traditional medicines, and for spiritual training and ceremonies for over 8,000 years.

Along with their rich culture and history, Sun Peaks recognizes its women in sports that use Sun Peaks as their home base. Enjoy the fresh powdery snow and ski resort atmosphere while celebrating women in sports, experiencing local artists, artisan markets, and storytellers who will come together to showcase the culture and history of the North Thompson community.

Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at SunPeaksResort.com.

Mar 3, 2023 – Mar 5, 2023

8:00 AM

Reconnecting in the North Thompson – Sun Peaks

Reconnecting in Gold Country

Cache Creek, March 24-26, 2023

More details to come on location.

While Cache Creek blossomed as a supply point of the 1860s Cariboo Gold Rush, there are two stories on the origin of the town’s name. Some claim it derived from the fur trade of the 1800s when First Nations were the only inhabitants of the BC Interior and supplies were stored or “cached” in the valley junction. Others say it came from a stagecoach robbery that occurred during the gold rush. The Bonaparte First Nations or the St in Secwépemctsin, which means “people of Stuctuws” are empowered by a foundation of tradition, culture and language.

Gold Country is composed of rolling hills, deep valleys, endless lakes, and the Bonaparte River that connects to the Thompson River. Come together in Cache Creek and enjoy local artists, artisan, and storytellers as they share what life used to be like and how it has transformed to today’s life.

Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at ExploreGoldCountry.com.