Kelowna, BC is a charming city nestled in the Okanagan Valley. With breathtaking mountain views, lush vineyards, and vibrant downtown, Kelowna is a great choice for a sunny holiday. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, you’ll find plenty to do in Kelowna. Here are the best things to do in Kelowna, BC.
1. Hit the Beach
Start your visit to Kelowna, BC with a trip to the beautiful Okanagan Lake Park. Beautiful, sandy, and pebbly beaches surrounded by ponderosa pine and sagebrush make this park the perfect spot for swimming and water activities. With the two large campgrounds in the park with stunning panoramic views, it’s the perfect spot to set up camp for a few nights and soak up the warm Okanagan sun. You can also book boat tours to experience a different perspective of this beautiful lake!
2. Stroll the Kelowna boardwalk
The boardwalk in Kelowna, BC is a beautiful and the best way to take in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The boardwalk is a wide pathway that runs for nearly three kilometers along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, with views of the Kelowna skyline, the waterfront marina, and the stunning Okanagan Valley. It’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC for free. Along the way, you can enjoy the many benches and seating areas, as well as the public art installations and sculptures. Keep your eyes out for wildlife like otters, eagles, and beavers, too!
3. Discover Kelowna’s Myra Canyon Trestles
The Myra Canyon Trestles in Kelowna, BC offers a scenic and unforgettable experience. The canyon is home to 18 trestles and 2 tunnels that were built over a century ago as part of the Kettle Valley Railway. Visitors can hike or bike along the trail, enjoying breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. It’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC if you enjoy exploring, learning and staying active!
4. Go wine tasting!
One of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC is going wine tasting. The Okanagan Valley is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in Canada, and a trip to Kelowna wouldn’t be complete without sampling some for yourself! There are plenty of wineries and vineyards in the area, each offering unique tasting experiences and many wine tours to choose from that will guide your group to each location. Two highly rated recommendations are Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Quails’ Gate Winery. Summerhill Pyramid Winery offers a great selection of sparkling and still wines, as well as a unique pyramid-shaped building with a beautiful view of the Okanagan Valley. Quails’ Gate Winery offers a selection of both white and red wines, and their tasting room is nestled in a charming old-world style farmhouse. Both of these wineries offer great tasting experiences and are definitely worth a visit!
5. Explore downtown Kelowna
For a taste of the local culture, head to the downtown area of Kelowna, BC, located on the north shore of Okanagan Lake. The downtown area is full of unique shops and cafes, as well as museums, galleries, and historic sites. It’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC, especially in the summer! Don’t miss out on the vibrant Saturday farmers’ and crafters’ market, which offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts.
6. Visit the Okanagan Science Centre
One of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC for families is to visit the Okanagan Science Centre! Located in a converted heritage school house, The Science Centre features interactive and educational exhibits such as a robotic arm, virtual reality experiences, and an arts and crafts area. Kids can explore various activities, learn about the natural environment, and have fun with their families. From robotics to physics, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The centre also holds regular events and workshops, like the popular Slime-Making Workshop for kids.
7. Get your adrenaline pumping at the Okanagan Adventure Park
Visiting the Okanagan Adventure Park in Kelowna, BC is an incredible experience! The park is nestled in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and offers a variety of thrilling activities for all ages. The park features a high ropes course, a zipline, and a giant canyon swing. You can also take part in a variety of aerial games that are fun for the whole family. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to spend the day, it’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC!
8. Get silly at Scandia Golf & Games
Scandia Golf and Games in Kelowna, BC offers a variety of amenities when your group has some energy to burn. You can play a round on the 18-hole mini-golf course or challenge yourself with a game of laser tag. For the little ones, it’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC to help burn off energy with a giant play structure with slides and tunnels. The facility also offers a full-service snack bar with a variety of food and drinks. Besides the traditional games, Scandia features a wide selection of arcade and redemption games. These include basketball, air hockey, skee-ball, and more. You’ll have a blast!
9. Go for a hot air balloon ride
Cross this one off your bucket list! Visiting Okanagan Ballooning and taking a ride in a hot air balloon is an incredibly memorable experience. After meeting the experienced pilots and crew, you will take off into the sky, allowing you to take in the stunning views of the Okanagan Valley. It’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC if you aren’t afraid of heights! After you have enjoyed the peacefulness of the flight, you will land softly and have the chance to take amazing photos of the beautiful landscape. It is an experience that will stay with you forever.
10. Enjoy Knox Mountain Park
Knox Mountain Park in Kelowna, BC is a local favourite and popular recreation site. From the stunning views of the Okanagan Valley, to the peaceful and serene atmosphere, a visit to this park is one of the best things to do in Kelowna, BC. There are plenty of activities like hiking and biking trails, breathtaking views, a disc golf course, a tennis court and different thriving ecosystems with native plant species. The park is open year-round, so you can experience the beauty of the park in every season.
We hope this blog post has given you an insight into the amazing city of Kelowna, BC. Whether you’re going winetasting, looking for fun outdoor activities, or a peaceful retreat away from it all, Kelowna is the perfect destination for your next vacation. With its unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure, Kelowna is sure to make for an unforgettable holiday.
