Our picks for the best orchard trails to explore in the Okanagan this summer — from Knox Mountain at sunrise to BX Falls running through the Hardcore Cider estate in Vernon.

Summer in the Okanagan hits different. The lake is warm, the orchards are heavy with fruit, and the air smells like something good is fermenting nearby — because it is.

Whether you're road-tripping through the valley, camping at Okanagan Lake, or just chasing the best long weekend of your life, this is your guide to doing it right.

Stop 1: The Lake

Okanagan Lake is the anchor of the whole region. Rent a paddleboard in Kelowna, find a quiet beach near Peachland, or just sit on a dock and watch the light change. Pair it with something cold and fruit-forward — our Strawberry Ciderita was basically made for this moment.

Stop 2: The Orchards

The Okanagan grows some of the best apples, cherries, and stone fruit in Canada. Drive the back roads between Oliver and Osoyoos in late summer and you'll pass stand after stand of fresh-picked fruit. It's the same fruit that goes into our The Core — Okanagan Apple Cider, estate-grown and pressed right here.

Stop 3: The Trails

Hiking above the valley floor gives you views that don't feel real. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, and the trails above Naramata are all worth the climb. Reward yourself after with something with a little more depth — Black Hole Blackberry Barrel-Aged Cider is the move.

Stop 4: The Wineries (and Beyond)

Yes, the Okanagan is wine country. But craft cider is having its moment, and for good reason — when you start with estate-grown Okanagan fruit and age it in whiskey barrels, you get something that belongs on any serious tasting table. Barrel Proof is our most complex expression, and it pairs beautifully with a charcuterie spread on a winery patio.

Take the Okanagan Home

Can't stay forever? We get it. Build Your Case lets you take home a custom 12-bottle mix of our five expressions for $215. Or grab a Gift Card and send someone you love on their own cider journey.

Shop the full lineup →

We don't have a tasting room. Build Your Case is our version of one — here's the honest story behind why we price it the way we do.

Does cider age like wine? We answer all your cider storage questions: refrigeration, shelf life, aging potential, and how to keep your craft cider fresh.

What's the difference between Okanagan cider, BC cider, and Ontario cider? We compare climate, apples, production methods, and quality to show why Okanagan cider stands apart.

A guide to ordering Hardcore Cider Co.'s 100% Okanagan apple cider, with notes on bottle packaging, expressions, and Build Your Case.