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Kelowna is the gateway to the stunning Okanagan Valley, an area famed for its natural landscapes, hiking and biking trails, ski resorts (Big White is the big one here), and wineries. It’s the largest city in the region and is on the edge of Okanagan Lake. Being just a 4-hour drive from downtown Vancouver means this area is very popular with vacationing Canadians, particularly during the summer months.
As mentioned, there’s skiing in winter in Kelowna at Big White Ski Resort, and in summer, excellent biking and hiking trails as well as some award-winning wineries and breweries right in the heart of downtown Kelowna.
Kelowna is a small city with a big personality, and in my opinion, there’s always something to do in Kelowna! So, why not stay a while and enjoy?
If you’re vacationing in Kelowna, British Columbia then you need to know the best places to stay! This blog post includes everything you need to know before deciding on where to stay in Kelowna. In addition, it includes a description of all of the best areas and towns as well as the best hostels and hotels to suit every budget!
Where are the BEST Areas to Stay in Kelowna, BC?
In this blog post, I’ve listed the three best areas to stay in Kelowna including what to expect from each neighborhood and my personal hostel and hotel recommendations. With this detailed information, you should easily determine where to stay in Kelowna, BC!
Each area in Kelowna has its positives and negatives. Which area you choose depends on what you want to achieve from your stay in Kelowna.
If you want to save some money, then Central Kelowna is the best option for you. Downtown Kelowna has the best nightlife options and many accommodation options with lake views. And finally, West Kelowna is home to excellent hiking trails and some of the best wineries in Kelowna.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Kelowna is the first nation’s word for grizzly bear! But don’t worry, the grizzlies in Kelowna stay in the wilderness!
Getting Around Kelowna
Before you can decide where to stay in Kelowna, you need to understand how easy it is to get around.
Kelowna is serviced by BC Transit buses which offer many routes very regularly. The most common routes include from downtown to Orchard Park Mall, Lakeshore, and East Kelowna. If there isn’t a direct bus to your destination, you can typically transfer downtown to get you there. It’s $2.50 CAD per journey with BC Transit, $6.50 CAD for a day pass, or you can purchase a pack of 10 tickets for $22.50 CAD, which may be helpful as drivers do not carry change.
However, as mentioned earlier, traffic can be awful here during the busy summer months, especially downtown and crossing the bridge to West Kelowna. If you can, walking between destinations might actually prove to be quicker (and a heck of a lot less frustrating.) In the downtown area, everything is within walking distance!
Taxis are readily available – Current Taxi is the largest taxi firm here. Unfortunately, there is currently no Uber available in Kelowna.
Related Read: Heading to Kelowna from Vancouver? Be sure to check out our blog abotu the best stops along the drive!
Central Kelowna
One of the first best areas to stay in Kelowna, with plenty of hotels to choose from, is Central Kelowna. For the simplicity sake of this blog, Central Kelowna is mapped as the area that runs from Harvey Avenue to Highway 33.
The central city of Kelowna has several smaller districts within its boundaries. You can walk between each district quickly, but a sound BC Transit bus system is also here. Surprisingly for a small city, the traffic here can be a nightmare (particularly at rush hour and during the summer), so I recommend walking to most places if you can.
The north end of Central Kelowna (not far from downtown) was once an industrial area and is now a bustling area filled with restaurants and some of the best breweries in Kelowna. In fact, there are six breweries within a couple of blocks here – an excellent place for a brewery tour, don’t you think? Also located in this district is the famous Sandhill Winery as well as the BC Tree Fruits Cider Company.
If you want to do some shopping there are two large shopping malls here – Capri Centre Mall and the Orchard Park Shopping Centre (a great way to spend a rainy day!).
Some of the best restaurants in Central Kelowna include Fiesta Del Sol on Dolphin Ave and The Keg Steakhouse on Underhill Street. To get your coffee fix, one of the most popular cafes in Kelowna is located here – Bean Scene Coffee Works.
Advantages of staying in Central Kelowna:
- Centrally located area – easy to get to most attractions in and around Kelowna
- The accommodation options are cheaper here than downtown and are typically larger
- There are lots of shops and affordable food options such as Red Robin Gourmet Burgers in Orchard Park Shopping Centre
- It is generally less touristy with many locals visiting shops and restaurants around Central Kelowna.
- Easy to find parking
Disadvantages of staying in Central Kelowna:
- It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as downtown due to its industrial past
- There aren’t any walking trails here
- Not many quirky or boutique stores here, unlike downtown, which has plenty
- Traffic can be a problem during peak season
Where to Stay in Central Kelowna
$$$ – Coast Capri Hotel
The Coast Capri Hotel is where I stayed when I visited Kelowna last. I personally love this centrally-located hotel for a great place to stay in Kelowna.
This large hotel offers an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool (with food and drink service), a spa, a state-of-the-art gym, as well as many other facilities. The rooms here are spacious and warmly decorated with a modern touch.
Parking is free and getting around from here is super easy! A quick 5-minute drive to downtown, 5 minutes to the North End Breweries, and only about 10 minutes to East Kelowna wineries – what more could you ask for?!
Rooms here start from around $190 CAD. To me, this is great value considering everything you get for that price. I would stay at the Coast Capri Hotel in Kelowna again.
You can check the availability and book the Coast Capri Hotel on Booking.com.
$$ – Econo Lodge Inn and Suites
Featuring an indoor pool and a hot tub, this budget-friendly option in Central Kelowna is a great option.
At Econo Lodge Inn and Suites, you’ll also find free parking, an on-site Asian food restaurant, and a fitness center. The rooms here are spacious, and some come with a kitchenette (with microwave and fridge). This centrally-located hotel in Kelowna is ideal for families with its smart mix of amenities and reasonable prices.
Rooms here start from about $131 CAD, including an American breakfast.
You can check the availability and book the Econo Lodge Kelowna on Booking.com!
$ – Kelowna International Hostel
Kelowna International Hostel is just a 5-minute walk from the lakefront and the lovely beach at Strathcona Park you’ll find Kelowna International Hostel. For travelers on a tight budget, you can’t really find a better place to stay in Kelowna than this.
There’s a shared kitchen that’s perfect for cooking your own meals or taking advantage of the free pancakes offered here every morning. Plus, there’s even a social common lounge area. In fact, past travelers have noted this as a great place to meet people or by connecting over one of the games in the game room.
The rooms here are basic but comfortable, and you can choose from a private room with a shared bathroom or a bed in a dorm room. Free limited parking is available.
The location is in South Central, near the Kelowna Hospital. You can easily walk to downtown Kelowna from here in about 20 minutes.
Rooms here are approximately $30 CAD for a bed in a shared dorm.
You can check the availability and book the Kelowna International Hostel on Hostelworld!
Downtown Kelowna
As with any large city, the downtown area is the beating heart with the most restaurants, bars, and stores. Kelowna is no different – the downtown area here has all of the above plus great museums and theaters.
Bernard Avenue is the main street downtown, and it’s packed with restaurants, cafes, and quirky red brick storefronts. This street ends at Kelowna City Park and Hot Water Beach, pretty cool! Kelowna City Park is a large waterfront park and is an excellent place for a picnic and a stroll.
One of the best restaurants in downtown Kelowna is West Coast Grill & Oyster Bar. For more casual fare, you can’t go wrong with Little Hobo Soup & Sandwich Shop on Leon Ave.
To walk off all the fantastic food you’ll be eating, walk the 2.2 km (1.4 mi) waterfront boardwalk.
Advantages of staying in downtown Kelowna:
- If you’re after nightlife, this is the area for you – some of the best bars here include micro bar & bites and Jack’s on Bernard
- There’s lots to do here (you don’t need to leave this area at all) – the museums, restaurants, cafes, and best stores are all located here
- The waterfront boardwalk is a big plus
- You can easily get around downtown on foot
Disadvantages of staying in downtown Kelowna:
- It’s the busiest area in Kelowna and, as a result, can be loud
- The accommodation here is more expensive than in other areas
- Parking can be a problem with most options being paid and hotels offering very limited (or expensive parking)
Where to Stay in Downtown Kelowna
$$$ – Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
Situated right on Okanagan Lake with stunning views, this property is seriously impressive. Did I mention it’s enormous – it has three swimming pools, an on-site restaurant and bar that serves craft cocktails and an exclusive wine list, and a spa, and a fitness center?
The beds here are super comfy too, according to past guests. Plus, it’s a short (less than 5-minute walk) to the center of downtown.
Upgrade for a lake view room to enjoy beautiful views each morning as you wake up.
Rooms here start at $375 CAD per night. To me, this is actually pretty reasonable considering the location and all of the amenities on offer.
Important to note is that free WiFi is available but the more reliable connection WiFi costs $9.95 CAD per day.
You can check the availability and book Delta Hotels by Marriott on Booking.com!
$$ – Royal Anne Hotel
This smaller hotel has everything you need right in the center of downtown, including a small fitness center, sauna, and a wine shop. There’s even an Irish bar on-site – O’Flannigans Irish Bar is the perfect option for food and drinks.
The rooms here come with a lake view, city view, or mountain view. Another huge perk is that free parking, WiFi, and a daily breakfast are available.
Rooms here start from $168 CAD per night and all include a TV, desk, and coffee maker. It’s a good modest option for anyone looking for a comfortable, yet affordable, stay right in downtown Kelowna that is only a 10-minute walk to City Park.
You can check the availability and book Royal Anne Hotel on Booking.com!
$ – Samesun Kelowna
Samesun Kelowna is easily your best budget option in downtown Kelowna 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 $108 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 it’s only a 5-minute walk to reach Lake Okanagan Beach. They also include a free breakfast that includes fruit and pancake mix.
You can check the availability and book the Samesun Kelowna on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
West Kelowna
West Kelowna is perhaps the most naturally beautiful area in Kelowna – most of the city’s vineyards and wineries are located here, so think rolling green vineyards. The area is nicknamed ‘Westside’ by locals, and it’s located on the West side of Okanagan Lake directly opposite Kelowna City.
There are forested parks, excellent hiking trails, and vineyards here. One of the best hikes in West Kelowna is within the Rose Valley Regional Park here. The City on The Edge of Forever Trail (unusual name, right?) is a 7.9 km (5 mi) relatively challenging trail. Still, the views of Kelowna CBD and Lake Okanagan from the top are well worth the slog. Another more leisurely hike within Rose Valley Park is the 4.5 km (2.8 mi) Rooster Tree Lake Loop.
Those looking for a place to stay in Kelowna that is peaceful and tranquil will find West Kelowna ideal.
The ‘westside’ is also home to the Westside Wine Trail and many breweries and cider houses. Make sure to visit Mt Boucherie, Frind Estate, and Quail Gate, all top-rated and beautiful wineries in Kelowna.
For food in West Kelowna, I recommend Pizzamoreh on Main St and West Sakura Teriyaki.
Advantages of staying in West Kelowna:
- Perfect area for accessing the region’s wineries – if you’re a wine fan, this is the area for you!
- The best boutique stays are located in West Kelowna
- The views of the rolling vineyards and orchards are stunning
- Quieter location, perfect for a peaceful escape
Disadvantages of staying in West Kelowna:
- Not centrally located – further away from the hustle and bustle of downtown
- There’s no real nightlife here. It’s a tranquil area and ideal for couples
- The bridge to get to Kelowna City can be busy during peak months, expect traffic
Where to Stay in West Kelowna
$$$ – Stylish House with Lake and Mountain View
This Stylish Single House with a lake and mountain view is the most luxurious vacation home option on this list for those will a bigger budget. It would also be an ideal fit for a seriously romantic couples getaway or for larger groups or families of up to 6.
This 3-bedroom villa 17 km (11 miles) from downtown Kelowna, has spectacular lake views. There’s a large living room with a fireplace for socializing as well as a terrace to enjoy the views (perhaps with a glass of wine from one of the wineries nearby). It will really feel like a home away from home!
I usually wouldn’t include somewhere so splurge-worthy, but this one is different. It’s enough to make your friends back home green-with-envy. Plus, if you split the cost between 6 people, it’s pretty affordable for what you’re getting.
To rent the entire villa, which sleeps up to 6 adults, ranges around $420 CAD per night. This is more of an “experience” rather than just a place to stay in Kelowna.
You can check the availability and book the Stylish Single House on Booking.com.
$$ – The Cove Lakeside Resort
The Cove Lakeside Resort is a top choice, offering stunning lake and mountain views and a large outdoor swimming pool (think of an overseas resort vibe). Plus, this hotel has its own marina, a full spa, and an on-site restaurant.
Each room is a complete suite featuring a kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, and a private balcony! How much better could it get?
For the price and all it offers, this is perhaps my favorite place to stay in West Kelowna. It is 7 km (4.3 mi) from the center of West Kelowna and a 20-minute drive to downtown Kelowna. This is a great option for couples or families looking for a quiet escape.
A double room here is approximately $190 CAD per night.
You can check the availability and book The Cove Lakeside Resort on Booking.com.
$ – Rodee Homestay
Rodee Homestay is a unique purse-friendly homestay just 8 km (5 mi) from downtown but still enjoys the peace and quiet of West Kelowna.
The rooms are really cozy and stylishly furnished, and the views from the grounds surrounding the property are seriously gorgeous.
I would recommend having a rental car if staying here as there is no public transport nearby. This is a great place to stay for families traveling together who don’t want to sacrifice price for comfort.
A double room here starts from $126 CAD per night making it one of the only budget-friendly options in West Kelowna.
You can check the availability and book Rodee Homestay on Booking.com.
Related Read: Heading to Vernon next? Check out the best stops on the drive from Kelowna to Vernon including amazing provinical parks, restaurants, and more!
Things to do While in Kelowna
Here’s just a glimpse at some of the 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 $259 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 is $960 CAD for a 3-hour rental or $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 $83 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.
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.
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 using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!
Canada Travel Essentials
Before you decide to head off and explore the gorgeous mountains, lakes, towns, and cities around Canada it’s important to have the right equipment. Of course, it’s likely you’ll have most of the basics already but there are some common items people forget that I never travel without.
Crampons: In winter, crampons are super handy, but what people don’t realize is that they come in handy in summer too. In fact, up until mid-July, you can still expect icy conditions in the mountains. The pair I use is only $37 CAD and they have lasted me 3 seasons so far!
Waterproof shell: Most people will have this item but I thought I’d include it anyway since it’s so handy in Canada. The Columbia waterproof jacket is a lightweight windproof jacket that will seriously save you in many situations. The best part, though? It comes in pink!
Bear bells: These are a must, and for the price, you shouldn’t hike without them. The bear bells I use are only $9 CAD and they come with a silencer (a must) so you can easily travel with them.
Scent-proof bag (for bears): Most people think you only need to keep the smell of food away from you when you’re overnight camping. However, bears can smell the food in your bag while you’re hiking and the best way to avoid an encounter is to use a scent-proof bear bag. Basically, you put your food in the bag and the bear cannot smell it while you’re hiking. This is one item most people never have (I never hike without it) but it could save you and the bear.
Buff: I love my buff! Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. There are a few brands around but I always buy the original Buff (you know, the one from Survivor!) They’re a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying.
Dry bag: I have expensive camera equipment, so I always travel with a dry bag large enough to fit some of my equipment. It can be a camera, book, binoculars, or even my keys. Regardless, a dry bag gives me peace of mind! The MARCHWAY bag is really good quality, and when not in use, takes up only a small amount of room.
Binoculars: I love my binoculars! Seriously they have come in handy so many times, especially when I’m looking for wildlife. The best part is, I use a set that only costs $25 CAD and they serve my basic needs without any issues!
Travel Insurance is more important than ever right now!
If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!) and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!)
It’s safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years!
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide has helped you understand the different areas in Kelowna, BC, and helped you choose where to stay in Kelowna! With so many choices, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect hotel for you!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out my other blogs about visiting The Okanagan and Canada in general. Some other blogs you might love are:
The truth about a Kelowna Wine Tour