Getting Here & Around
Discover transportation options to and within Oliver, ensuring a seamless journey to explore Canada’s Wine Capital.
Oliver & Region
From scenic vineyards to adventure trails, explore the beauty of Canada’s Wine Capital. Experience breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the unique charm of Oliver. Plan your perfect visit with activities that cater to every interest. Enjoy world-class wine tastings, outdoor adventures, and the warm hospitality that makes Oliver a memorable destination.
Getting Here By Land
Embark on your journey to Oliver by land, traversing scenic highways and well-maintained roads. Navigate through picturesque landscapes, leading you to the heart of Canada’s Wine Capital.
Oliver is centrally located along Highway 97, one of North America’s longest north-south highways, providing a direct route to the region from California to Alaska. This major corridor ensures easy access to Oliver and connects the communities of the Okanagan Valley, and further north to Kamloops, and Northern BC.
Additionally, major BC highways such as the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) to the north and the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) to the south intersect with Highway 97, enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers heading to Oliver.
Common Travel Distances
- Vancouver – 4hr 30min (407km) via Hwy 3
- Calgary – 8hr 10min (707km) via Hwy 1 & Hwy 97
- Edmonton – 10hr 40min (994km) via Hwy 5 & Hwy 97
- Seattle – 5hr 20min (297mi / 478km) via I-90 & Hwy97
Interregional public transit service is available via BC Transit. The #40 bus travels between Osoyoos and Penticton, with two stops in Oliver.
Transit exchanges in Osoyoos and Penticton can be made to Kelowna, Naramata, and Summerland, or to Coalmont via Princeton.
Oliver Bus Stops
- South Okanagan General Hospital
- Kootenay Street & Co-Op Avenue
In Oliver, we’re fortunate to boast a selection of exceptional wine tour operators. They’re dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of our region. Some also offer regional shuttle services.
Taxi Service
- Oliver Taxi (250) 498-0022
- Oliver Eco Taxi (250) 485-5555
- Osoyoos Taxi (250) 495-7004
Crossing into the South Okanagan via the Oroville/Osoyoos border (30 min south of Oliver) provides convenient 24-hour access year-round. Utilize FAST Lanes for quicker processing, but expect peak traffic on Friday and Sunday afternoons, especially during the BC Day long weekend in early August.
driving in BC:
- Visitors to BC who hold a valid foreign or out-of-province licence can drive for up to six months. Any restrictions on your licence apply here, too.
- Visit ICBC to get familiar with BC’s driving rules and regulations as well as insurance coverage for your vehicle.
- Consult DriveBC for up-to-date information about road conditions and closures.
- Consult the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for other driving regulations.
- Highways outside of Metro Vancouver and Southeast Vancouver Island require winter tires from October 1 to March 31. Visit Shift Into Winter for more information on winter driving in BC.
Getting Here By Bike
Embark on an unforgettable biking journey to Oliver through scenic roadways or adventurous gravel trails. Explore the historic Kettle Valley Railway for a unique cycling experience.
Oliver’s pleasant weather extends the cycling season from early April to October, drawing thousands of cyclists each year. Our vibrant local cycling community offers everything needed for an exhilarating and challenging ride.
Ideally located in the South Okanagan Valley, Oliver boasts rolling vineyards, lakes, and mountains, making it a perfect location to support world-class cycling events like the Okanagan Granfondo and IRONMAN routes. Whether for intense training or leisurely touring, Oliver offers unforgettable rides.
Respectful Riding Tips
- Wear a helmet on every ride.
- Wear bright, highly visible clothing.
- Obey the rules of the road.
- Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
- Ride in single-file
- Stay alert to changes in your surroundings at all times
- Communicate your intentions to drivers and other cyclists
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- Stay as far right as you can
- Check behind yourself frequently and listen for approaching cars
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail is one of the most iconic attractions in the South Okanagan. Stretching 660 km across BC from Hope to Castlegar, the KVR is a decommissioned rail trail that has been converted into a recreational trail network, and is also part of the Trans Canada Trail. The KVR Trail is a family-friendly trail that is very well maintained and ideal for riders and walkers of any ability.
From Penticton to Oliver, take the south spur starting at Wright’s Beach Camp, following a 20 km path alongside Skaha Lake and crossing the Trestle Bridge into Okanagan Falls. Continue south along Hwy 97 to the parking lot at Tucelnuit Drive & Hwy 97 in Oliver. Experience the heart of Canada’s only desert on the International Hike & Bike Trail. This mostly paved path through Oliver turns to gravel south of town and ends at the Osoyoos Oxbows Trailhead on Rd 22, from where you can continue along the KVR trail to Osoyoos.
KVR Trail Etiquette
- Watch for wildlife on the trail. In the spring and fall particularly, snakes may seek warmth from the trail, and can be run over by cyclists.
- Respect landowners and agricultural operations along the trail.
- Share the trail with other trail users.
- Keep Right/Pass Left.
Explore Oliver’s picturesque valleys, orchards, vineyards, and rolling hills on a gravel or mountain bike. Conquer gravel climbs, technical descents, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the South Okanagan.
Oliver is a premier biking destination with desert-like grasslands, forest service roads, and stunning mountain views. Whether you’re gravel biking or mountain biking, enjoy versatile trails for single-day rides or multi-day bike-packing adventures.
Respect the Trails
- Respect Signage; Do not trespass
- Respect the environment on the trail
- Respect right of way; the uphill rider always has the right of way.
- Be prepared; you’re in a remote area
- Mountain bikes recommended for rugged trails
- Watch for wildlife along the trails (deer, bighorn sheep, snakes)
Getting Here By Air
Travelling by air? Easily access Oliver via Kelowna International or Penticton Regional airports. Private flights? Consider nearby Oliver Municipal Airport.
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is situated just 1.5 hours north of the South Okanagan region, in Kelowna. With over 70 daily flights across eight airlines, including frequent connections to Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, and Seattle, Washington, it provides convenient access to the Okanagan region.
Major Carriers
- Air Canada
- Air North
- Alaska Airlines
- Central Mountain Air
- Flair Airlines
- Pacific Coastal
- Sunwing Tours
- WestJet
The closest commercial airport to Oliver is Penticton Regional Airport (YYF), just 30 minutes north in Penticton. It offers daily non-stop flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Calgary International Airport (YYC), and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) via major airlines WestJet and Pacific Coastal.
Major Carriers
- Pacific Coastal
- West Jet
Oliver Municipal Airport is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Oliver. The airport’s elevation is 350 meters (1,100 feet) above sea level.
The airport is home to the Okanagan-Kootenay Air Cadet Gliding Program, Kootenay Valley Helicopters, Transwest Helicopters, Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR), and the Oliver Fire Department (OFD). It is maintained jointly by Oliver Public Works staff and the South Okanagan Flying Club.
General Guidance for Pilots
- Airport ID/Name – CAU3
- Instrument Approaches – VFR
- Coordinates – N49°-10′- 24″ W119° -33′
- Elevation – 1015
- Total Runway Length – 3355 feet
- ARINC or UNICOM frequency – 122.8
- Brand of Fuel sold – Shell
- Grades of Fuel sold – 100LL
Oliver Itineraries
Embark on inspiring itineraries tailored to explore Oliver’s finest experiences. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, our curated routes cater to all interests. Begin your journey today and discover the diverse offerings of Oliver, where every moment promises unforgettable memories and new discoveries.
Oliver Itineraries
Contact the Visitor Centre
Reach out to our Visitor Centre for personalized assistance and local insights. Our team is here to help you plan the perfect Oliver experience.
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