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 Fact: The name Kelowna comes from the Indigenous Okanagan language for “Grizzly Bear”.
Table of Contents
1. 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.
2. Go Boating on Okanagan Lake
Another activity you shouldn’t miss when visiting Kelowna in the warmer months is a boat tour on Okanagan Lake. Whether you rent a boat or take a private tour, Okanagan Lake is the reason why Kelowna is such a famous destination in British Columbia.
Considered a “fjord lake” due to it being carved out by many glaciations, Okanagan Lake is 135 km long, about 5 km wide, and up to 230 metres deep. It’s an extremely popular spot for all sorts of water activities, including boating, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, and so much more. It’s also popular for relaxing on one of the many beaches, admiring it from a helicopter tour, or just enjoying the views while sipping a glass of award-winning wine.
Some popular experiences to consider include:
- Private Kelowna Sailing Cruise on Okanagan Lake: It’s hard to find a better way to experience Okanagan Lake than by enjoying this sailing cruise that sails by key landmarks including downtown Kelowna, City Park, Hot Sands Beach, and the Floating Bridge.
3. Go Parasailing
If you’re looking for a more thrilling way to experience Okanagan Lake, glide high above the water in Kelowna’s Okanagan Valley on a parasailing adventure that can accommodate up to three flyers at a time.
This is a truly exciting experience to enjoy with friends and family (or some friendly strangers you met over wine), as you ascend slowly into the air as the boat pulls you along, reaching heights of up to 100 metres. Enjoy spectacular views and cross another thing off your bucket list.
4. Go Wakeboarding
Okay, wait. You thought parasailing was a thrill? Wait until you try wakeboarding!
Experience the best waves on Okanagan Lake by creating them yourself. No tides are necessary. Sign up for a popular tour with the most diversified wake surf school in the Okanagan offering lessons on the Competition class Super Nautique G23, which can create a surf wake that extends as far as 25 feet behind the boat supported by a state-of-the-art sound system.
These Wakesurf lessons are for any expertise level and are a safe and relaxing way to experience Okanagan Lake.
5. Go Flyboarding
Another fun activity to try on Okanagan Lake is flyboarding. This was one of our highlights during our 150-day road trip across Canada and we’d love to go again. In a nutshell, you get strapped to a board that sends 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 mind getting plunged into the lake, this is a really fun activity to try.
6. 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.
Not sure where to start? No worries. Check out this popular guided bike tour on the historic Kettle Valley Railway with a wine tour that includes a bike rental, helmet, bottle of water, and a knowledgeable guide that’ll help show you the way. Pick-up and drop-off transportation from your accommodation in Kelowna or West Kelowna is also included.
7. Rent an eBike
Speaking of biking, you could also just rent an e-bike and tour around the city and countryside on your own, stopping to admire views or sip award-winning wines at the many wineries in the area.
This company rents simply eco-friendly e-bikes, complete with five levels of pedal assist, allowing you to effortlessly cover long distances. Equipped with thumb throttles for an extra boost, these bikes offer a fully electric ride even when you’re not pedalling. You can even better navigate the area and find the best places to stop with their well-curated companion app.
8. Okanagan Canyoning
Booming in popularity around the world, canyoning is a fun, exciting, and challenging way to see the environment. However, it’s not something you can do on your own without extensive experience. That’s why we recommend this popular canyoning tour that involves short hikes to the upper mouth of a canyon before descending into the creek bed while rappeling down hidden waterfalls, shooting down natural slides and jumping into deep pools. We’ve done this in other locations around Canada and can’t recommend it enough. It’s so much fun!
9. 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 to the Kettle trail area to see the train tracks and the beautiful nature surrounding the city.
10. Relax at Löyly Floating Sauna
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Kelowna, Löyly Floating Sauna is a must-do! Picture this: a cozy, wood-fired sauna floating on the stunning Okanagan Lake, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The Scandinavian-style sauna provides a rejuvenating heat session, and when things get steamy, you can take a refreshing plunge into Okanagan Lake—Scandinavian hydrotherapy at its finest! We recently enjoyed this experience in the winter, which is another experience in and of itself. Whether you’re visiting in the winter, or the summer, travelling solo or with a group, Löyly offers breathtaking views, a serene atmosphere, and an invigorating way to connect with nature. It’s not just a sauna—it’s an experience you won’t forget!
11. Go Cross-Country Skiing at Telemark Nordic Centre
If you love winter adventures, Telemark Nordic Centre is one of the best places to experience the magic of the season in Kelowna! Nestled in the beautiful forests of West Kelowna, this winter wonderland offers over 50 km of pristine cross-country ski trails and 60 km of scenic snowshoe paths, perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re gliding through the snowy trails, enjoying the crisp mountain air, or warming up with a hot drink at the cozy lodge, Telemark is the ultimate outdoor escape. Plus, with night skiing, family-friendly rentals, and even trails for your furry friend, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect spot to embrace the Okanagan winter in style!
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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!
20. 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!
21. Go Skiing at Big White or Apex 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 in British Columbia. 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.
If that’s not enough, you can also shoot down to Penticton to go skiing at Apex Mountain Resort, a smaller but equally awesome resort. It’s amazing how much snow they get considering there’s never all that much within the town.
22. Go Bowling with a Beer
Bowling at BNA Brewing is not your typical night out—it’s a perfect mix of craft beer, vintage vibes, and friendly competition! Tucked inside this stylish brewery in downtown Kelowna, BNA’s six-lane, retro-style bowling alley offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a date night, group hangout, or even a casual work meetup. Sip on a locally brewed pint, snack on delicious bites from their inventive menu, and show off your best (or worst) bowling skills under the glow of vintage decor. Whether you’re aiming for strikes or just there for the fun, BNA’s cozy yet energetic setting guarantees a great time!
Pro Tip: Enjoy some food while you’re there, such as the very popular Smash Burger, the delicious Pork Belly Miso Ramen, or the Buffalo Chicken Bao Burger.
23. Visit Penticton
Located only 60 kilometres south of Kelowna, Penticton is a beautiful small city sandwiched between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, as well as Canada’s wine country, Penticton is a truly stunning place to visit. If you have a car, we highly recommend visiting Penticton for a day or two. It’s also an excellent place to stay if you’d rather a road trip to Kelowna.
24. Visit Oliver
Known as the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver is a great place to visit for anyone interested in sampling wine in a truly stunning location. Located in the Okanagan Valley of the Thompson Okanagan region, right in between Penticton and Osoyoos, Oliver is home to some of Canada’s hottest weather, several award-winning wineries, great restaurants, and outdoor adventure. Just like Penticton, we highly recommend taking a road trip to the Southern Okanagan to experience a taste of Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos.
25. Visit Osoyoos
As mentioned above, Osoyoos is located south of Kelowna, right at the very tip bordering the USA. Just like the rest of the Okanagan, Osoyoos is popular for its wineries but is also Osoyoos is also known as Canada’s favourite desert with some of the warmest weather in the country, loads of delicious restaurants, and beautiful mountains making this the perfect place for a holiday.
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.
The Royal Kelowna: If you’re looking for apartment-style accommodation, it’s hard to beat the Royal Kelowna. Located right in the heart of downtown Kelowna, next to the lake, this beautiful property is perfect for families, offering a wide range of rooms. When we stayed, we had a 3-bedroom suite with a kitchen, in-suite laundry, multiple TVs, a huge balcony, and more. In addition, they have a fitness centre, hot tub, and an infinity pool with some of the best views in the city.
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:
Heather says
SO much to see and do in Kelowna!! We never stay long enough…can’t wait to visit again!!
Lindsay says
Always bought produce at Don-o-ray’s when I lived in Kelowna, they have great champagne grapes and romanesco.
Margaret Walton says
Can’t wait to travel again!
Judy canI dr says
I live in Kelowna and there’s always so many wonderful things to do! 😁