We've all heard the old saying, "Good things come in small packages." Well, what if we tweak that slightly, just for now? How about, "Everything comes in a small package?" That seems more fitting since today, we'll be zooming in on a little gem that has it all.

Picture a bird's eye view of the world. Taking your index finger and thumb, begin zooming in on Canada. Okay, a little further. Keep going until you only see British Columbia. Great! Now, keeping that finger and thumb busy, let's zoom in further still. Do you see that valley? The one surrounded by mountains and sweeping landscapes? That's where we're going, into the Okanagan Valley. And yes, that is a lake.

Long, deep, and enticing, Okanagan Lake is the centrepiece of this majestic geographic display of vibrant towns, wineries, orchards, and more sprinkled throughout the surrounding hillsides. Beautiful, isn't it? Oh, hang on! Don't put those digits away just yet. We're almost there. Zoom in a little further. A little more. That's it, right there!

WELCOME TO NARAMATA

Located on the southeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, with a modest village population of 1,012, this tiny town has large shoulders, balancing a variety of things to do, taste and see all around it. 

"Variety is not the spice, but the very stuff of life." ~ Christopher Burney

Imagine stepping outside on a fresh morning to the serenade of birdsong. The sun, taking its first peak over the hills, gently kisses your face. A short stroll or cycle finds you at a lovely little spot where, now donning your shades in the morning light, you wash down delicious baked goods with a warm cup of tea or coffee. As the village comes to life and your sustenance kicks in, you begin to bubble with excitement over the adventure that lies ahead.

After a fun day on the trails, you pass by a fruit stand to collect some healthy, local snacks on your way for a paddle or refreshing dip. Then, having cooled off in Okanagan Lake's calm, pleasant water, you return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading back out to quell your hunger and quench your thirst.

Later, the vivid colour palette of an Okanagan sunset makes way for a clear, starry sky. Eyes drooping and mouth pursed in a smile, you crawl into bed for a well-deserved sleep after an action-packed day.

The following morning greets you in just the same way. The sweet melody of birds soothes your ears while the rising sun warms your face. Today, however, you have a different plan. Rather than pulling on something sporty and active, you opt for more stylish attire, displaying your sense of fashion. A tasty breakfast in town coats your stomach for a day full of tasting and tours. With an abundance of award-winning wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries, your palate won't know what hit it.

In a state of satisfaction and bliss, dinner that evening is the icing on the cake. A mouthwatering meal followed by a sunset stroll along the lakeshore leaves you wondering, "What's next? What else could we possibly do while we're here?" A common question in a place with so much to offer. No need to worry about that right now, though. Get some rest. You've earned it. There will be plenty of time to decide the next morning.

Ah, yes, Naramata. A small village in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, where variety is an understatement, and nothing is far away. A place where everything comes in a small package. Come visit us soon. We'll be waiting for you.

If you like what you just read, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates and future stories about our little slice of paradise. Next week, we'll explore life at a slower pace as we learn all about Naramata Slow. Stay tuned!

Mike Bilodeau