kelowna tourist bureau

31 Awesome Things to do in Kelowna: The Ultimate Kelowna Travel Guide

Posted on Last updated: January 6, 2023

Looking for some incredible things to do in Kelowna during your next visit? This guide is for you!

Over the years Kelowna has quickly became one of my favourite places to visit in Canada.

I find myself wanting to spend more and more time there every year!

Beyond how absolutely stunning it is, there’s just so many fun attractions and activities to do in Kelowna.

From visiting vineyards to boating on Lake Okanagan and hiking through the mountains.

Whether you’re more of a leisurely traveler or an adventurer, there are so many awesome things to do in Kelowna.

It is sure to make you quickly fall in love with our beautiful country!

If you’re planning a trip to Kelowna sometime soon, I hope you find this guide on the best things to do in Kelowna useful!

If you’re visiting the Okanagan soon, you may also want to check out these posts:

• The Best Wineries in Kelowna – Kelowna Winery Guide
• 35 Best Things to do in Kelowna in Winter
• 7 Best Wineries for Lunch in Kelowna
• 6 wineries you need to visit in Oliver & Osoyoos
• Wineries of Lake Country – The perfect Kelowna day trip!
• 6 of the most instagrammable places in Kelowna

Table of Contents

Weather in Kelowna

Although the weather in Kelowna is some of the best you will find in Canada year round, most people tend to visit Kelowna in the summer.

Summers in Kelowna are absolutely divine!

Here the weather is nice and hot, but you don’t have the humidity that eastern cities like Toronto and Montreal are used to.

During summertime in Kelowna, you can easily expect temperatures to be in the mid twenties all the way up to the forties (celsius of course).

Dress for warm weather if you’re coming in the summer!

Spring in Kelowna is also a beautiful time to visit.

During spring you can expect temperatures from 15 degrees all the way up to the mid twenties.

Although, during El Nino years spring has been colder so be sure to bring layers and check the forecast.

Fall in Kelowna is gorgeous, and tends to be much longer than fall in other parts of Canada.

Due to the warmer weather you really get to experience a full month or even more of the leaves changing colors.

Like spring, the temperature during fall in Kelowna can vary anywhere from 10 degrees to 25 degrees or so.

Lastly, winters in Kelowna are quite mild.

Temperatures don’t often fall below zero, and although there is snow there is never a ton of it (well, at least to Alberta standards).

There is of course plenty of things to do in Kelowna even in winter !

Wineries are almost all open, and of course there are lots of outdoor winter activities to do here like skiing, snowboarding, and skating.

By the way, I have a whole guide to things to do in Kelowna in winter so be sure to check it out!

Getting Around Kelowna

It is best if you’re visiting Kelowna to have a vehicle because a lot of activities and destinations are spread out.

If you are planning on staying in downtown Kelowna you could get by without a car, however there is just so much to see outside of the downtown core.

If you will be visiting wineries during your stay in Kelowna (which is one of the best things to do in Kelowna!), you will especially want to plan to have transportation.

A lot of wineries in Kelowna are quite spread out and require driving between them.

If you don’t want to drive, one of the best and easiest ways to enjoy a day of winery hopping is to book a wine tour.

Wine tours will give you a designated driver that will take you from winery to winery meaning you won’t have to worry about how much you drink or where you’re going!

There are also a few wineries you can visit by bike, but I would highly recommend to either travel with a designated driver or book a wine tour to really get the best out of your visit.

The Kelowna or West Kelowna Afternoon Sightseeing Wine Tour is easily the highest rated wine tour in the area.

This incredible wine tour gives you the option of touring 4 of the best wineries in Kelowna, or 4 of the best wineries in West Kelowna, and it’s totally up to you to pick!

Now, onto the guide of the best things to do in Kelowna!

The Best Things to do in Kelowna

1. step back in time and taste wine at crown & thieves.

Address: 3887C Brown Rd, West Kelowna

I couldn’t help but start this post off with a winery, and Crown & Thieves is hands down the most unique winery in Kelowna.

Visiting wineries is one of my absolute favourite things to do when I’m in Kelowna.

In fact, I love it so much I wrote a full guide to the best wineries in Kelowna.

There’s just so many amazing wineries to visit in the BC region, and Kelowna alone has over 50!

Step into Crown & Thieves and you will immediately feel like you stepped back in time.

One step into Crown & Thieves and you will seriously feel like you’ve walked straight into something out of Pirates of the Carribbean!

But not only is it a stunning and unique winery, their wines are incredible too.

This is one Kelowna winery you won’t want to miss!

2. Have a drink at the Broken Hearts Club

Another thing that makes Crown & Thieves so unique, is they actually have a speakeasy bar in the basement!

Open Friday – Sunday from 12pm-9pm, The Broken Hearts Club serves great cocktails and of course Cown & Thieves wine in the coolest speakeasy bar.

They also have a happy hour Friday – Sunday from 3pm-5pm where you can get great deals on cocktails and wine.

3. Have dinner Family Style at Angel Share

Located on the rooftop at Crown & Thieves is Angel Share , Kelowna’s only fully outdoor restaurant!

Angel Share specializes in family share plates, and the menu is ever changing.

Seriously, every day the menu is different based on the availability of local seasonal ingredients.

Expect an incredibly unique menu and great dining experience!

4. Bike or Hike along the Myra Canyon / Kettle Valley Railway

Address: Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata

If you’re spending a couple of days in Kelowna you absolutely have to head out to the Myra Canyon portion of the Kettle Valley Railway .

Located about a 45 minute drive from the heart of Kelowna, the Myra Canyon Trestle trail is multi-use trail made along the old Kettle Valley Railway train tracks.

The coolest part is that the train tracks are way up high in the mountains!

It is such a unique experience that there is no surprise it’s one of Kelowna’s top attractions.

It’s an incredibly scenic 22km round trip route that’s great for walking & biking for all ages.

Along the trail you’ll pass over multiple trestles and even through tunnels that the trains used to go through and get some pretty spectacular views!

You can rent a bike in the parking lot through Myra Canyon Bike Rentals (I recommend this if you want to do the full route).

It’s such an incredible way to spend the day and get a little exercise in and I love that you can rent a bike if you don’t have one!

The Myra Canyon trestle trail is a great activity for young or old so grab your fam and get ready for a great time and incredibly scenic Kelowna views!

By the way – in case you’re wondering I wore bike shorts under my skirt and slipped the skirt overtop of them for photos.

Of course I didn’t bike in this skirt I’m not that crazy.

Location details for Myra Canyon Trestle Trail here

5. Go trail riding with Kelowna Stables at Myra Canyon Ranch

Address: 4675 June Springs Rd

Another great activity to do in Myra Canyon (located just 25 drive from downtown Kelowna) beyond biking the Kettle Valley trail is horseback riding with Kelowna Stables .

Whether you’re a beginner, moderate level or expert horseback rider Kelowna Stables is the place to go.

You’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful trails, friendliest staff, and best views you’ll see all from horseback!

It’s also really easy to get both biking along the Kettle Valley trail and riding at Kelowna Stables done in one day, so if you’re making the trip out to Myra Canyon I definitely recommend doing both.

In fact, you can even rent bikes at Kelowna Stables to do the Kettle Valley Railway trail!

Make sure to reserve your bike online when booking your trail ride so you can get the most out of your visit to the area.

Kelowna Stables is located at the Myra Canyon Ranch Bed & Breakfast, located right at the entrance to Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. Location details here!

6. Taste Wine at Quails Gate Estate Winery

Address: 3303 Boucherie Rd

Quail’s Gate Estate Winery is one of Canada’s first family owned estate wineries, and really is an institution in Kelowna because of its history.

The Stewart family who owns it has been in the viticulture business for 60 years, and Quail’s Gate has been around for 30 of those years!

We visit Quail’s Gate Estate Winery almost every time we are in Kelowna.

Quail’s Gate has one of the most beautiful views from their tasting room, you definitely don’t want to miss seeing it!

They also have numerous tasting options available , from their standard tasting to their vineyard tasting, wine and cheese tasting, and even a wine and bourbon paired tasting!

7. Have lunch (or dinner) at Old Vines Restaurant

There are a few really great wineries that have amazing restaurants for lunch in Kelowna , and Quail’s Gate is the first on this list!

After visiting their beautiful vineyard and doing a tasting in their tasting room, you have to stop for lunch at Old Vines Restaurant.

Old Vines Restaurant is a stunning restaurant with incredible views.

Not only is it beautiful, but it’s one of the original wineries in West Kelowna and is consistently top-ranked in the Okanagan.

I absolutely love having lunch at Old Vines Restaurant, and it truly is one of the best winery restaurants.

By the way, I have a whole guide on best wineries in Kelowna for lunch if you’re looking for more ideas!

8. Pick your own Cherries at a local Orchard

Picking cherries is something that had been on our list for the last few years but somehow we never got around to it.

I was so happy that we made it out cherry picking this year and I definitely recommend visiting an orchard and doing it yourself!

There are so many great cherry orchards you can go to pick cherries (and other fruits) at.

It’s the perfect activity to do while you’re in Kelowna.

We went to the small family owned Fransera Farm in Lake Country (they don’t even have a website!) and it was such a great experience.

I swear the cherries taste even sweeter when you’ve picked them yourself.

Hows that for an afternoon activity you can really sink our teeth into?

Location details to FranSera Farms here

9. Pick seasonal fruit at Paynter’s Fruit Market

Address: 3687 Paynter Rd, West Kelowna

Open mid-late June until early fall, Paynter’s Fruit Market is a fantastic farm and orchard to visit in West Kelowna.

No matter what month you arrive, they will have something fun you can pick!

It is such a fun experience to visit Paynter’s and pick fresh fruit.

We went and picked golden plums which I had never heard of, and they were so delicious!

I highly recommend visiting Paynter’s when you visit.

Here is a list of the fruits they have and when they will (approximately) be ripe for the picking:

• Apricots: July
• Peaches: End of July – early September
• Golden Plums: August
• Pears: Late August – Early October
• Apples: End September – Late October
• Italian Prune Plums: September

10. Taste some incredible wines at Black Swift Vineyards

Address: 2345 Boucherie Rd

Black Swift Vineyards opened in 2020 and is easily one of my all time favourite wineries in Kelowna.

(you can read my guide to the best wineries in Kelowna here)

The wines at Black Swift are absolutely incredible!

Black Swift is the kind of winery for people who love good wines, but like any Jason Parkes’ winery they aren’t about being wine snobs.

But just because they aren’t your typical wine snobs, doesn’t mean their wines aren’t fantastic.

Beyond having incredible wines, the views here are stunning and they have the friendliest staff that makes your tasting experience truly enjoyable.

11. Spend your Sunday at Hangover Church

If you happen to be in Kelowna on a Sunday, you have to book yourself in for Hangover Church at Black Swift Vineyards!

Hangover Church is a one seating brunch event with a breakfast feature dish, mimosa, and full wine tasting experience.

This is one unique (and fun) way to spend your Sunday!

12. Hike to the top of Mount Boucherie and take in the stunning views.

Address: E Boundary Rd, Westbank

What was once a 2000m active volcano that dates back 60 million years is now an amazing hiking trail that takes you to 360 degree views of the Okanagan Valley below.

Due to erosion the peak is now just under 800m and has some pretty spectacular views!

Mount Boucherie has 3 different trails you can go on that range from moderate to difficult level hikes.

At about 6km round trip, some areas are easy enough for the whole family while others require more experienced hikers.

Pick a trail based on your skill level and get ready to see why hiking is a big attraction in Kelowna!

Thanks to Tourism Kelowna, here are the directions for both the more difficult and easier hikes:

Regular trail: To access this trail, turn onto Bartley Road from Hwy 97. This road turns into East Boundary Rd. Follow the road approximately 1.5 km and you will see a small parking area on your left.  Click here for Google Maps location .

Easier trail: If you are a beginner hiker or if you have younger children with you, consider accessing the trails from Lakeview Cove Road at Eain Lamont Park. This option will reduce your elevation gain making it easier.  Click here for Google Maps location .

13. Visit one of Kelowna’s many public beaches

As if you were going to visit Kelowna without spending some time on the lake right?

Whether you decide to visit one of Kelowna’s beaches and spend the day laying in the sun, strolling along the downtown harbour, checking out the passing boats, or you prefer to get out on the water yourself, you absolutely must spend some time visiting Lake Okanagan.

If you’re like me then your ideal vacation activity is spending the day laying on a beach with a good book, with not a care in the world, cooler in hand, and of course plenty of snacks packed away!

Kelowna has so many great beaches to visit and these are some of the most popular (click them for the location details):

• Hot Sands Beach
• Boyce-Gyro Beach
• Rotary Beach

14. Rent a boat for the day

Who doesn’t love boating right?

Why not rent a boat through Okanagan Boat Rentals and spend the day boating on Lake Okanagan!

They have boat rentals with everything you need for tubing, wakesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and knee boarding!

You can reserve a boat online on their website and they have seadoos too which are such a fun activity to do while in Kelowna.

Looking for something a little more unique?

Check out Maeg’s BBQ Boats which are quite literally boats with BBQ’s in the middle!

15. Spend the day kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing on the lake

For an extra fun activity to do in Kelowna on the lake (that’s also a great workout) I recommend you rent a kayak, paddle board, or canoe from Okanagan Beach Rentals !

They have 5 rental locations along Lake Okanagan at some of the most popular beaches and it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the lake.

You can rent from Okanagan Beach Rentals at these locations:

• Gyro Beach Park
• Rotary Beach Park
• Tugboat Bay Beach
• Bear Creek Provincial Park
• Sun Oka Beach Provincial Park

For more details on Okanagan Beach Rentals and their locations click here!

16. Go for a Stroll along the Waterfront Boardwalk

The waterfront boardwalk is an absolutely stunning little walk along Lake Okanagan in downtown Kelowna.

On this walk you’ll get to see all sorts of wildlife, boats coming and going from the marina, and people out and about having picnics on the grass.

Stop for an ice cream along the way or head into one of the local restaurants and bars nearby for a drink after your stroll.

Parking is easily available along the streets or in one of the nearby carparks.

This is the perfect place to go for an after dinner stroll especially since it’s in close proximity to so many restaurants.

17. Take in the views from up high on a Parasailing experience

Address: 230 Queensway, Kelowna

Want to see Kelowna from a whole new perspective?

Why not see it from up high in the sky on a parasailing adventure on Lake Okanagan!

We went parasailing the summer before last and it was so much fun.

Book your parasailing adventure with Ogopogo Parasail and see why it’s such a popular attraction in Kelowna.

Ogopogo offers single, tandem and triple parasailing experiences.

Make sure to wear a bathing suit because there’s a good chance you’ll get a little dip in the water on your way down.

Ogopogo Parasail is located right at the Downtown Kelowna Waterfront in Kerry Park.

18. Head for a hipster wine tasting at The Hatch

Address: 3225 Boucherie Rd

The Hatch opened in 2015 and has some of my all time favourite wines in the region.

7 years later I can still proudly say that hasn’t changed one bit!

The Hatch prides itself in being a laid back winery that’s a far cry from the traditional “wine snob” wineries you can find in most wine regions.

They have the most artistic and fun wine labels to boot!

19. Try organic wines at Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Address: 4870 Chute Lake Rd

We’ve been visiting  Summerhill Pyramid Winery for years and you may remember it from my post on Instagrammable places in Kelowna ( which you should check out here! ).

Summerhill never fails to remain on the top of my things to do in Kelowna list.

There’s a reason why this is one of the top wedding venues in Kelowna and it’s not just because it’s beautiful.

All the wines at Summerhill are organic & biodynamic, and their bistro boasts an amazing menu of delicious local & organic fare with plenty of vegan options.

Summerhill is definitely a must visit – and besides, who doesn’t want a picture with a giant bottle of bubbly?

20. Visit the local Farmer’s Market

Address: Crn Springfield &, Dilworth Dr

You’ll find some pretty amazing locally grown fruits & vegetables in Kelowna so you’d definitely be missing out if you don’t try some while you’re there.

If buying your fruits and veggies already picked is more your jam then you can grab some at one of the many orchards or head over to the Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market .

The market Is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am-1pm.

They feature a large selection of farm, food, and craft vendors from around the area.

It’s a great place to stop by to get all of your fresh fruits, veggies, meats and baked goods all in one!

Location details for Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market here

21. Check out the Oyama Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park

Address: 5617 Oyama Lake Rd

There’s a reason why Oyama Zipline is voted one of the top Kelowna Must-Do adventure activities and attractions.

I did the Aerial Adventure Park this past summer with my sister-in-law and we had a blast!

If you think aerial adventure parks are just for kids have I got news for you.

Not only was it difficult but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

The entire course takes a couple of hours and is a great activity to do while visiting Kelowna.

Make sure you wear sneakers with decent grip on the bottom, leggings or athletic shorts, and bring a hoodie.

The park is shaded and it can get a little chillier than In the sun!

Oyama Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park has 4 courses of varying difficulties.

Start on the easiest one while you get your bearings and work your way up to the black diamond.

I thought I was in for an easy afternoon activity but couldn’t believe how sore I was the next day!

Location details for Oyama Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park here!

22. Try some amazing ciders and wine at The View Winery

Address: 2287 Ward Rd

The View Winery is not only a kick ass winery that has amazing wines but they also make cider too!

They have a whole lineup of amazing year-round and seasonal ciders that are some of the most flavourful and delicious ciders I’ve ever tried.

Stop by to try their cider, wines, or both!

Location details for The View Winery here

23. Go for a spirit tasting at Okanagan Spirits Kelowna

Address: 267 Bernard Ave

Prefer something a little stronger? Okanagan Spirits has you covered!

Located right in the heart of downtown Kelowna and just a short walk from the harbour, Okanagan Spirits has a great spirit lineup that includes Whiskies, Vodka, Gin, Liqueurs, Brandies and even Absinthe!

Stop the shop to try out some of their spirits and go home with a bottle or two.. you won’t regret it.

Location details for Okanagan Spirits here

24. Challenge yourself with a hike at McDougall Rim

Address: McDougall Rim Hiking Trail

McDougall Rim is not for the faint of heart or for the newbie hiker, but if you’re an adventurer that likes a challenge this is a must do!

McDougall Rim is an intense uphill hike that eventually tapers off into more level land.

Unlike the other hikes mentioned in this guide to the best things to do in Kelowna, McDougall Rim does not have clearly labeled trails and can be quite difficult to navigate.

The entire hike is over 20km and not for the faint of heart.

Make sure you bring lots of water and snacks if you plan on trying for the whole trail!

McDougall Rim is one of the top hiking attractions in Kelowna so prepare for some pretty stellar views.

To get to McDougall Rim: Going north in Westbank on Hwy 97 turn left on Bartley Rd. Follow the road straight to a gravel road, you will be on private property for 2km. Park on the right just before the cattleguard and the trail starts here.

Location details for McDougall Rim hiking trail here

25. Grab a beer flight at BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery

Address: 1250 Ellis St

BNA was voted #1 brewery in Kelowna so of course it had to be included on my list of top Kelowna attractions!

Stop by their on-site tasting room and grab a flight of your choice from their list of 9 locally made beers or head to the restaurant for a meal and a couple pints.

By the way – they also have ten pin bowling on site so it’s the perfect afternoon activity to do in Kelowna – especially if the weather isn’t cooperating!

Want to check out more of Kelowna’s amazing cideries, breweries and distilleries? Check out this post on Tourism Kelowna’s website for a whole list of them !

Location details for BNA here

26. Visit Benvoulin Heritage Church

Address: 2279 Benvoulin Rd

Visiting churches is such a thing in Europe, but who would have thought churches would be attractions here in Canada?

We drove by Benvoulin Heritage Church numerous times and every time we passed it I always said we need to stop there and shoot one day.

This year we finally made the stop and I’m so glad we did! It may not be as big or mighty as the historic churches in Europe… but this cute little church has plenty of history of its own!

Here’s a little backstory on this charming little church:

• Benvoulin was built in 1892 and formerly known as the Bethel Presbyterian Church. It was the first Protestant Church between Vernon and the US border.
• The church was built on land donated by real estate promoter George Grant MacKay, and it was built by H.W. Raymer who became Kelowna’s first mayor in 1905.
• The lumber came from the sawmill of notable pioneer Eli Lequime, and Lord & Lady Aberdeen who owned the neighbouring Guisachan ranch. They donated money and labour and the church was based off a church in their home of Aberdeen in Scotland!
• It was dedicated on September 1st of 1892 by reverend Thomas Somerville of Glasgow.
• After many changes to the building the church closed in 1964
• In 1982 the newly formed Central Okanagan Heritage Society took on the restoration of the building. It held its official reopening September 4th of 1986.
• Since then the church has become a well-used and much-loved community space in Kelowna. It’s now used for cultural events, weddings, concerts and so much more!

Location details for Benvoulin Heritage Church here

27. Visit the Okanagan Heritage Museum

Address: 470 Queensway

At the Okanagan Heritage Museum you’ll discover the natural and human history of Kelowna.

Admission is by donation (although $5 is recommended) so it’s a super affordable activity.

At the Okanagan Heritage Museum you’ll get to learn how the Okanagan valley was formed, and why it supports tremendous biodiversity.

Step into the world of the syilx/Okanagan people, and gain insights into their close connection to the land.

Learn about the arrival of traders and settlers, and peer into the windows of an original “Chinatown” shop.

Meet some individuals from Kelowna’s past and present, and be inspired by the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame!

Okanagan Heritage Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits so check the website to see what attractions are going on during your visit!

Location details for Okanagan Heritage Museum here

28. Head up to Silverstar Mountain Resort

Address: 123 Shortt St, Silver Star Mountain

Located an hour outside of Kelowna, Silverstar Mountain Resort is possibly the cutest and most colourful little Mountain Village and resort I’ve ever seen.

Silverstar Mountain Resort boasts tons of things to see and activities to do year round, so don’t let the season stop you from paying them a visit while in Kelowna!

Whether you’re looking to ski or snowboard in the winter, or you want to check out the hiking trails, the gondola, or bike during the summer months you won’t get bored at Silverstar.

There are also tons of cute shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels on Silverstar if you want to make a weekend out of it.

With so many attractions and activities it would be a shame to miss visiting Silverstar while in Kelowna!

Location details for Silverstar Mountain Resort here!

29. Big White Mountain

Address: 5315 Big White Rd

Like Silverstar, Big White is another super cute and colorful Mountain destination near Kelowna with tons of activities to do year round.

In the summer they have numerous hiking and biking trails, and of course in the winter you can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content!

Big White also offers numerous shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, plus the resort has a spa for those looking to get a little self-care in.

If you’re visiting Kelowna this year don’t miss this awesome attraction!

Location details for Big White Ski Resort here!

30. Do a Day Trip to Visit the Wineries of Lake Country

If you’re planning on spending a couple of days in Kelowna I definitely recommend doing the 20 minute drive and heading out to Lake Country to visit the wineries out there.

While the wineries in Kelowna are amazing, there’s something special about the smaller, quainter wineries you’ll find in the Lake Country region.

There’s no denying these have quickly become some of my favourites, and we visit them all every time I’m in the area.

They’re all in very close proximity and it’s easy to get them all done in one day.

Head to this area and do a self drive winery tour hitting up all of my favourites that I’ve listed in my Wineries of Lake Country – The Perfect Kelowna Day Trip blog post !

31. Take a Day Trip to the Oliver & Osoyoos Wine Region

This year for the first time we decided to venture outside of Kelowna and head 2 hours south to the Oliver & Osoyoos region.

I was super excited to visit this region because the climate is much hotter (it’s a desert climate) meaning they specialize in growing big BOLD reds.

Although I never discriminate against a bottle of wine, I do love my bold reds and I was particularly excited to visit wineries in a region where the bold red grapes flourish.

The Oliver and Osoyoos region has around 24 wineries you can visit.

I listed 6 of my favourite Oliver and Osoyoos wineries that you have to check out here .

Head out to this region and spend the day visiting them all before making the drive back to Kelowna.

Just make sure you have a designated driver!

You’ll quickly see why visiting this region is a top attraction for Kelowna visitors.

Final Thoughts

As you can tell from this post there’s just so many attractions, activities, and things to do in Kelowna!

Whether you want to spend your time there visiting wineries, enjoying the lake or getting active outside Kelowna has something for everyone.

I know you’ll fall in love with Kelowna as quickly as I did.

Don’t forget to visit these other posts to plan your Kelowna visit!

• 35 Fun Things to do in Kelowna in Winter

Have you visited Kelowna yet? What are some of your favourite activities and attractions to do in Kelowna?

And if you haven’t which activities and attractions are you most excited to try when you do visit Kelowna?

Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram , Pinterest , TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!

Feel free to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get my blog posts, updates, and special offers delivered right to your inbox 🙂

Sunday 26th of July 2020

I'd never heard of Kelowna so this post really peaked my interest. Looks lovely (gorgeous photos) and would love to explore the outdoors and wineries here!

What a hidden gem this location is! I am so glad I came across this and you shared it! This location looks awesome!

galatia savva

Saturday 25th of July 2020

absolutely stunning photos! The wineries and hiking are huge selling points !

Been there a couple years ago and loved the wine there! This part of France is incredible!

I loved all the places you have shared! It's so cool to see how you have explored your own backyard this year!

Discover Kelowna

Explore the beauty and charm of Kelowna, British Columbia with our comprehensive guide. Discover the best attractions, activities, dining, and accommodations for both visitors and residents.

Exploring the Finest Wineries in Kelowna: A Journey to Unforgettable Wine-Tasting Experiences

A guide to the best wineries in Kelowna

The Best Restaurants in Kelowna: Exploring Culinary Delights in British Columbia

A guide to the best restaurants in Kelowna

About Discover Kelowna

Discover Kelowna is your ultimate guide to exploring the beautiful city of Kelowna, British Columbia. Whether you're a visitor or a resident, we provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your time in Kelowna. From the best attractions to the hidden gems, we've got you covered.

Subscribe newsletter

• [ March 11, 2023 ] FAQ Attractions and Playgrounds
• [ February 28, 2023 ] Discovering the Wine Culture of Kelowna Wine - Guided tours and activities
• [ March 17, 2022 ] CANADIAN WILDLIFE MUSEUM – Vernon Attractions and Playgrounds
• [ March 6, 2022 ] B&B Accommodations wine tour pickup B&B Accommodations
• [ January 28, 2021 ] What is special about a West Kelowna Wine tour Wine - Guided tours and activities

Visitor Information

The Downtown Kelowna Visitor Centre welcomes visitors and connects residents with information on the many events and attractions in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Tourism Kelowna’s Visitor Experience team, made up of staff and volunteers, can offer suggestions and insider tips for local ‘must-sees’ to make your time in Kelowna unforgettable. Souvenirs, including a selection of local artisan products, are available for purchase, as are tickets for a most local shows and events. The Kelowna Visitor Centre is located right on the lake at 238 Queensway.For hours and how we can help, visit https://www.tourismkelowna.com/ Phone: 250-861-1515

Other Visitor Centres

Westbank Visitors Centre and Museum is located at: “2376 Dobbin Road, Westbank, 250-768-2712 Kelowna International Airport 1-800-663-4345

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES  Information

Airport Terminal ylw.kelowna.ca 250 765-5125 Air-Hart Aviation (Floatplanes) 250 762-9830 Air Canada Reservations 1-888-247-2262 Shell Aero Centre (Private) 250-765-8155 Horizon Air Reservations 1-800-547-9308 Central Mountain Air 1-888-865-8585 WestJet Reservations 1-888-937-8538 United Airlines 1-800-684-8331 Air North 1-800-661-4070

Other Transportation services

E Bus to Vancouver https://myebus.ca/ 1-877-769-328 Kelowna Airport Shuttle (Lets Go Transport ) 778-821-0101 Kelowna Transit System bctransit.com/kelown a 250-860-8121    Taxi- Kelowna Cabs (1981) Ltd. 250-762-2222 BC Ferries Information Toll Free 1-888-223-3779 Red Dog Wine Tours (Kelowna area)  1-866-477-5266

The legal drinking age is 19 in BC. Anyone under 19 is a minor and not permitted in nightclubs & most pubs (some pubs allow families during certain times of the day; others do not). In restaurants a minor cannot purchase alcoholic beverages.  This applies at wineries and wine tastings. In BC, there are serious consequences if you’re caught driving with a blood-alcohol content between 0.05 and 0.08. These include steep fines, having your license suspended, and even losing your car.  Only book wine tours with a company that picks up and drops off at your hotel so you can avoid  driving over the legal limit.

TIPPING & GRATUITIES

Tips are not calculated on your bill, so we suggest you add a minimum of 10% to the bill’s amount before taxes. (Most people tip between 15 and 20% depending on the  quality of food and service you receive. 

Emergency Numbers

Police / Fire / Ambulance 911 Non Emergency Police 250 762-3300 Kelowna General Hospital 250 862-4000 Non Emergency Health Information 811 Crisis Line 250 493-6622 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Emergency Prescriptions 250 763-5312

TAXES ON PURCHASES

The goods and services tax (GST) of 5% will apply to various goods and services you purchase during your stay in Canada. An additional 7% Provincial Sales Tax  (PST) applies to certain purchases. 2% city levy is charged on hotel, motel and resort accommodations in Kelowna.  All these taxes are added on top of the posted price, unless otherwise noted.

Can you get intoxicated on wine tours? The level of intoxication during a wine tour is at your discretion. It’s crucial to manage your alcohol intake responsibly, and you don’t have to consume every drop in your glass. Wineries often provide spittoons, and pouring out excess wine is perfectly acceptable, offering a thoughtful approach to tasting. If you’re interested in learning more about responsible wine tour practices, you can find additional information here .

Copyright © 2024 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

16 of the Best Things to Do in Kelowna

April 28, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Sharing is caring!

Things to Do in Kelowna Last Updated: October 15th, 2022

Located along beautiful Okanagan Lake, surrounded by desert and wineries, Kelowna is easily one of British Columbia’s tourism jewels. It’s the third-largest metropolitan area in British Columbia , behind only Vancouver and Victoria , and is one of the most popular summer destinations in the province. It’s also one of the warmest destinations in Canada, so whether you’re looking to get some sun, go boating, hit up a golf course, visit wineries, or even visit in the winter for some awesome skiing, Kelowna is a great place to explore.

However, another great feature of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley is that it’s home to many other great communities, such as Vernon , Peachland, Summerland, and Penticton. Plus, it’s right in the middle of the drive between Calgary and Vancouver, making it a great place to visit during an epic Canada road trip .

Fun Facts: The name Kelowna comes from the Indigenous Okanagan language for “Grizzly Bear”.

Table of Contents

Go on a Kelowna Winery Tour

Whether you sign up for an actual tour or just go on your own, Kelowna is a great place for trying a variety of delicious Canadian wines. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is one of the top three wine regions in Canada and a trip here would not be complete without enjoying some grape alcohol. There are dozens of Okanagan wineries scattered in and around Kelowna as well as many more in Lake Country and Vernon. Some of these are massive estates that rival those in California whereas others are small family-run wineries.

We’ve only been to one so far and it was Summerhill Pyramid Winery. What was super cool about this winery is that they’re biodynamic. They gave us a complete tour of how they grow the grapes right up until they age them in an actual on-site pyramid, which they believe gives a unique energy to the wine!

If you don’t want to drive yourself, there’s also a variety of Kelowna wine tours that include lunch and a number of winery visits. If you really want to go all out, you can even indulge in a wine tour by chauffeured vintage car or even a helicopter tour if you want to look like you own the place.

Go Boating on Okanagan Lake

Another activity you shouldn’t miss when visiting Kelowna in the warmer months is hopping on some sort of water vessel and heading out onto the beautiful and massive Okanagan Lake. This lake is 135 km in length, about 5 km wide, and up to 230 metres deep. It’s actually considered a fjord lake as it has been carved out by repeated glaciations. You spend time on beaches, admire them from shore, or fly over them in a helicopter, but the best way to enjoy the lake is to be out on the water.

There are many different boat tours available and we can definitely recommend Kelowna Water Taxi and Services , a friendly Irish-Canadian guy who can cater to what you’re looking for.

Rent Maeg’s BBQ Boat

While we’re on the topic of boating on Okanagan Lake, why not rent a BBQ Boat from Maeg’s? Talk about unique! You and up to nine friends can rent one of these eco-friendly, electric-powered bright orange donut-shaped vessels for a day out under the sun, including an awesome BBQ on the water! Guests charter their own boat, bring their own friends, bring their own food, and bring their own drinks. Can summer days get any better?

Don’t think you can handle the boat? There’s also an option for hiring someone at Maeg’s to help captain the boat as well.

Go Flyboarding

Another fun activity to try on Okanagan Lake is flyboarding . This was one of our highlights during our 150-day road trip through Kelowna and we’d love to go again. Basically, you get strapped to a board that projectiles you into the air via water pressure, which is controlled by a SeaDoo! If you’re up for a bit of a thrill and don’t might getting plunged into the lake, this is a really fun activity to try.

Go Hiking and Biking on the Kettle Valley Railway

We only saw this place by helicopter but it looked like an epic place to go for a bike ride or a long hike. With incredible scenery and views, the Myra Canyon trestles are a great place to get outdoors near the city. It’s about a 30-40 minute drive from downtown Kelowna and is part of the Kettle Valey Railway, which happens to be the longest rail-trail network in BC, stretching all the way to Hope!

Don’t worry though. The trains have long stopped and it’s now been converted into a recreational trail for hikers and cyclists. Steep canyons, tunnels, and 18 trestle bridges await you.

Fly Above Kelowna in a Helicopter

If you think Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley are beautiful on land, imagine what it looks like from the sky! We had an incredible tour with Valhalla Helicopter Tours who took us over Kelowna, the lake, and wineries. They even brought us out to the kettle trail area to see the train tracks and the beautiful nature surrounding the city.

Eat Your Heart Out

Thanks to the popularity of Kelowna, as well as all the fancy wineries, there are lots of delicious restaurants in Kelowna . Whether you’re looking for a homemade soup with a mouth-watering sandwich, French fine dining, or something fancy with views of a vineyard, there’s something for everyone in Kelowna. Some popular options include Bouchons Bistro, Antico Pizza Napoletana, Little Hobo Soup & Sandwich Shop, and Home Block, just to name a few.

Go Full Zen at Kasugai Japanese Garden

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind within downtown Kelowna, look no further than the Kasugai Japanese Garden . This garden was created in 1987 to demonstrate the friendship between Kelowna and its sister city in Kasugai, Japan. You’ll find stone lanterns, pine trees, waterfalls, and a koi-stocked pond. It’s typically open as late as 8 p.m. in the summer months and is free of charge.

Chill Out on a Beach

Thanks to the massive lake and the hot weather, Kelowna and the surrounding area are home to a number of beautiful beaches. One of the most popular is Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, which is equipped with snack venues, a rope swing, volleyball courts, a playground, an inflatable waterpark, watersport rentals, washroom facilities, and many picnic areas. Located in South Kelowna, it’s close to many hotels and motels, which makes it very convenient.

Play Mini Golf at Scandia Golf and Games

I must admit. When I was a kid, I adored Scandia . It’s one of the only things I remember as a child. Playing games for tokens. Enjoying one of the most elaborate games of mini-golf I’ve ever seen. Trading tokens for cheap toys. When we re-visited for our Road-to-150 Canada Road Trip, I made sure we all went and had fun.

Okay, maybe it’s not as awesome as I imagined as a kid but it’s still home to the best mini-golf I’ve ever seen (and I’ve been all across Canada and to 42 countries). Now, I’m not a mini-gold connoisseur but it’s a great place to stop if you love hitting golf balls through castles and such.  They also offer a go-kart track, a batting cage, and an arcade.

Relax at the Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm

Looking for a place to just sit back and smell nature at its finest? This 8-acre eco-friendly farm is found not too far from downtown Kelowna and allows you to walk around in splendour, surrounded by plants and herbs, such as purple lavender and sage. All of these beautiful things are then harvested into botanical products, such as essential oils and body butter. You can buy them on-site or just go online and order them as well.

Experience one of the MANY Beautiful Parks

Like much of Canada, Kelowna has no shortage of places to experience beautiful nature both inside and outside the city. Knox Mountain Park is one of the most popular and is located not too far from the city. Another favourite is Waterfront Park and City Park, which are both right in the city. Mission Creek Regional Park is another one.

Enjoy a Wine-Themed Spa Treatment

You know you’re in wine country when wine-themed spas start opening up. Beyond Wrapture Day Spa takes all the byproducts from wineries, such as pips, skins, and stems, and then turns them into lotions and scrubs. The antioxidants found in grapes are supposed to promote enzyme activity in skin cells and reduce the damage caused by free radicals. So, now you really can drink your wine and be massaged with it too.

Peddle a Dropbike

Bored of walking? Well, now you can jump on a bike. Kelowna has a great Dropbike program , which consists of very noticeable bright-orange bicycles that can be found all over town and rented for just $1 per hour. Even better, the bikes self-lock, allowing you to leave them anywhere you want. Even the tires are made from foam, which means no flat tires!

Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure

Home to almost all 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, Don-O-Ray is certainly a family favourite around Kelowna. Whether you want to grab some extremely fresh vegetables (picked fresh daily) or bring the kids for a chance to see farm animals, this is a great spot to visit. Depending on the time of year you go, you’ll find a hedge maze, a petting zoo, goat feeding, and much more. Plus, they offer other premium products as well, including salad dressings, honey, unique drinks, and more!

Go Skiing at Big White Ski Resort

If you happen to be visiting Kelowna in the winter months, then why not go skiing or snowboarding at Big White Mountain Resort? This is one of the most popular ski resorts in the province and also the third largest. Its mountain summit is 2,319 metres with a vertical drop of 777 metres. Home to more than 2,700 acres of skiable terrain and 16 lifts, it’s an awesome way to enjoy the mountains around Kelowna.

Getting to Kelowna

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Kelowna, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

Getting to Kelowna by Car

Kelowna is a great place to explore on a road trip. Located almost exactly in the middle between Vancouver and Calgary, it’s surrounded by some of the best landscapes in Canada, including jaw-dropping lakes, mountain vistas, and dry desert. For those on a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver , it makes for a great mid-way stop and can easily provide weeks of endless fun.

Getting to Kelowna by Plane

Despite being a relatively small city, Kelowna is home to the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and is one of the busiest airports in Canada with more than 70 commercial flights each day. The airport is very central and is only a 20-minute drive to downtown Kelowna.

Getting to Kelowna by Bus

Although Greyhound stopped serving the area, there are still ways to get to Kelowna by bus. However, there is no bus from Alberta. Instead, Ebus offers routes from Vancouver and other locations in BC. We recommend using Budbud.com to see what routes are offered.

Getting around Kelowna

Kelowna is not a major city centre and thus, has no metro. It does, however, have a public bus system as well as taxis. For public buses, you can go online and use their online trip planner , which will help you get around. There are also a variety of bus tours you can sign up for. If you like to go biking, it’s also a great place for that.

Weather in Kelowna (Best Time to Visit)

Kelowna is a very hot place during the summer months and fairly chilly in the winter, although milder than most of Canada. Still, most of Kelowna’s tourism happens from spring to fall as people come to enjoy the lakes, go golfing and visit the wineries. However, Kelowna is also home to Big White Ski Resort, which is a very popular ski resort in BC. You can expect highs of -1°C in January, highs of 28°C in July, and highs of 21°C in September. Rainfall is pretty steady at only 5-7 days per month.

Holidays: Canada’s important public holidays are New Year’s Day (Jan 1); Good Friday and Easter Monday (Mar or Apr); Victoria Day (the Mon preceding May 25); St-Jean-Baptiste Day, Québec’s own “national” day (June 24); Canada Day (July 1); Labour Day (first Mon in Sept); Canadian Thanksgiving Day (second Mon in Oct); and Christmas (Dec 25).

Where to Stay in Kelowna

Do you know where we stayed during our first visit to Kelowna many years ago? We couch-surfed! That was way back in 2010 and it was a great way to meet locals and not pay for accommodation. But since then, we prefer our comfort and stick to hotels and guesthouses for the most part.

Wild Nature B&B : Located on 10 acres of private forest, this is a great place to go to be in nature. With views of Okanagan Lake, this bed & breakfast offers free WiFi, private bathrooms, and hiking opportunities. It’s about 30-minutes from downtown Kelowna.

Prestige Beach House : This Best Western Premier Collection hotel is conveniently located right across from Hot Sands Beach in the heart of the city. It features granite bathrooms, enclosed balconies, free WiFi, and is pet-friendly. There’s also a hot tub, gym, and the West Coast Grill & Oyster Bar.

Kelowna International Hostel : If you’re on a budget, consider the Kelowna International Hostel. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Okanagan Lake and Strathcona Park Beach. They offer free WiFi, access to a shared kitchen, luggage storage, laundry facilities, free parking, and much more.

Things to Do Around Kelowna

If Kelowna is your only destination during this trip, this guide should be all you need. But if you have some time to spare and wish to venture further, there are SO MANY THINGS TO DO outside of Kelowna, including nearby stops like Penticton and further-away stops like Vancouver and Calgary.

For more things to do in Canada, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in Tofino
• Things to Do in Banff
• The Best Hot Springs in BC
• Things to Do in Fernie

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

May 12, 2021 at 12:35 pm

SO much to see and do in Kelowna!! We never stay long enough…can’t wait to visit again!!

May 18, 2021 at 12:25 am

Always bought produce at Don-o-ray’s when I lived in Kelowna, they have great champagne grapes and romanesco.

May 19, 2021 at 11:55 am

Can’t wait to travel again!

June 10, 2022 at 3:37 am

I live in Kelowna and there’s always so many wonderful things to do! 😁

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: 18 − 14 =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© 2022 Must Do Canada. All Rights Reserved.

Things to Do in Canada

• Privacy Policy
• Work With Us
• Get in Touch
• Facts about Canada
• Canadian Languages
• Canadian Money
• Canada Flags
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Best Canada Road Trips
• Best Road Trip Essentials
• Fall in Canada
• Travel Resources

Getty Images/iStockphoto

A kayaker paddles past scores of new tract houses on a hillside: it's an iconic image for ever-growing Kelowna, the unofficial 'capital' of the Okanagan and the sprawling center of all that's good and not-so-good with the region.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Kelowna. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Kelowna City Park

Kelowna's lakeside park is a charming feature and gets busy on warm summer days.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

In the hills along the lake’s eastern shore, you’ll soon come to one of the Okanagan’s most colorful wineries. Summerhill Pyramid Winery combines a…

BC Tree Fruits Cidery & Tasting Bar

The cidery division of BC Tree Fruits, a 400-family BC cooperative, is booming. Head to the Cidery & Tasting Bar, next to its fruit and vegetable market…

Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan

At Carmelis you can sample soft-ripened cheeses with names such as Moonlight and Heavenly, or the hard-ripened Smoked Carmel or Goatgonzola. For those…

Sandhill Wines

Formerly known as Calona Vineyards, Sandhill Wines was the Okanagan’s first winery when it kicked off production in 1932. Its architecturally striking…

Okanagan Lavender Farm

Visiting Okanagan Lavender Farm is a heady experience. Rows and rows of more than 60 types of lavender waft in the breeze against a backdrop of the…

Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum

Located in the historic Laurel Packing House, the Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum recounts the Okanagan Valley from its ranchland past, grazed by cows, to…

CedarCreek Estate Winery

Known for excellent tours, its Riesling and its Ehrenfelser, a refreshing fruity white wine. Its bistro,Home Block at CedarCreek, has the kind of view…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Canada

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Kelowna

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Kelowna with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

• 1.1 Climate
• 2.2.1 Canadian airlines operating to Kelowna:
• 2.2.2 Other airlines operating to Kelowna:
• 2.2.3 Ground transportation
• 2.4 By train
• 3.1 By public transit
• 3.2 By taxi
• 3.3 By ride hailing
• 3.4 Vehicle rentals
• 3.5 Downtown
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Wineries
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1 Newspapers
• 13.2 Hospital

Kelowna is a city in the Okanagan region of British Columbia . Kelowna is the largest inland city in British Columbia, in the heart of BC's wine country. Okanagan Lake is the main draw in the summer.

Understand [ edit ]

Kelowna is the largest city in the tourist-oriented Okanagan Valley with a population of about 142,000 in the city, and 215,000 in the metropolitan area (2020). During the summer, Okanagan Lake is the main draw, this 135 km-long (84 mi) jewel is a big draw for boaters (power and sail), swimmers and kite-boarders; in addition, golf, hiking and biking are popular summer activities. In winter thousands of tourists come from all parts of the world to ski at Big White resort, which is 55 km (34 mi) from the city.

Kelowna produces wines that have received international recognition. Vineyards are common around and south of the city where the climate is ideal for the many wineries. Tourists also come in the Sep-Nov (mostly) to experience and taste the Okanagan's world-class wines from wineries throughout the valley.

Climate [ edit ]

Kelowna is classified as a humid continental climate or an inland oceanic climate, with dry, hot, sunny summers and cool, cloudy winters, and four seasons. Summers in Kelowna are hot (sometimes extremely hot) and sunny. Not unusually, heat waves occur in July, August, and even June and September on occasion, where temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) persist for weeks. During summer, clear, dry air allows night-time temperatures to fall rapidly. Kelowna has the second mildest winter of any non-coastal city in Canada, after neighboring Penticton, caused by the moderating effects of Okanagan Lake combined with mountains separating most of BC from the prairies. Weather conditions during December and January are characterized by persistent valley cloud as Okanagan Lake hardly ever freezes.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

Highway 97 is the major highway through Kelowna, with Vernon and Highway 1 to the north, Penticton and Highway 3 to the south, and Merritt (via the Okanagan Connector, a.k.a. Highway 97C) to the west. Highway 33 provides secondary access to points south and east. It's a 4-5 hour drive from Vancouver via the Okanagan Connector, and 8-9 hours from Calgary .

By plane [ edit ]

Canadian airlines operating to kelowna: [ edit ], other airlines operating to kelowna: [ edit ], ground transportation [ edit ].

• Ebus (see below under By bus) stops at the airport terminal.
• BC Transit (see below By public transit) bus routes 23 (limited trips northbound and southbound) and 90 (northbound trips only) have stops about 250 m west of the terminal. For far more trip options, you will need to walk 700 m west of the terminal along Airport Way to Innovation Dr (stop are on Innovation Dr just south of Airport Way), where all trips of routes 23 and 90 stop, heading northbound and southbound. For travel to and from downtown Kelowna, a transfer at UBC Okanagan (UBCO) is required. UBCO is the southern terminus for routes 23 and 90. Route 97 is the quickest bus route between UBCO and downtown Kelowna.
• Taxis are also available (see below under By taxi).
• Using ride hailing, only Lucky to go is authorized to service the airport.
• Multiple car rental agencies are located at the airport.

By bus [ edit ]

• Between Kelowna and Vancouver with stops in Merritt , Hope , Chilliwack , Abbotsford , and Surrey . Travel time to Kelowna from Vancouver is 5.5 hours, from Abbotsford is 4.25 hours, and from Hope is 3 hours.
• Kamloops and Kelowna with stops in Chase, Sorrento, Salmon Arm , Enderby , Armstrong , and Vernon . Travel time to Kelowna from Kamloops is 2.5-3.25 hours (some trips do not stop between Vernon and Kamloops), from Salmon Arm is 1 hour 50 minutes, and from Vernon is 1 hour.
• Rider Express , toll-free: +1-833-583-3636 . Service from Vernon and Salmon Arm . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Silver City Stagelines Limited , [email protected] . Multiple days per week bus service between Trail and Kelowna with stops in Nelson , Castlegar , Christina Lake , Grand Forks , Greenwood , Midway, and Rock Creek. Travel time to Kelowna from Trail is 6 hours, from Nelson from is 5 hours, from Castlegar is 4.25 hours, and from Grand Forks is 3 hours. ( updated Mar 2022 )

By train [ edit ]

There is no train service available to Kelowna. However, you can use the nearest train terminal in Kamloops (about 90 minutes north-west of Kelowna by car).

Get around [ edit ]

Traffic can be quite heavy on major roads in Kelowna during the summer months, especially at the approaches to the floating bridge. A lack of advance left turn traffic lights contributes to accidents at major intersections.

• Kelowna has an extensive network of bike lanes. Cyclists are advised to use bike lanes (when not obstructed by parked vehicles) and intersections with caution. Cycling on local highways is not recommended. See the City of Kelowna website for a detailed map .
• There are several boat launches along the lakeshore with parking facilities. Be prepared to queue in the summer months. As for the lake itself, it can get crowded out there, especially with small watercraft.
• The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, especially along the waterfront.

By public transit [ edit ]

• Bus route 97 is a limited stop frequent route. It travels between the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus (UBCO) and West Kelowna with stops in Rutland and downtown Kelowna. At most hours, it is the only option to cross Okanagan Lake between Kelowna, and West Kelowna and Peachland.

By taxi [ edit ]

• Current Taxi , ☏ +1-250-864-8294 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Kelowna Cabs , ☏ +1 250-762-2222 , toll-free: +1-800-375-9848 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Kelowna Eco Taxi , ☏ +1 250-860-6666 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• West Cabs , ☏ +1 778-754-8888 , toll-free: +1-855-829-8294 . ( updated Jul 2022 )

By ride hailing [ edit ]

• Kabu . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Lucky to go . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Vehicle rentals [ edit ]

• Budget Car Rentals
• Enterprise Rent-a-Car
• Avis Car Rentals
• Discount Car and Truck Rentals
• McScoot's Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals [dead link]

Downtown [ edit ]

The Downtown Core is easily accessible with public transit as well as taxis and bicycles, once downtown you have two major parkades to choose from if you decide to drive yourself one is of Pandosy Street (the Verve Restaurant is in the first level) or at the library by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Station, so parking shouldn't be a chore.

The rush hour (usually 4:30–6PM) can be a challenge in the downtown core as well as on the main transportation arteries: Highway 97C, Highway 33, Lakeshore Rd.

See [ edit ]

Parks [ edit ]

• 49.785 -119.561 1 Bertram Creek Regional Park , 5680 Lakeshore Rd ( end of Lakeshore Rd ). One of the best kept secrets of Kelowna is Bertram Park at the end of Lakeshore Road, with beautiful beaches and grassy areas to picnic on it is one of the most idyllic places in Kelowna, it offers BBQ's as well as change/wash rooms.  
• 49.8841 -119.5017 2 City Park ( Downtown City Park ), Abbott St at Leon ( west of Abbott St between Bernard and Harvey, car access from the corner of Abbott & Leon ). A great environment in the summer to sun tan, play and enjoy yourself, or be with your family at the playgrounds. The water and skate park offer a great time in the sun.  
• 49.8549 -119.491 3 Boyce-Gyro Beach Park , 3400 Lakeshore Rd ( Lakeshore Rd & Swordy Rd ). Enjoy the half submerged playground in summer by swimming and hanging out of the beach. You can let yourself slide along the rope into the lake within which you may come across our lake's resident the Ogopogo (we are not joking, Loch Ness isn't the only body of water with a lake monster [the term monster is used loosely]). If you see Ogopogo make sure to be friendly as it is his home you're swimming in ;). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 49.913 -119.483 4 Knox Mountain Park , Knox Mountain Rd ( accessed from the end of Ellis St ). 6AM-10PM; vehicle access only in summer M-Sa 9:30AM-9PM, Su noon-9PM . Large park and natural area north of Kelowna's downtown. The view from the top has great views of the valley, including downtown Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. There is a road most of the way up with parking, that is open in the summer. There are also many trails for walking and biking that lead to other viewpoints and Paul's Tomb, the only beach in the park. ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.8777 -119.4298 5 Mission Creek Regional Park , 2363 Springfield Rd , ☏ +1 250 469-6140 (EECO Center) . Open during daylight hours . Park set on both sides of Mission Creek. The EECO Center has environment exhibits and park information. The creekside trail has a fish ladder, an old homestead site, interpretive signs and a playground/picnic area. Salmon return to the spawning channel in Sept-Oct each year. ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.8882 -119.4972 6 Stuart Park , Water St, between Mill & Doyle . 6AM-11PM . Waterfront park with some nice views. Notable for Bear Plaza and it's public art, and the outdoor skating rink in winter. ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.893 -119.4996 7 Waterfront Park , 1200 Water St . 6AM-10PM . Another park along downtown Kelowna's waterfront. It's well-maintained with a boardwalk along the waterfront, gardens, a sandy beach for swimming (Tugboat Beach) and seasonal concession stand and washroom facilities. There's also a bird sanctuary (Rotary Marsh) at the northern end. ( updated Nov 2015 )

Sports [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• Boating, Sailing, Seadoo-ing, Boating, and Windsurfing on Okanagan Lake .
• Wine tasting in this significant region for vineyards and wineries. See "Drink" section for local wineries.
• 49.88337 -119.45857 1 Parkinson Recreation Center , 1800 Parkinson Way , ☏ +1 250-469-8800 . ( updated Mar 2023 ) , Capital News Center ).
• 49.83572 -119.47983 2 Capital News Center , 4105 Gordon Dr , ☏ +1 250-764-6288 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Ballet Kelowna , ☏ +1 250-762-6105 . See a ballet performance. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Bike and hike the local mountains (Kettle Valley, 49.7827 -119.3154 3 Myra Canyon , 49.91219 -119.48388 4 Knox Mountain )
• 49.841 -119.3798 5 Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club , 4320 Gallagher's Dr W , ☏ +1 250-861-4240 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.8561 -119.4246 6 Harvest Golf Club , 2725 KLO Rd , ☏ +1 250-862-3103 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.9558 -119.3953 7 The Okanagan Golf Club , 3200 Via Centrale , ☏ +1 250-765-5955 . Features The Bear golf course and The Quail golf course. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.83793 -119.48113 8 H2O Adventure and Fitness Center , 4075 Gordon Dr , ☏ +1 250 764-4040 . H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is the largest municipally owned water park in Canada and features an Olympic-length 50-m pool, wave pool, river run, 3 water slides, children's water play area, and an ocean wave surf simulator. And, for the fitness enthusiast, a 12,000-square-foot cardio, weight equipment and exercise space await you.  
• 49.91221 -119.48392 9 Knox Mountain Climb ( two viewpoints ). An annual hill climb is one of the highlights of this peak.  
• 49.8435 -119.4737 10 Mission Creek Greenway . A path that follows Mission Creek.  
• Skateboarding/longboarding--the skateparks are average but lots of great hills

Learn [ edit ]

Work [ edit ]

The main industry in Kelowna is tourism, with its requisite offering of service industry jobs at or slightly above minimum wage. The local ski hill Big White offers winter employment for ski/board instructors, liftees, servers, and so on. With the boom in housing, there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople in the construction industry.

Buy [ edit ]

• 49.88632 -119.49267 1 Bernard Avenue (between Richter and Water Street) & the downtown area: Frock (vintage clothing), Olive & Elle (beautiful household items), Funktional
• 49.88279 -119.4526 2 koLu , 115-1950 Harvey Ave , ☏ +1 250-861-5658 . Women's fashion store. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.8794 -119.44 3 Orchard Tree Shopping Centre , 2271 Harvey Ave , toll-free: +1-800-610-7467 . The area's largest shopping mall. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.862 -119.4913 4 Pandosy St at/around KLO Road
• Rosebuds designer consignments

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ]

• 49.8866 -119.4928 1 Bohemian Cafe , 524 Bernard Ave , ☏ +1 250 862-3517 . W-F 7:30AM-2:30PM, Sa 8:30AM-2:30PM, Su 8:30AM-2PM . Cafe that serves breakfast, soups and sandwiches. Focuses on local sourced ingredients and makes their own bagels and bread. Breakfast $5.50-16, lunch $7-17 . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.8785 -119.4587 2 Lake Tai Vegetarian Restaurant , 1958 Kirschner Rd , ☏ +1 778 478-9931 . M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa Su 12:30PM-9PM . Awesome little Taiwanese vegetarian restaurant serving light, healthy meals even carnivores will love. Almost all dishes are also vegan and gluten-free. Also serves wide selection of teas, bubble tea. Incredibly nice people, great service. Accepts credit cards. Try the honey crispy bean! $10-15 . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.8861 -119.4917 3 Mad Mango Cafe , 551 Bernard Ave ( across the street from the bargain shop on Bernard ), ☏ +1 250 762-8988 . Tu-Sa 7:30AM-6PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM . Small and popular cafe that serves a mix of Asian cuisine — won ton soup, pho, Malaysian curries, sweet and sour rice and vermicelli noodles — as well as a small selection of sandwiches and breakfast items. $4-7.50 . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.9018 -119.386 4 Subcity Donair , 1007 Rutland Rd N , ☏ +1 250 765-4440 . 9AM-9PM . Local Subway or Quizno's style of restaurant with locations downtown and around the city. Offers chicken and beef donairs, small selection of subs, and fries and other sides. $7-10 for a donair or sub . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.86466 -119.49096 5 The Marmalade Cat cafe , #103-2903 Pandosy St , ☏ +1 250-861-4158 . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 49.88619 -119.49737 6 Bai Tong Thai Restaurant , 275 Bernard Ave , ☏ +1 250-763-8638 . One of Kelowna's best Thai food places! ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.8861 -119.497 7 Memphis Blues , 289 Bernard Ave , ☏ +1 250 868-3699 . A fantastic BBQ house, close to the water in downtown Kelowna.  
• 49.88345 -119.45387 8 O-Zeki Japanese , 1-1745 Spall Rd , ☏ +1 250-862-8860 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.8858 -119.4969 9 RauDZ Regional Table , 1560 Water St , ☏ +1 250 868-8805 . 5-10PM . Popular and well regarded bistro. Dishes focus mostly on BC seafood or meat from BC or Alberta. Seating is varied — there's one long communal table or you can choose a more traditional booth seat. Mains $16-32 . ( updated Nov 2015 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 49.8944 -119.4959 10 Bouchons Bistro , 1180 Sunset Dr #105 , ☏ +1 250 763-6595 . 5:30PM-10:30PM . Elegant French restaurant with many French classics — bouillabaisse, cassoulet, foie gras, duck confit, rabbit, lamb Provinçale and pommes frites. There's also a weekly "Chef's Table", a three-course fixed price menu. Mains $23-40, Chef's Table menu $45 . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.85836 -119.4908 11 The Fixx Cafe , 101-3275 Lakeshore Rd , ☏ +1 250-861-3499 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.95118 -119.38856 12 Gulfstream Restaurant , 5505 Airport Way ( inside Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport ), ☏ +1 250-807-7427 . Steak ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.88759 -119.49331 13 La Bussola Restaurant , 1451 Ellis St , ☏ +1 250-763-3110 . Italian restaurant ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.8788 -119.44541 14 Mon Thong , 1876 Cooper Rd , ☏ +1 250-860-6809 . Thai restaurant.  
• 49.89453 -119.49616 15 Waterfront Wines Restaurant , 104-1180 Sunset Dr , ☏ +1 250-979-1222 .  

Drink [ edit ]

Pubs close at 1AM and clubs at 2AM.

• 49.88482 -119.42892 1 97 Street Pub , 2400 Hwy 97 N ( At the intersection of Hwy 97 and Leckie Road (Beside the Best Western Hotel) ), ☏ +1 250-979-6921 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.88526 -119.49436 2 The Blue Gator , 441 Lawrence Ave , ☏ +1 250-860-1529 . A Blues club on Lawrence Street. Has an outdoor sidewalk patio where you can eat/drink. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.88667 -119.49641 3 Skinny Duke's Glorious Emporium , 1481 Water Street . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 49.88464 -119.49368 4 Tonics Pub & Grill , 1654 Ellis St , ☏ +1 250-860-2997 . Good food, and great prices on drinks. Nice atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Wineries [ edit ]

Wineries and wine tours have become popular things to do in Kelowna. There are over 20 wineries in Kelowna and the surrounding area, ranging from some of the biggest names in BC wine to small boutique wineries. The list below includes wineries that are in Kelowna only — several popular wineries associated with Kelowna, such as Mission Hill and Quail's Gate, are in neighbouring West Kelowna and covered there.

• 49.8605 -119.4116 7 The Vibrant Vine / Okanagan Villa Estate Winery , 3240 Pooley Rd , ☏ +1 778-478-4153 . May-Sep: 11AM-6PM; Oct-Dec: 1-4PM . Small but distinctive winery. The tasting room is a 3D experience with the art and vivid bottle labels all in 3D (glasses included for free). There's live music on summer weekends and a stage for theatre performances. The wines are mostly whites, with a couple of red blends. The WOOPS? label (a blend of several Okanagan varietals) won Best White Wine in The World 2013 at the World Wine Competition, Geneva. ( updated Nov 2015 )
• Explore: Kelowna Wine Trails

Sleep [ edit ]

If you will be staying in Kelowna between May and September, book your accommodations well in advance, especially for weekends.

• 49.8716 -119.4909 1 Kelowna International Hostel , 2343 Pandosy St , ☏ +1 250-763-6024 , [email protected] . The recommended of the two hostels in town. Interesting atmosphere, not overcrowded. There are 4-bed dorm rooms and a small number of private rooms for 1-2 people. Bedding and towels are provided and rooms have lockers for each guest. It has a limited number of beds, however, so it's easiest to book ahead. Office hours are 7AM-11PM. $25 dorm, $60 private . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.886356 -119.487632 2 Kelowna Okanagan Lake Hostel , 730 Bernard Ave ( intersection of Bernard and Richter Street ), ☏ +1 250-899-3188 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . A comfortable hostel in downtown. Great for downtown shopping and beach strolling. Dorm rooms and some private rooms. Office hours are 8AM-9PM. $26 dorm, $49-84 private. Rates are higher May-Aug and on holidays . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.8833 -119.4982 3 Samesun Backpacker's Lodge , 245 Harvey Ave , ☏ +1 250-763-9814 , toll-free: +1-877-972-6378 . Clean with good facilities and a very friendly party atmosphere. Outdoor courtyard area with DJs, BBQs and a pool in the summer. Daily activities year round. 4-8 bed dorm rooms and some private rooms. $27-29 dorm, $69-79 private . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 49.88515 -119.42883 4 Best Western Inn Kelowna , ☏ +1 250 860-1212 . 2402 Highway 97 N.  
• 49.89394 -119.41444 5 Days Inn Kelowna , ☏ +1 250 868-3297 . 2649 Highway 97 N.  
• 49.88881 -119.42321 6 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott , 1655 Powick Road , ☏ +1 250 763-2800 .  
• 49.95106 -119.38865 7 Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport , 5505 Airport Way , toll-free: +1-855-900-5505 . The closest hotel to the airport, a walk of 700 m heading east to reach the airport. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 49.88002 -119.36318 8 The Hopeless Romantic Bed and Breakfast , 735 Lone Pine Dr , ☏ +1 250 765-5006 .  
• 49.8823 -119.439 9 Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre , 2170 Harvey Avenue , ☏ +1 250 860-9711 , toll-free: +1-800-663-9400 , fax : +1 250 860-3173 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Across from the Okanagan's largest shopping centre; features 135 upgraded (as of 2015) 100% non-smoking guest rooms and suites. Indoor pool, hot tub and an upgraded fitness room. Complimentary Wi-Fi and guest parking. Perkin's Family Restaurant and Bakery, Mickie's Sports Pub and Summer Patio and Kelowna's only drive-through cold beer, wine and spirits store on premises. ( updated Apr 2015 )
• 49.8916 -119.4978 10 Delta Grand Okanagan Resort , 1310 Water St , ☏ +1 250-763-4500 , toll-free: +1-888-890-3222 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM . Large hotel and conference center on Okanagan Lake. There are over 350 rooms, ranging from the standard two queen beds to suites with a whirlpool. The hotel includes a pool and fitness center. $350 and up in summer . ( updated Nov 2015 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Kelowna is a growing city and therefore has its growing pains, with these come the following recommendations; avoid Leon & Lawrence Avenues between Water and Ellis during night time. City Park at night is patrolled, however can be somewhat dodgy after hours too. Be cautious when visiting the other local parks and beaches during the evening as well as they are known for transients and illegal activity.

As long as you keep yourself aware of your surroundings, you will be fine.

In summer, the city is also prone to forest fires, having suffered large fires in 2003, 2009, and 2023. Depending on the season, there may be campfire bans or parks may be closed.

Cope [ edit ]

Newspapers [ edit ].

• Kelowna Capital News , ☏ +1 250-763-3212 . ( updated May 2023 )

Hospital [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• West Kelowna - If you're looking to round your wine experience, West Kelowna on the other side of Okanagan Lake via Hwy 97, is a good place to stop. It is home to some of the valley's best known wineries like Mission Hill, Mount Boucherie and Quail's Gate.
• Penticton - 45-60 minutes south of Kelowna is Penticton, another popular summer vacation spot with loads to do. Hang out at a beach, float down a canal, rock climbing, walking and biking trails are all within the city. There are also many wineries in the area.
• Peachland - 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.
• Vernon - About 45 minutes north of Kelowna along Hwy 97, Vernon is a smaller quieter but still popular holiday destination. Highlights include the many parks that offer swimming, walking and hiking trails, a handful of wineries, and Predator Ridge, an acclaimed golf resort.
• Big White — Ski resort and village southeast of Kelowna via Hwy 33. It lays claim to having to more ski-in ski-out accommodation than any other resort in British Columbia. Summer activities include hiking and sightseeing.

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Go listing with no coordinates
• Articles with dead external links
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Has routebox
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

17 Top-Rated Attractions in Kelowna & the Okanagan

Written by Michael Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Okanagan Valley is a wonderfully scenic area in southern British Columbia that has long been a go-to vacation destination for generations of Canadian families. Lakes and surrounding mountains create the perfect setting for outdoor recreation, the area's main attraction. Boating, swimming, sandy beaches, hiking, biking, downhill skiing, and great dining are just some of the things to do in this area of the BC interior.

This area is one of the warmest places in Canada in winter and has a relatively mild climate throughout Canada's colder months. Summers are dry, hot, and sunny, making the Okanagan Canada's orchard. In season, you can stop at roadside stands to buy the fresh produce of the fruit trees planted all over the valley floor and its terraced slopes.

Located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake (the largest in a chain of lakes), Kelowna is a beautiful lakeside community. Over the years, the city has developed into a popular resort thanks to its beaches and more than 2,000 hours of sunshine each year. In winter, the region attracts skiers, who come to experience some of Canada's best resorts.

Visitors often base themselves in Kelowna and explore the surrounding towns, like Peachland , Summerland , and Penticton, as well as the nearby resorts of Silver Star and Big White . For ideas on how to spend your time, see our list of top tourist attractions in Kelowna and the Okanagan.

1. Okanagan Lake

2. big white ski resort, 3. silver star mountain resort, 4. kettle valley rail trail in myra-bellevue provincial park, 5. city park, 6. downtown kelowna & the farmers' and crafters' market, 7. waterfront park, 8. ss sicamous okanagan heritage museum, 9. kangaroo creek farm, 10. knox mountain park, 11. kasugai gardens, 12. mission creek regional park, 13. summerland, 14. vaseux lake provincial park, 16. peachland, 17. skaha bluffs provincial park, where to stay in kelowna for sightseeing, map of attractions in kelowna & the okanagan.

The largest in a chain of ancient fjord lakes, Okanagan Lake, which you'll also hear called Lake Okanagan, touches the shorelines of most major Okanagan communities, including Vernon in the north, Kelowna in the center, and Penticton to the south.

The lake is the main recreation playground for locals and visitors alike, offering sailing, houseboating, power boating, parasailing, swimming, and sandy beaches, plus many scenic drives along its shorelines.

The lake is over 135 kilometers long and plunges to depths of 232 meters at its deepest point. Getting out on the lake is an ideal way to truly appreciate the spectacular surroundings. Tour boats ply the clear waters and offer a variety of cruise options, including afternoon and dinner/sunset trips complete with musical entertainment.

Just 60 kilometers east of Kelowna in the Monashee Mountains , Big White (2,319 meters) is one of Canada's most spectacular ski resorts . The mountain is known for its copious quantities of snow, an average of about 7.5 meters of the glorious white stuff falls each winter.

Situated at an elevation of 1,511 meters, the family-friendly Big White Ski Resort offers a range of ski runs, winter activities, accommodations, and dining. Big White has also gained the nickname "Big White Out," a reference to the fog and cloud that sometimes blankets the mountain, making conditions challenging at times.

Big White is just one of three ski resorts within easy reach of Kelowna. Silver Star Mountain Resort is a short drive north, near Vernon, and Apex Mountain Resort is just south, near Penticton. A great family ski vacation can easily be planned with trips to all three ski hills using Kelowna as your main base.

Address: 5315 Big White Road, Kelowna, British Columbia

Near Vernon, Silver Star Mountain Resort is one of BC's best family-friendly mountains . Boasting a vertical drop of 760 meters and ski-in, ski-out access to the various hotels, a trip here is easy. No commuting from your hotel to the hill and getting all your gear on. Just park the car and walk with your ski gear on right to the lifts. Need a lunch break? Grab a bite on the hill or head back to your room or condo and make your own.

Although Silver Star has a reputation for being a family-oriented mountain with a large number of easy green runs, don't get too comfortable with that description; some of the steep options will more than get your heart racing.

The pedestrian-only resort village has a pretty Victorian, almost postcard-perfect, architectural style. Restaurants, a grocery store, and several retail outlets provide everything you need.

In summer, a gondola provides access to 22 kilometers of hiking trails. In addition, a high-speed chairlift accesses the bike park. A recently added summer tubing ride is located near the top of the gondola.

Address: 123 Shortt Street, Silver Star Mountain

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a 650-kilometer system stretching from Hope to Castlegar. Fortunately for visitors to Kelowna, the section near town is one of the most impressive portions of the entire route.

A series of restored historic trestles and tunnels were refurbished and rebuilt over the years, and now they have become a popular trail for biking, hiking, and walking . The section through Myra Canyon crosses over 18 trestles and passes through two tunnels carved from the canyon walls.

This is a popular family outing, and the views over the surrounding landscape are quite spectacular. Access the most scenic part of the KVR by parking at either the Myra Station parking lot or the Ruth Station parking lot. If you want to do the entire distance one way, two cars are required, or you can take a tour or a shuttle from Kelowna.

The park is about 25 kilometers from downtown Kelowna , approximately a 40-minute drive, some of which is on a well-graded gravel road.

Kelowna's City Park is a leafy 32-acre park set on the waterfront. It's a perfect place for a fun family outing in summer. Wide sandy beaches, offshore swim platforms, playgrounds, and a water park are sure to keep youngsters entertained.

Walkers and joggers will enjoy the wide paved trail that winds its way along the waterfront and provides spectacular views over the lake. Just back from the water are large green spaces, ideal for a picnic or impromptu game of tag or Frisbee.

For those looking for a bit of competitive activity, tennis courts, a soccer field, lawn bowling, and sand volleyball courts are available for use.

Just steps from City Park and the waterfront, you'll find downtown Kelowna. This area hums with activity, and the area is full of restaurants and unique retail shops. You can stroll the wide sidewalks to do a bit of window shopping and then stop in at one of the many outdoor patios for a bite to eat. In the evening, head to this area to enjoy some nightlife.

Every Sunday in June, July, and August, a Farmers' and Crafters' Market takes place from 9am to 2pm on St. Paul Street. Pick up some home baking, knitting, or fresh fruit, or grab a fresh-brewed coffee and check out the scene.

This 18-acre park in Kelowna looks small from the street, but once you walk in a ways, you'll find expansive grounds and plenty of space. Waterfront Park is easy to spot-just look for the spectacular water feature of entwined white dolphins called Rhapsody across from the Convention Center.

Wonderful gardens, mature trees, and a variety of public art are found in the park. For the kids, a sandy beach and concession stand serving quick bites is available.

The boardwalk runs along the water and connects with City Park. Combining a walk along here with a diversion to the shops of downtown is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Situated on the Penticton waterfront , the SS Sicamous has been restored to her full 1914 glory and operates as a climb-aboard museum. A visit here takes you back over 100 years to the era of luxury steamboat travel.

Highlights of the interior of the ship include the mahogany Grand Staircase, the engine room with its maze of colorful piping and massive boilers, and the Gentleman's Saloon with its plush red carpeting.

Be sure to check out the scale model of the Kettle Valley Railroad, located below deck in the engine room. There are other historic vessels in the park, including the 1914 SS Naramata Tugboat and a 1907 steamship, the SS Okanagan sternwheeler.

Address: 1099 Lakeshore Drive W., Penticton, British Columbia

• Read More: Attractions & Things to Do in Penticton

One of the most enjoyable family outings in the Okanagan near Kelowna is a trip to Kangaroo Creek Farm . As the name suggests, the farm has the cutest assortment of kangaroos, wallabies, and sugar gliders that will melt your heart.

The animals here love children and are always happy to accept a pet or two and, of course, a treat. In addition to the hopping variety of animals, the park also has capybaras, potbellied pigs, goats, llamas, parrots, and emus. Strutting around freely and showing off their fancy colors are peacocks.

Kangaroo Creek Farm operates only in the spring, summer, and fall. Note that the last admission is at 2:45pm.

Address: 5932 Old Vernon Road, Kelowna, British Columbia

For the best view of Kelowna, head to the top of Knox Mountain Park. The panorama from the top pergola 300 meters above Lake Okanagan is spectacular. Fifteen trails for walking, hiking, or biking wind their way through the park, passing through different flora ranging from scrub brush to stately Douglas Fir trees.

Should you prefer an effortless way to soak up the view, just take Knox Mountain Drive to the top, but note the road does not open to vehicles on Sunday until 12 noon.

If you are wandering around downtown Kelowna and need a break from the hustle and bustle, be sure to stop in and take a time out at Kasugai Gardens. This lush garden is an oasis of calm and quiet in the heart of the city.

Beautiful flowers, ornate trees, decorative lanterns, and ponds of slow-swimming koi create the perfect atmosphere for contemplation. This free attraction in Kelowna is located behind City Hall on the eastern side. Note that the park is closed in the winter, beginning in late October or early November.

Mission Creek is a fun family attraction in Kelowna and a great place to visit to get a little exercise. Play structures, a shallow stream, and plenty of green space to picnic or play games is on offer.

Extensive walking trails through the trees and along the small stream are well-marked and level, perfect for bike riding or pushing a stroller. Mission Creek Regional Park is part of the Mission Creek Greenway, a 16.5-kilometer-long trail that follows the creek into the surrounding mountains. Depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to see fish spawning in the creek.

Summerland is a scenic community on terracing above Okanagan Lake, set amid fruit trees. The orchards provide the main industry in the town, with a history that dates back to the 1890s. Visitors can sample from roadside fruit vendors that line the highways in the summer, or head to Summerland Sweets for tastings.

For a beautiful view of Okanagan Lake, head to Giant's Head Park , atop Giant's Head Mountain. A road leads through the park with lookouts along the way, or you can choose to hike to the top.

Summerland is also the home of the Kettle Valley Railroad Steam Train , where you can ride the rails behind a restored locomotive from 1912 as it puffs and steams its way along a 90-minute route.

Just south of Penticton and with a small campground and provincial park, four-kilometer-long Vaseux Lake is a bird sanctuary, where Canada geese nest, and rare Trumpeter Swans make a stopover during migration. The park has well-placed viewing platforms that provide the best chance of seeing the resident wildlife.

The lake itself is home to a variety of fish, such as bass, carp, and rainbow trout, making it a popular fishing location. Other wildlife in Vaseux Lake Park include beaver, deer, muskrat, rabbit, and more. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently found among the rocks.

The campground has 12 first-come, first-served sites, some of which are near the lake. Comfort stations are pit toilets, and drinking water is available from a central tap.

Surrounded by orchards, the scenic little town of Oliver came into being after the First World War, when the Canadian government gifted returning soldiers with irrigated land.

One of the attractions worth visiting in the town is the Oliver and District Heritage Society Museum , which has rotating displays exploring the natural history of the Canadian desert, pioneer days, or the old mining town of Fairview (1887 to 1906). The museum is a good place to begin a tour of the region.

A short walk that provides a bit of history and offers nice views up and down the valley is the Golden Mile Stamp Trail . This short jaunt takes you up the valley side to the site of an old stamping mill, dating from 1895, and crosses Tinhorn Creek.

If you find yourself in Oliver in the winter, head up to Baldy Mountain Resort for some incredible skiing. This is a low-key resort due to its diminutive size, but that doesn't bother the locals. They are more than happy to have Baldy and its copious snowfall, short lift lines, and incredible glades to themselves. New in 2021, the resort is opening summer weekends with lift access providing access to the high country.

Peachland is a picturesque community of 5,000 people set on the shores of Okanagan Lake, between Kelowna and Penticton. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its thriving orchards. Stop in along the way here at one of the many fresh fruit stands for just-picked cherries, apricots, and of course, peaches.

To get a glimpse of the local history and also for the chance to see the inside of an eight-sided former church, stop in at the Peachland Museum located on Beach Avenue in town. The walk to Hardy Falls is a favorite local excursion and is wheelchair accessible.

Other things to do in this area of the Okanagan include golfing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, restaurants, and shopping.

One of the most popular provincial parks in the region, Skaha Bluffs Park is a hot spot for those who love the outdoors. The park is especially favored by those who love rock climbing for its 1,000 plus routes up the steep cliff faces.

In addition to rock climbing, the park also has a good selection of hiking and mountain biking trails that wind their way through the picturesque landscape. Skaha Bluffs is also a great place to visit for wildlife spotting. If you are lucky, you'll see the resident bighorn sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside.

Luxury Hotels:

• The massive Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort offers guests almost every amenity imaginable including both indoor and outdoor pools.
• The Hotel Eldorado has been in operation since 1926 and has a quaint and comfortable feel. Many rooms have lakefront balconies.
• The Royal Kelowna - Bellstar Hotels & Resorts is a luxury lakefront resort offering villas with gourmet kitchens, traditional décor, and a rooftop infinity pool and hot tub.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites is pet friendly with comfortable rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a free airport shuttle.
• Comfort Suites Kelowna has a contemporary décor, a pool and water slide, and a well-equipped gym.
• Within walking distance of the lake and the attractions of downtown is the Coast Capri Hotel. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Budget Hotels:

• Located in a quiet area of town near Mission Creek Regional Park is the Super8 by Wyndham Kelowna.
• Family-run, friendly, and close to Orchard Park Mall is the Dilworth Inn .
• Also family run and in a great location near good restaurants is the Recreation Inn & Suites

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring BC: British Columbia is a beautiful area to visit any time of year. To start planning your vacation, see our list of top attractions in British Columbia and discover the best places to visit. If you are starting off in Vancouver , be sure to see our guide to this beautiful city, and if you plan on heading over to Vancouver Island , have a read through our list of top attractions in Victoria .

More on Canada

404 Not found

20 EPIC Things to Do in Kelowna (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Whether it’s your first or fifth trip, you’ll absolutely love working your way through this list of the best things to do in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley!

In the Okanagan Valley on the Eastern shore of Okanagan Lake you’ll find Kelowna. Surrounded by stunning provincial parks, wineries to rival those of any wine country in the world and a welcoming laid-back vibe.

A 4-hour drive from Vancouver means it’s the perfect option for a weekend getaway, and there is so much to do here to keep you entertained on a longer trip too.

With an airport servicing several international routes, the city is pretty easily accessible.

There is also the Greyhound Bus that operates daily between Kelowna and Vancouver if you don’t have your own vehicle. 

With a mild climate, Kelowna has amazing summers and pretty mild winters. You’ll find various things to do in Kelowna depending on the season you visit.

For winter getaways there are tons of snowshoeing trails, frozen lakes for skating, and amazing ski resorts and ski hills to enjoy.

In the spring and summer, there will be lake days and boat trips, and you’ll be visiting in the prime season for the best wine tasting too. 

The city centre is full of life and beautiful views and the mountains aren’t all that far away either.

Neighbouring Peachland and Penticton are perfect for day trips. And a trip to Kelowna is not complete without an awesome day exploring the wineries.

Kelowna is also surrounded by several fantastic provincial parks to get in all your hiking needs. Plus there are a few resorts for skiing/snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Canada with our comprehensive Canada Travel Guide .

Table of Contents

1) Get out on the Okanagan Lake

2) spend a day wine tasting, 3) make plans for myra canyon, 4) hike to paul’s tomb, 5) explore waterfront park, 6) spend an afternoon at mission creek regional park, 7) pedal to the metal at silver star mountain resort, 8) stop and smell the lavender, 9) learn more about kelowna bc, 10) go golfing, 11) take a day trip to penticton, 12) visit the kelowna art gallery, 13) wander through kasugai park , 14) hit the slopes at big white ski resort, 15) get wet & wild at wibit, 16) cruise out to peachland, 17) tackle knox mountain park, 18) shop ‘til you drop, 19) head out for bbq boat float, 20) stroll through city park, best hostel in kelowna – samesun kelowna, best mid-range hotel in kelowna – manteo kelowna, best luxury hotel in kelowna – the royal kelowna, budget – madmango cafe, mid-range – bna brewing company, luxury – bouchons bistro, amazing things to do in kelowna, british columbia.

No matter what it is you’re looking for, or what your budget is, you’ll find it all and then some on your trip to this beautiful part of British Columbia and its lake country.

From the iconic Big White Ski Resort, to the beautiful Okanagan Lake and Okanagan Heritage Museum, to all the opportunities for downhill and cross country skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking in the surrounding mountains, you’ll have a blast here.

With a varied array of amazing activities and places to visit, here is a list of 20 amazing things to do in Kelowna to help you plan out the best trip yet!

Stretching over 135km from end to end Okanagan Lake is one of the best things to see in Kelowna. Known for the beaches, with over 30 in the area, these are all prime real estate in the summertime.

With a mix of sandy shores with green spaces nearby, fun parks and even BBQ areas, there is a beach for everyone. Some top ones to check out on Okanagan Lake include Strathcona Park, Hot Sands Beach, Rotary Beach and Sarson’s Beach .

If the weather isn’t ideal for sunning yourself, the views from the shore are well worth a visit too.

Known as a major recreation playground to locals and visitors, Okanagan Lake is also where you’ll find fun opportunities for sailing, house boating, powerboating and paddleboarding.

Renowned for its orchards, west Kelowna has 40 different wineries throughout the city to visit.

One of the best things to do in Kelowna is to spend a day exploring and enjoying all the wine you can, responsibly of course!

Sandhill Winery and Calona Vineyards can be reached on foot which makes for two easy stops in the day.

If you have your own vehicle and a designated driver you can easily do a self-drive tour of a few wineries including CedarCreek, Mission Hill Estate, Quails Gate and Mt.Boucherie .

If you want to make a complete day of it and not worry about choosing where to go or how to get around there are several companies that will do that for you too.

Less than 30km from downtown a trip out to Myra Canyon is one of the top attractions in Kelowna.

Myra Canyon is part of the Kettle Valley Railway and one of the most scenic places in all of the Okanagan Valley.

The Trestles at Myra Canyon are 4100 ft above the Okanagan Valley so you know that the views will be incredible.

Lace up your hiking boots and spend a few hours exploring the woodlands of the park and the views from the trestle.

Or for something a bit more adventurous there are a few outfitters in Kelowna that organize mountain bike tours of the area and equip you with everything you need.

Along the Trestle section of the park, there are 18 trestles and 2 tunnels to explore, all more amazing than the next.

The entire Kettle Valley Rail trail extends over 80km which is awesome if you’re in Kelowna for a few days and want to take on that challenge.

So whether you’re just hiking in the canyon or biking along the Kettle Valley Rail Rail, you’re sure to witness some of the best scenery in British Columbia.

If you’re looking for somewhere amazing to go, and in less than 10 minutes from the center of town, look no further than Paul’s Tomb.

A quick trip to get to the trailhead means you’ll have all the time in the world to explore this really pretty park of Kelowna.

Rembler Paul is an important figure in Kelowna’s history and was quite the eccentric pioneer. The tomb was placed here in the early 1900s and can be found once you get close to the end of the 2km hike.

Accessible in every season, although the trails can become quite slippery in the wetter winter months, this is the perfect thing to do in Kelowna if you are short on time.

Take in the views from the trails, and enjoy the beach that looks out to the mountains, a perfect spot for sunset too! 

READ MORE: Don’t miss my other guide to the best things to do in Vancouver !

Located in the centre of town on the Okanagan Lake, Waterfront Park is such a gorgeous part of downtown Kelowna that is used by everyone.

On Water Street next to The Grand Hotel you’ll find this lush green space that is so much more.

The Boardwalk is the perfect place to stroll with a coffee on a Saturday morning, go for a much-needed run after your long travel day or just sit and watch the sunset.

Incredible views of the mountains are made even better with beautiful sailboats floating along, and the chance to see local wildlife like beavers, herons and the occasional eagle soaring above you.

Waterfront Park also hosts a variety of free events, concerts and performances throughout the year. To see what is on during your visit check out the events section of their website here .

Another park in downtown Kelowna is Stuart Park. The best thing to do here is visit the Stuart Park Ice Rink in winter for some ice skating!

As one of the offshoots of the Okanagan Lake, Mission Creek Regional Park is a great place to get out and into nature on your visit to Kelowna.

With over 100km of trails, parks and lush green spaces, Mission Creek is a recreational paradise not far from downtown.

One of the biggest draws to this area is the Mission Creek Greenway Trails . The Greenway consists of 26m of trails for runners, walkers and cyclists.

In the spring and summer, you’ll be shaded from the sun by the beautiful trees.

In the autumn months, all these trees will turn beautiful shades of gold and red.

Even in the winter, while it may be a little wet it’s still a great place to get out and explore.

There are informative plaques along the trails, maps and all trails are really well signposted to keep you going in the right direction.

Don’t worry if you do get a bit disoriented. Mission Creek Regional Park is such a beautiful spot you won’t even notice.

One of the best activities in Kelowna involves a drive out to the amazing Silver Star Mountain Resort.

Known of course for the amazing skiing/snowboarding opportunities, Silver Star also offers some of the country’s most amazing bike trails.

As the second-largest bike park in all of Canada, Silver Star Mountain Resort has trails for those just starting, for those in-betweeners and for the professionals.

The bike park here was created by bikers, and for bikers with cross country, downhill and endurance bikers in mind.

With a rental shop, 44 trails, 40 different dirt jumps and 60km of downhill trails to be enjoyed there is something here for everyone.

And if your visit takes you in the dead of winter you’ll be in luck with some of BC’s best slopes too. For more information on their website !

Who doesn’t dream of a beautifully vibrant flower field on a daily basis? Maybe not everyone, but if you do then one of the top Kelowna attractions on your list should be the Okanagan Lavender Farm .

Open from May until October this is a great little spot to come and not only admire the beautiful gardens but learn more about the lavender farm too.

The farm shop is full of incredible products all created using the lavender from the farm itself.

There are also workshops held throughout the season at the farm where you can learn to create your own products for cooking and aromatherapy.

Tours for the farm happen during the lavender season and it really is such a great way to get an up-close and personal experience with such an amazing plant.

If your visit brings you outside of the lavender season the farm shop is still open and the grounds still are pretty even without the pops of purple everywhere.

While Kelowna BC is not a massive city it doesn’t lack in anything, even museums.

There are half a dozen different museums to visit in downtown Kelowna including The Okanagan Heritage Museum where you can find out more about the natural and human history of the area.

The Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum gives visitors a real insight into the region in terms of produce and of course wineries.

The Okanagan Military Museum has an amazing array of memorabilia from both World Wars and allows visitors to learn more about the brave people who fought.

Several other museums exist in the city and most of the museums are free/by donation which is another great reason to learn more about the city you’re visiting.

To find out more about the museums in Kelowna visit the website .

READ MORE: Check out other great day trips near Vancouver and Kelowna!

Kelowna really does have it pretty good, not only do the 2000 or so hours of sunshine in a year make people happy but it also makes for one of the longest golf seasons in Canada.

Whether you think you’re better than Tiger Woods or just getting past the mini-putt stage of life Kelowna has tons of courses to best suit your golfing style.

With nearly 20 courses to choose from, here are a few favourites.

Black Mountain Golf Club is 18 holes of sheer scenic beauty with mountains and beautiful woodlands as the backdrop for your game.

Kelowna Spring Golf Club is a family-friendly course with 7 spring-fed lakes and a restaurant with an awesome Sunday brunch.

Shannon Lake Club offers panoramic views of the namesake lake the course is on with the best view from the 8th hole.

Whether you’re looking for a day out with the boys, a gorgeous setting for a great meal or just to try your hand at something new, Kelowna’s golf scene can’t be beaten.

Just 30 minutes from Kelowna is the equally as picturesque Penticton. A smaller city, with an even more laid-back vibe, this is the perfect place for a quick day trip or even just a few hours.

Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a day out on the water, or head to Skaha Lake for a day of lounging and swimming. Rock climbers will be in heaven at the Skaha Bluffs , one of the best spots for rock climbing in the Okanagan.

There are tons of wineries here too so wine tasting is always a good idea. A few good ones to check out Poplar Grove, Bench 1775 and The Painted Rock Estate .

The Kettle Valley Railway extends as far as Penticton so you can even cycle from Kelowna out or vice versa which is a great adventure.

With quite a few farmer’s markets and gorgeous parks, there is no excuse not to get out and explore this part of the valley.

For more on what to do in Penticton click here .

The outdoor things to do in Kelowna may rival the indoor things but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture inside to explore.

There is a thriving art scene in downtown Kelowna and it’s led by the Kelowna Art Gallery.

In the heart of the city’s cultural district, visitors have the opportunity to explore 4 different gallery spaces as well as enjoy the outdoor courtyard.

With a permanent collection of over 800 works of art from local and international artists, this gallery is full of creative pieces.

Offering art classes and different workshops throughout the year the staff at the art gallery will be able to let you know if any special events are taking place during your visit.

This is also a great place to get information on the dozens of other galleries in the city to do some window shopping or pick up a new piece to commemorate your trip to Kelowna

Kasugai Park is a hidden gem and definitely one of the most beautiful things to do in Kelowna. Located just east of the city hall you’ll find this peaceful park on Queensway Boulevard.

Completed and opened to the public in 1987 these gardens were created to celebrate the union between Kelowna and the sister city of Kasugai in Japan.

The paths here circle the beautiful pond in the middle of the park which is also home to gorgeous koi fish. You’ll find traditional Japanese elements here including bonsai trees and lanterns.

This is a great spot for photographers, especially during the golden hour, as there is a lovely bridge here and a few sculptures to admire. It’s definitely one of the best spots to visit in downtown Kelowna.

At just an hour’s drive, you’ll be in the heart of the mountains at Big White Ski Resort. The third-largest ski resort in British Columbia is a magical winter wonderland escape with over 2760 acres of skiable terrain.

Tackle the runs on Eastside, East Peak, Gem Lake the Nordic Trails , and the terrain park, runs for every level including beginners.

Big White Ski Resort also has a rental shop and also a ski school on site so if it’s your first trip out you’ll be well taken care of.

If you’re the one in the group who is not a fan of hitting the slopes, why not opt for a day at the luxurious Elevation Spa , an afternoon of shopping in the village or a meal at one of the amazing restaurants on the mountain. There is plenty to do in Big White Ski Resort, even if you’re not skiing.

There are also tons of trails and a brand new mountain bike park for those visiting during the summer months. This is easily one of British Columbia’s best ski resorts, along with Apex Mountain Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort. For more info visit the Big White Ski Resort website .

One of the coolest things to do in Kelowna is the Wibit water park. One of only 6 other water parks of its kind, this is a seriously unique summertime experience for anyone.

Located at City Beach Park it’s the perfect spot for this fun afternoon out.

This giant floating playground has multiple slides, climbing walls and even water trampolines.

Channel your inner kid by taking on this floating obstacle course and seeing if you can make it the whole way around without a big wipeout!

Because of its prime location, you’ll have access to all the facilities and vendors at City Beach.

So if you need a breather/a nap in the park in between attempts on the splash pad it’s perfect! 

READ MORE: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Banff on your next visit !

Less than 20 minutes away from Kelowna BC by car is the beautiful Peachland.

This charming small town is tucked on the shores of Okanagan Lake and is the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbours.

With tons of great waterfront cafes and restaurants to enjoy a trip to Peachland can be done just for lunch or dinner if you fancy too.

Your trip here would not be complete without hiking Pincushion Mountain . It takes roughly 1 hour to the summit from the base and it boats the best views of the lake from up top too.

Rent bikes and cycle around town or book onto a motorcycle tour from Kelowna and see the sights in a fun new way.

Stroll the boardwalk or check out the Fitzpatrick Family Vineyard for a bit of wine tasting or a fabulous lunch.

Being so close to Kelowna there is no reason to miss out on this perfect little slice of heaven.

Knox Mountain Park is the largest natural park area in Kelowna and one definitely not to be missed when visiting British Columbia. The park covers over 760 acres and located not far from downtown Kelowna.

There are several trails to tackle in Knox Mountain Park including one that connects to Paul’s Tomb.

For the best view head to the Apex Trailhead . But beware as most of the way up is at a pretty decent incline. But the views from the top will definitely be worth it.

At 300 meters above Okanagan Lake, you can be sure to see everything.

From Ellis Street, you can access mostly all the trails at Knox Mountain so you can either park in the area or walk/cycle from town.

This is a great place to catch the sunset as you seem to be able to see all of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley from the top.

Off-leash dogs are permitted here and it’s a great place to do a bit of downhill biking too.

If you’re a lover of all things shopping, downtown Kelowna has got you covered. Stroll along Bernard Street where you’ll find over 70 different stores and boutiques catering to anything you could imagine.

From souvenir shops to independent jewellery stores, if you’re in search of something specific chances are you’ll find it here.

For somewhere with a little slower pace, head to the Pandosy neighbourhood for unique local boutiques and vintage shops.

In addition to great shopping, Kelowna has a great selection of markets during the week. The Main Outdoor Market runs April – October every Wednesday and Sunday from 8am – 1pm.

The Winter Market is held from December – March Saturdays from 11 am – 6 pm.

And Lane Way Market is on April – October Wednesday and Saturday.

From local crafts to fresh produce these markets have something for everything.

One of the most fun things to do in Kelowna come summer is to rent a boat from Maegs BBQ Boats .

This family-owned company organizes fun and unique boat tours in their equally unique boats. From April until September you can hire out these bright orange circular boats and even drive them yourself.

A boating license is not necessary for you to be the captain of your own ship. With a few little instructions, you’ll be good to go.

Make sure you pack your cooler because these boats also have a BBQ in the centre which makes for a one of a kind dining experience.

If you aren’t interested in steering your own ship you can opt for the lake tour instead which is totally scenic and such a good time.

READ MORE: Add these fun things to do in Calgary to your Canada itinerary!

Just down a few blocks from Waterfront Park is City Park. Tons of gorgeous green park space on the shoreline of Lake Okanagan make this a great spot to enjoy.

Stroll along the boardwalk and around the marina with a coffee, set up a picnic on the grass in the afternoon or go for a swim at Hot Sands Beach .

Head down here at sunset with your camera and you’ll get some great photos of William R. Bennett Bridge that spans across the lake.

This is also where you’ll find the iconic Ogopogo statue , a legend in Okanagan history and similar to the Loch Ness Monster.

This park is also home to a great skate park and splash pad too. 

Kelowna British Columbia Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do in Kelowna, British Columbia, we want to help you make your other plans as well by sharing the best accommodations and places to eat in the city.

You also might want to consider renting a car as this will be a great way to get around Kelowna BC and the surrounding area!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Best Accommodation – Where to stay in Kelowna BC

After a full-on day of Kelowna activities, you’ll want the perfect place to rest up, with a few fun bonuses too.

Rooftop pools, vineyard views and dorm rooms for making new friends. Check out these accommodation options for every budget, all located conveniently near downtown Kelowna.

After a full-on day of Kelowna sightseeing, you’ll want a great place to lay your head and not break the bank. SameSun Kelowna is just that place!

A huge outdoor patio perfect for those spring and summer days, and a cozy lounge room for some post-ski beers, this hostel has it all.

Located on the shores of Okanagan Lake the Manteo Kelowna Resort is the perfect place to relax and sock in the views.

A private beach, lakeside patio, waterpark and beautiful room categories to choose from, what more could you want from a hotel?

The Royal Kelowna is an iconic hotel choice for those looking to live a life of luxury for a few nights.

A rooftop infinity pool, a bbq area and a prime location within minutes from City Park it’s the best choice for that special occasion visit.

Best Restaurants in Kelowna BC

When it comes to the top things to do in Kelowna, eating all the food should be high on your list.

From World Class restaurants with perfectly paired menus to lakeside patios with the perfect view, there’s somewhere for everyone on every budget.

MadMango Cafe is an Asian fusion restaurant that is a must-visit in Kelowna especially if you’re visiting on a budget.

Coconut curries, traditional Pho, spring rolls and so much more! Enjoy the cozy restaurant or take it to go for lunch in the park.

In the cultural district of Kelowna, BNA Brewing Company is a trendy taproom with a gorgeous patio perfect for summer days.

With tons of beers on tap and a great menu, this is a great place to come for a drink and stay for dinner. Plus they even have a bowling alley attached! 

If you’re a big fan of breweries, also check out the Kelowna Brewing Company.

Bouchons Bistro is a cozy French restaurant with incredible food and wine. It offers authentic, high-quality French food in the heart of Kelowna, perfect for those who want a fancy night out.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Laura Oxley

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Is Dog Sledding Cruel? The Truth About Dog Mushing Tours

The PERFECT Banff Itinerary You Can’t Miss (2024 Guide)

25 AWESOME Things to Do in Banff, Canada

Related Posts

7 awesome day trips from montreal (2024 guide), the highlight of the yukon – our epic kluane flightseeing experience, 10 great things to do in victoria, canada, the perfect 3 days in vancouver itinerary (2024 guide), leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Kelowna travel guide

Kelowna tourism | kelowna guide, you're going to love kelowna.

With a population of 125.109, Kelowna is a must-see destination in British Columbia, Canada. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Kelowna deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Activities & attractions in Kelowna

Other activities

Where to Eat in Kelowna

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Italian Kitchen Lake Country (415 Commonwealth Road) and OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar (1310 Water St) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Social 242 Lounge & Grill (242 Lawrence Ave.) and Friends of Dorothy - Kelowna (315 Lawrence Ave) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Kelowna.

When to visit Kelowna

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Kelowna in July, when the average temperature is 20 °C, and the highest can go up to 28 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is December, when it can get as cold as -6 °C, with an average temperature of -3 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in June, when precipitation is around 46 mm. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Kelowna, with an average rainfall of 19 mm.

How to Get to Kelowna

When flying to Kelowna, you’ll arrive at Kelowna (YLW), which is located 11 km from the city centre Airlines that fly from Canada to Kelowna include Air North, Central Mountain Air and Air Canada. The shortest domestic flight to Kelowna departs from Vancouver and takes around 50m.

Another option to get to Kelowna is to pick up a car rental from Vancouver, which is about 270 km from Kelowna. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Hertz, among others, in Vancouver.

You can travel by bus to Kelowna using Rider Express or Ebus. From Abbotsford, the bus ride to Kelowna takes 386 km and will cost you around C$ 72. From Vancouver, the ticket costs about C$ 171 for a journey of 523 km. The most popular bus station is Kelowna Downtown, located 0.6 km from downtown Kelowna. Kelowna West Kelowna is also a commonly used station, and is 6 km from the city centre.

Airports near Kelowna

Airlines serving kelowna, where to stay in kelowna.

Average rates range from around C$ 302 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to C$ 191 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kelowna - East and Lake Country Inn .

Where to stay in popular areas of Kelowna

Most booked hotels in kelowna, renting a car in kelowna.

Renting a car in Kelowna costs C$ 61 per day, on average, or C$ 122 if you want to rent it for 2 days. Driving Force, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Avis are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Kelowna is the Hertz branch at 5533 Airport Way, which is 11 km from the downtown.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 2% cheaper than airport locations in Kelowna.

Expect to pay C$ 1.89 per litre in Kelowna (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 22.64 and C$ 30.18. Standard (Hyundai Sonata or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kelowna, while also 65% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Kelowna

Supplier choice

5 adults, 5 Bags

2 adults, 2 Bags

USPS suggests the address below

Time to upgrade your browser.

If you're reading this, you're surfing using Internet Explorer 6, an eight-year-old browser that cannot cope with the demands of the modern, secure internet. For the best web experience, we strongly recommend upgrading to Firefox , Opera , Safari , Google Chrome , or a more recent version of Internet Explorer .

• Kelowna Links
• Kelowna Introduction
• Nearby Destinations
• Statewide Links
• Canada Destinations
• Visit Other States
• Visit Other Countries

A summary of what Kelowna has to offer.

But a short trip away from Banff and Jasper National Parks, Calgary is a fine urban center in which to base for easy bar access, a glimpse of Olympic sights and other assorted attractions.

• Tourist Attractions
• Sightseeing Opportunities
• Recreational Activities
• Things To Do - Overview
• Tour Companies
• Attractions
• Scenic Drives
• Free Travel Planners
• Houseboating
• RV Parks Camping
• Skiing - Boarding
• White Water Rafting

Full information on Kelowna Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities…

• Houseboat Rentals

• Lodging - Hotels, Resorts, etc.
• RV Parks - Campgrounds

Searchable listings of Kelowna hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more.

Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price.

• Tourism Resources
• Free Visitor Guides!
• Transportation

Kelowna weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,…

Searchable lists of Kelowna tourism offices and other helpful government agencies.

Explore destinations near Kelowna.

• Kelowna Photo Gallery
• Canada Photo Gallery

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Canada Area. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Canada.

Select All General Interest Guides

Bellingham Whatcom County Canadian Border

Bellingham whatcom county.

To request a free visitor guide from Kelowna, Canada Travel Guide , please fill out the form below and click "Submit".

Your request has been processed, thank you!

We also have the following visitor guides in Canada. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. Your submissions were successful, thank you! ' )); tpsButtonClicked.closest( 'div.popup' ).hide( ); $('#before-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').hide();$('#after-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').show(); } ); ">Request these additional visitor guides selected below

We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.

• Connecticut
• Development
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia

Kelowna, Canada Travel Guide

Complete vacation, recreation and tourism information.

• Introduction >
• Sightseeing Overview
• Recreation Overview
• Photo Gallery

Bright blossoming orchards and carefully tended vineyards provide a cultivated setting for the city of Kelowna, the largest urban area in British Columbia's southern interior. Located on the east side of Okanagan Lake north of Penticton, you'll find plenty of provincial parks in the vicinity in addition to tourist amenities.

When long sunny days sparkle the surrounding waters, the popularity of lake-based activity becomes apparent. From sailing to sea doos, from water skiers to parasailing, Okanagan Lake runs the gamut. Rent a speedboat if you haven't hauled your own along, and do some cruising along this long lake. Even if you're just after some relaxing naptime shore side or a boardwalk stroll, Kelowna has the bases covered.

Check out local art galleries or get the lowdown on the history of area orchards, stopping at the Wine Museum to plan your afternoon tasting foray. Try something unusual and book a cycling tour around to Kelowna's wineries or take a hike and enjoy a guided afternoon on foot.

If you're after some solitude and a bit of angling, head to one of the numerous lakes dotting the region or a provincial park. With plenty of hiking and biking trails to be taken, the fisherman with family will be pleased to know he can enjoy some casting time without leaving the rest of the group high and dry.

Kelowna is 132 miles from Kamloops and 41 miles north of Penticton. Osoyoos, just north of the US border, is 78 miles south.

• Advertising
• Privacy Policy
• Report a Problem
• Make A Suggestion

• Go Travel Sites
• Houseboating.org

Email Page Link

Switch to Mobile Browser Mode

We offer a compact version of Go-Canadatravel for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Canadatravel on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.

Continue to Mobile Site Return to Main Site

• Wine Program
• Local Flavours Program
• Outdoor Trail Guide
• Meetings & Conferences Sales
• Arts & Culture Program
• Digital Display Advertising
• Visitor Centre Display Advertising
• Brochure Racking
• Monthly Newsletter Sponsored Placement
• Online Advertising
• Relocation Guide
• How Can You Participate?
• Biosphere Committed Businesses
• Safety & Emergency Preparedness
• Partner Portal Login
• Digital Assets Requests
• Subscribe to Receive Updates
• Report to the Community
• Tourism Research
• Virtual Backgrounds
• Economic Sector Strategy
• Cycle & Savour
• Wine & Culinary
• Wellness & Outdoor
• Meetings Facilities
• Quick Facts
• Virtual Experiences
• #meetinKelowna Blog
• Accommodations
• Transportation Services
• Weddings & Events
• Wine & Food Tours
• Outdoor Itineraries
• Urban Adventures
• Family Itineraries
• Meetings & Groups
• Arts & Culture
• Familiarization Tours
• Promo Video
• Kelowna Photos
• Virtual Destination Showcase
• Sports Facilities
• How We Can Help
• 2025 Montana's Brier
• Media Requests
• Work With Us
• Story Ideas
• Hosting Policy
• Writer Application Form
• Non-Local Creators
• Local Creators
• Creator Guidelines
• Photo & Video Requests
• About Kelowna & Region
• Destination Copy
• #exploreKelowna Blog
• Events Calendar
• Indigenous Heritage
• #exploreKelowna Creators
• Realtors & Services
• Value of Tourism
• Visitor Centre
• Volunteer with Tourism Kelowna
• Board of Directors
• Destination Development
• Sustainability Indicators
• Online Retail Store
• Events Happening Today
• Events Happening this Weekend
• Submit an Event
• Subscribe to our Newsletters
• Spring Break in Kelowna
• Why Spring is a Great Time to Visit Kelowna
• Blossoms in Kelowna
• Why Spring Wine Touring in Kelowna is Incredible
• Golf Couples Getaway
• Spring Hikes to Check Out
• 5 Ways to Enjoy Summer in Kelowna
• Family-Friendly Activities to Add to Your Summer Checklist
• Fruit Picking
• Must Visit Restaurant Patios
• Loving Lake Life with the Family
• Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary
• Meet me on Bernard
• Ultimate Kelowna Itinerary for Your Summer Road Trip
• Why Fall Wine Touring is the Best
• Taste Kelowna's Fall Bounty
• Fall Hiking
• Multi-day Itinerary to Build Your Own Adventure
• Golden Larch Season is a Photographer's Dream
• Family Fall Adventures
• Delectable Farm-to-Table Restaurants
• Valentine's Day
• Family Day Weekend
• Hiking & Snowshoeing
• Nordic Skiing
• Ski Resorts
• Winter in Wine Country
• Winter Weekend in Kelowna with Kids
• Winter Holidays
• Local Flavours
• Attractions
• Cultural District
• Festivals & Associations
• Galleries & Studios
• Movie Theatres
• Performing Arts
• #exploreKelowna Public Art Pass
• 10 Family Friendly Activities
• Spending a Day at the Lake with the Kids
• Indoor Activities with Kids
• 48 Hours in Kelowna for Families
• Farm to Table Tours
• Blossom & Harvest Dates
• Local Flavours Pass
• Golf Courses
• Build Your Golf Packages
• Off The Course
• Golf Events
• Golf Kelowna Guide
• Guided Wine Tours
• Guided Tours
• Health & Beauty
• Urban Adventure
• Bike Rentals & Services
• Crawford Trails
• Gillard Trails
• Knox Mountain Park
• Smith Creek Trails
• Dog Friendly Patios
• All Hiking Trails
• Family Hikes
• Picnic Hikes
• Spring Hikes
• Waterfall Hikes
• Winter Hikes
• Beaches & Parks
• Boating & Marinas
• Boat Launches
• Kelowna Paddle Trail
• Scuba Diving
• Motorbiking
• Myra Canyon Trestles
• Okanagan Rail Trail
• Rock Climbing & Bouldering
• All Wineries
• Dog Friendly Wineries
• Tour by Glass
• Wine Touring 101
• Kelowna Wineries
• West Kelowna Wineries
• Lake Country Wineries
• All Restaurants
• Delicious Desserts
• Farm to Table Dining
• Food Trucks
• Local Favourites
• Vegan Dining
• All Craft Beverages
• Distilleries in Kelowna
• What Makes Okanagan Cider So Special
• Local Flavours & Wine Trails Passes
• Packages & Promotions
• Hotels, Motels & Resorts
• B&B & Specialty Lodging
• Cabins & Cottages
• Vacation Rentals
• Camping & RV Parks
• Dog-Friendly Accommodations
• Current Conditions
• About Kelowna
• Downtown Kelowna
• Kelowna's North End
• Pandosy Village
• West Kelowna
• Westbank First Nation
• Lake Country
• Farms & Orchards
• Land as Heritage and Home
• Historic Sites
• Historic Westside Road
• Interesting Facts
• Electric Car Charging Stations
• Kelowna Maps
• Public Transit
• Transportation
• Public Restrooms
• Wine & Food
• Family Friendly Accessible Adventures
• Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Tips for Enjoying Kelowna Responsibly
• Wellness Travel
• Outdoor Safety
• Lake & Boating Safety
• Ways to Explore Safely in Kelowna
• COVID Health & Safety Information
• Laws & Regulations
• Currency & Taxes
• Gratuities & Tipping
• Entry Regulations
• Visitor Guide
• Family Friendly Itinerary
• Wine & Food Itinerary
• Urban Adventure Itinerary
• Golf Kelowna Itinerary
• Build Your Own Itinerary
• Additional Resources
• Blog Homepage
• Latest Blog Posts
• Membership & Advertising
• Marketing Programs
• Additional Opportunities
• Biosphere Commitment Program
• Industry News Centre
• Meetings & Conferences
• Incentive Travel
• Travel Trade
• Sports & Events
• Content Creators & Influencers
• Media Resources
• Relocation Information
• Hotel Guest Tax (MRDT) Information

Tourism Kelowna is a not-for-profit society that is governed by the tourism industry stakeholders through an elected Board of Directors.

Please click the links below to view Tourism Kelowna Society Constitution and Bylaws

• Constitution 

Tourism Kelowna is a leading destination management organization that supports Kelowna and the Central Okanagan as a sustainable, four-season destination that attracts visitors from around the world.

Tourism Kelowna collaborates with tourism businesses in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan to create a tourism economy that is sustainable and welcoming for both visitors and residents.

View Tourism Kelowna's 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan

Brand promise.

In Kelowna, you will explore, sip, play, and be fully centred when you find yourself surrounded by the best the Okanagan Valley has to offer, all within easy reach.

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx/Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial.

Stewardship Pledge

We foster the preservation and continual restoration of the land, resources, and communities of the Central Okanagan. We continue to take action and make commitments to further diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our work and in the region we support. 

Our Core Values

Purposeful:  We work with purpose and determination to achieve results that positively impact our community. Forward-Thinking : We think outside the box, look for creative and inspiring solutions, and lead the way in everything we do.  Welcoming : We are open-minded, welcome new ideas, and embrace diversity. Authentic:  We are authentic and open in our communication, uphold our commitments, and remain true to our word.  Nurturing : We create, nurture, and value meaningful connections.

• Privacy Policy

English | Français

Tourism Kelowna would like to thank Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band for the privilege to live, work, and play on the tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land), that is the unceded and traditional territory of syilx Okanagan peoples, the original stewards of these lands and to whom we give thanks to as our hosts

Kelowna Visitor Centre: 

238 Queensway

Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 6S4 Canada

1-800-663-4345

© 2024 Tourism Kelowna