ADVENTURE - Thrills and Spills:
(some excerpts from the Kelowna Visitor Guide)

The Okanagan's natural resources make it the ideal outdoor playground for those seeking the ultimate test of their outdoor skills. Tour companies in the area offer extensive biking, hiking and climbing tours for everyone from the novice to the expert. There are rafting adventures at nearby rivers as well as boat tours on the lake, hot-air balloon and floatplane rides for those pursuing the perfect photo opportunity.

Individuals and families looking for something a little less daring or exhausting, but just as entertaining, there are countless attractions such as wildlife sanctuaries, amusement centres, theme parks, waterslides and educational tours of wineries, orchards and mines.

The dates and hours of operation for all attractions and adventure companies vary. It is best to contact them by phone before venturing out.

Wild Waters, Kelowna's in-town water slide park, is a real splash for all ages, featuring different sized slides, a kids' water playground and three hot tubs. 765-9508.

Maybe hunting for buried treasures is your idea of the ultimate adventure. If so, why not visit Okanagan Opal, Canada's first opal mine, north of Kelowna near Vernon, where visitors can dig for their own precious stones. (250) 542-5173.

If you've got a need for speed, the Malibu Grand Prix Fun Centre may be just up your alley. Located at 911 Stremel, Malibu features 3/4 scale Indy-type cars to zip around a half-mile track. 765-1434.

The family adventure centre Crash Crawley's, 2024 Highway 97, has laser tag, soft modular equipment, arcade games and a kiddie car track. 860-7275.

Get a taste of the old west with a little horseback riding at Eight Mile Ranch on Highway 33. 765-0177.

Spend an afternoon at Scandia Golf and Games, a family fun centre at 2898 Highway 97, with a myriad of video and skill games, miniature golf and batting cages. 765-2355.

A relaxing, scenic cruise aboard the Fintry Queen, a rebuilt paddle wheeler, is a great way to see Okanagan Lake. The Fintry offers afternoon and evening cruises, plus dining and dancing. 763-2780.

If you prefer to check out the sights from above, Air-Hart Floatplane Tours provides you with a bird's eye view of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding countryside. There are a combination of tour packages available making this air adventure an affordable option. 769-8060.

Once you cross Okanagan Lake Bridge to the Westside, you won't run out of things to do there. Westbank is the homebase for a multitude of family attractions, all located just off Highway 97. The exotic animals, "Ladybug Train" and petting zoo at Old MacDonald's Farm make it a family favorite. You can spend part of the day there and then visit a working fruit orchard along with Old MacDonald's Farm Orchard Tours. 768-5197.

Westside Family Go-Kart offers low-speed units for children and faster cars for adults. 768-6877.

Mariner Reef Waterslide Park is a great way to cool down and have fun too. 768-5141.

If you think it's a jungle out there, wait until you see Parrot Island. Located on the Westside at 1190 Stevens Road, you can watch exotic birds, some on the endangered list, chatter and interact in a climate-controlled, peaceful setting. 764-8205.

Butterfly World offers a rainforest garden with a huge collection of beautiful, magical creatures that float around freely as you tour. 769-4408.

The entire family can participate in action-filled day of fun competition at Safari Ridge Paintball. All Equipment is provided as part of your entry fee. 769-0239.

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