Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, the city of Kelowna is definitely underrated when it comes to top destinations to visit in Canada. Only a short 4 hour drive from Vancouver, Kelowna offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures, making it a great vacation getaway destination. With its stunning natural landscapes, abundant wineries, and vibrant cultural scene, there is no shortage of things to do in Kelowna. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a wine connoisseur, there’s something for everyone in this charming little city.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the best things to do in Kelowna.
From experiencing local wineries and adventure sports, to checking out the city’s museums and local eateries, we have put together a list of our favourite things to do in Kelowna. So pack your bags and get ready to experience all of the amazing things that Kelowna has to offer!
25 Things to do in Kelowna
Below you’ll find a list of things to do in Kelowna starting with our personal favourites. So check it out and let us know on social media which activities you enjoyed experiencing most here in Kelowna, BC!
1. Experience Okanagan Lake
Okanagan Lake is the largest lake in the Okanagan Valley and one of the most popular attractions in Kelowna. The lake stretches over 135 kilometres (84 miles) from North to South and has numerous sandy beaches, parks, and marinas to check out. We are huge fans of floating with a beverage and tanning on the beach. Nothing beats a day out on the lake!
Enjoy a variety of water activities such as swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, take our advice and enjoy a scenic boat tour or parasail with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Well known for its beautiful beaches, there are over 30 to explore. What’s great is, many of them include playgrounds for children to enjoy, picnic areas, concession stands to grab a quick snack and even washrooms.
You may even want to rent a boat or a pair of jet skis and cruise along the lake, soaking up that summer sun. If you’d prefer to admire the lake from the shores, there are several restaurants and cafes located along the waters edge where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning lake views.
2. Spend the Day Wine Tasting
I mean, who doesn’t like wine?! Kelowna is one of Canada’s top wine destinations and there is a reason why they call it wine country! With over 40 wineries throughout the city and surrounding area, Kelowna is known for producing some exceptional wine.
We’re newer to the wine scene and have really loved growing our ‘palette’ and learning about the nuances of the different kinds of wine here in the Okanagan. We now have our favourite varietals and continue to learn a lot (the best way to learn about wine is to drink more wine)! Some of our personal favorites are Quails’ Gate Winery, SpearHead Winery, Priest Creek Family Estate Winery, and Ex Nihilo Vineyards. With each of these wineries offer stunning views of either the surrounding vineyards, mountains or lake, they all offer fantastic wine.
One of the more popular ways to explore Kelowna’s wineries, and our favourite way, is through booking a Kelowna wine tour. These tours allow visitors to taste a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process. While some tours are self-guided, others are led by experienced wine sommeliers who can provide insight into the region’s history and wine culture. All this while chauffeuring you around so that you can enjoy all the wine you’d like by doing so responsibly!
While the wineries in Kelowna offer a wide range of different wines, Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling are among the most popular varietals.
A few of the most notable wineries in Kelowna include Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Winery, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
3. Hit Up Bernard Street and Downtown Kelowna
If you love shopping, food and a great patio, then you have to check out Bernard Street. Downtown Kelowna is the beating heart of the city. It offers a vibrant and diverse range of experiences for visitors with everything from shopping, to dining, nightlife and more!
The downtown area is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in the region, as well as a variety of unique shops, galleries, and boutiques. Have fun patio hopping for the best happy hour specials all while getting a tan! Plus, you’ll be able to pet all the local dogs and listen to plenty of live music at every corner.
Personal Favs:
We love the margaritas at Cantina del Centro, the slushy drinks and stellar views from Craft Beer Market and the fancy craft cocktails from Micro Bar & Bites.
Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town, a day out shopping, or simply a leisurely stroll, downtown Kelowna has something for everyone to enjoy.
Did we mention there is also an outdoor Satellite Market!? Check it out between the hours of 8am-1pm every Sunday during the summer months.
4. It’s Always a Yes for Ice Cream
With the scorching temperatures of the Okanagan summer, ice cream is a must! Don’t be fooled by it’s competitors, Parlour Ice Cream (on the corner of Bernard and Abbott) is by far the best ice cream in the city (at least in our opinions). The ice cream is handcrafted with unique local ingredients and they even offer vegan options! It’s a win no matter your dessert preferences. Although you may have to wait in line, we can promise you, it’s well worth the wait!
5. Explore the Myra Canyon Trestles
Located less than 30km from downtown Kelowna, the Myra Canyon Trestles is a popular hiking and biking trail that offers stunning views of the Myra Canyon. The trail is part of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail and runs for 12 km. Passing over 18 historic trestles, and through 2 spectacular tunnels that were blasted through the mountainside, we thought this trail was super cool!
You can choose to explore the trestles in 2 ways. You can either hike the trail, or bike it. We chose to walk the trail for a few hours and loved the workout. It also gave us a chance to stop and take some stunning photos of the valley.
For your convenience, bike rentals are available at the start of the trail once you arrive. If you’re interested, they even offer small cycle tours as well! The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike and bike, making it suitable for families with children or people of all ages.
Originally built in the early 1900s, catch a glimpse into the past and enjoy the sites of these amazing hand built trestles nestled into the incredibly scenic Myra Canyon. Don’t forget your camera!
6. Take a Scenic Drive or Mini Road Trip
One of the great things to do in the Okanagan is taking a scenic drive (and if gas were cheaper we’d do it even more often than we already do). To be honest, we never get tired of these views as it feels like a dream every time we begin driving down this beautiful highway. Enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your vehicle and just take it all in!
A good place to start is to jump on the scenic route of highway 97 and enjoy the spectacular views of the Okanagan Valley’s rolling hills, crystal-clear lake, and lush vineyard views all alongside the highway. South 97 takes you through a several charming towns, including Summerland and Peachland, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy what each town has to offer. Or head North and enjoy Lake Country, Oyama and Vernon.
The sheer number of photo opportunities, wineries and roadside fruit stands is almost overwhelming in the best way. Stop for a pound of cherries to snack on during your road trip.
7. Shop the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market
Who doesn’t love checking out a good outdoor farmers market?! One of the most popular things for locals to do is head on down to the Kelowna Farmers Market. With a variety of fresh produce, craft items, and other unique available products, there are dozens of different market stalls selling all sorts of different things.
Some of our favourite things to take home with us are the samosas from Meenu Cuisine and the perogies from Anna’s Ukrainian Kitchen.
The Main Outdoor Market
Check it out April to October, 8am-1pm, every Wednesday and Sunday at the corner of Dilworth and Springfield.
8. Hike to Paul’s Tomb
If you’re looking for something to do that is close to town but isn’t too physically taxing, hiking to Paul’s Tomb is a must-do activity for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley.
Located in Knox Mountain Park, Paul’s Tomb is a popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of Lake Okanagan and the surrounding mountains. The hike itself is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and there are several rest areas along the way where you`ll be able to take in the views and catch your breath.
The tomb itself is a historic site where Rembler Paul, a historical figure of Kelowna`s past, chose to build the final resting spot for his family. Once you reach the end of the hike you will see a portion of the 15ft wide arched concrete entry of the door. Unfortunately, due to vandals, they had to bury the original door with several feet of dirt in order to protect it.
In addition to the stunning views and historic significance, hiking to Paul’s Tomb in Kelowna is a great way to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Okanagan Valley. The trail passes through a variety of terrain, including forested areas, rocky outcrops, and open fields. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of the local flora and fauna, including wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife.
9. Enjoy a Cold One at a Local Brewery
Kelowna is home to a quickly growing craft beer scene, and every now and then we enjoy an ice cold brewsky. With dozens of different taprooms and breweries offering a variety of unique and delicious beers, we highly recommend you take the time to try some!
One of our favourite, and most unique breweries to hang out at is BNA Brewing Co. Located downtown in the cultural district, the independent craft brewery has an onsite tasting room as well as a full-service eatery. Open to guests of all ages, the tap room opens at 11am and the Eatery at 5pm.
What’s super unique about BNA is that it has a 6 lane bowling alley on the 2nd floor; an arcade with all sorts of vintage games like Pac-Man, pinball, and Skee Ball; as well as a bocce court.
Some other great breweries we really like are: Barn Owl Brewing (great for music), Unleashed Brewing (bring your dogs), and Red Bird Brewing (fantastic outdoor patio).
10. Visit Big White Ski Resort
Big White is one of the more popular ski resorts and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The ski resort boasts over 118 designated trails, a wide variety of accommodations, and numerous activities that will make your stay unforgettable.
First and foremost, Big White Ski Resort is known for its fantastic skiing/snowboarding opportunities. The resort receives an average of 750cm of snowfall per year ensuring that the ski slopes are always full of fresh powder. With trails ranging from beginner to expert, skiers of all levels can enjoy the slopes. What’s also great is, the resort has some of the best ski-in/ski-out accommodations in North America making it easy to hit the slopes without any hassle.
But skiing isn’t the only winter activity available on the hill. Be sure to check out the ice-climbing tower, tube park, and the various snowshoeing trails. For those who need a little break from the cold, there’s also an indoor skating rink, an indoor water park, and a spa during the winter months, as well as hiking and biking throughout the summer.
The resort also hosts a range of events throughout the year including: festivals, live music, and fireworks displays. One of the most popular events is the Big White Invitational Slopestyle, which brings together some of the world’s best freestyle athletes.
Whether you’re staying in Kelowna, or just simply passing through, Big White is definitely one of the ski hills you have to visit!
11. Go BC Fruit Picking
You couldn’t complete a proper visit to the Okanagan without getting some fresh fruit. Kelowna is known for its world-class fruit. Everything from apples, cherries, peaches and more, are grown right here on Kelowna’s doorstep. When the season is right, you’ll have the opportunity to try some of the freshest, most delicious fruit you’ve ever had, right here, directly from the source!
Visit one of the many orchards and see what’s ripe. I’ll bet you find something good every single time!
12. Day Trip to Penticton
Only a 50 minute drive away, Penticton may be a great option for a day trip. Hop onto highway 97 and take a drive along Lake Okanagan. You’ll get consistent views of the lake on your left hand side, only meters away from the road. If you’re looking to rent a car, we recommend using rentalcars.com as it is the best way to find and compare amazing car deals.
Nestled between 2 lakes, Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake, Penticton is known for being much quieter than Kelowna. That being said, it’s the perfect place to get away from the larger crowds. Known for its beaches, fine wines, and fresh fruit, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the true Penticton life.
It’s a fantastic destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, wine tasting, or family fun, Penticton is well worth the visit!
If you’re hungry, we highly recommend lunch at Loki’s Garage, baked goods at Wouda’s Bakery, or some amazing Turkish food at Elma’s right on the waterfront.
13. Hike Knox Mountain Park
If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity or simply just want to take in some breathtaking views, we would suggest checking out Knox Mountain Park. Located just outside of downtown Kelowna, Knox Mountain Park is the city’s largest natural park.
What we love about Knox Mountain is that it offers several different hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty, that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. One of the most popular trails being the Apex Trail which will take you all the way up to the summit of the mountain. Although its a little bit of a steep climb, the views from the top are amazing! From there you will see all of downtown, the surrounding mountains as well as the lake. There are also several different lookout points along the way perfect for that Instagram photo!
It’s also a great park to do some biking if that interests you as well!
14. Listen to Live Music
Enjoying live music is always a good time! With a vibrant and diverse music scene, Kelowna has a variety of venues and events that cater to all tastes. One of the best places to catch live music is the Kelowna Community Theatre. The theatre hosts a variety of concerts and shows throughout the year that feature both local and international artists. With a capacity of 853 seats, the theatre offers excellent acoustics, making it a great venue to enjoy live music.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, a great place to look for music is at a local winery or brewery. Several wineries and breweries throughout the city host live musicians throughout the year. Featuring local artists from around the valley, these venues provide a unique and intimate setting for enjoying a lovely evening of live music.
15. Sip a Local Okanagan Cider
Not only known for some of the best wineries, Kelowna also has a thriving cider scene as well. Local cideries are reflective of the regions agricultural history. With so many orchards surrounding the valley, taking the juices of the fruit found at the local orchards, it is transformed into a variety of lovely tasting cider.
One of our all time favorite cideries is Truck 59 Ciderhouse located in West Kelowna. Only a short drive from downtown Kelowna, Truck 59 has quickly established itself as a local favourite and we can why. It’s raspberry pear cider is always a great choice, but we really enjoyed the apricot pumpkin cider! Honestly one of our all time favs!
16. Explore the Kettle Valley Railway
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail, otherwise referred to by the locals as the KVR, is a popular trail in Kelowna and throughout Southern British Columbia. What was once the former route of the operational Kettle Valley Railway throughout the 1900’s, is now the home of almost 650km worth of recreational trail that can now be explored by all sorts of hiking, and cycling enthusiasts alike.
Since the end of the Kettle Valley Railway, the tracks have since been decommissioned and provide trails all the way from Hope to Castlegar, BC. Although these trails are most commonly used for hiking, walking and cycling, there are specific sections where horseback riding is also permitted. You may even be interested in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing if you’re looking for something to do while visiting during the winter months.
17. Arcade Games and Mini Golf at Scandia
Release your inner child and lets play some games! Featuring the largest arcade in the Okanagan Valley, Scandia has over 140 different arcade games for all ages to enjoy. Visiting this place made us feel like kids again.
With each game operating on tokens, you’ll find everything from racing, axe throwing, and pinball, to even the classics like Skeeball, Pac-Man, and Whac-a-mole.
At Scandia, you’ll also be able to enjoy both outdoor and indoor mini golf, go-kart racing, and even batting cages. Something a little different than just your typical indoor arcade.
And hey! Don’t forget to redeem your winning tickets for some sweet prizes before you leave!
18. Say Hi to the Famous Ogopogo
You can’t speak about Kelowna without mentioning its famous lake monster, Ogopogo. The legend of Ogopogo dates back many centuries ago to the indigenous people who lived across the Okanagan. They called the creature N’ha-a-itk, meaning “sacred spirit of the waters”.
An important part of Kelowna’s history and folklore, there have been multiple reports and “sightings” of the 20ft long finned creature, although it has never been fully photographed. Take a walk down to the famous waterfront and have a look. The kids will love it!
You may even get lucky enough to see it!
19. Silver Star Mountain Resort
For those of you who love extreme sports, this one’s for you! Silver Star Mountain Resort is an award winning year-round mountain destination. Located less than a 1 hour drive from Kelowna International Airport, this ski-in/ski-out resort offers some of the best skiing, snowboarding, and downhill mountain biking in North America!
What makes it so popular is that it has one of the longest ski seasons in Canada with excellent snowy conditions from late November to mid-April as well as one of BC’s largest ski areas offering over 3,200 acres of beautiful white powder.
In addition to the downhill biking, skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a variety of activities, including snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and fat biking. After a day on the slopes, be sure to unwind and relax at one of its many restaurants, cafes, and shops and enjoy the gorgeous mountain village.
20. Stop and Smell the Lavender at the Okanagan Lavender Farm
Looking to add a pop of purple to your Kelowna itinerary? if that’s the case, we recommend visiting the Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm. Take a wander through the fields and snap some Instagram-worthy pics amongst the lavender blooms. Take a deep breath and enjoy the soothing aroma. And if you’d like, you can even pick your own lavender to take home and enjoy!
21. Go Golfing
With an average of over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year, Kelowna is home to one of Canada’s best golf destinations. Witness some of the most stunning scenery the Okanagan has to offer with beautiful lake views, mountains, and vineyards surrounding you at every hole.
We recommend booking a tee time at the following golf courses:
Tower Ranch Golf and Country Club. Known for its fast greens, deep bunkers and changing elevations, Tower Ranch is a must play for any golf enthusiast.
Gallagher’s Canyon Golf and Country Club: Surrounded by beautiful orchards and vineyards, it’s tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkers, and water hazards gives even its Mackenzie Tour PGA players a run for their money.
With the golf season starting as early as March, and ending once the snow arrives again in late October/November, we highly recommend taking advantage of the amazing golf season Kelowna has to offer. With some of the best golf courses here in the Okanagan, you may even want to book a separate golf trip all together.
22. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
The Okanagan Valley is world renown for it’s beauty. So why not explore it from the sky?! Experience the views of vineyards, mountains, lakes and country farms! The views are endless as you fly high above the ground and experience the Okanagan in this unique way.
Flights run all year round so that you can experience Kelowna from above whenever is convenient for you! Whether you’re booking a flight for 6, or a private booking for 2, this is by far one of the best and most unique ways to experience the valley.
23. Kelowna Art Gallery
For the art lovers out there, can we interest you in some art? Located within Kelowna’s Cultural District, the Kelowna Art Gallery offers its visitors the opportunity to explore the ever changing exhibitions. Dedicated to showcasing and promoting both national and local art, the gallery features a variety of different exhibitions throughout the year that includes both historical and contemporary art.
What makes this art gallery so diverse is the fact that it holds over 800 pieces in its permanent collection that range from paintings, to sculptures and even photographs. The collection highlights artists from all over the province of British Columbia as well as indigenous artists from across the country.
What’s also great are the various number of art classes, workshops and camps that are offered throughout the year for all to enjoy! You may even be inclined to come by and take part in Family Sundays and create a unique piece of art that you can take home with you. The event takes place every Sunday and usually runs for about 45 minutes with various time slots throughout the day.
24. Okanagan Heritage Museum
Visit the recently transformed Heritage Museum and have a look into the Okanagan’s past. Here you will experience and learn about how the Okanagan Valley was formed, its people, and gain insights into the indigenous people’s connection with the land. Learn about the arrival of settlers and traders, individuals of Kelowna’s past and present, and enjoy the displays of the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.
There is no specified cost per person. Instead admission is by donation, so give what you can to support.
25. Spend a Day at the Park
City Park
City Park is located in the heart of Kelowna near the main strip of Bernard Avenue. It has become one of our favorite parks to walk through because of its convenience and close proximity to all of the shops and restaurants downtown. If you’re like us, and you’re looking for direct beach access from the boardwalk, sandy beach to relax on, and plenty of park space to enjoy a picnic in the shade, City Park is the place you’ll want to be.
There are also plenty of recreational areas within the park to enjoy including; beach volleyball courts, a basketball court, playground, water park, splash pad, and even picnic areas.
Waterfront Park
Located along Water Street on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Waterfront Park is easily accessible by anyone and everyone. The park offers its visitors beautifully paved walking paths as well as stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains.
One of the main draws of Waterfront Park is its lush green spaces which provide ample room for picnicking, playing around, or simply lounging in the sun. The park is also home to several public art installations, including the famous “Dolphins” sculpture, which is a popular spot for a photo opportunity.
In addition to its natural beauty and public art, Waterfront Park is also a hub for all sorts of activity, especially in the summer months as the park plays host to a variety of free concerts, festivals, and other events. Look out for the popular “Parks Alive!” series which features live music and other entertainment every week.
Stuart Park
This popular waterfront park in downtown Kelowna is home to a few activities. During the summer season, the large plaza is home to the weekly outdoor dance program, Dancing in the Park. The free, outdoor dance program is open to people of all ages and dancing abilities from 6:30pm-7:45pm.
When there isn’t anybody dancing, skateboarders, roller-skaters, and bmx’ers take advantage of the smooth concrete pavement, and during the winter, the plaza turns into a free ice-skating rink.
Bertram Creek Regional Park
Offering various walking trails, beaches, swimming, and a picnic shelter that’s available for bookings. Keep in mind that the gates are closed throughout the winter (Nov-April) due to reduced maintenance and upkeep of the parking lot and park facilities.
Looking for Accomodations?
Here’s our list of Best Hotels in Kelowna
Things to do in Kelowna in the Winter
Due to the mild winters, Kelowna allows its citizens and its guests to experience a wide variety of different winter activities. Because the weather is never really too cold, Kelowna is a great spot to enjoy all of the outdoor activities you wouldn’t normally be able to in frigid weather.
Ice Skating at Stuart Park
Bring the kids and take them ice skating! Every winter, the city of Kelowna provides a free outdoor skating rink at Stuart Park to be enjoyed by the public. The rink is typically opened sometime in December and runs until the end of February. Skates and helmets are available for rent from 11am-8pm daily. There are also fire pits on site to be able to warm up as well as public washrooms.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding have got to be the most popular outdoor activities within the Okanagan Valley. As mentioned earlier, both Big White and Silverstar are both great options for a day out on the slopes. Bring your own gear or rent once you get there for a day full of fresh powder and mountain fun! With some of the best skiing and snowboarding BC has to offer, I can promise you that you’ll have a great time! There isn’t a better place in the valley.
Looking for More Winter Activities to Enjoy in Kelowna?
Check out our list of Best Winter Activities in Kelowna for more winter fun!
Or if winter isn’t your thing, see our list of Best Fall Activities in Kelowna.
Our Final Thoughts on Things to do in Kelowna
Kelowna is a great city to both live in and visit. With one of the best wine regions in Canada, a wide variety of special events, and its list of beautiful provincial parks, its a wonderful place for the whole family to enjoy! Come visit Kelowna and enjoy a unique experience that will have you coming back for more!
