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Kelowna, a city nestled in the Okanagan Valley famous for its wine and cider, and has been put on the map for its brewery scene! Originating with Tree Brewing in 1966, it has since grown into a vibrant grove of eclectic and unique breweries in the North End of Kelowna and beyond.
The biggest problem about gearing up to visit the breweries in Kelowna is deciding which brewery to hit first! Luckily, Kelowna’s craft brewery scene is made up of so many unique locations and brews, that you can choose the one that’s best for you.
Try bowling and a brew at BNA, try the Don’t Give a Hoot Ale at an authentic 1920s barn at Barn Owl, or clock off for the day and grab a Nine-to-Five Pale Ale at The Office (the kind of office where beers ARE the agenda).
Craft beer lovers hold onto your pints, as we dive into 12 of the best in this ever-growing thicket of breweries in Kelowna.
Don’t have time to read the full article? There are so many good breweries in Kelowna, but if you can only go to a few, I suggest visiting Vice & Virtue Brewing Co., The Office, and BNA Brewing! Better yet, join a brewery tour, such as the High Spirits Tour or this Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks to try even more.
12 BEST Breweries in Kelowna
1. Red Bird Brewing
- Location: North End (1086 Richter St)
- Serves Food: Yes. The wood-fired pizza is amazing!
- Come here for: Live local music
Red Bird Brewing is a small intimate craft brewery, easily spotted from the street with its red and white bird mural, and is home to a vibrant live music scene. They are proud supporters of musicians and the power of live music (which we can’t contend with!).
Pair their German-style Lady of the Lake Lager (5% abv) with a wood-fired pizza or the Irish Tomb Stout (4.5% abv) with some sliders. They like keeping the food menu simple with all items ranging from $15 – $20 CAD.
Red Bird Brewing is a local favorite brewery in Kelowna, and when I was last there, not only was the place full (on a Tuesday!) but locals were pulling up and grabbing beer-to-go too. The outdoor patio area is the perfect place to people-watch on the street.
Hot Tip: Located in the North End Brewery District, Red Bird Brewing makes a great stop on any self-guided walking beer “tour” in the area. Many of the breweries on this list are within a five-minute walk so you can easily check out a few breweries all at once!
2. BNA Brewing Co. and Eatery
- Location: Central City (1250 Ellis St)
- Serves Food: Yes. A full menu that is raved about! This might just be the best brewery in Kelowna when it comes to food.
- Come here for: Brew and a Bowl
Rated in the top ten of all restaurants in Kelowna, BNA Brewing is a definite contender for anyone looking to check out Kelowna’s craft brewery and food scene.
Cozy up in the tasting room with its eclectic decor with sofas and chairs that make it feel like it’s taken from the set of Friends. Known best for their variety of sours and lagers, be sure to check out the Regatta Beach Sour Club (which is a rotating sour) and the 76 Wolverine Lager (4.8% abv).
If you’re looking to grab a bite, they have an extensive menu! Many of their dishes are Asian fusion, such as the Vietnamese rice bowl and spicy Dan Dan noodles, but they also have pizza, burgers, and sandwiches.
Not ready to go home? finish the day with bowling next door. That’s right, a brew and bowl – what a great combination! In fact, many consider this to be one of the best things to do in Kelowna and I couldn’t agree more.
BNA really is a one-stop shop when it comes to beer, food, and entertainment!
Related Read: Are you a foodie? If you’re heading to Vancouver be sure to join a Vancouver food tour for the ultimate cuisine experience!
3. Kelowna Beer Institute
- Location: Cultural District (1346 Water St in downtown Kelowna)
- Serves Food: Yes. The pizza here is delicious!
- Come here for: Views of the water
Kelowna Beer Institute, formerly known as Tree Brewing Institute, has rebranded in the last few years but still holds its original location in the grassroots spot down by the water. Known for its tank-to-tap lineup of experimental beer that is on constant rotation, expect to be surprised.
Sit indoors or take a seat on their patio seating. They serve a mean perogy pizza or you make your own, with dishes ranging from $9 – $19 CAD.
I personally love visiting Kelowna Beer Institute for its convenient location downtown and variety of new beers to try. They always have a selection of “fruity” beers to try, as well as IPAs (my fave!). I usually get a tasting paddle when I visit consisting of four different beers so I can see which one I like the best. Then, buy it to-go at their attached storefront. You can also buy some cool-looking merch here.
4. Kelowna Brewing Company
- Location: 122-975 Academy Way
- Serves Food: Yes. Burgers, nachos, and other pub-style food.
- Come here for: Relaxed patio views of Kelowna
Kelowna Brewing Company is a welcomed break from the busy downtown North End and a great place to relax and enjoy the patio views of Kelowna. This is one of the only breweries in Kelowna with a scenic location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kelowna Brewing Company is known for their staple Two Five Oh Common (5.1% abv) – this California Commons style lager ferments at a higher temperature to offer a more complex flavor and is equally great by itself or paired with food.
Enjoy your beer with the local favorite KBC Burger or one of the wide selection of burgers, nachos, and other meals from between $15 – $25 CAD.
5. Vice & Virtue Brewing Co.
- Location: North End (1033 Richter St)
- Serves Food: Yes. Snacks, sandwiches, and the crowd favorite, Sunday brunch
- Come here for: Unique beer with a creative flair
Creativity at the seat of everything at Vice & Virtue Brewing Co. They love partnering up with local artists and companies to create unique offerings like the recent The Giver Pale Ale (5.1% abv) – a classic light beer with a twist of stonefruit, black tea, and citrus. Oh, and their can art is beautiful!
Other crowd favorites include the Raspberry Love Potion “Berliner Vice” (4% abv), which has become one of Okanagan’s favorite sour beers. Pair it with a hummus and olives dip or pork belly burnt ends (yum!) and sit back and enjoy the ambiance in this modern-styled interior.
If you happen to be in town on Thursday nights, stop in for Trivia Night!
Another opportune time to visit is for their weekly Sunday Brunch which runs from 11 am to 1 pm. You’ll find items like classic eggs Benedict, roasted potato hash, or fresh berries waffles. Paired with a mimosa or shandy and I’m in heaven!
For real beer connoisseurs, this is easily one of the best breweries in Kelowna that you need to check out!
Related Read: Visiting Kelowna from Calgary? Check out the best stops on the drive from Calgary to Kelowna to make a fun road trip!
6. The Office
- Location: North End (#301 – 890 Clement Ave)
- Serves Food: Yes. Their light bites are the most popular and great for sharing
- Come here for: Casual craft beers and a modern indoor-ambiance
The Office has popped up in the last few years! With its colorful chic interior and post-it note theme, it brings together work and play that is sure to be “your best meeting of the week”. Try their staple Nine-to-Five Pale Ale (5.5% abv) or their Paper Jam Lime Passionfruit Sour (5% abv) and unwind for the day. All of their beers have an office theme name (maybe there’s a Michael Scott ale?) – great conversation starters or just for a laugh.
Enjoy an assortment of gourmet light bites or choose from their short but sweet selection of mains like their mac and cheese and their house-made pasta and duck ranging for less than $20 CAD.
The Office often does events and specials, such as Fancy Friday where you get a discount for dressing fancy! You can check their social media page to see the latest and greatest happenings around The Office.
7. Jackknife Brewing
- Location: North End (727 Baillie Ave)
- Serves Food: Yes. Pizza, pizza, and more PIZZA!
- Come here for: Pizza and unique Kveik-style brews
Their slogan “Weird beer. Classic pizza” is exactly what you can expect when it comes to Jackknife Brewing. In addition to being a self-proclaimed safe space for BIPOC LQBTQ2S+, they are one of the few places in Kelowna using Kveik (a series of centuries-old strains of yeasts) and traditional brewing techniques – which gives their beer a uniquely Nordic taste.
Try their Wizard Sticks Nordic IPA or Hammer of Doom, a Canadian imperial stout infused with maple syrup. Although their taps rotate frequently, so you never know what you’ll find! You can also grab a horror movie-themed pizza like The Crippler and The Impaler for $18-$20 CAD.
They also have a stage in “the Dungeon”, a basement music venue, so it’s always a bit lively here. Bring your weird self and enjoy this eccentric pub! It’s unique and unlike any other brewery, you’ll find in Kelowna.
8. Barn Owl Brewing
- Location: Lower Mission of Kelowna (102-4629 Lakeshore Rd)
- Serves Food: Yes. A variety of food trucks.
- Come here for: Quaint barn vibes and food trucks
Barn Owl Brewing is located in a 1921 heritage barn. Not only is the building unique, but the brewery is owned by a doctor, a teacher, and a church worker who just happened to love craft beer and followed their tastebuds to create this iconic Kelowna brewery. Try the local favorites, Don’t Give a Hoot pale ale (5.5% abv), or their Wise Owl Nitro stout (4% abv) and you’re sure to be impressed.
They like to keep it fresh, with each night of the week offering a different food truck cuisine that can include anything from tacos to ramen. They also have live music every Wednesday and Sunday, so stop by to hear a local band and enjoy a local brew!
Related Read: Some of the best coffee shops in Kelowna are located near the breweries too!
9. Unleashed Brewing Co.
- Location: North End (207-880 Clement Ave)
- Serves Food: No
- Come here for: Enjoy a beer with your furry friends
Kelowna and its aptly named pun-tastic breweries do not stop with Unleashed Brewing. One of the newest additions to Kelowna breweries offers a canine-inspired selection of craft beers that are designed to leave you drooling just like our favorite furry friends. Try their Fuggley Dog red ale (6% abv), a beer dedicated to dogs that are so ugly they are cute.
Of course, it is also canine-friendly! Dogs are currently welcome both inside and out on the patio (the first brewery in B.C. to be approved for this!) and if you ask, your dog will even be provided with a dog bed so they can be comfortable while you relax and enjoy your brews. Just make sure to follow their basic rules to keep this a success.
What’s better is that they also aim to provide support to local animal shelters and homes for rescue dogs.
10. Copper Brewing Co.
- Location: Landmark District (#102-1851 Kirschner Rd)
- Serves Food: Yes. Unique hot dogs including the Tace Dog and Pizza Dog!
- Come here for: Video games and a beer with friends!
Copper Brewing is a classic pub with a modern twist – its timber table tops and copper accents come with a video game area! Try a wide range of craft beers from the Copper Lager (5.2% abv) their flagship lager, to the Blackcurrant Sour (5.4% abv) and the approachable House IPA (6.4%).
Enjoy a beer, and a gourmet hotdog for $19 CAD, and play a game or two. And if you’re not a hot dog person, no worries, there is an extensive menu! Try and plan it out accordingly as Copper Brewing has Happy Hour with beer and food specials on Monday to Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Don’t be alarmed if you see a pup wandering around either! This pub was named after the family dog Copper, who sadly passed away before the brewery opening. However, since then Porter, another Bernese, has become the resident brewery dog!
Since this brewery is located outside of downtown, you’ll find parking easily. It is a popular local hangout.
Related Read: If you love craft beer be sure to head over to Vancouver too. Visiting breweries is one of the best things to do in Vancouver – and there is even one really special one on Granville Island!
11. Wild Ambition Brewing
- Location: 3314 Appaloosa Rd
- Serves Food: Yes
- Come here for: Creative craft beer made with mostly local ingredients
As the only brewery in the interior of BC that has a focus on bottle-conditioned mixed fermentation ales, it’s no wonder they are wildly ambitious! Wild Ambition Brewing combines historical brewing methods with modern locally sourced ingredients to create their “Wildly Creative Craft Beer”.
Try one of their barrel-aged beers like A Suggestion of Dark Places, their barrel-aged merlot sour (5.8% abv); or their Ulpia Severina, barrel-aged sour with empress plums (6% abv).
This brewery is super cozy, so grab a chair at the bar, lounge on one of the couches by the fireplace, or sit at a table with your group and nibble on some of their light bites. You can expect to find paninis, grilled cheese sandwiches, burritos, and wraps. There’s something for those who eat plant-based and vegan too!
If you aren’t feeling like beer or want to double fist you can also order a gourmet espresso-based drink as they proudly serve local Bright Jenny coffee.
12. Rustic Reel Brewing Company
- Location: North End (760 Vaughan Ave)
- Serves Food: Yes. A large menu catering to those with dietary requirements.
- Come here for: Rustic vibes and inclusive dietary requirements
This rustic brewery with its tin paneling and wooden decor, tall ceilings, and huge patio gives the feeling that you have retreated to a farm lodge without having to take a step out of the city. Rustic Reel Brewing Company is an IPA fans’ dream with their robust range including their Red (6.8% abv) and Hazy (6% abv).
Looking to eat? At Rustic Reel the sausage flight is a crowd favorite but if that’s not your jam, they also offer a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You can also stop by for Sunday brunch, because is it really too early to have a pint with breakfast?
Rustic Rell Brewing Company is located in a large building with a wrap-around patio – perfect for summer beers in the sun! Even if you’re visiting Kelowna in the winter the large indoor seating area makes this the perfect brewery to visit. The location on the North End also makes it easy to visit along with many other Kelowna breweries on this list.
How to Best Visit Breweries in Kelowna
Many of the breweries in Kelowna are based in the North End and are within easy walking distance from one another. If you want to treat yourself to a weekend getaway of beer tasting, try booking in at the Sunset Waterfront Resort only a short walk from the North End breweries. However, as so many are springing up all around town, those in other parts of town are only accessible by car.
If you really want to enjoy all of Kelowna’s best breweries without limiting yourself to one drink with dinner or needing to catch a taxi/Uber, the other option I recommend is to join a tour! Not only are they super fun but they are also a way more unique way to learn about what you are drinking and gain some insights into the culture of Kelowna.
Best Kelowna Brewery Tours
If you want to hit the city’s top breweries without having to Uber or assign a designated driver one of these tour options would be a great alternative to get around Kelowna and allow everyone to relax and have a fun time!
High Spirits Tour Although one of the more expensive tours out there, the High Spirits Tour is truly a great brewery tour. I can’t write it off just because of the cost because it is one of the best tour options currently available. While it focuses on beer (visiting 3 breweries) you’ll also be able to sample ciders, wine, and spirits too – it doesn’t get more inclusive than this! If you can, come with a large group to lower the individual cost.
Prices for the High Spirits Tour are around $606 CAD per person. So if you have the budget and are looking for the ultimate brewery touring experience, book this tour in advance here!
Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks in Downtown Kelowna is the tour for foodies that has an element of beer! You will get to try 7 different generously portioned samples and drinks from 8 different locations including BNA Brewing. There’s also much to learn about the culture of the Okanagan and your guide will show you many cool gardens, statues, and gardens around town. It cost $104 CAD to go on the tour which is pretty reasonable if you ask me!
For so much good food, and a bit of good beer, this tour is set to be a good time! You can book this tour in advance here.
Other Things to do While in Kelowna
Here’s just a glimpse at some of the other amazing activities and tours you can get up to during your time in this beautiful parkland!
- Visit the wineries – Once you’ve tackled the breweries you can round things out by visiting some of Kelowna’s boutique wineries with picturesque views from the properties. You can visit them on your own with a car or make it easy and join a Kelowna wine tour! We really like this 6-hour East and West Kelowna Wine Tour that includes samples at 4 different stops for $281 CAD.
- Flyboarding – From a water-propelled flyboard you will fly above Okanagan Lake taking in the views while experiencing the thrill that comes with being around 1.5-3.7 meters (5-12 feet) in the air and zipping around at high speeds. While it seems intimidating it is actually extremely easy for beginners and it usually doesn’t take more than 10 minutes for most people to catch on! Flyboarding costs $127 CAD and is one of the most popular and highly-rated things to do in Kelowna during the summertime!
- Kettle Valley Trail at Myra Canyon – Bike riding the Kettle Valley Trail around the Myra Canyon is one of the most popular activities in Kelowna, BC. What was once a railway for trains is now the most scenic trail for cyclists or walkers. You can either rent bikes for around $39 CAD from the start of the trail or join this guided bike tour for $289 CAD that includes learning about the history as you go, lunch at Meadow Vista Honey Wines (your own cost), and a complimentary tasting at 3 to 4 wineries once you finish the 24-kilometer (15 miles) ride in Pemberton (don’t stress about the length, the trail is at a gradual decline).
- Go boating – when in Kelowna, getting out on Okanagan Lake is a must, and going boating is one of the more fun ways to spend the day! In particular, I love pontoon boats because they’re made for entertaining and there’s plenty of room to move around. We headed out on this privately captained pontoon cruise and had an amazing time soaking up the sun and swimming at secluded beaches. The cost $1,770 CAD for a 6-hour rental and they can hold up to 11 people.
- Go on a food tour – The Okanagan Valley is all about fresh produce and all of the treats made with it. With that in mind, it’s no surprise a food tour is one of the best things to do in Kelowna. This highly rated food tour costs about $104 CAD per person and includes 7-8 different tastings around downtown Kelowna. You’re guaranteed to be stuffed!
- Visit beaches – Be a beach bum at one of Kelowna’s beautiful beaches. We’ve visited so many beaches in the area that I lost count of them all. However, I did have some clear favorites that include Hot Sands Beach, Tugboat Beach, and Dog Beach.
Where to Stay in Kelowna, BC
Photo courtesy of Hotel Zed.
Good-value accommodation can be hard to come by in Canada. However, we have been traveling long enough to know where to look and who to trust. Here are some of the best-rated places to stay in Kelowna for all budgets!
Budget $
Kelowna International Hostel – This is easily your best budget option. This hostel is centrally located and although it’s not fancy, it’s only $90 CAD for a private room or only $33 CAD for a bunk. You can make your own free pancakes every morning and they have fun weekly events like Tuesday pasta night! It’s also highly rated as a clean hostel with friendly staff. You can book a room on Hostelworld.com here.
Samesun Kelowna – The last decent budget hotel around $100 CAD for a private room. There are also dorm rooms avaliable for about $35 CAD. The reviews are really good and the property is quite modern. The location is perfect if you want to be close to downtown and they include a free breakfast. You can easily book a room on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Mid Range – $$
Dilworth Inn – I personally stayed at the Dilworth Inn. This place is a great medium-budget option that’s a little out of the city center but very close to the farmers market and other great amenities. They also have an indoor pool, spa, and sauna! Rooms here are about $125 CAD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Luxury – $$$
Hillcrest Farm Market – If you don’t mind staying a little out of the city then you may just fall in love with the Hillcrest. Its located 8km from the city center but is beautifully located. It’s around $250 CAD per night but includes an awesome breakfast!
Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort – This is the best high-budget hotel in Kelowna. It does come at a hefty price of $420 CAD a night but it’s superbly located. It has both an indoor and outdoor pool as well as an onsite casino! If you can afford it, treat yourself!
For more info, check out our blog about where to stay in Kelowna, BC!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading our blog and we hope you find some breweries that you love from this blog!
All in all, whether you prefer the simple joys of an outdoor patio with a view or seek out the quirky and unique craft beers, tasting rooms, and experiences, Kelowna is a great addition to any craft beer lover’s Okanagan Ale Trail itinerary.
Hopefully, this blog about the best breweries in Kelowna helps you narrow down your favorites so you can spend your time in Kelowna doing what’s most important: enjoying the very best of Kelowna craft beer!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out some of our other blogs about BC and the Okanagan including our most popular posts:
5 Absolute BEST Wine Tours in Kelowna + Our Personal Review
How to Spend One Day in Vancouver, BC: An Ideal 1-Day Itinerary