Outings
Kalamalka Provincial Park and Gatzky Orchard Farm
Half Day Outing – Morning, June 23, 2024
Nestled at the west end of the Coldstream Valley at the north end of Kalamalka Lake, this fine example of North Okanagan grassland is dotted with ponderosa pine and groves of Douglas fir. The spring wildflower show is truly spectacular. The largely undeveloped park has an all-season appeal to those interested in its natural setting. View can be had overlooking Kalamalka Lake known as the “Jewel of the Okanagan” due to its spectacular blue-green colours. A variety of animals, birds and reptiles and plant life reside in a mosaic of grassland communities. This peaceful park is ideal for the study and appreciation of natural history, all year-round.
- Half day outing (Leave UBC 8 AM, return by 12 PM)
- About 1 hour drive from UBC
- Walking options can vary from as little as 1 km to as much as time allows
- Trails vary from moderate to strenuous with rough walking paths
- Tour will stop by Gatzky Orchard known for its locally made products and collection of historic farming equipment
Fintry Park & Falls / West Slopes of Okanagan Lake
1/2 day outing – June 24, 2024 (Leave UBC 8 AM, return by 12 PM)
Fintry Provincial Park and Protected Area sits along the west side of Okanagan Lake between Kelowna and Vernon. Although the park extends up and back into the mountains this outing is mostly at the Fintry Delta which was formed by the outflow of Shorts Creek over many millennia. In its final descent from the mountains Shorts Creek flows through a series of cascades which are known as Fintry Falls. The Park was not touched by the fires of 2023, but there maybe an opportunity on this outing to take a side trip into some of the forest areas that were burned during the McDougal Creek Wildfire, of 2023, that burned over 13,500 hectares of forest up through the mountains west of Lake Okanagan.
- Photograph the falls and some of the natural forest of the region
- Lower park area on the delta is level easy walking
- Access to the falls is a strenuous up-hill walk via stairs to viewing platforms
- A switch back trail takes you up into the natural forest of the lower park
- Possible big horn sheep & 2023 wildfire Zones
Kelowna Waterfront and Downtown
Evening Outing – June 25, 2024
The guided historical & cultural walking tours offer a unique way to learn about the culture of Kelowna through a jam-packed 3 hour local experience. Hear the stories you won’t find in any brochure, meet the people who actually make this city so great, and optionally stop and taste the food that’s put Kelowna on the international culinary stage. With lots of opportunities for photos/video of beautiful buildings, street scenes, local art, Okanagan Lake, plus many other historical & cultural sights. Come and savour Downtown Kelowna!
Maximum 20 Guests
Evening outing, 3 hour duration, 6 PM pick-up
Guided walking tour.
level easy walking
Tour Guide (10 Years Experience)
Return Bus Service from UBC
Munson Pond
Evening Outing – June 26, 2024
Probably the most visited location of Kelowna bird photographers. Ecologically, the pond is a beautiful water body surrounded by a mature remnant cottonwood forest that is valued for its bird watching opportunities, waterfowl habitat and habitat for small amphibians, reptiles and mammals. At one time this black cottonwood / water birch ecological community covered much of the Okanagan lowlands but has been displaced by agriculture, urban development, and the channelization of streams and rivers.
Maximum 20 Guests
Evening outing, 3 hour duration, 6 PM pick-up
Level easy walking
Bird photography opportunity
Return Bus Service from UBC
Lower Scenic Canyon Park Trail
Evening Outing – Wednesday, June 26, 2024
This Outing is focused on the lower reaches of the park below the washout. Scenic Canyon Regional Park is an incredibly gorgeous area. This zone of the park is more deciduous in nature with less evergreen forest than the upper part of the park. Along the trail one can find numerous fields, some small ponds, river oxbows, much flora and fauna and of course the creek, (which in June is a strong flowing river). Wildlife, big and small, can be seen in the park and consideration of and for them should be forefront while in the park.
Maximum 20 Guests
Evening outing, 3 hour duration, 6 PM pick-up
Self-guided on trail that skirts the pond
Level easy walking 1 to 4 km, personal choice of distance
Return Bus Service from UBC
Myra Canyon Railway Trestles and Father Pandosy Mission
Full Day Outing – Friday, June 28, 2024
The outing will start at the Myra Station and follow the east side of the canyon. Participants can either walk or rent pedal bikes. A relatively easy walking pace should allow most participants to cross 6 trestle bridges and one tunnel, about a 4 km round trip. Self paid lunch will be available at Harvest Golf & Country Club Restaurant. For the afternoon there will be a stop at the historic Father Pandosy Mission before returning to UBC.
- Outings Morning Activity – Myra Canyon Kettle Valley Railway Trestles
9:00 am to 12:00 noon - Lunch – Harvest Golf & Country Club Restaurant (Not included)
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm - Outings Afternoon Activity – Father Pandosy Mission
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Full day Outing – Leave 8 AM, return by 5 PM
Requires some walking ~ 7 – 10 km at minimal grade
Bus to East Trestles and Myra Canyon
Lunch At Harvest Hill Golf 9 (Cost of lunch not included)
Afternoon stop at Father Pandosy Mission (Historic Log Buildings)
Golf Outing
Full Day Outing – Friday, June 28, 2024
The Okanagan Valley boasts many fine golf courses. The Okanagan Golf Club is situated close to our conference at UBC and boasts Nicholas and Furber design courses – The Bear and The Quail courses offer spectacular views and fine golf.
- Full day in nearby Golf Course, final tee time to be announced
- Either the Bear or Quail Courses will be selected
- Includes tee fees with lunch and refreshments extra
- Includes golf cart (two person per cart)
Thursday Gala Evening – KF Centre for Excellence – Photoshoot and Gala Diner
Evening Outing – Thursday, June 27, 2024
The Thursday night Gala Dinner will offer something unique when held at the KF Centre of Excellence, a short bus ride from UBC starting at 5 PM. You will have a couple of hours to explore the aeronautical display. The Gala Dinner is a catered affair with lots of things to keep you entertained. Come and enjoy the friendships you have made at this conference while taking part in a live model photoshoot.
- Bus transportation with start from UBC at 5 PM with a rotating van
- Return home after dinner until 10:30 PM
- Catered buffets style dinner Entertainment
- This event is open to all, bring your spouse or partner or friend.
- Return van service to UBC
General Conditions:
Outing Transportation:
- All outings will leave from UBC Campus Parking Lot G.
- Transportation is provided through Commercial Tour Operators for all outings.
Start Times:
- Day outings leave at 8 AM, returning early evening, unless otherwise noted in outing descriptions.
- Evening outings (Tuesday and Wednesday) leave at 6 PM.
- Thursday outing/gala dinner – buses start at 5 PM with dinner at 7PM.
Registration Limit:
- Most outings are based on a minimum of 8 persons attending, low attendance may result in some outing cancellations.
- The evening outings (Tuesday and Wednesday) have a maximum participant limit.
Meals:
- Meals are not provided, but a suitable stop where participants can purchase a meal is included in each outing.
- If a bagged lunch is desired, please arrange these through area restaurant outlets.
Attire:
- End of June the area typically is clear and sunny, but may have breezes and rain at times, please wear seasonally appropriate clothing.
- Wear suitable enclosed walking footwear for all outings.
