What to Do in Kelowna: A Comprehensive Guide

Kelowna, a charming city located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, is known for its stunning natural beauty, lakeside lifestyle, and thriving wine country. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wine lover, or someone looking to unwind in a picturesque setting, Kelowna offers a range of activities to suit every traveler. With its warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine, it’s a year-round destination with something to offer in every season.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in Kelowna, from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to winery tours and family-friendly activities.

1. Discover Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is the centerpiece of Kelowna, stretching over 135 kilometers and offering endless opportunities for water activities, relaxation, and lakeside fun.

• Beaches: Kelowna boasts several beautiful sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Popular beaches include Gyro Beach, Boyce-Gyro Park, and City Park Beach.
• Boating and Water Sports: Rent a boat, jet ski, or kayak and explore the vast lake. Stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding are also popular activities in the summer months.
• Ogopogo: While you’re on the lake, keep an eye out for the legendary Ogopogo, the mythical lake monster said to inhabit the waters of Okanagan Lake!

Pro Tip: Head to Kelowna Marina or Downtown Marina to rent equipment or book a boat tour of the lake.

2. Explore Kelowna’s Wine Country

Kelowna is a hub for world-class wineries, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers. The Okanagan Valley is one of Canada’s premier wine-producing regions, known for its diverse selection of wines, including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Icewine.

• Wine Tours: Book a guided tour or self-drive along the scenic Kelowna Wine Trails, which includes more than 40 wineries in and around the city. Top wineries to visit include Mission Hill Family Estate, Quails’ Gate, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
• Wine Tastings: Many wineries offer tastings, where you can sample a variety of locally produced wines while learning about the winemaking process.
• Vineyard Dining: Enjoy a meal at one of the wineries with a vineyard view, such as Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate or Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill.

Pro Tip: Plan your visit around the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival for a chance to experience special events, tastings, and harvest celebrations.

3. Hike or Bike in Myra Canyon

For outdoor enthusiasts, Myra Canyon is one of the top destinations in the Kelowna area. This section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) offers stunning views of the Okanagan Valley and is ideal for both hiking and biking.

• Myra Canyon Trestles: The highlight of the trail is its 18 wooden trestle bridges and two tunnels that span across the canyon. These trestles are part of the old Kettle Valley Railway, and biking or hiking along them offers breathtaking views of the valley below.
• Rent a Bike: If you don’t have a bike, rentals are available at the Myra Canyon Bike Rentals near the start of the trail.

Pro Tip: The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible for families and casual hikers.

4. Visit Local Farms and Orchards

Kelowna is surrounded by fertile agricultural land, making it a fantastic place to visit local farms, orchards, and fruit stands. Depending on the season, you can pick your own cherries, peaches, apples, and more. Many local farms offer tours, tastings, and the opportunity to learn about the agricultural history of the region.

• Davison Orchards: Located nearby in Vernon, this family-owned farm offers U-pick fruit, a farm market, and a cafe featuring homemade pies and baked goods.
• Paynter’s Fruit Market: Just outside Kelowna in Westbank, this market offers fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as jams, pies, and other homemade products.

Pro Tip: Visit in late spring and summer to enjoy fresh cherries, peaches, and plums, or in the fall for apple picking and pumpkin patches.

5. Discover Downtown Kelowna

Kelowna’s downtown core is a lively and vibrant area filled with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Take a stroll along the Waterfront Boardwalk, explore the public art installations, and enjoy the city’s urban vibe.

• Bernard Avenue: This is the main street in downtown Kelowna, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. During the summer, part of the street is pedestrian-only, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for dining and shopping.
• Kelowna Art Gallery: Art lovers will appreciate the Kelowna Art Gallery, which features exhibits from local and national artists, including contemporary and Indigenous works.
• Kasugai Gardens: This Japanese-style garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, offering a tranquil space to relax and enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and ponds.

6. Skiing and Snowboarding at Big White

During the winter months, Kelowna is a gateway to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. Big White Ski Resort, located just 45 minutes from downtown Kelowna, is a top destination for winter sports.

• Ski and Snowboard: Big White is known for its champagne powder, family-friendly atmosphere, and a wide range of ski runs for all skill levels.
• Other Winter Activities: Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, dog sledding, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Pro Tip: Big White is also a great destination for summer hiking and mountain biking, offering plenty of outdoor activities year-round.

7. Golf in Kelowna

Kelowna is a popular golfing destination, offering championship courses with stunning views of the Okanagan Valley. With over 19 golf courses in the region, it’s easy to find one that suits your skill level.

• Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club: This premier golf course offers spectacular canyon views, challenging fairways, and a full-service clubhouse.
• The Harvest Golf Club: Known for its orchard-lined fairways, The Harvest is a beautiful course just minutes from downtown Kelowna.

Pro Tip: The golfing season typically runs from March to October, taking advantage of Kelowna’s mild weather and beautiful scenery.

8. Kelowna Museums and Cultural Attractions

For those interested in history and culture, Kelowna has several museums and historical sites worth visiting.

• Okanagan Heritage Museum: Learn about the natural and cultural history of the Okanagan Valley, from Indigenous history to the development of the wine industry.
• Father Pandosy Mission: This historic site offers a glimpse into the early European settlement of the Okanagan and includes original buildings from the 19th century.

Pro Tip: Kelowna also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including the Kelowna Pride Festival, BreakOut West Festival, and the Kelowna International Fringe Festival.

Conclusion: Discovering the Best of Kelowna

Kelowna is a year-round destination with activities and attractions for everyone. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on Okanagan Lake, tasting world-class wines, exploring the great outdoors, or skiing at Big White, Kelowna offers an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful landscapes, vibrant downtown, and welcoming atmosphere, this Okanagan gem should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Start planning your trip to Kelowna and get ready to experience the best of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley!