25+ BEST Things to do in Kelowna, BC

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If you love locally sourced wine, fresh fruit, and gorgeous beaches, you’ll absolutely love Kelowna, BC! There is so much to do here, even after visiting numerous times, we still find new ways to indulge – it’s what the Okanagan Valley is all about!

And if indulging isn’t quite your style, there are plenty of outdoor activities, like boating, hiking, or hitting the slopes on a winter vacay. It’s a great getaway any time of the year. 

So now that I’ve convinced you that this area is totally worth a visit, I wanted to list the top things to do in Kelowna! There’s a bit of something for everyone here, just like Kelowna itself. So pack your bags and get ready for a few days in Canadian paradise. 

25+ BEST Things to do in Kelowna, BC

1. Ride the Kettle Valley Trail at Myra Canyon

• Location: Myra Canyon, a 40-minute drive from Kelowna.
• Price: The trail is free but it’s $48 CAD for a half-day bike rent

One of my personal activities in Kelowna, BC is bike riding the Kettle Valley Trail around the Myra Canyon. Why else would it be at the top of our list!?

This route was once a railway that trains passed through. But now, all of the tracks have been removed and what is left behind is one very scenic trail perfect for cycling or walking.

The trail starts up in Myra Canyon Provincial Park only a 40-minute drive from Kelowna. The entire ride is a 22 km (13.7 mi) round trip, but don’t stress, it’s completely flat and easy to ride.

Along the way, you’ll cross lots of wooden bridges and even pass through some old tunnels. You can also expect to see lots of wildflowers and gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake! I loved the ride and despite not getting the greatest weather, had an amazing time.

If you don’t have your own bike then you’ll need to rent one, and luckily enough this can be done at the start of the trail. Myra Canyon Bike Rental rents bikes from the start of the trail for $48 CAD for a half-day.

For a more convenient option, you can also visit Myra Canyon on a guided tour! This bicycle tour on the Historical Kettle Valley Railway will have you peddling for 24 km (14 miles) through tunnels, over bridges, and past beautiful scenery. This way you won’t have to worry about navigating the trail or renting bikes of your own. You’ll also have a guide to dive into the railway’s history and how parts of the trail have been restored after being damaged by wildfires.

But best of all, it includes stops at four wineries after your long bike ride! I love this tour because it combines two of my favorite activities in a simple day trip. All of your wine tastings and bike rentals are included for $289 CAD.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to ride you can just drive to the trailhead and walk for a few kilometers. Of course, you must come back the way you came so keep that in mind as you take in the awesome views!

2. Get tipsy on a wine tour

• Location: Tours pick-up from your hotel and travel to one of the wine regions around Kelowna
• Price: Tours range in price starting at around $120 CAD

It’s no secret that I love wine tours and it’s also well-known that Kelowna is one of the best places in Canada for wine. So, it’s really not surprising that we went on not one, but two wine tours during our most recent visit!

Now if you’re wondering why, well, there are actually a few wine regions around Kelowna, and no tour will take you to all of them – there are simply just too many wineries in Kelowna!

Wanting to experience more, we did one tour through West Kelowna and one through East Kelowna. If you want to venture a little farther, Lake Country on the way to Vernon is another great place for a wine tour. Of course, for most people, one Kelowna wine tour is enough and my advice is that you simply must do at least one!

The wine region around Kelowna is famous for Riesling and Gewürztraminer but there is a much larger variety that includes favorites such as Pinot Noir and amazing Rose.

What I love most about the wineries around Kelowna is that they’re testing the waters and making some very unconventional wines. To me, wine isn’t all about tradition and is more of a forever-evolving industry.

In Kelowna, there are literally dozens of companies that offer different wine tours. There’s really no easy way to choose the right tour, but I highly recommend this sightseeing wine tour for its affordable price, inclusions, and fantastic reviews!

Upon booking you will have the option to visit either East Kelowna or West Kelowna wineries and your group will visit 4 very different wineries for samples! I love this tour because no matter which side of Kelowna you decide to explore, the wineries there will not disappoint – trust me I’ve been to a lot of them!

During our tour, our guide also shared with us the secrets of the soil and what makes the region so ideal for wine-making. Being that the tour is 4 hours long we did not feel rushed and had plenty of time to walk the vineyards, relax, and admire the impressive lake views! This tour is only $159 CAD and includes all of your wine tastings and roundtrip transportation from your hotel, so it’s actually a great price for what you get.

You can book the same tour we took with flexible cancellation here!

Of course, you don’t have to do a tour to enjoy the best wineries in Kelowna, and as long as you have a designated driver, you can visit cellar doors on your own. In fact, some Kelowna wineries are even perfect for a picnic lunch!

Some of my personal favorite wineries in and around Kelowna include:

• Quail’s Gate
• Mission Hill
• Sandhill Wines
• Vibrant Vines
• Ciao Bella
• Tantalus Vineyards
• Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
• The Hatch
• Arrowleaf

Related Read: Want to try more wine? Check out our guide on the best things to do in Salmon Arm for more wineries to check out nearby!

3. Explore the local cuisine on a food tour

• Location: Downtown Kelowna
• Price: $95 CAD +

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. We love food tours and have done them all over the world including a food tour in Vancouver recently.

Our food tour through Kelowna made five stops at different restaurants around the city. At each place, we tried foods from some of the best restaurants in town and the portions were huge. We even got to enjoy a special paired beverage at the end! It’s certainly not a tour you’ll leave hungry from!

We did our Spirit of Downtown Tour with Okanagan Foodie Tours and couldn’t recommend them enough. We had a fantastic time and at only $95 CAD per person for the tour, it’s really good value!

Another highly rated food tour is the Downtown Kelowna Walking Food Tour. For about $104 CAD per person, you’ll get 7-8 different tastings at the top spots around downtown Kelowna. What a great value for the cost!

Plus, it’s not only a food tour but as you are walking between restaurant stops you’ll also check out some of Kelowna’s notable sights such as the Kasugai Japanese Garden and the Rotary Centre for the Arts. There is a lot to eat and see on this tour so come with an empty stomach and your camera!

You can book the Okanagan Foodie Tour or the Kelowna Walking Food Tour here!

Related Read: There are also some incredible cafes and coffee shops in Kelowna that you should check out!

4. Hit the slopes

• Location: Big White Ski Resort or Silver Star Mountain
• Price: Expect to pay around $100-$150 CAD for a ski lift pass.

If you’re in Kelowna in winter then be sure to take on one of the top BC activities and head up for some skiing and snowboarding at their local ski field called Big White Ski Resort. There are plenty of runs for all levels and the views from there are epic.

Alternatively, you could drive a little further and hit up Silver Star Mountain Resort, which is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away. Hitting the slopes at Silver Star is easily one of the best things to do in Vernon, but being relatively close it also is easily accessible from Kelowna. And typically SilverStar is less busy than Big White, which I always love when skiing!

Expect to pay around $150 CAD for a full-day lift pass. Gear rentals and lessons will be extra. But, if you want more than one day of shredding, multi-day passes are available at a discount.

The biggest tip I can share with you is to try to go during the week. During the weekends it is much busier and you’ll spend a lot of time waiting in line for the chairlifts. Plus, lift tickets are cheaper on weekdays.

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to worry about parking at the resort you can alternatively book a taxi, bus, or shuttle.

The Public SilverStar Ski Shuttle is the most popular option that offers several pick-up spots including the airport and nearby hotels. This costs $25 CAD one way per person or $40 CAD round-trip.

If you don’t fancy carrying around your ski gear to catch the public shuttle, you can book this private one-way or round-trip SilverStar Shuttle. They can pick you up from your exact Vernon or Kelowna hotel or even straight from the airport if you are staying at the resort (they will even let you make a grocery stop!). While this luxury shuttle service is a bit more expensive at $130 CAD roundtrip, it certainly makes your transportation much simpler – which I am all for!

Note: If you’re visiting Kelowna in the summer you can visit both ski hills too for downhill mountain biking or sightseeing and hiking. Keep reading for more info!

Related Read: Skiing is also one of the best things to do in Revelstoke, another gorgeous town not too far away!

5. Visit Kangaroo Creek Farm

• Location: A 20-minute drive from Kelowna
• Price: $20 CAD for adults, $10 for children, under 5’s are free

Okay, so this isn’t something I was overly keen on doing. I mean, I am from Australia and have seen thousands of Kangaroos before. In fact, we try to avoid them when we’re driving on country roads back home.

However, having Canadian in-laws meant a visit to Kangaroo Creek Farm was certain. For anyone who hasn’t seen a kangaroo before, this is one of the best chances you’ll get outside of Australia.

The drive to the farm from Kelowna is around 20 minutes.

The entrance costs $20 CAD for adults and $10 CAD for kids making it one of the cheap things to do in Vernon. The farm is home to many types of kangaroos including small joeys (baby kangaroos). In addition, they also have other types of animals here including but not limited to a sugar glider, a capybara, a pot-bellied pig, an emu, and a peacock.

Kangaroo Creek Farm is a really unique opportunity and the farm is run by lovely people who really love their kangaroos!

6. Soak up some sun at one of Kelowna’s beaches

• Location: All throughout Kelowna and the surrounding areas
• Price: Free to visit the beaches, just bring a cooler of food and drinks!

To nobody’s surprise, I was a total beach bum while we were visiting Kelowna. Can you blame me? The sun was always shining, the sand was toasty warm, and I had some beach reads on my Kindle.

We visited so many beaches in the area that I lost count of them all. However, I did have some clear favorites that I would recommend to anyone visiting! Here are my top recommendations:

• Hot Sand Beach — This one gets a recommendation because there is so much to do here besides sunbathing. There’s volleyball, basketball, tennis courts, and even a waterpark for younger members of your crew!

• Tugboat Beach — This beach was my most frequented, since it is in the center of Kelowna but was a little bit more relaxed than some of the surrounding beaches. Bring an umbrella because there is not a lot of natural shade!

• Dog Beach — Most beaches don’t allow dogs, so if you are hoping to bring your pup, you should definitely head to Dog Beach in Ceder Creek Park.

• Rotary Beach Park – a great spot for swimming and sunset with beautiful views of Peachland’s valley across the lake. It has bathrooms, picnic tables, a playground, concessions, and kayak and paddleboard rentals.

• Bryce-Gyro Beach – a nice clean city beach that is great for those with kids as the water stays shallow for a long distance. It has play structures and even 2 free zip lines. If you don’t like being in full sun there are also shade trees to sit under. Parking is cheap, starting at $1.25 CAD per hour but can be limited at busy times. For even more fun, make use of the volleyball court or rent a paddleboard or water trike.

• Sarsons Beach Park – On this list, this beach is located the most southern from central Kelowna but still only a 10-minute drive away. It is one of the least busy beaches and far enough from the city where you can’t hear the traffic. There is also lots of combined sand and grass space. If you’re looking for serenity, this is it!

7. Fly on a Flyboard!

• Location: Okanagan Lake
• Price: $127 CAD for a one-hour board rental

Did you know that you can actually fly over Okanagan Lake while in Kelowna? Well, you can on a water-propelled Flyboard! This is a super unique activity in Kelowna that involves flying on a board and it works by fastening yourself into the boots on the board and having water funneled from a jet ski into the jet turbines underneath the board that will propel you upward so that you can actually fly.

While I have not personally done this activity, it is certainly high on my bucket list! Although, this activity is popular, so it’s been booked up every time we’ve been there – best to book it ahead of time!

On the flyboard, you will explore Okanagan Lake taking in the views and having a few laughs along the way. Don’t be mistaken though, these flyboard go fast! On the flyboard, you can reach speeds of up to 55 km/h (34 miles/h) and beginners can expect to reach a height of around 1.5-3.7 meters (5-12 feet). This makes for a thrilling ride and it’s a great alternative to a jet ski, plus, it’s something that you’ve probably never done before!

Flyboarding is also much easier than it looks and with some simple instructions, most people the hang of it within a few minutes – anybody can do it!

This flyboarding experience in Kelowna costs $127 CAD for a 30-minute session that includes all safety gear as well as instructions on how to control the board. Please keep in mind that you must be 12 years or older to ride a flyboard.

You can check the avaliablity and book your Flyboard experience in advance here.

8. Taste some local cider

• Location: There are many cideries around Kelowna with BC Tree Fruits being the closest to the city
• Price: Tastings are by donation or around $5 CAD

A wine tour, a food tour, and now I’m telling you to go try cider… you may need to unbutton your pants by the end of your visit, but one thing’s for sure, you’re going to enjoy yourself in Kelowna! Anyways, back to the cider!

The Okanagan produces a lot of apples and since cider has made a huge comeback, many of the orchards have even switched their focus to making world-class cider.

But the small cideries haven’t limited their cider to apples and you can try a huge range of ciders including cherry, plum, and peach. The best part? They’re all delicious!

There are a few good places around town with my favorite being the BC Tree Fruit Cidery. They have awesome cider and their tasting fee is waived with the purchase of any cider.

Soma Craft Cidery is another popular place to visit in Kelowna. It is located a little outside of downtown Myra Canyon, but for cider lovers, it is well worth a visit!

Another on of my favorite cider places is Cambium Cider Co. They’re actually closer to Vernon and their tasting and sales desk is actually located at the BX Orchard. Cambium is a little pricy but their tasting donation actually goes to charity and their cherry cider is really tasty!

9. Test your skills at axe throwing

• Location: Axe Monkeys, 3190 Sexsmith Rd, Kelowna
• Price: $30 CAD per hour per person

Axe throwing was the sport I never thought I’d ever do but absolutely loved! Essentially, you throw an axe one of three ways at a wooden target (and hope it sticks). It sounds simple, and it is, but it does take a little getting used to.

While we were in Kelowna I had my first axe throwing experience at Axe Monkeys. Both Bailey and I walked in a little unsure but left wishing we had more time. Our hour of throwing (which we thought would be enough) went by super-fast and we were laughing the whole time!

An hour of axe throwing costs $30 CAD (they have discounts for servicemen, women, and kids) in Kelowna which compared with other places (like Whistler) was very cheap. An hour is enough if you just want to try it but we could’ve stayed for two.

Honestly, it’s not something you think you’d like until you try it – so give it a go! Plus, it’s also one of the best things to do in Kelowna on a rainy or cold day since it is indoors.

10. Drink ALL the craft beer

• Location: There are breweries all over Kelowna
• Price: Beers start from around $6 CAD each

Kelowna isn’t just for wine lovers. In fact, these days Kelowna has just as much to offer craft beer connoisseurs. New craft breweries are popping up all over Kelowna and the newfound craft beer scene has since started the annual Okanagan Craft Beer Festival each May in Kelowna.

There are literally so many different breweries to visit in Kelowna, but some of my personal favorites include:

• BNA Brewing – This brewery is located in a historic building with decor that will blow you away! They have lots of rotating taps and also serve food. Oh ya, they also have a bowling alley so you can have beers and bowl!

• Barn Owl Brewing Co – A fairly new brewery in Kelowna, Barn Owl Brewing is set in a – you guessed it – barn! They don’t serve food but you are encouraged to bring your own food, so it’s a great place for a summer picnic complete with craft beer.

• Kelowna Brewing Company – If you’re going to visit just one brewery in Kelowna, make it Kelowna Brewing Company. Located in downtown Kelowna this huge brewery also doubles as a pub and restaurant offering a huge variety of craft beers from around the area, and delicious food too!

The cheapest way to get to all of the different breweries would be by taxi, and luckily they are all relatively close together. So you can make your own self-guided brewery-hopping tour!

11. Cruise the lake on a pontoon tour

• Location: Okanagan Lake
• Price: $160 CAD + per person

Summer in Kelowna, BC is all about the lakes and we spent a lot of time on (and in) them! The largest lake in the area is Okanagan Lake. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cruise on a pontoon boat.

What I love about pontoon boats is that they’re made for entertaining and there’s plenty of room to move.

We headed out on Okanagan Lake on a pontoon and had an amazing time soaking up the sun and swimming at secluded beaches. It was a day well spent and to be honest, actually quite cheap for such a fun and carefree activity with friends. There is a range of tours available from all-day adventures to 1-hour cruises.

I personally recommend getting your group together and joining a 6-hour cruise like this one. It cost around $1,700 CAD and held up to 11 people. While that is definitely a lot of money upfront, if you have the maximum of 11 people on board, it brings the cost down to just $160 CAD per person. The boat also comes with a captain, so you really don’t have to worry about a thing!

This is my ideal summer Kelowna activity, so don’t skip out on this one.

You can check out the details and book this boat with FREE 24-hour cancellation in advance here.

12. Relax on a sailing cruise

• Location: Okanagan Lake
• Price: $130-160 CAD for 2-6 people

For another boating activity, try a relaxing sailing cruise! This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy Okanagan Lake, as it feels a little fancy and oh-so-relaxing on this private sailboat cruise.

Getting the chance to go on a sailboat actually doesn’t come around very often, so this is a bucket-list experience in my book. Plus, your captain can take the helm as you sit back and enjoy the views of Kelwona or spend time with your friends.

You’ll let the wind carry you past downtown Kelowna, City Park, Hot Sands Beach, and the Floating Bridge. I also love that the captain will teach you how to drive the boat if you want to learn! The price for two people begins at $350 CAD and the cost goes down with the more people you bring, up to six people.

This sailboat experience is available from May through September when the weather is at peak perfection.

You can check all the details and get sailing by booking in advance here!

13. Go fruit picking

• Location: Various farms surrounding Kelowna
• Price: Free to pick, you just pay for the berries.

If you wanted to know where to get the freshest fruit in the Okanagan, I would have to say it’s at the self-pick farms! Straight from the tree to your mouth (and bucket), you can pick some of your favorite fruits and berries at a discounted rate.

We headed off to a small farm right on the lake and picked around a million raspberries. We were a little worried it would cost a small fortune but we left with 3 lbs of raspberries for around $7 (not to mention the pound Bailey ate while I was picking!).

Self-picked berries are the way locals around here stock up on fruit. But, I think it’s also a great activity in Kelowna for tourists too!

There are plenty of farms around town to go picking. Some are simply signposted and others advertise online. For a list of farms to visit check out this blog from Tourism Kelowna on U-pick locations.

14. Visit the Kelowna Farmers and Craft Market

• Location: Landmark District
• Price: Free to attend

Everyone loves a good market and the Kelowna Farmers and Craft Market is just that! We visited on a Wednesday morning and grazed on delicious foods all morning and even picked up a few souvenirs.

The event itself is open all year round however, in winter the market goes indoors, and in summer, well, it’s out in the beautiful Okanagan sunshine!

The Kelowna Farmer’s Market is filled with food, produce, and crafts. You can get a huge range of gifts, snacks, and much more. It’s something I really enjoyed and well worth your time! In fact, it’s rated one of the top markets in all of BC.

In summer, the market is held every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am until 1 pm. They actually got a new location in the Landmark District, which is now it’s permanent home after years of uncertainty – how exciting! The summer market starts in April and goes on until around October. In winter, the market is only held on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm and is held at the Parkinson Rec Center.

15. Drive through scenic Lake Country

• Location: Just outside of Kelowna heading toward Vernon
• Price: Free, just the cost of gas (or a rental car if you need one.)

Lake Country is gorgeous! This little region outside of Kelowna is literally surrounded by lakes and by simply driving through it you will be rewarded with stunning views. Head out of Kelowna on Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 towards Vernon.  

This drive should take around an hour, and you can stop at attractions on the road between Kelowna and Vernon such as The Jammery (more on this later in the blog), Kalamalka Lake, and then once in Vernon, enjoy some of the best things to do there too! 

16. Walk the waterfront

• Location: Downtown Kelowna along Okanagan Lake
• Price: Free

One of the best free things to do in Kelowna is simply walking the waterfront. Head to downtown Kelowna and go for a stroll along the water’s edge. Visit the marina, waterpark and playground, Hot Sands Beach, and of course the iconic bear statue!

If I go out to dinner at a restaurant downtown, I love walking along the waterfront afterward to help my full belly! Plus, it’s just as goregous at night! And if you can time it right to catch the sunset, walk the Waterfront Boardwalk to Tugboat Beach. It’s my favorite sunset spot in Kelowna!

17. See live music at Revelry Food + Music Hub

• Location: 1383 Ellis St, Downtown Kelowna
• Price: Admission varies upon performance

After all this outdoor adventure, we need to balance out the list with a little nightlife! Revelry Food and Music Hub is the newest music venue in downtown Kelowna and it truly gives you a feel for the local side of the city.

The venue is a converted apple packing warehouse, but you couldn’t tell from the looks of it. It has two levels, on the first floor you’ll see a large stage with light and a great sound system, and the second floor is made out of locally sourced timber, so it is environmentally conscious. But honestly, this place is stunning! Equipped with a full kitchen and a seasonal menu using local ingredients – this is your prime British Columbia-style night out.

But of course, this is a music venue! They offer a variety of events, but musical performances are their main thing. I often enjoy showing up to a local music event in a place I’m visiting, even if I don’t know the band. It’s simply fun to dive into a lively atmosphere, and who knows – maybe you’ll find your new favorite artist!

Last time we were in Kelowna, we stopped in here and saw a Vancouver-based band that I’d never heard of. It was so much fun!

The event schedule rotates regularly, so you can check what’s scheduled on their website here, or you can simply show up and be surprised! There is usually always something happening on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but they also have events randomly throughout the week.

Please keep in mind that most of these ticketed events are 19+, and the cost of admission varies on the show. Purchasing tickets online ahead of time will usually save you $5 CAD, rather than purchasing at the door.

18. Enjoy dinner and drinks with a view

• Location: Various restaurants around Kelowna, BC
• Price: For restaurants with a view, expect to pay upwards of $25 CAD for a main dish.

This is another activity for foodies (you’re welcome!). In and around Kelowna there are some really tasty restaurants. And the best part is that some of these restaurants offer incredible views from their dining room. That’s right, dinner with a view! 

Old Vine Restaurant is definitely among the top of my personal favorite restaurants in Kelowna that has scenic views. It is located at Quail’s Gate Winery so as you can imagine the views of the vineyards and lake are incredible. It is also one of the oldest original winery restaurants in West Kelowna dating back 6 generations.

Their menu is fabulous with a wide variety of fresh appetizers such as oysters, carpaccio, or their farmer’s salad with eggs and a green goddess dressing. For mains, choose from a lot of mouthwatering seafood dishes like herb-crusted halibut, stuffed cod, or seafood pasta. If you’re looking for a heartier meat dish, their lamb burger or a ribeye or flank steak cooked to your liking always hits the spot!

There’s really no bad time to dine here it just depends on what mood you’re looking for. Go for lunch to enjoy the sunlight hitting the hills or for a romantic ambiance enjoy dinner around sunset and wait as the mood changes when the string lights light up once it’s dark!

If you’re visiting on Sunday, Old Vine Restaurant has a weekly Sunday brunch menu. It is a more expensive restaurant but you’ll save some money if you go during their daily happy hour which lasts from 2:30 to 5 pm.

Terrace at Mission Hill Winery is another outstanding restaurant on an impressive vineyard property. The aspect I love most about their restaurants is that their menu is built around ingredients found in the Okanagan Valley.

Depending on the time of the year you visit the menu will be different based on what ingredients are in season. You can’t food more authentic and intentional than this!

Both the lunch and dinner menus are structured as a multi-course set menu. You can see samples of what you can expect here. Lunch is a set price at $60 CAD per person, and dinner is $85 CAD before tax and tip. Each course also includes a fine wine pairing from their own Mission Hill Winery, and the food will knock your socks off – trust me.

I would highly recommend making reservations in advance, as this place is more than popular.

If you want to stay downtown, the Cactus Club Cafe near the Kelowna Yacht Club will provide gorgeous waterfront and mountain views (especially during sunset) with heavenly-tasting dishes.

The interior is very open and spacious and the atmosphere is lively with good music playing in the background. It would be perfect for large groups or celebrations and even though it is typically very busy the staff does the most to be timely and accommodating.

On the menu, there is something for everyone, whether you’re craving a classic burger, want something healthier like a bowl, or even a more elevated dish like fish, chicken, or steak.

Cactus Club Cafe doesn’t take reservations and they are open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 am to 12 am and Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 12:30 am.

19. Visit Okanagan Distillery for a tour and tasting

• Location: 267 Bernard Ave in downtown Kelowna
• Price: Tours start from $15 CAD per person

Do you love spirits? Whisky? What about blue-colored-gin that turns pink when mixed with tonic? Well then, you need to head to Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery. Located in downtown Kelowna, this family-owned and operated place is a retail shop offering locally-made spirits as well as a tasting room and bar.

Head there to sample some high-quality spirits for $10 CAD a tasting (this is waived if you purchase a spirit). Or, join one of their many guided tours and tastings. We did the Farm to Flask tour which is a quick 30-minute tour with four tastings where we learned about the spirit-making process and the history of the distillery.

This is a great experience for anybody who enjoys a good spirit! Their Evolve Gin is my personal favorite. 

They also have two other tours, one is the Whiskey Experience, and the other is called the “Gin” Production Experience. Perfect if you are partial to either spirit.

If you are planning on just doing a spirit tasting then you can simply drop by the distillery anytime, however, if you want to book an experience an advanced booking is required. You can do so here online, just be sure to select Kelowna, or else you’ll have to drive an hour to the location in Vernon!

20. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing

• Location: Kelowna Nordic Club
• Price: $15 CAD per person per day

One of the best things to do in Kelowna in the winter is either cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Both are fun outdoor activities that practically anybody can do with a little practice. On cross-country skis or snowshoes, you’ll be able to explore winter terrain easily, just like the local Canadians do!

The Kelowna Nordic Club maintains a large network of both ski and snowshoe trails. For $9 CAD a day you can access snowshoe trails, and for $18 CAD a day you can access the ski trails. Both of these are groomed and maintained regularly.

If you need to rent skis or snowshoes your best bet is to visit Fresh Air Concept, a store in Kelowna since Kelowna Nordic does not offer gear rentals.

21. Go hiking

• Location: Various locations all around Kelowna
• Price: Free

Hiking is a popular activity in Kelowna and the surrounding area. There are tons of different hiking trails you can explore that range from easy to difficult.

Head to Myra Canyon for a flat and easy walk along the iconic Kettle Valey Trail (as we mentioned earlier for biking!). The entire trail is 25.1 kilometers long (15.6 miles) but the best part is that you don’t have to walk very far for amazing views. Choose how long you want to walk for and then come back. The route has numerous tunnels through rocks and trussell support bridges overlooking steep declines which are super cool to see in person!

For something a little more exciting, head to Knox’s Mountain Park located 25 minutes north of downtown Kelowna.

I recommend walking to Paul’s Tomb, it’s a moderate 4.8 kilometer (3 miles) out-and-back trek that gains very little elevation. At the end, you can go swimming or do some cliff jumping if you dare! It only takes most people a little over an hour to complete so it’s a great option for busy itineraries.

Inside Knox Mountain Park there are other trails you can choose from too that vary in length and difficulty, there is even a trail well suited for mountain biking if that’s your thing!

For some epic views without having to hike up a huge elevation gain, take the scenic chairlift at the ski resorts in the summer. We went to SilverStar Mountain Resort and did this. Once at the top of the mountain, we could walk easily to different viewpoints before taking the chairlift back down again.

Tickets for the SilverStar gondola cost $55 CAD per person and can easily be booked online.

22. Sightsee on a parasailing adventure

• Location: Ogopogo Parasail Kelowna or Okanagan Parasail
• Price: $90+ CAD per person

Parasailing in Kelowna might be one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done (so far!). Not only are you sailing in the sky, but you are also able to soak in the sights in a way you just can’t get on the ground.

Since it was the two of us, we decided to book a tandem flight. While we were in the air, I was able to relax and appreciate the area’s beauty. I got some incredible pictures up there too!

A bonus is that you don’t even have to get wet if you’d prefer not to! We decided to get in the water, but the group before us was completely dry when they left. Just let the crew know before you’re up there.

In total, the activity lasts around 1 hour with around 10 minutes of airtime, and the rest is spent riding in the boat.

If you can only do one adventure activity while you are in Kelowna, BC make it a parasailing trip!

23. Buy delicious cheese

• Location: 1046 Richter St in Kelowna’s brewing district
• Price: Tastings are free and buying cheese ranges in price.

Okay, so far in this blog I’ve talked a lot about wine, beer, spirits, fruit, cider, restaurants, cafes – all that’s missing is cheese! Luckily for you, there is now a specialty cheese shop right in Kelowna!

Perseval & Young is Kelowna’s first specialty cheese shop. Here, you’ll find over 350 varieties of cheese that are on rotation both from Canada and around the world. While they don’t make their own cheese on-site, you can ensure you’re getting the freshest cheese at the highest quality!

Stop in for a tasting, but just be sure to bring your wallet too as I doubt you’ll be able to leave empty-handed!

24. Go ziplining

• Location: A 20-minute drive from Kelowna
• Price: $100 CAD per person

Located just 20 minutes north of Kelowna is Oyama Adventure Park. Here you’ll find all sorts of aerial attractions including my personal recommendation – ziplining! You’ll whiz through the treetops along their huge zipline course consisting of 7 different zip lines totaling over 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of lines! It is exciting, and the views up there are stunning too.

Of course, this is a summer activity that should be booked in advance on their website. Expect to pay around $100 CAD per person for the zipline experience. Kids who weigh less than 50 lbs will, unfortunately, have to give this a miss. However, they have other things to do for kids at the park in the Kids Play section.

25. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Jammery

• Location: Near the airport on the outskirts of Kelowna
• Price: Around $15 for breakfast

The Jammery is a local secret and the best place in Kelowna for breakfast. We found out about it while visiting Bailey’s family (who are Vernon and Kelowna locals).

The Jammery is an interesting mix of a restaurant and jam-tasting (and sales) shop – they claim to be the first like it in the world. The jams they sell are famous and the breakfast may be even more so. All of their jams are made to a very high quality and they even have some sugar-free options – which is a great alternative for those with a sweet tooth!

How good does their Golden Belgian waffle with Jammery Strawberry or 4 Berry Sauce and whipped cream sound? For something on the savory side try the British Columbia Eggs Benedict that is topped with Pacific smoked salmon, Jammery Apricot Jam folded in cream cheese, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.

They actually now have two locations! The original restaurant is located a little outside of Kelowna on the main highway to Vernon near the airport, and the new location is closer to town. It is recommended you book in advance to secure a table, believe me, this place gets busy!

They are open daily from 7 am to 3 pm.

26. Learn to rock climb at Skaha Bluffs

• Location: Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, about an hour from Kelowna
• Price: Free to visit the park, $130 CAD for the intro to rock climbing tour

Located only an hour’s drive from Kelowna is Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park. Here, you can see hung canyons and rock walls as you hike one of the many trails.

The main trail here is the Skaha Bluffs Trail which is only a short 3.4-kilometer (2.1 miles) out-and-back trail that is narrow and rocky. It does have some nice viewpoints but you also should note that the trail isn’t well marked so be sure to follow the map closely, otherwise you may be led out to sheer drops on the cliff’s edge. Due to this, bringing young kids on this trail may not be the best idea.

If you’re looking for a new challenge to do while in Kelowna rock climbing is one of the most exciting options!

Parking Info: When the main parking lot fills up do NOT park along the side of the road or you will be subject to being towed. There is an overflow lot at the bottom of Smythe Road.

Where to Stay in Kelowna, BC

The truth is that there are so many hotels in Kelowna that it can be hard to know which one to choose for your stay. Well luckily for you, Dan and I have stayed in a lot of different hotels in Kelowna and have been able to narrow it down to our absolute favorites!

Here are the best places to stay in Kelowna including our personal top choice, a few budget options, mid-range options, as well as some luxury options for those of you looking to spoil yourselves!

Coast Capri Hotel Kelowna – Our Top Choice

We’ve stayed at our fair share of hotels in Kelowna, but last time we stayed at the Coast Capri Hotel and loved it! Our pool-view room was perfect with a huge balcony, two large queen beds, and even a desk area so that we could get some work done (when we weren’t busy down by the pool, of course!)

One of the best things about the Coast Capri Hotel is that it’s affordable without sacrificing any of the comforts you’ll need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay – suitable for almost all travelers and budgets. The location is central and the amenities are top-notch.

If you’re visiting in the summer be sure to go to the pool where you can order food and drinks to enjoy poolside – we even had cocktails in the pool one night!

You can book this hotel on Booking.com. Be sure to book as far in advance as possible because these guys are often fully booked!

Budget – $

Samesun Kelowna – This is easily your best budget option and one of the only options for backpackers. A dorm bed in a mixed room costs $41 CAD whereas a private room with a shared bathroom costs $98 CAD. The reviews are really good and the property is quite modern, plus, there is a large common kitchen and indoor and outdoor lounge spaces. The location is perfect if you want to be close to downtown and they include a free breakfast that includes fruit and pancake mix.

You can book a room on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.

Mid-range – $$

Days Inn by Wyndham Kelowna – This hotel is located a few minutes from town and although it’s not fancy it was just renovated and costs $152 CAD for a queen room with a sofa. The property also provides toiletries and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Outside there is a pool to enjoy in the summer and it’s also reviewed as a clean hotel with friendly staff.

Dilworth Inn – I’ve 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! Some of the queen rooms even have kitchenettes and cost $175 CAD a night so you can save more money and eat in your room.

Luxury – $$$

Hillcrest Farm Market B&B – If you don’t mind staying a little out of the city then you may just fall in love with the family-run Hillcrest. It’s located 8 km (26 mi) from the city center but is beautifully located. It’s around $250 CAD per night but includes an awesome breakfast downstairs at the cafe! Most of the rooms have private balconies, a fireplace, and mountain views. There is also a cherry farm on the property which has a unique story behind it.

Delta Hotels – 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!

Related Read: Heading to Vernon? Check out all of the best Airbnbs in Vernon, BC to suit any traveler!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!

Thanks for reading!

Thanks so much for reading! We honestly appreciate it so much! I hope this blog has helped you have a wonderful holiday in Kelowna. It is truly a beautiful city and one I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

If you have any questions please leave them below and we will get back to you! Also if you liked this travel guide check out all our Canada travel guides here or these related articles below!

How to Spend a Weekend in Kelowna, BC – 2 Day Itinerary!

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