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Ohrid

Ohrid  (Macedonian: Охрид) is a town in southwestern North Macedonia on the shore of Lake Ohrid. A town of vast history and heritage, it was made a UNESCO heritage site in 1980. Nestled between high mountains up to 2,800 m and Lake Ohrid, it is not only a place of historic significance but also of outstanding natural beauty. Ohrid is the jewel in North Macedonia's crown.

Understand

Archaeological finds indicate that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. The lake itself is over three million years old. Ohrid town is first mentioned in Greek documents from 353 BCE, when it was known as Lychnidos - or, “the city of light.” Only much later, in 879 CE, was it renamed Ohrid. The name probably derives from the phrase “vo hridi” – meaning roughly, “in the cliff.” It comes from the time when the town was limited in a small area on the lake side of the hill, which in fact is a huge cliff rising above the lakeshore. The town as we know it today was built mostly between the 7th and 19th centuries. During the Byzantine period, Ohrid became a significant cultural and economic centre, serving as an episcopal centre of the Orthodox Church and as the site of the first Slavic university run by Saints Clement and Naum at the end of the 9th century. At the beginning of the 11th century, Ohrid briefly became the capital of the kingdom ruled by Tsar Samuel, whose fortress still presides over the city today.

By plane
Ohrid's Airport serves 9 year-round flights to many major destinations throughout the continent. Both Chair Airlines and Edelweiss Air serve flights to Zürich. Wizz Air, a major budget airline in the region, is the main provider at the airport, with flights to EuroAirport Basel/Freiburg/Mulhouse, Dortmund, London–Luton, Malmö, Memmingen, Milan–Malpensa, and Vienna. As for seasonal flights, even more airlines serve this area: these include Arkia flights to Tel Aviv; Corendon Dutch Airlines to Amsterdam and Maastricht/Aachen; Onur Air to Istanbul; and TUI fly Netherlands to Amsterdam and Eindhoven. Seasonal charter flights are available by Enter Air to Warsaw–Chopin and LOT Polish Airlines to Katowice. TUI fly Belgium is planning to begin seasonal flights to Brussels on 6 June 2020.

By boat
There is a daily boat to Pogradec in Albania in the tourist season, leaving Ohrid at 10:00.

By bus

The easiest way to get to Ohrid is from Skopje, where buses run about once an hour. A bus from Skopje takes about 3½ hours and costs at least 830 denars one way or 1,180 denars round-trip. Timetable: Ohrid - Skopje: 05:00**, 05:30, 07:15**, 07:30, 10:45, 12:45, 15:00, 17:45, 19:00*, 20:30**.

And for coming back: Skopje – (Kičevo) – Ohrid: 05:30, 06:00, 06:55*, 07:00*, 08:00, 08:30*, 09:00*, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30* (*Jun-Aug only). In the summer, travellers to Skopje might want to buy a ticket a day or two in advance.

There are also several buses a day from Bitola, and a few direct buses from several other major Macedonian cities. Frequent local buses (40 denars) and shared taxis (100 denars) to Struga.

From Albania, there is a bus line from Vlore (passing Durres and Tirana). Departure time from Ohrid to Albania: 04:30 and 05:40. From Tirana's international bus station, the bus to Ohrid leaves at 13:00; the fare, as of 2017, is €20. It is also possible to travel from Tirana or Elbasan to Struga on one of several daily Tirana-Skopje buses, and to take a local bus from Struga to Ohrid.

It's a little bit trickier to get to Ohrid from Greece. From Thessaloniki, the easiest way is to take a train to Skopje and then hop on a bus to Ohrid.

If you want to reach Ohrid and North Macedonia from Montenegro there is an overnight bus (operates only on Sundays) from Herceg Novi to Skopje via Albania, passing through Kotor, Budva, Bar and Ulcinj. Ticket price vary from place in Montenegro and most expensive is from Herceg Novi and cost around €25.

There is no railway in Ohrid. The closest passenger stations are in Kichevo (which, as of 2017, only has 1 train a day from Skopje) and Bitola (with 5 trains to Skopje). On the Albanian side, the railway to the nearby Pogradec was closed in 2012; the closest operating station is in Librazhd.

On foot
The city centre and the old town is compact and best seen on foot. An interesting walk that takes in the main attractions starts in the main square. The city's museums are in this area. From here, visit St. Sophia Church, the Antique Theater. Finally, walk up the hill to King Samuil's Fortress. Plaoshnik, and St. John - Kaneo can be visited on the return journey.

By taxi
Transport in Ohrid is inexpensive and covers all areas of the city. Taxi drivers may try charge tourists higher rates, so insist on a set price.

By boat
Daily boat trips to St Naum Monastery and a few interim beaches. It leaves Ohrid's main harbour at 10:00 and at 15:30 from St. Naum Monastery, with additional trips on certain days. 600 denars return.

By rental car
At Ohrid's airport, there are 8 car rental services available that you can quickly book at the airport or on the website. These include
 * Avis (avismak@mt.net.mk@undefined; )
 * Enterprise(contact@abclogistika.mk@undefined; ; )
 * Europcar (reservation@europcar.com.mk@undefined; )
 * Hertz (info@hertz.mk@undefined; )
 * Inter Ways (ohrid@macedoniarentacar.com.mk@undefined; ; )
 * Sharr Express (info@sharrexpress.com@undefined; ; )
 * Sixt (reservations@sixt.com.mk@undefined; )
 * StarCar (info@starcar.mk@undefined; ; ; )

See
Aside from the lake, Ohrid is most famous for its ancient churches, basilicas, and monasteries where Saints Kliment and Naum with the help of Bulgarian king Boris I (students of Cyril and Methodus) wrote their teachings and formulated the Cyrillic alphabet used in North Macedonia, as well as neighboring countries Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro and as far as Russia, and many of the countries of the former Soviet Union. Most of these churches charge an entry which for tourists is normally double that what locals pay, but is still worth it. It is a good idea to cover up when entering a church, but most locals will understand the inconveniences involved during a hot Macedonian Summer. There is also a wonderful ancient walled fortress at the top of the city.

Fortifications
The old town is circled with walls, which are crowned with Tsar Samuel fortress. The first fortifications were built in the 5th century BC, but the oldest remains preserved are from 3rd century BC. The fortifications were reinforced various times throughout history and what stands today is largely from the 10th century. There used to be four gates to the city: the Lower Gate - you'll reach it soon after you walk from the main square inside the old part of the town on “Car Samoil” street. It used to be the gate through which regular visitors entered the city in the ancient and medieval times, just one tower of it still stands; the Upper Gate - in ancient times it used to be connected with the ancient theatre by portico. It is well preserved due to the reinforcements made in the 16th century; the Front Gate - near St Mary's Celnica Church. It is the main entrance gate but just stands in traces today; and the Water Gate - the entrance in the city from the lake, the place where it used to stand is not known.

Major churches

 * There are three small 14th/15th century churches situated next to Saint Mary Perivleptos:
 * There are three small 14th/15th century churches situated next to Saint Mary Perivleptos:

Old Bazaar
Ohrid was a major religious and cultural centre but not really an important trade centre, which left it with a relatively small bazaar. It is a simple bazaar consisting of mainly one street, Saint Clement of Ohrid Street, which gets packed with tourists in summer evenings. It is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The bazaar starts with the market at the northern end, followed by a square with a 1,000-year-old tree and a fountain. Walking down the bazaar, on the left are a couple of stone stores, which is the best-preserved section of stores in the bazaar. The bazaar ends with the main square named after Saint Clement of Ohrid which faces the port and lake. There are a few statues in this square.

Traditional residential architecture
When the Turks came they settled on the flat land along the lake and that became the Muslim part of town and the part on the hills inside the walls was always the Christian part, with the bazaar as a meeting place. As the city grew and the Christians were not allowed to build outside the walls, Ohrid developed very specific architecture with tight narrow streets and tunnels (houses built over the streets). The houses had tiny yards usually enclosed in the ground floor, and the houses grew over the streets on the upper floors since the locations were small. The steep terrain enabled everybody to have a good view of the lake and because of the strong sun the houses were painted white, so they would reflect the sun. Because of the winds from the lake, the houses in Ohrid don't have the open spaces that traditional houses in other towns in North Macedonia have.

Interesting houses can be seen all over the old town, but the best examples are along Car Samoil and Ilindenska streets. Robevci & Uranija houses are the two best examples of traditional architecture. They are houses of very rich families (normally the houses were not this big). Especially rich in terms of architecture is Uranija house, with entrances on different levels and inside galleries. They have been turned into museums today. If you don’t have time, visit just Uranija, which is free, though the top level of Robevci has great views, nice wood carvings, and some furniture (100 denars entrance). The house next to St. Gerakomija church is one of the few traditional houses that has been nicely and carefully preserved. It has been turned into a hotel now; Kanevce House On the right from the main façade of St. Sophia church, is the small house that belonged to Kanevce family. It has beautiful proportions and it is a good example of how they built on small locations.

A couple of these historic homes were the birthplaces of notable Macedonians and are preserved as museums:

Other historic neighborhoods in the old town include:

Down the shore
The east coast is the most beautiful part of Lake Ohrid. From the town of Ohrid in the north, down to Saint Naum Monastery is considered the Macedonian Riviera. The country is landlocked, but you're certain to forget that when visiting this breathtaking area. It forms the western side of Galičica National Park. Below are notable places of interest along the coast, listed going south from Ohrid.

 * Peštani village – this once quiet fishing village has given up to tourism, with almost every house renting rooms and many restaurants and cafes. Desaret hotel has a good organized beach. If you don't like camping but like to enjoy the great beaches and parties in Gradishte you can stay here.
 * Trpejca village – due to its setting between the rocks this small fishing village has managed to preserve its charm and escape the overgrow of tourism. It has a great long but narrow beach with the cleanest waters on the lake. It has couple of good small lakeside fish and barbecue restaurants and a bar on the left side of the beach. If you don't like the beach or it seems crowded take one of the small boats and ask to be taken to one of the isolated beaches around the village and enjoy the lake by yourself, the boat will come back for you at arranged time (50-100 denars).
 * Trpejca village – due to its setting between the rocks this small fishing village has managed to preserve its charm and escape the overgrow of tourism. It has a great long but narrow beach with the cleanest waters on the lake. It has couple of good small lakeside fish and barbecue restaurants and a bar on the left side of the beach. If you don't like the beach or it seems crowded take one of the small boats and ask to be taken to one of the isolated beaches around the village and enjoy the lake by yourself, the boat will come back for you at arranged time (50-100 denars).
 * Trpejca village – due to its setting between the rocks this small fishing village has managed to preserve its charm and escape the overgrow of tourism. It has a great long but narrow beach with the cleanest waters on the lake. It has couple of good small lakeside fish and barbecue restaurants and a bar on the left side of the beach. If you don't like the beach or it seems crowded take one of the small boats and ask to be taken to one of the isolated beaches around the village and enjoy the lake by yourself, the boat will come back for you at arranged time (50-100 denars).

Into the mountains
Much of Ohrid Municipality lies more inland from the lake. Villages dot the mountains surrounding Ohrid, home to traditional architecture and fantastic views.
 * Elšani village Elšani is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Just sitting on the terrace of a guesthouse, drinking a coffee and enjoying the view of the lake is an experience in itself, but when it's time to get up and stretch your legs, there is plenty to do. This village is a great place to enjoy walking in the mountain, and it's a perfect starting point for a number of hiking trails for all ages and skill levels. While any guesthouse can point guests in the right direction or even arrange a guide for longer hikes, trails on hikers can follow trails on either the north or south end of the village to the nearby villages Konjsko or Pestani. The windy, hilly streets of the village also provide an unforgettable place to explore.
 * Head further into Galičica National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing.
 * Elšani village Elšani is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Just sitting on the terrace of a guesthouse, drinking a coffee and enjoying the view of the lake is an experience in itself, but when it's time to get up and stretch your legs, there is plenty to do. This village is a great place to enjoy walking in the mountain, and it's a perfect starting point for a number of hiking trails for all ages and skill levels. While any guesthouse can point guests in the right direction or even arrange a guide for longer hikes, trails on hikers can follow trails on either the north or south end of the village to the nearby villages Konjsko or Pestani. The windy, hilly streets of the village also provide an unforgettable place to explore.
 * Head further into Galičica National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Beaches
Apart from sightseeing, there are a few different natural beaches. Usually, the further from the city centre the more scenic they become, and each offers a unique beach experience. Gradiste beach is known for many young people and music for instance, while others have families or tranquil atmosphere. Beaches are most crowded in July and August, and quiet the rest of the year, which is a whole different experience.

Scuba diving
It is possible to scuba dive in lake Ohrid. You have to get to Gradiste, some 15 km south of Ohrid town. At the site is also Bay of Bones, an open air museum of how life used to be here. There is only one scuba diving shop (SSI affiliated), Amfora Diving, with the usual choice of courses and diving trips. One dive including rental of all equipment costs €45.

Events

 * Ohrid Swimming Marathon - Each year, in the second half of July, the swimming elite throughout the world gathers in Ohrid and, starting from the monastery St. Naum, they swim along the Lakeshore to the town harbour, approximately a 30-km route. Since 1998 the Ohrid Swimming Marathon has entered in the World Swimming Club of the 12 worldwide held marathons under the patronage of FINA-The World Swimming Association.
 * The Balkan Folklore Festival - Member of the UNESCO Association of The International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folklore Art, and The International Organization for Folklore Art. This festival has so far presented numerous original songs and dances from folk culture for more than 30 years. About 1,200 ensembles with 42,000 members have taken part in the festival.
 * Kostoski international festivals - they have participants from all over the world, including folklore groups, majorettes, choirs, brass bands, and modern dance ensembles.
 * Kostoski international festivals - they have participants from all over the world, including folklore groups, majorettes, choirs, brass bands, and modern dance ensembles.
 * Kostoski international festivals - they have participants from all over the world, including folklore groups, majorettes, choirs, brass bands, and modern dance ensembles.

Buy

 * Traditional Macedonian musical instruments, filigree jewelery, woodcarvings, items made from copper, or a CD with authentic Macedonian music, can be brought home to refresh your memories of your visit.

If interested in real Macedonian folk music, ask for music performed by Aleksandar Sarievski, Nikola Badev, Vaska Ilieva, Petranka Kostadinova, Anka Gieva, Jonče Hristovski, Kočo Petrovski... Avoid CDs with modern-day "turbo folk" music (i.e. semi-naked girls with bad voices, singing on techno melodies).

 * The Talevi and Filevi are the two Ohrid families who make genuine Ohrid pearl necklaces, earrings and broaches; they carried over this handcraft down from one generation to another. Ohrid pearl is created from seashells and coated with 5-7 thin layers of emulsion made from the scales of the Ohrid fish called Plashitsa, and is protected with a Designation of Origin.

Books
Some of the modern buys in this birthplace of Cyrillic literacy, include books from Happy Something Press, Ohrid's book publisher in English, founded by Macedonian born author and Oxford University student Evangelina Cifliganec known for her contemporary novel "Happy Something". Its 2nd edition was published by the publisher's Ohrid branch, HappySomething.com, as the author was said to be inspired by Ohrid. You might find it easier online as the price of the English version there is higher and not always in stock.
 * Books from Ohrid to read on the beach or take home.

A Passage through the Fog is a book that has been written in Ohrid by the Ohrid born writer and photographer Misho Yuzmeski. Dr. Michael Seraphinoff, in his Translator`s note on the book has written: "Misho Yuzmeski's novel invites the reader to join his young narrator on a journey of discovery through the heart of modern Europe. While this journey offers certain narrow insights into modern day city life in England and a few of the continent's major cities, it is the internal journey of the young traveler that is at the heart of this novel. Readers are liable to find parallels to some youthful search for meaning of their own in Michele's journey. He reminds us of a critical time in many of our lives, when childhood is finally behind us, but the road ahead is quite uncertain." A copy of the book can be found in all Ohrid's bookstores and there is no difference in price between different stores. Bulgarian translation of the same book is available, as well.

Short History of the Macedonian People by Risto Stefov was published in Ohrid in 2011. This book is a chronological outline of historical events involving Macedonia and the Macedonian people from ancient times to the present.

Numerous book stalls can be found (at least in good weather during the tourist season) in the square near Ohrid harbour. They sell a variety of maps useful for tourists as well.

Groceries
The downtown farmers' market has all kinds of fresh produce, as well as local specialties such as walnuts. There are cheese and sausage shops in the market as well, as well as numerous vendors of clothing and assorted industrial goods.

Bicycle supplies and service
There is at least one bike repair shop, which also sells common spare parts and supplies, next to the farmer's market. Some vendors in the market carry bicycle accessories (spare tubes, pumps, etc.) as well. This is pretty much the only place in the region to purchase stuff like this, since smaller towns around Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa do not seem to have any bicycle related shops or services - and even gas stations there may not have air pumps.

Eat
Restaurants and hotels throughout North Macedonia are proudly displaying Ohrid trout (Ohridska pastrmka) on their menus because it is very delicious but it is illegal to catch the fish along the Macedonian shoreline of Lake Ohrid. Please do not support or encourage the consumption of the trout. Ohrid trout, an ancient living fish, is in severe danger. There is also another trout species called Belvica. Some popular restaurants in Ohrid known to most people in town simply by the name are:

Try these foods:
 * Ribna Čorba, a traditional fish soup served in most restaurants, mostly as a starter.
 * Burek, a layered pastry inherited from Ottoman times and popular for breakfast here. Choose with meat, cheese or spinach/cheese (arguably the best), and take a cup of traditional Macedonian yogurt. Modest looking place Burekđilnica Igor makes the best burek in town, Žito Leb's is also good.
 * Makalo, a starter spread made with garlic and yogurt.
 * Gjomleze, baked layered pancakes cut in a rhomboid shape, and usually served with white cheese.
 * Ohridski Gevrek, a traditional bakery product. You can buy it in Žito Leb'. Try it with yogurt or peach juice.

Drink
The traditional Macedonian alcoholic beverages are rakija and mastika. Boza is a refreshing drink on a hot summer day; it was spread throughout North Macedonia with the arrival of the Turks and it has significant nutritional value. Other popular drinks are Macedonian wines called Kavadarka and Smederevka and Skopsko beer. Try boza with ice-cream. It's called "Ambasador".

Sleep
Main forms of accommodation are private houses, apartments and villas, you can also try to find a couchsurfer. For an average price of around €10-15 per night, you will find excellent private facilities, located mostly in the Old Town. Fastest and safest way of booking accommodation in Ohrid hotels and apartments is to visit website. On the page are published different information which help tourists during their stay in Ohrid. While arriving there, to get a host you can ask at the nearest Tourist Information Bureau (at the bus station, for example). However, the best solution is to make your reservation in advance via Internet or phone, having in mind the growing popularity of Ohrid as tourist destination:

Stay safe

 * Ohrid Pearl is a type of imitation pearl (an artificial, man-made pearl) and as such has no real value as a gemstone. Most of the "pearls" sold around Lake Ohrid, on the street and in most shops, are simply unfinished imitation pearls (beads made of nacre, but without the pearly coating). Although selling shops have clear notes stating these are hand made ones.

Go next

 * Bitola (E 80 km) – One of the most European-flavoured cities in the country, Bitola is known for its colourful neo-classical architecture and the Ancient Macedon ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis nearby.
 * Kičevo (N 60 km)
 * Kruševo (NE 90 km via Bitola) – A museum-city nestled high up in the mountains of southwestern North Macedonia; it is one the most historically significant destinations in the country as it was the site of a revolt against the Ottoman Empire; there is skiing in the winter, and paragliding, walking and mountain biking in the summer.
 * Prilep (NE 110 km) – Tobacco fields, medieval monasteries, and strange rocks.
 * Resen (E 25 km) – The home to Saraj Castle built in 1908.
 * Struga (E 16 km) – A small town on Lake Ohrid which used to be rather quiet, yet nowadays (2016) it receives an enormous number of Dutch tourists.
 * Debarca – A rural region just north of Ohrid.

 * Pogradec, Albania (SW 40 km) – A small city on the other side of the lake, and worth a visit for those with extra time in Ohrid.

title: Ohrid


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Ohrigstad

Ohrigstad , is a town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, located close to the Drakensberg escarpment.

Get in
From the N4 between Pretoria and Mbombela, follow the R36

Go next

 * Drive the Panorama Route and see the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and other natural feature in the area.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Ohrigstad


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Off-highway vehicle riding in Oregon

Off-highway vehicles (OHV) includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, and Jeeps.

Destinations

 * Tillamook OHV Trail- State Forest If you are looking for some long trails and lots of them, then this is the place. The trails are in the Tillamook State Forest, and consist of riding levels from beginner all the way up to expert.  Some of the trails are very technical and slow, while some are very fast and heart pounding.
 * Sand Lake Sand lake is a small riding area north of Tillmook. It is on the lacking side for dirt bikes due to the small area and lack of challenging riding. However if you want to have a nice relaxing weekend with a lot of people, just show up on a long weekend.
 * Johns Peak Has everything from hard fast trails to slow kid trails. The best part is that it doesn't get muddy during the winter.  It is all on sandy loam and the water just sinks through.  Making it a relatively clean fun ride during the winter.
 * Prospect OHV Trail System Is a very well-kept riding area.  Most of the trails have been pushed in using a small dozer, making it an ideal place for adults riding with small children.  It also has some very aggressive riding, with lots of rocks to watch out for.  Some of the black diamond riding is on the edge of some very steep hills/cliffs, so if you have a hard time with heights you probably should not go looking for the black diamond trails.
 * Oregon Dunes The Oregon dunes has three main OHV areas, Coos bay, Winchester Bay, and Florence.  Each of these places has their own advantages and downfalls.  Florence is known for its hard to see drop offs and long steep dunes.  This place is best suited for larger vehicles and quads. The quaint fishing village of Winchester Bay is smaller than the city Florence the close by dunes and recreational areas are large and expansive, the dunes vary in size from steep and challenging to smaller and less challenging for beginner ATV riders. Camping  on the dunes or spending the night in a hotel are possible, usually one will need a reservation during the peak summer months.  Coos bay is the best of both worlds.  It has some very large dunes and some small ones.  Coos bay is suited for nearly every type of vehicle you wish to bring out.
 * Shotgun OHV Area Shotgun creek is a year round riding area that has about 6000 acres. During the winter many of the trails become very rutted forcing riders to take it very slow.  Nearly all of the land is Either BLM or Private.  Users are asked to not ride on the private property without permission.
 * Mt. Beber ATV Trails Mt. Beber is a relaxed set of trails that are mostly flat.  There are not to many trails, but there are a few that take a few hours to complete the trail.  During the winter the mud becomes extremely slick and is like riding on ice.  Not for new riders on dirt bikes or small kids. Trails also become very dangerous when temperature is below freezing.
 * Upper Nestucca OHV Area Has three main parking areas with camping nearby. Many of the trails are overgrown forcing the riders to dodge and duck from many of the low hanging branches.  During the winter months when it is raining the branches also make it very hard to stay dry.
 * East Fort Rock is located about 20 miles east of Bend. The area is around 110,000 acres. Early morning is recommended to avoid the dry silt and 100 yard dust trails. The trails go from mild to wild and each is marked with green blue or black experience levels. I've been riding for 14 years and there's some stuff that challenges the most experience trail rider. Be prepared for huge cinder cone hill climbs, lava bed tours, and huge straights. Another fun activity (if you go in the summer) is to take a newspaper up to the fire watch tower East Butte.  There is a ohv trail that goes straight up the side of the mountain. This is the best area for anyone that has not been there. Also if you get bored of the trails, about 10 miles further on Highway 20 is ODOT play pit in North Millican OHV area But is seasonal, open May 1-November 30. This place has some big jumps and other small trails.

Tracks

 * Albany motocross track and Salem AX track.
 * Medford RVMX
 * Eugene Motocross
 * Mountain View Motocross

Clubs

 * Central Oregon Motorcycle & ATV Club
 * Trailsmen Motorcycle Club
 * Oregon Motorcycle Riders Association
 * The Motorcycles Riders Association
 * Emeraled Trail Riders Association
 * Oregon Off-Highway Vehicle Association

title: Off-highway vehicle riding in Oregon


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Oiapoque

Oiapoque is a border town in Amapá in Brazil, right across the river from French Guyana.

Understand
Oiapoque lives in the Brazilian popular culture as the end of their long coastline, starting in Chuí.

Get in
Either by a long bus ride from the state capital Macapá, or a short boat ride from the eurozone. The long-unused bridge between St George d'Oiapok (French Guiana) and Oiapoque (Brazil) is operational. If you are coming from French Guiana and do not have a valid visa then do not forget to visit the police station - located down-town - on your way in and your way out to get your passport stamped.

Get around
Downtown is pretty small and can easily covered on foot. There also is a taxi-booth just at the port.

Eat
There are lots of restaurants and stalls on the riverside, where the boats from Saint Georges arrive.

Sleep

There are also some small hotels on the river side, starting at R$30 (March 2016).

Go next
Saint-Georges in French Guiana is a 15-30 min boat ride away and cost R$15 or €5 in February 2017. Be aware, though, that the customs office in Saint Georges is only open before noon, on 2 days in the afternoon and not at all on Sundays. If you want to travel through French Guiana, make sure you arrive before 1pm.

As the river bridge eventually opens for traffic you can cross the border even by foot.

If you come from French Guiana and want to go on to Macapa you can either take a regular bus or hitch a ride with one of the 4WDs that leave from the port (if you arrive by boat you will inevitably be asked whether you want that). The price for the latter is R$150 (March 2016), but it is at minimum a 7h ride and 4WDs at least have a better chance to get through otherwise impassible sections on the stretch of road that is not paved and turns into a mud pool after rain.

title: Oiapoque


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Oita

Oita (大分市 Oita-shi) is the capital city of Oita prefecture.

Understand
Oita City Hall stands next to the old castle ruins. The ruins now consist of the old moat which surrounds a modern building, Oita Cultural Hall (Bunkakaikan). With Oita Cultural Hall, Grand Theater, and Otonoizumi Hall in the Iichiko Culture Center, Oita City is also the center of activity for events such as musical concerts and other stage events. The area near Oita Station has many shops, restaurants, and bars.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

Get in
Despite its reputation as an out-of-the-way city, Oita has multiple points of access.

By plane
Located approximately 40 km northeast of Beppu, Oita Airport is the main commercial airport in Oita Prefecture and has daily services to and from Tokyo, Osaka (both Kansai and Itami) and Nagoya by JAL and ANA, and a single international flight to Seoul, Korea with Korean Air.

Travel between the airport and surrounding cities and towns are handled by bus, unfortunately lacking any train access as of yet. The bus has an approximate travel time of 45 and 60 minutes to Beppu and Oita, respectively.

By train
Three JR Kyushu train lines run through Oita Station, located downtown: Nippo Honsen, Hohi Honsen and Kyudai Honsen. The Nippo Honsen could be considered Oita's main rail access line, running JR Kyushu's Sonic trains from Hakata Station and reaching as far south as Miyazaki. Sonic express trains take approximately two hours to and from Hakata Station. The Kyudai Honsen has local service running to the west and reaching as far as Saga Prefecture. Finally, the Hohi Honsen runs local and express service as far as Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (about 3 hours).

By car
Oita is most easily accessed by car via the East Kyushu Expressway, a well-maintained toll highway that runs from Fukuoka and through Oita, as far as the city of Usuki. Though expensive to use the highway is undeniably swift.

By bus
Buses from virtually every major city on Kyushu have service to Oita, the main ones being the multiple highway buses that run to and from Fukuoka. Oita Bus, Oita Kotsu, Kamenoi Bus and a handful of others offer this highway service and travel time is approximately two hours, nearly identical to JR Kyushu's Sonic.

By boat
Ferry Sunflower runs a daily ferry between Oita and Kobe. This service is a "sleeper ship", starting in Kobe in the early evening and running through the night until passengers disembark in the morning.

Get around
The Oita Station area hotels, shops, and restaurants can be accessed easily on foot.

You can rent a bicycle for ¥200 a day at Oita Station and ride it to scenic spots like the West Oita waterfront (also accessible by train) and Oita River.

Buses leave from Oita Station and Tokiwa Department Store to other points in Oita City.

See

Do
Worth seeing is the Oita Prefectural Library, designed by architect Arata Isozaki, an early Metabolist masterpiece, finished around 1965. A remarkable brutalist concrete building, it was converted into an Isozaki museum in 1998.

Buy
Oita has two large, Western-style malls. You can try out "Wasada Town", a traditional fully-enclosed shopping center with an attached "K`s Denki" for any electronics that you need, as well as a "Tokiwa" that has the latest fashion and clothing for any situation. Don't be surprised about high prices even though it's a small city. The other big mall, "Park Place", is newer than Wasada Town, has store entrances within and without its main enclosed area and it is 20 minutes walking from the "Big Eye" multi-purpose stadium. Here you`ll find another comprehensive shopping experience, plus it has some more attractions for the younger crowds. The movie theater features both domestic and international titles and if you have a student or exchange student ID make sure to show it to get a discount.

Budget
Oita overflows with cheap and tasty ramen restaurants and stalls, most specializing in tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen that compete in flavor with Fukuoka's famous variety.

Takoyaki aficionados would be wise not to miss the Tettako chain of takoyaki stalls scattered throughout the city.

Chicken nanban, a kind of fried chicken cooked with rice vinegar and served with a tartar sauce-like topping that originally hails from Miyazaki Prefecture, has taken off spectacularly in Oita. This dish can be found at almost any low-budget restaurant around the city

Karaage, that ever-present Japanese answer to chicken nuggets or buffalo wings, can be had on the cheap at any of the Oita Karaage chain stands around the city.

Mid-range
Downtown Oita abounds with mid-priced izakaya, particularly in the Miyako-machi and Funai areas. Notable among these izakaya is Kamifusen, a small, popular chain that caters to groups large and small.

Splurge
For diners willing to pay a premium for authentic Japanese gourmet, a handful of Oita restaurants serve Seki-aji and Seki-saba, special kinds of mackerel caught in and around the swift currents of the Hoyo Channel between Kyushu and Shikoku. Also available in Oita, though in rarer quantities than the special breeds of mackerel, is fugu(blowfish), caught by fisherman in the city of Usuki.

Drink
Like most Japanese cities, Oita has compressed virtually all of its drinking establishments into one general entertainment district called Miyako-machi. Located approximately 1 km north of Oita Station, Miyako-machi's streets are lined with multi-story buildings packed with countless bars, hostess clubs, snack bars and izakaya.

Go next

 * Beppu
 * Yufu
 * Usuki
 * Taketa
 * Bungo-Ono
 * Hiji
 * Usa
 * Kitsuki
 * Hita

title: Oita


text:
Oita (prefecture)

Ōita Prefecture (大分県 Ōita-ken) is a prefecture of Kyushu, Japan.

Understand
Onsens! Onsens! Onsens! This is certainly what this prefecture is famous for, but it has a lot more to offer from ancient Buddhist images to theme parks. With a much more laid back feel compared to the big cities of Honshu this is a good place to dive into the more rural Japan off the beaten track.

Tourist information site
Discover Oita is the prefecture's official multilingual guide site.

Cities

 * is the capital of the prefecture and a useful transport hub to the region. Also offers plentiful bars and clubs centred on the Myakomachi area. This area is also a good place to try the famous local mugi shochu (a barley based spirit) and a great opportunity to meet the friendly locals.
 * is the gaudy and glitzy, hot springs capital of Japan. In contrast the secret mountain onsens of Myoban offer a blissfully serene escape in a spectacular setting. Amongst the plentiful onsens is a somewhat appropriate Sex Museum. Close by is the excellent Umi Tamago aquarium displaying everything from Walrus, local fish species to basketball playing sea otters! Next door is the Takasakiyama monkey park. Also close to Beppu is one of the only Safari Parks in Japan. Finish your Beppu experience in a 1950s dance club....
 * is the antidote to Beppu, a hip, and stylish onsen hot spot. This is a good place to go shopping for local crafts as well. Close by is the scenic Mount Yufu (由布岳 Yufudake) that offers great hiking and even better views. In between Yufuin and Beppu is the quaint traditional onsen resort town of Yunohira. Set amonst thickly forested mountains this is a great place to escape the crowds and experience rural Japan.
 * is a small city in the west featuring onsens, festivals and the Sapporo Beer Factory. The Gion area of Hita is described as the mini Kyoto of Kyushu.
 * Small fishing city in the South of the Prefecture. Beautiful sunsets and exceptional restaurants with the freshest seafood and best sashimi. Some of the nicer beaches in Japan are close by.
 * A pleasant little city with scenic castle ruins and good views of Beppu Bay. Nearby the Harmonyland Theme Park is a good place to keep the young or young at heart occupied.
 * is a town on the Fukuoka-Oita border. It is famous as the birthplace of Fuzukawa Yukichi, a famous educator who is pictured on the ¥10,000 note.  Near his birthplace is Nakatsu Castle. The Yabakei gorge close by offers onsens, water sports such as water skiing, excellent ice skating during winter and ancient hand carved and natural caves in which you can drive or walk through.
 * The expansive Usa Shrine complex is a great place to relax, unwind and take in the shrine's 1000-year history. After some contemplation head to Ajimu for a free taste of the local wine and for a round of put put golf.
 * The stunning Fuki ji is the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu and one of the oldest in Japan and well worth a look. Close by Taizoji with its famously uneven steps. This city has good access to the Kunisaki Peninsula with its famous Buddhist carvings.
 * Half-way between Aso San and Oita City there are numerous waterfalls, beautiful river swimming pools and extensive limestone caves to explore.
 * A beautiful coastal castle town that is famous for its Edo era houses, and the numerous ancient stone Buddhas carved into rockfaces 4 km from the city centre.

Other destinations

 * District is the wild countryside of Kyushu, with mountains, wilderness, and horse riding. Also has one of the only ski resorts on Kyushu.
 * Close to the airport this area offers excellent hiking trails and the largest stone Buddhas in Japan. The 6-meter-tall Dainichi Buddha is simply breathtaking.

Talk
The Oita dialect differs a little from basic Japanese but not too much to cause any problems. A good English speaking information centre is located at Beppu Station and is recommended to plan parts of your trip.

By plane
Located approximately 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Beppu, Oita Airport is the main commercial airport in Oita Prefecture and has daily services to and from Tokyo, Osaka (both Kansai and Itami) and Nagoya by JAL and ANA, as well as a single international flight to Seoul, Korea with Korean Air.

Travel between the airport and surrounding cities and towns are handled by bus and hovercraft, unfortunately lacking any train access as of yet. The bus has an approximate travel time of 45 and 60 minutes to Beppu and Oita, respectively. The hovercraft trip is significantly faster, only taking 25 minutes, and deposits passengers at a landing in Oita just east of the Oita River. Access between this landing and the city's downtown takes approximately 10 minutes via taxi or bus and about 1 hour

By train
Three JR Kyushu train lines run through Oita Station, located downtown: Nippo Honsen, Hohi Honsen and Kyudai Honsen. The Nippo Honsen could be considered Oita's main rail access line, running JR Kyushu's Sonic trains from Hakata Station and reaching as far south as Miyazaki. Sonic express trains take approximately two hours to and from Hakata Station. This line also stops at Nakatsu, Usa, Hiji, Beppu, Usuki and Saiki. The Kyudai Honsen has local service running to the west through Yufuin and Hita and reaching as far as Saga Prefecture. Finally, the Hohi Honsen runs local and express service through Bungo Ono to Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

By bus
Buses from virtually every major city on Kyushu have service to Oita and Beppu, the main ones being the multiple highway buses that run to and from Fukuoka. Oita Bus, Oita Kotsu, Kamenoi Bus and a handful of others offer this highway service and travel time is approximately two hours, nearly identical to JR Kyushu's Sonic.

Get around
To get to some of the smaller places hiring a car is a very good or only option as public transport can be rare and not particularly convenient. For the cities the train service is the most convenient way to get around. The JR Kyushu Pass is well worth getting and can make travel relatively cheap.

Another option is hopping on a bike! With beautiful scenery, friendly locals and numerous onsens Oita is a great place to bike around. Every March there is the annual Oita Charity Bike Ride that tours around the Ken. Refer to www.oitajets.com for further details.

See
Stone Buddhas in Bungo Takada- where Buddhism and Shintoism are said to have fused in Japan

Shouen Village in Bungo Takada- where the landscape and rice fields have kept the same natural scenery intact for 800 years. You can experience a farm stay here

Yufu River Gorge- A ravine formed by Yufu River which flows between the Yufudake and Tsurumidake mountains.

Matama Beach- A beach on the west end of Kunisaki peninsula, which forms tidal flats at sunset to make for the designation of "One of Japan's Best 100 Sunsets"

Harajiri Falls in Bungo Ono- "The Niagara Falls of Japan" and "One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls"

Do
Hiking Mount Yufu, or Mount Kuju- which is the highest mountain in Kyushu

Farm stay aka "Green Tourism" in Shouen Village of Bungo Takada, an old farming village

Showa-machi in Bungo Takada- a town with lots of memorabilia and objects from 1950s Japan

Blue Tourism in Saiki, experience life in a fishing village

Hot springs- Oita is said to have the largest output of hotspring water, there are all kinds of hotsprings from sand, to mud, to so hot they are just for viewing. Beppu and Yufu are main hotspring locations

Water Sports- Water skiing and wakeboarding at Yabakei Aqua Park Nakatsu. Wakeboarding and windsurfing at Sumiyoshi Beach Resort Park in Kitsuki. Ryumon Waterfall in Kokonoe creates a natural waterslide where visitors can raft down the rapids, and even do modest cliff jumping into the main lagoon at the bottom of the waterfall.

Cycling along the Maple Yaba Cycling Road in Yabakei, Nakatsu (approximately 40 km long, camping sites, cycling terminal bicycle rental and accommodation along the trail)

Pleasure Boat on Mikuma River in Hita (operated year round). Eat dinner in perfect Japanese style on a "yakata bune", equipped with tatami mats, paper lanterns, servers in kimono, men rowing the boats, and specialty fish caught by birds.

Eat
Oita's most famous ingredients are both citrus fruits. The zesty yuzu (ゆず) citrus can now found in trendy fusion restaurants globally, but in Oita it's most commonly eaten mixed with chilli as spicy yuzukoshō (柚子胡椒) paste, a speciality of Yufuin. The more obscure kabosu (かぼす) straddles the gap between lemons and mandarins, and is often made into a sour but refreshing juice.

Tempura chicken (鶏天 toriten) and dango jiru (rice dumpling udon soup) are both local specialities. The local fish sashimi is also exceptional here. Two special kinds of mackerel Seki-aji and Seki-saba caught in and around the swift currents of the Hoyo Channel between Kyushu and Shikoku are expensive but exquisite. Also available in Oita, though in rarer quantities than the special breeds of mackerel, is fugu (blowfish), caught by fisherman in the city of Usuki.

Drink
The locally famous Barley shochu (麦焼酎 mugishōchū), and micro brewed beer are well worth a tipple.

Go next

 * Miyazaki Prefecture
 * Fukuoka Prefecture
 * Ehime Prefecture

title: Oita (prefecture)


text:
Ojai

Ojai is a city in Ventura County in California.

History
In late 2017, the outskirts of the city were burned by the Thomas Fire.

By car
California State Routes 33 and 150 both go to the western side of the city, and Route 150 also enters it from the eastern side.

Get around
The downtown area is fairly small and quite easy to get around on foot, but for further exploration you will of course need a car.

Go next

 * Ventura - Located on the coast 22 miles east of Ojai, Ventura is home to many interesting shops, the historic Mission San Buenaventura, and is the gateway for excursions to the Channel Islands National Park.
 * Santa Paula - 17 miles to the east, Santa Paula advertises itself as the "Citrus Capital of the World" and was an early center of California's petroleum industry. It is home to the California Oil Museum, housed in the historic Union Oil Building.
 * Carpinteria - This small oceanside town is located 22 miles west of Ojai and offers a salt marsh preserve, tide pools, and a seal and sea lion rookery that is active from December through May. During the first weekend in October Carpinteria plays host to nearly 100,000 visitors at its annual avocado festival, which features the world's largest vat of guacamole.
 * Carrizo Plain National Monument - Slightly more than an hour north via Highway 33, this remote national monument is home to the largest remaining native grassland in California. During wet years it boasts spectacular wildflowers in the spring, and Soda Lake is an important wintering area for waterfowl when precipitation is sufficient to flood the seasonal lakebed. The park is also home to Painted Rock, a Native American site that has been adorned with pictographs over thousands of years. Services are extremely limited, with just a small visitor center, two primitive campgrounds, and a handful of marked trails available.

title: Ojai


text:
Ojców National Park

Ojców National Park is a national park in the Polish Jura in Małopolska Voivodship, Poland. It is one of the smallest national parks in Poland by area.

History
The park was established in 1956.

Landscape
Ojców National Park is dominated by the sharp valley of the Prądnik brook.

Get in
Minibuses leave from the car park and bus station in Kraków on Worcella street very close to the train station. Single fare is ~8 zł. The way takes about 45 minutes, but this might be because it goes around lots of small villages which it may not always do. Some of the return buses from Ojców do not automatically run, there is a number to call to ask them to run. You may not have great mobile reception at the bus stop, and the operator may not speak English.

Fees and permits
Entrance to the park is free of charge.

Go next

 * Kraków

title: Ojców National Park


text:
Ojen

Ojén is a beautiful small town (villa) in the province of Malaga in Andalucia, Spain. Although located in the mountains, it is in the heart of the Costa del Sol, not far from Marbella. It has a population of about 3,000.

Understand
Neanderthal Man inhabited this area during the Paleolithic period. Later came the Romans and then the Moors. Numerous signs of this history have been discovered in parts of the town.

The town sits beside the Almadán stream above the valley of the River Real at an altitude of approximately 200 m, hemmed in by the Sierra Blanca and the Sierra Alpujata. These may provide a clue to the Moors' determination to stay in spite of their apparent antipathy, for both ranges of mountains have long been known as rich sources of talc, nickel, iron and lead. This mineral wealth put the area in the forefront of the Spanish industrial revolution of the 19th century. Close by, in the Serranía de Ronda, is the Refugio de Juanar. Originally the private hunting lodge of the wealthy Larios family, and a favoured retreat of King Alfonso XIII, this is now a hotel popular with tourists and hunters. The Serranía is still very much a hunting reserve where ibex, wildcats and eagles abound. It is also a favourite with ramblers and hikers who come for the mountain air and the panoramic views of Marbella and the coast 1000 m below.

Drink

 * Aguardiente Ojén. The town is famous for its brandy prepared with anise and sugar until saturation. One of the average cotoots takes a dozen years. It is an anise liqueur that once played a major part in the town's economy. This liqueur, nowadays locally produced by the distillery company Dominique Mertens Impex. S.L., gained widespread fame abroad and is very popular in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, especially during the Mardi Gras festivities.

title: Ojen


text:
Ojinaga

Ojinaga is a city of 28,000 people (2015) in Chihuahua. It is a rural bordertown on the U.S.-Mexico border, with the city of Presidio, Texas, directly opposite, on the U.S. side of the border.

Understand
Ojinaga sits where the Río Conchos drains into the Río Grande (known as the Rio Bravo in Mexico), an area called La Junta de los Rios.

Ojinaga still retains its rural culture and environment, with relatively little pollution and few urban problems. Some of the most famous norteño-sax artists are from Ojinaga, such as Polo Urías, Adolfo Urías, Los Diamantes de Ojinaga, Los Rieleros del Norte, Conjunto Primavera, Los Jilgueros del Arroyo, and Los Norteños de Ojinaga.

History
Ojinaga was founded around the year 1200 by Pueblo Indians. In 1535 it was visited by Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca with a party of four, the survivors of the 1528 shipwreck of a failed mission to explore Florida. It was later the site of the Battle of Ojinaga, as Pancho Villa was being chased all over the region during the Mexican Revolution.

By car

 * Carretera federal 16.svg connects the city to Chihuahua, ends at the Presidio/Ojinaga International Bridge.
 * The border crossing connects the town with Presidio, in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Presidio and Ojinaga are connected by the Presidio-Ojinaga International Bridge and the Presidio–Ojinaga International Rail Bridge.

Get around
Most places of interest are located within a block or two of the central plaza.

See

 * Norteño bands - Many famous norteño musicians are from here, and Ojinaga has its own unique style, adding saxophones to the accordion-heavy mix.
 * Norteño bands - Many famous norteño musicians are from here, and Ojinaga has its own unique style, adding saxophones to the accordion-heavy mix.

Eat

 * La Poblana, Calle Juarez, in front of Fausto's Gallery. Home-style Mexican cooking popular with the working class.
 * Los Comales, Calle Zaragoza, a block off the main square. Surprisingly good seafood, given the city's location.
 * Sanborn's, 453 1224. A favorite with locals of Ojinaga and Presidio. Try the chile verde con carne. No credit cards accepted.
 * Tortas Raúl, 453 1544. Mexican sandwiches, burritos, and other light meals. Good for lunch.

Go next

 * Peguis Canyon, 40 km (25 miles) down highway 16, is a 1200 m (4000-foot) canyon, one of the most impressive sights of the Big Bend Region.
 * Chihuahua
 * Creel

title: Ojinaga


text:
Oka

Oka is a village of 4000 people (2011) in Laurentians region of Quebec. Far from the Laurentian mountains themselves, Oka is a nice daytrip from Montreal due to its lakeside provincial park and waterslide aquapark.

Understand
Oka is a small, old town on the north bank of the Ottawa River where it flows into the Lake of Two Mountains. Oka became internationally known for a 1990 armed standoff between Mohawks on the neighbouring Kanesatake Reserve and the Canadian Army, over a golf course expansion on ancestral land claimed by the Mohawks. Most of the time, it is a peaceful village where Montrealers go for some outdoor recreation in the summer.

History
This area was first settled by French colonists as a mission to First Nations in 1721 by brothers of the Sulpician Order branch of the Roman Catholic Church. Early native inhabitants were Mohawk (Kanienkaha), Algonquin, and Nipissing, who had a village known as Kanesatake, now a reserve within the boundaries of Oka.

In the 19th century, as a result of the British invasion of then French Canada, there was unrest among the various communities. The Mohawks allied with the British and turned against the French, while the Algonquins had taken the side of the French. In 1990, the small community gained international attention in what became known as the Oka Crisis. It had approved development of a private golf course, to add nine holes and nearby luxury housing. The Mohawk of Kanesatake opposed this. Several years before the crisis the Mohawks had initiated and lost a land claim court case in which they tried to gain control of what they termed "historic land". Land known from the early mission settlement as the "pine forest". The claim was rejected by the Provincial courts.

The Mohawk of Kanesatake barricaded a dirt road leading to the land. During a 78-day confrontation, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) police force (and later Canadian army units) confronted members of the Mohawk nation. The latter were joined by other Mohawk and First Nations and Native American tribes. In addition, for several weeks, Mohawk at Kahnawake blockaded the approach to the Mercier Bridge, a route that ran through their land. Negotiations led to the Mohawk re-opening the road. An SQ officer was shot and killed at a period of heightened tensions. Numerous people were arrested. The disputed area was acquired by the Canadian Federal Government and development was stopped.

Get in
By car: From Montreal, take Autoroute 13 or 15 north past Laval, then head west on Autoroute 640 until it meets with route 344 (Chemin d'Oka). Continue heading west on route 344 for about 5 km.

By train/bus from Montreal, take the Agence Metropolitain de Transport train AMT Schedule] to Deux-Montagnes station, then take the Oka Express mini-bus into town (the bus is available into Oka in the evening, then from Oka back to the train station in the morning for $2.50).

By ferry: there is a daytime, seasonal (spring to autumn) ferry taking passengers across the Lake of Two Mountains from Hudson to Oka. In the winter, if the ice freezes enough, one can drive across a cleared path on the lake for a fee.

By bike: From the Deux-Montagnes station, take the well-maintained Route Verte trail that passes through Oka National Park before reaching Oka.

Get around
The centre of town is very small and can be traversed on foot within minutes. To get to the attractions (the park, the abbey, the waterslides), you will need a bicycle or a car.

See

 * The Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lac is famous for its Oka cheese produced by Trappists monks there.

Do

 * Go on the waterslides at Super Aqua-Club in Pointe-Calumet (adjacent to Oka).
 * Go apple picking at one of several farms in September and early October.
 * Go apple picking at one of several farms in September and early October.

Buy

 * Oka cheese, a distinctive semi-soft cheese made by monks, is available at the Notre-Dame du Lac Abbey.
 * Kanesatake Reserve has a number of establishments that sell tobacco and alcohol tax-free to natives. Some may also sell it to non-natives tax free, which is of disputed legality.
 * Most of the apple farms have delicious apple treats for sale in September-October (such as apple pie and apple cider).

Sleep
There are hotels 7-8 km away in Vaudreuil-Dorion, and in Hudson (Quebec) across the Ottawa River on the Hudson-Oka ferry.

Go next

 * Montreal
 * the Laurentian mountains
 * Hudson
 * the Ottawa River valley

title: Oka


text:
Okanagan

The Okanagan (often referred to as the Okanagan Valley) is a region of British Columbia. It borders the Shuswap region to the north, West Kootenays region to the east, Similkameen region to the west, and the American border to the south. The focus of this region is the 135-km-long Okanagan Lake which runs north-south from Vernon to Penticton. The region is bordered on both the east and west by mountains. The valley is known for its hot, dry summers and is a favourite vacation spot for sun seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is also famous for its fruit orchards and wineries.

North Okanagan

 * – Home of the Armstrong cheese factory as well as the IPE.
 * – Quaint, quiet town built on the Shuswap River.
 * – Smaller and quieter than Kelowna and Penticton to the south, Vernon is the largest community in the North Okanagan. It’s every bit as much a holiday destination though with three lakes, beaches, wineries and plenty of outdoor activities. Highlights include the many parks that offer swimming, walking and hiking trails and Predator Ridge, an acclaimed golf resort, southwest of town.

Central Okanagan

 * – The life of the party in summer with water, beaches, microbreweries and wineries. The nearby mountains provide many options for outdoor activities year-round, with Myra Canyon notable for hiking and cycling and Okanagan Mountain Park providing hiking and camping. More tame options include enjoying one of the many golf courses in the area. Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan, the transportation hub and has the widest range of accommodation options.
 * – Four communities, three lakes and more vineyards, between Kelowna and Vernon.
 * – A small community on the west side of Okanagan Lake between Kelowna and Penticton. The waterfront has a number of beaches while the hillside affords views of the lake and valley. There are also many walking trails along the waterfront, up the hillside and through Hardy Falls Regional Park.
 * – A sprawling community on the west side of Okanagan Lake across from Kelowna. It is the fourth largest community in the Okanagan and home to some of the valley's best known wineries like Mission Hill, Mount Boucherie and Quail's Gate.

South Okanagan

 * – Small quiet community on the east side of Okanagan Lake. Its location is a good base for exploring the wineries on the Naramata Bench and taking in the views along the Kettle Valley Trail.
 * – Sleepy town on the south shores of Skaha Lake. There are some beaches in town and wineries nearby.
 * – The Oliver region is closest to the vineyards and the noted Golden Mile and Black Sage benches. This is wine and orchard country with more than 30 vineyards and over half of the vines in British Columbia.
 * – Near the Canada-US border a recreation centre with beaches and boating along Lake Osoyoos. The region’s scrubland and aridness is unique within Canada and local attractions allow you to learn about and explore this ecosystem with walking and interpretive trails. One of the driest, sunniest and warmest places in Canada (in summer at least).
 * – If you’re looking for something outdoors, the "Peach City" has loads to do. In town, there are two lakes, miles of sandy beach and lazy float rides down a canal. South of town is the Skaha Bluffs with trails and rock climbing. Heading north from town on both sides of the lake is the old Kettle Valley Railway, now a hiking and biking trail with some outstanding views. Penticton is also the gateway to the South Okanagan, one of the premier wine growing regions of Canada. Accommodation options are plenty and varied, but it can be busy in summer.
 * – Close to Penticton and on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Summerland has wineries and beautiful beaches like many destinations in the valley. It attractions extend beyond that however, with the only operating section of the Kettle Valley Railway, the highest railway trestle in BC, the Ornamental Gardens and a downtown core built in English Tudor style.

Other destinations

 * – Alpine and nordic skiing outside of Penticton, plus mountainbiking and hiking in summer
 * – Alpine and nordic skiing outside of Kelowna, plus mountainbiking and hiking in summer
 * – Small ski hill outside of Oliver/Osoyoos
 * – Hiking and camping.
 * – A ski resort and provincial park side by side. The ski village is small but the brightly coloured buildings are memorable and make for easy ski-in ski-out access. Nearby Sovereign Lakes is noted for its Nordic skiing trails. Activities are year round with mountain biking and hiking in summer.

Understand
As with most places in British Columbia (if not Canada) the Okanagan Valley's history is tied to the First Nations people who have made the area their home for thousands of years. Living a semi-nomadic life, the natives survived on wild game, berries, and the plentiful salmon runs. The first Europeans arrived in the area in 1811, and the first permanent settlement was a mission built by Father Charles Pandosy on the site of present day Kelowna. The early settlers subsisted on cattle ranching, and later, via the valley's hallmark fruit production industry. In the early 20th century many large paddlewheel steamships plied the waters of Okanagan Lake, shipping out fruit to other markets and returning goods and supplies to the many towns along the lake which were then still not connected by road or rail.

The Okanagan Valley has a population of over 360,000 (2016). The area has almost always depended on tourism, a continually growing industry fueled by the region's agreeable climate, thriving wine and fruit production, and virtually limitless opportunities for all manner of outdoor activities including boating and watersports, hiking and mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, and fishing. The majority of tourists flock to the valley from the metropolitan regions of Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, all of which are within a day's drive. The number of international tourists is steadily on the rise, not coincidentally, in proportion to the increasingly international renown of the area's many wineries.

Geographically, the region runs predominantly north-south following the course of Okanagan Lake, and is framed by mid-level mountains on the east and west sides. Highway 97, which navigates the region, follows a different valley several kilometers to the east of Okanagan Lake north of Kelowna. While the big lake is the most renowned, there are several other notable lakes in the valley including Kalamalka, Wood, Skaha, Vaseaux, Tuc-El-Nuit, and Osoyoos Lake.

Weather is generally mild in the winter, with snow at the upper elevations and rain in the lower cities. In summer the region is quite hot and dry, and in fact this region contains Canada's only true hot desert in Osoyoos.

Talk
The predominant language in the Okanagan (as with the majority of British Columbia) is English. You may hear French accents from the many Quebecers who come to the region for seasonal work at the many wineries, orchards, and ski resorts. However, as the number one industry in the region is tourism, you may hear any world language spoken by the thousands of visitors that make their way here every year.

From the south

 * Highway 97 crosses the USA-Canada border at Oroville (USA) / Osoyoos (CAN). The border crossing is open 24 hours.

From the north

 * Highway 97 travels south from Kamloops
 * Highway 97A travels south from Sicamous
 * Highway 97B travels south from Salmon Arm

From the west

 * Highway 3 travels east from Hope and Princeton
 * Highway 5/97C travel east from Hope and Merritt

From the east

 * Highway 6 travels west from Lumby and Nakusp
 * Highway 33 travels northwest from Rock Creek
 * Highway 3 travels west from Rock Creek

Airports within this region with scheduled commercial flights
International passengers (other than from the USA) will generally need to fly through into Vancouver International Airport, then either transfer flights, or use alternate transportation into the region.
 * Kelowna International Airport - offers a number of flights within Canada and limited international flights
 * Penticton Regional Airport - fewer flight options, only flights to Vancouver

By bus

 * Daily bus service on the following routes:
 * Between Kelowna and Vancouver with stops in Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey.
 * Kamloops and Kelowna with stops in Chase, Sorrento, Salmon Arm, Enderby, Armstrong, and Vernon.

By public transit
BC Transit operates bus transit system in Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton. Each have their own local transit systems (buses) that service each area, however, these services are generally geared towards getting residents to school, work, and shopping areas, rather than as a practical form of transportation for sightseeing. The following are some intercity routes for traveling around the Okanagan:

 * Route 40 from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Osoyoos with stops in Okanagan Falls and Oliver. Operated by South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System.
 * Route 50 from Operates a bus route three days per week between Penticton and Princeton with stops in Keremeos. Operated by South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System.
 * Route 60 from Monday to Saturday between Vernon and Enderby with stops in Armstrong. Operated by Vernon Regional Transit System.
 * Route 70 from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Kelowna with stops in Summerland, Peachland, and West Kelowna. Operated by South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System.
 * Route 90 operates daily between Vernon and Kelowna. Operated by Vernon Regional Transit System.
 * Route 97 operates daily. It travels between the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus (UBCO) and West Kelowna with stops in Rutland and downtown Kelowna.   Operated by Kelowna Regional Transit System.

By car
The easiest, and perhaps best, way to see all the sights is by automobile. Many destinations are outside of the cities and the only practical way to see them is to travel by car. The three main cities each have offices for most major vehicle rental agencies.

By hitchhiking or bicycle
Hitchhiking is also a generally safe and acceptable way to travel within the valley. The relative proximity of cities and towns in the region also makes touring via bicycle a viable option.

See

 * If you are interested in local history you will want to visit the many museums in the area. Almost all in the valley specialize in local history and artifacts of the respective area's development. There are museums in Armstrong, Vernon, Kelowna, Westbank, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, and Osoyoos.

Do
The Okanagan has a wealth of activities to offer, year round.

 * Golfing. There are 37 courses between the US border and Vernon ranging from small par-three chipping courses to full sized professional top-50 ranked courses. The most prestigious include: Vernon's Predator Ridge Golf Resort; Kelowna's Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club, Harvest Golf Club, and The Okanagan Golf Club; and Oliver's Fairview Mountain Golf Course. See city listing for additional information about these golf courses. See Depending on the weather, some courses are playable right into December.
 * Camping. The valley is literally peppered with campgrounds and RV parks, most of which are on or near a lake. For those looking for a more traditional tenting experience, there are over 60 provincial parks in the valley. Not all allow camping, but most have tent pads available for a modest fee. For those who really want to get away from it all, a short hike into the mountains will provide miles of untouched wilderness where one can practice leave-no-trace camping.
 * Mountain Biking. Extensive mountain bike trails have been developed throughout the region. A wide range of lengths and skill levels can be found. Details and trail maps are available through local organizations. Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan, Penticton and Area Cycling Association, North Okanagan Cycling Society
 * Wine tasting. There are over 100 wineries in the valley, and it's worthwhile to do a wine tour and sample some of the wines and lovely vistas. The wines of the region are steadily gaining worldwide acclaim, and include over 60 grape varietals including grapes for white wines and red wines. Unlike warmer climate wine regions, the wineries from this region are able to produce ice wines, though only some wineries offer this type of wine.  Wineries are located between the Osoyoos near the border with the United States and extend north up to Lake Country, and are located in between in Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Penticton, Summerland, West Kelowna, and Kelowna.  See listing for those communities under the "Drink" section.

Eat and drink
Enjoy it the bounty of the fruit orchards and wineries that the Okanagan is famous for.

Stay safe
The Okanagan Valley is home to cougars, bears, and (more to the south) rattlesnakes (and even scorpions). There are very few reports of these animals attacking humans, but it is wise to always be vigilant and aware of the dangers when you are in non-urban areas.

As many folks come to the valley to spend their vacation in 'party mode' there is a tendency for some hooliganism and fisticuffs on the streets after the bars close. The RCMP have zero tolerance for this behaviour, so stay clear or you will find yourself put up in the drunk tank overnight.

Go next

 * Head west to visit cosmopolitan Vancouver.
 * Head north to visit the Shuswap's cottage country.
 * Head east to visit the rugged Kootenays region.
 * Head south to visit Washington, USA.

title: Okanagan


text:
Okanagan (disambiguation)

There's more than one place called Okanagan or Okanogan:

Canada

 * Okanagan — a region in British Columbia
 * Okanagan Falls — a park in British Columbia
 * Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park — a park in British Columbia
 * Okanagan-Similkameen — a regional district in British Columbia

United States of America

 * Okanogan — a city in Okanogan County
 * Okanogan County — in the North Cascades region of Washington (state)

title: Okanagan (disambiguation)


text:
Okanagan Falls

Okanagan Falls is a community of about 2200 people (2016) in the Okanagan region of British Columbia on the shore of Skaha Lake, which provides many recreational opportunities. It is also close to Okanagan Falls Provincial Park.

Understand
The namesake Okanagan Falls have long been submerged by the waters of Skaha Lake, which rose as a result of the construction of this small dam. The dam is just south of the bridge along Highway 97.

Get in
The only way to get in (by land) is by car (or perhaps bike). There is no rail service, and the nearest airport is in Penticton about 15 minutes north. If you have your own boat, or want to rent one you can ride the length of Skaha Lake from Penticton.

Highway 97 runs through the town, from Penticton to the north and Oliver to the south. A nice alternative route is to take Eastside Road on the east side of Skaha Lake of Penticton.

Get around
Okanagan Falls is a very small town. Riding a bike or walking around is sufficient.

By public transit

 * Operates bus route 20 from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Okanagan Falls.
 * Operates bus route 40 route from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Osoyoos with stops in Okanagan Falls and Oliver. Travel time from Osoyoos is 45 minutes, from Oliver is 22 minutes, and from downtown Penticton is 43 minutes
 * Operates bus route 40 route from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Osoyoos with stops in Okanagan Falls and Oliver. Travel time from Osoyoos is 45 minutes, from Oliver is 22 minutes, and from downtown Penticton is 43 minutes

Sleep
There are hotels 15 km away in Penticton.

Cope

 * The nearest hospital is in Penticton, though it will take slightly less time to reach the hospital in Oliver.

title: Okanagan Falls


text:
Okanogan

Okanogan is a city in the North Cascades region of Washington State. It is the county seat of Okanogan County.

Go next

 * Chief Joseph Memorial, on the Colville Indian Reservation
 * Chopaka Lake B.L.M. Recreation Site
 * Grand Coulee Dam

title: Okanogan


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Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Okapi Wildlife Reserve is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Understand
Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site about 40 km west of Mambasa on the road between Beni and Kisangani. The park HQ is around 300m from the towm of Epulu. The park has an Okapi breeding program and there are around 20 captive Okapi's in the park. There are camping facilities situated on the Epulu river and activities in the Jungle can be organised.

See
Okapi, and pygmies

title: Okapi Wildlife Reserve


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Okavango-Chobe

Okavango-Chobe is a region in the north of Botswana.

Other destinations

 * - known for its high concentration of elephants
 * – protects the Nxai Pan, one of the Makgadikgadi Pan salt flats
 * – rich in wildlife (includes the villages of Sepupa and Shakawe)
 * − consisting of rock art extending over many millenia
 * – rich in wildlife (includes the villages of Sepupa and Shakawe)
 * − consisting of rock art extending over many millenia

Do
Safari, more safari. They have all the wild animals you see on documentaries. Wild dogs, Hyena, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Gnu/Wildebeest, Impala, Red Lechwe, Elephant, Cheeta, etc.

Tourists stay at the small private camps in the wildlife concession areas.

title: Okavango-Chobe


text:
Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a region in Botswana.

Regions
The Kalahari Desert lies in the Kalahari Basin, which is enormous, about five times the size of France, and the Basin covers all of Botswana and parts of her surrounding countries. The Kalahari Basin was created 135 million years ago when South America, Asia and Australia tore themselves away from Africa. The power of this event and of the secondary volcanic and earth shuddering activity it caused lifted the edges of southern Africa like a bowl, creating the Basin. Over many millions of years this part of the world passed through extremely dry periods, during which fierce sand storms dumped layer upon layer of sand into the basin. And today, 65 million years later, this is the oldest and largest stretch of sand on our planet.
 * Kalahari Basin

These sands are about 250 m deep and geologically this area has looked almost the same for most of those 65 million years. Now in all honesty one million years is quite difficult for us to contemplate, let alone 65. But in terms of an almost unchanged landscape that is, even geologically speaking a long, long time. To put it into perspective only 12 000 years ago most of Europe was under ice and completely uninhabitable. And the rugged valleys of Scotland and Fjords of Norway were carved by that very same ice.

Because of this great age and because of Africa’s position in relation to the equator, Africa was largely unaffected but the last few ice ages and thus, when compared to the rest of the planet, Africa has suffered far less extinctions. The result of this an amazing diversity of plants, trees, birds and animals. To give you an idea of this diversity the Okavango Delta alone has as many species of trees as the whole of Western Europe.

The Kalahari is in the wet period of its 65-million-year history. It's most outstanding physical feature is the living desert. The sands of the Kalahari Desert have mostly been blown there rather than transported by water and thus are not very fertile. Even so, after good rains, grass is plentiful and this supports an astounding diversity of life. The Kalahari Desert is the last refuge of the San or Bushmen, who have roamed Southern Africa for the last 30,000 years and are now on the verge of extinction.
 * Kalahari Desert

At some stage in this 65-million-year period large Rivers flowed into the Kalahari Basin, creating a giant lake which in turn emptied into the Indian Ocean via the Limpopo River. And then about 50 000 years ago, due to the numerous fault lines in the area, all but the Okavango River were diverted, and the Lake began to shrink. Until about 10 000 years ago another fault effectively dammed the Okavango River creating the delta and leaving the Lake to become the largest the salt pan complex in the world, the Makgadikgadi Pans – an amazing expanse of whiteness the size of Switzerland.
 * Lake Makgadikgadi

Understand
The University of Botswana's Okavango Research Institute was established in 1994 to help understand the natural and human processes that shape the Delta, which became a Ramsar Wetland of International Significance in 1996. HOORC's multidisciplinary research teams provide the science to support the work of local, national and regional planning bodies such as the Okavango River Basin Water Commission. Flow the HOORC Library weblog, reports research and news relevant to the Delta.

Get in
Most travellers start from Maun with their own car. You can also charter airplanes there or go on a tour with one of the flying-safari operators.

Get around
The villages of Sepupa and Shakawe can be reached by a bus (141 pula, 6 hr, July 2024) from Maun. From the bus rank in Maun, there are daily departures of the bus to Shakawe at 8:30AM, 11AM, and 4:30PM. Sepupa is couple of stops before Shakawe. Ticket payment is collected on the bus. The bus is pretty basic: 5 non-reclining seats in a row, little leg-room and no bathrooms.

The bus drops you off in Sepupa next to a little store (about 3 km from the Swamp Stop and the shore river bank). If you are headed to Swamp Stop, ask to be dropped off by the turn with a sign “Swamp Stop”. Once in Sepupa, you will have to rely on flagging down a vehicle to give you a lift to the Swamp Stop. Sometimes part of the road to Swamp Stop gets flooded and you have to have someone from the Swamp Stop fetch you on a mokoro boat or on a tractor; so phone ahead of time or have a mobile handy.

See

 * The Okavango Delta is one of the world's great inland waterways. The meandering Okavango River is breathtaking, seen either by boat, airplane or mokoro. The main choices are to go on safari in Moremi Game Reserve or stay at one or two of the many lodges. The animals, as outlined below, the birding, flora and fauna are spectacular. There are some amazing lodges like Oddballs Camp, and Delta Camp. A trip called the Trans Okavango takes you from the top of the Okavango Delta to Maun. This delta in northwest Botswana comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. In 2014 Okavango Delta was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Do
Go. It's amazing. Fabulous. One the most magical places in the entire world. The budget-minded can take the bus from Maun to Sepupa. There is now a river taxi that travels daily from Sepupa to Seronga and coordinates with the buses. If your timing is off stay at Swamp Stop overnight. In Seronga you can stay at the Polers Trust and enjoy the mekoro trips.

Much of the area is divided into large concessions run by various safari groups. Development is strictly regulated so that there is little development and lots of wildlife. It is expensive, but worth it to stay in some of these permanent tented campsites. The guides are knowledgeable, and the accommodations very comfortable. Wilderness Safaris runs many great camps. They are all inclusive: two wildlife rides a day, all meals, snacks and drinks are included in the price.

Stay safe
The Okavango Delta is generally considered safe for travellers, although as with any part of Africa necessary precautions should always be taken. The Okavango is home to many potentially dangerous animals (including the Nile Crocodile, Lion and Hippo) but attacks on tourists are virtually unheard of, it is best to closely follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Stay healthy
Malaria, along with many other mosquito-borne illnesses, can be present within the Okavango and thus preventive measures are imperative. The occurrence of mosquito-borne illnesses is much higher in the wet season (the same is true for any tropical location.)

title: Okavango Delta


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Okaya

Okaya (岡谷市 Okaya-shi) is a city in Nagano (prefecture).

Understand
Okaya is known for its Onbashira and Taiko Festivals.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated machine translation.

Go next

 * Suwa
 * Shimosuwa
 * Shiojiri
 * Tatsuno
 * Ina
 * Chino
 * Matsumoto
 * Hokuto
 * Kofu

title: Okaya