Summary
The largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, Kelowna is situated in the heart of the province’s renowned wine country. This splendid city is positioned along the eastern banks of Okanagan Lake and is encircled by majestic mountains.
Throughout the entire year, Kelowna presents numerous activities, with the valley and mountains taking center stage. Enthusiasts of skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and wine tasting flock to the city annually to immerse themselves in its offerings.
While the breathtaking outdoors serve as the primary attraction, there are also various indoor activities available.
Let us delve into the top activities to enjoy in Kelowna:
1. Enjoy the slopes
Visitors to Kelowna during the winter months are encouraged to explore the slopes at Big White Ski Resort, situated at the highest summit in the region—Big White Mountain.
The resort features a vertical drop of 777 meters, supported by 16 lifts, and offers a total of 118 designated trails, with a significant portion catering to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
The highlight of Big White Ski Resort is its offering of night skiing, noted as the largest in all of western Canada. For those who prefer activities other than skiing or snowboarding, options such as tubing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, and snowshoeing are available.
2. Go mountain biking
Dedicated mountain biking enthusiasts should visit the SilverStar Mountain Resort in the nearby Monashee Mountains. This resort operates lifts from June to September, facilitating mountain biking activities.
With over 50 kilometers of downhill bike trails and a four-bike carrier lift system, riders can easily ascend the mountain. Additionally, the resort features over 30 kilometers of cross-country trails.
The available trails cater to various skill levels, including beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert. In winter, visitors can also ski or snowboard on one of the resort’s 132 winter trails.
3. Sip on wine
Kelowna is renowned for its exceptional wineries, with over 40 located in and around the city, all within a convenient 20-minute drive.
Visitors can choose from several options to explore the wineries and taste various wines, including guided tours, self-guided excursions, or cycling along designated wine trails. There are five trails in total, each leading to distinct areas.
Regardless of the chosen method, guests will gain insight into the wineries’ history and may have the opportunity to meet the owner or winemaker, combined with enjoying tastings—a fundamental aspect of the experience.
4. Spend the day at the lake
Okanagan Lake offers a multitude of activities, particularly enjoyable on warm summer days. Spanning 135 kilometers, Kelowna is conveniently situated about halfway along its length.
The lake’s beaches, which equipped with playgrounds, concessions, and public washrooms, are its primary attraction. Visitors can rent paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, wakeboards, and pedal boats.
For those who enjoy boating, options to charter sailboats or powerboats for the day are available. Alternatively, guests can relax on the beach and bask in the sun.
5. Learn about the city’s history
Stroll through the Okanagan Heritage Museum and discover local and regional artifacts that narrate the city’s history. The museum features two viewing galleries showcasing its collection.
A highlight of the museum is Kelowna’s oldest log cabin, as well as a captivating original “Chinatown” shop.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Okanagan Heritage Museum hosts special exhibitions. Furthermore, it houses the Kelowna Public Archives and the Ursula Surtees Regional Conservation Laboratory.
6. Explore the valley
An abundance of trails exist in the Okanagan Valley, providing an excellent means to explore the region. These trails vary in difficulty from easy to challenging, with the more challenging routes situated in the mountains.
Several trails offer breathtaking views of both the city and Okanagan Lake, while others meander along the lake, providing stellar vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Trail lengths also differ significantly, with the longest spanning approximately 55 kilometers, which can be tackled in segments, and the shortest measuring around one kilometer.
7. Hang out with animals
At the Arion Therapeutic Farm, visitors can spend a delightful day engaging with various animals, including goats, llamas, sheep, and donkeys.
Activities include feeding the animals lunch, brushing ponies, and witnessing the animals as they settle down for the night. The farm also hosts special activities such as picnics, jam-making, and equestrian performances.
A notable aspect of the Arion Therapeutic Farm is its specialized equine experiences designed to meet individual physical and emotional needs. Guided tours are also available to educate visitors about life on the farm.
8. Go back in history
Step back in time to explore Kelowna’s first European settlement at the Father Pandosy Mission, established in 1860 by three Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
This mission thrived until its decommissioning in 1906, and today it stands as a historic site featuring many of its original structures.
Visitors can wander the grounds of the Father Pandosy Mission, observing the original chapel, barn, Root House, and Brothers’ House.
Additionally, other historically significant buildings, such as the Blacksmith Shop, Caretaker’s Quarters, and Christien House, have been relocated to the site. The mission is accessible throughout the year, with interior access available from March to October.
9. Sample local products
Kelowna is home to several farms where visitors can sample local products. Discover the process of honey production, pick cherries, or experience a tractor ride while exploring the farms.
Those who appreciate cheese should consider visiting Carmelis to sample their homemade goat cheese, while dessert lovers will enjoy fresh fruit pies and scones at Gambell Farms.
For those wishing to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, popular destinations include Hillcrest Farm Market, Gatzke’s Farm Market, and Don-O-Ray Vegetables. Additionally, a guided tour of Caldwell Heritage Farm allows guests the opportunity to interact with free-range chickens and gather farm-fresh eggs.
10. Play a round of golf
Kelowna enjoys an impressive 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, making it an ideal location for experiencing any of the 18 golf courses available in the area.
Notably, Kelowna boasts one of the longest and driest golf seasons in the country. The picturesque landscape of orchards, vineyards, rolling hills, expansive lakes, and semi-desert terrain contributes to the stunning features of the various golf courses.
Regardless of skill level, there is a golf course in Kelowna to fulfill your preferences. Some local courses also provide culinary experiences with dining options ranging from casual to gourmet.
11. Splash around
If traveling with children and looking for water-related fun, the Kelowna Wibit Water Park, located at City Park beach on Okanagan Lake, is a must-visit.
This water park features engaging activities designed for children aged five and above, with safety ensured as all participants are required to wear life jackets.
Children can access inflatable castles, slides, and trampolines, creating a floating playground experience on the water.
12. Look at contemporary art
The Kelowna Art Gallery features an extensive collection primarily showcasing contemporary Canadian artists, making it one of the country’s most esteemed public galleries.
The gallery highlights the work of local and provincial artists and boasts a collection exceeding 850 pieces, with many being donated by artists or local residents.
Comprising four galleries and an outdoor courtyard, the Kelowna Art Gallery hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions, along with special events and art classes.
13. Sleep under pines
Fintry Provincial Park spans 360 hectares and is located on the historic Fintry Estate, showcasing captivating natural beauty and historic sites. The park offers over 150 campsites for those wishing to camp and enjoy the surroundings.
Beachgoers, birdwatchers, history enthusiasts, and hikers will find a variety of activities available in Fintry Provincial Park, with opportunities for cycling, kayaking, and fishing.
Guests can explore nearly two kilometers of beaches, numerous picnic areas, and public boat launches. Additionally, the Shorts Creek Trail leads to a stunning two-tiered waterfall with remarkable valley views.
14. Splurge
Indulge and treat yourself by spending a day at the Grand Okanagan Resort or consider an overnight stay. Recognized as the city’s most luxurious resort, it offers a serene environment for relaxation and pampering.
Guests can enjoy the tranquil spa, where treatments such as massages, facials, and body treatments are available; packages incorporating all three treatments can also be obtained.
To conclude your experience, dine at the stylish waterfront restaurant and wine bar. For those wanting to elevate their visit, consider spending the night in one of the resort’s elegant rooms or suites.
15. Stroll and shop
Kelowna’s downtown shopping district serves not only as a lovely place to stroll but also as a shopping destination. This area features galleries, retail stores, and unique boutiques.
Explore quirky shops to find distinctive gifts or souvenirs, or shop luxury brands available in high-end boutiques. Alternatively, capture a postcard and send it to loved ones.
For indoor shopping, visit Orchard Park Shopping Centre, the region’s largest mall, featuring well-known brands such as Sephora, Pandora, Guess?, and Old Navy.
