Kelowna is a lakeside city along the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
You can enjoy paddle boarding, winery tours, play on premier golf sites and destinations (a total of 19 well maintained golf courses can be found in this city), visit the orchards of cherries and grapes, and an array of things to do making your options to explore the city filled with unlimited possibilities.
The Lake Okanagan is a picturesque lake with lots of activities and sights to discover. There are nature parks, beaches, marinas, and even hotels lined along its banks.
It allows the practice of various physical activities like; swimming, parasailing, volleyball on the beach and fishing.
The lake is mandatory and almost inevitable to visit when you are in Kelowna. It is part of the city’s postcard and is good for both walks for couples, family, or even to play extreme sports.
Best time to visit Kelowna?
The summer months of June to August is recognized as the high season because of the outdoor activities and festivals during this time.
The temperature drops to a low of 70s, making it an ideal time to go swimming in the beaches and lakes.
The only negative side about the peak season is the high cost of hotel rates and flight accommodations.
It is wise to book at least three months in advance to get the best and affordable hotel deals.
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, do not let the freezing temperatures from December to February dissuade you.
The cold weather draws in more backpackers and travelers to hit the ski slopes and endure the 30s to 40s temperature.
Despite the intermittent rains, tourist arrivals are on the rise because it is during the low season months when hotel rates are more affordable and there are fewer crowds on its major attractions.
After summer, comes autumn (September to November).
It signifies the start of the school year and the end of the summer vacation. When there are fewer vacationers, establishments and hotel rates offer discounts as well as flight deals too.
These months are also an ideal time to visit Kelowna.
March to May is the spring season and when the ideal temperature ranges from the 50s to 60s.
The flowers in the nature parks are in full bloom around this time, the weather is neither humid nor cold, hotel rates are reasonable, and there are cultural festivals to celebrate in Kelowna making these months the best time to visit the city.
Best things to do in Kelowna
Here are the main attractions and things to do in the city of Kelowna…
Lake Okanagan
It is a beautiful lake that is a little narrow, but very long in the Okanagan Valley and complements the entire landscape. It has beaches and docks for boats and cruise packages for tourists.
The Lake Okanagan is the main attraction of Kelowna where you can go boating and do various activities, from swimming to parasailing.
In addition, there are several restaurants overlooking the lake. The coolest thing to do is to make a stroll by the lake and talk to the guides.
The place has several stories. In summer, it is the favorite place of the locals and the neighboring towns, so on weekends there is always a lot of movement.
Lake Okanagan is Canada’s center of fruit and viticulture. This is a good reason to visit a winery, and the first place to visit here is the Mission Hill Winery.
From there you have a picturesque view over the lake. In Summerland, you can drive to the Giants Head (840 m), it is an extinct volcano located in the city.
You can drive along the serpentine narrow road and be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view over the Lake Okanagan and Summerland.
There are many small fruit markets of the growers at the roadside, and you can choose to buy here than from the supermarkets.
There are many beaches around the lake that is ideal for swimming and lounging. The water here is always clean and very cold.
What else to do in Kelowna?
Myra Canyon Park
The walk along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the Myra Canyon Park is one of the real highlights on a tour of Kelowna.
This place was destroyed by a forest fire in 2003 and the forest, as well as the numerous wooden bridges and tunnels of the former railway line lend this trail its uniqueness.
Along the way, there are also a lot of wildlife animals to encounter like; the chipmunks, squirrels, eagles and even a black bear.
It is a very nice casual park that is situated along the former railroad bed, which can be explored on foot or by bike.
The Tressels are very impressive and has breathtaking views and it should not be missed under any circumstances when in Kelowna.
City Park
The City Park is close to the city center and has excellent views of the Okanagan Lake and the mountains.
It is a well-maintained park with soft lawn and beautiful vegetation. It is lined with many old trees and fresh blooms.
The tracks along the lake are good for families. There is a sports ground, water attractions, a sandy beach, and families can spend time to have a picnic on the grass.
Everyone will find something for everyone. You will feel glad for the residents of Kelowna that they have such a wonderful opportunity for recreation in the city.
The clear waters of the beach look very inviting and there are many fast food restaurants and a couple Food Trucks.
It is really worth a visit and if you visit in summer, do not forget your shades, sun block and swimsuit.
Kelowna tourist attractions
Gyro Beach
The Gyro Beach is a cozy family beach with all the beach amenities available within a radius of 100 meters from the shore.
There is ample parking space, toilets and changing rooms, picnic tables, a rental stand of floating material (kayaks, inflatable swimming attributes and much more), and a snack bar.
Moreover, there are quite a few trees on the beach which provide shade and to which you can install your hammock.
This beach is ideal for families with kids because the shallow water is up to 50 meters from the beachfront.
Knox Mountain Park
The Knox Mountain Park is a remote corner of the city. The hike is very easy and you can see a beautiful view of the lake.
If you want the best photos to take back home from your trip to Kelowna, this is the best place to go. The view is breathtaking and you really feel relaxed after a day’s climb.
It is very accessible and you not need be a super athlete to reach the trail up to the summit.
The view from the top is amazing and you can sit there for hours just watching and enjoying the panoramic scene.
To complete a walk to the top takes about a 2km hike along a paved road or a trail.
Eventually above, you have a beautiful view over the city and distant surroundings and it takes no more than two hours of time to accomplish.
Fun things to do in Kelowna
Waterfront Park
The walk along the Waterfront Park can last up to an hour (round trip). There are several parks and beaches on the way.
The walk is always lively with various artists in the public square. The view of the lake and on the west side of it is astounding and the presence of the Marinas and boats give a holiday atmosphere to the place.
It is a pleasant place where people have several options to stroll and relax.
All tours are very organized, clean and beautiful and the park is just at the entrance of the town with a beautiful lake view.
The park is the showcase of the city.
A wooden beach promenade linking the beach and residential area to the north with the Okanagan Gran Hotel and the city center.
Here, everything is made for man and for nature.
There are designated smoking and drinking areas in the park, public bathrooms that are so clean, place for your pets to drink water and bags available to collect their waste, and iconic sculptures identified with the city.
Besides the outdoor theater, skating rink, biking, and everything else that a park can offer; the marina is amazing and has the highest quality of life in British Columbia.
Among the many sculptures you will enjoy the ‘monster’ of the lake bottom.
If you feel hungry, there are many shops, bars, restaurants and food stalls to choose from.
Things to do around Kelowna
Kasugai Japanese Garden
The Kasugai Japanese Garden is a captivating garden behind the town hall of the city. The atmosphere is relaxing and quiet in a beautiful setting.
The lapping of the water, the eye catching Koi fishes in the pond, multiple plants, and small bridges make it a haven in Kelowna that is worth seeing.
Admission is free and you can spend quiet moments to admire the enchanting scenery, serene and peaceful atmosphere, fish and waterfalls and everything that is made present to complete the Asian and Zen setting.
Okanagan Wine Country Tours
You can book a day trip via the Internet and get picked up on time at 9 in the morning by Patti from your hotel accommodation.
Together with another guide named Cara, you can explore the various wineries in the Okanagan Valley, mainly in the area around Oliver.
They offer the expert guidance throughout the day where you can taste interesting wines get to know many nice people and spend very pleasant hours.
The Okanagan Wine County Tours are one of the highlights of the visit to Kelowna, Canada and is a clear recommendation for everyone who is interested in the region and wine or simply wants to spend a nice day exploring an interesting attraction.
Kelowna more places to visit
Cedar Creek Estate Winery
The Cedar Creek Estate Winery is one of the popular wineries to visit in Kelowna.
It is a reputable winery where you can celebrate a wedding or any other significant event in a separate pavilion. It is worth a visit if you are in these parts.
It ranks in second place after the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery.
The restaurant and a tour of the winery is best to book at least three weeks in advance, especially during the peak season because it is a very popular place among tourists.
Shuswap Lake
The Shuswap Lake is best explored during the high season. It is extremely busy, especially during the summer months.
It has good camping opportunities, beautiful lake, and lots of nature. It is one of the places in Kelowna that is worth coming back to.
This splendid lake in Kelowna is wonderful and gathers tourists and locals every weekend.
In winter, locals say that this lake freezes and becomes a huge ski area where one can cross from one side to the other.
This lake has an area of 120 square miles and located in the south central part of British Columbia.
Fun things to do Kelowna
Kelowna Mountain Bridges and Vineyards
The city of Kelowna is graced with spectacular vineyards like the Kelowna Mountain Bridges and Vineyards.
It is located along the roadside and visible if you’re travelling from Banff to Jasper. It is well sprawled and its surroundings have the Okanagan Lake, (very beautiful).
It is a very flat city that is dotted with forest trails and parks. The vineyards dominate the scenery and form a delightful landscape to behold.
The walking trail consists of a suspension bridge of four series as part of a large-scale resort to be developed on the Okanagan Lake east coast of the disaster area site that suffered a heavy damage in a 2003 fire.
The site is open to the public with limited access only on weekends.
Quail’s Gate Winery
The Quails Gate Winery is one of the most beautiful wineries in the Okanagan Valley. It has beautiful buildings and is an idyllic location on the slopes of the Okanagan Lake.
Wine tours must be arranged a week before and subject to the availability of the venue.
For a small fee, you will be well managed in an hour on the site and learn some interesting facts about the winery and the winemaking in general here in Kelowna.
Although winemaking in Canada is connected also on how the Europeans prepare their wine, it is still very young in the winemaking industry, but the wineries from this part of Canada have already achieved a lot.
After the tour, there are 3 selected wines to be tasted. If you want to try more, you can do so at the public counter.
There are some wines that will be charged for keys. For the more expensive wines, a small fee is charged.
The winery tour also includes small walks through the vineyards and is also home to an excellent restaurant.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
A winery tour must be booked in advance here at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
The escorted tour consists of a tour of the vineyards and at the factory where they age and process their wine.
The staff welcomes guests with their hospitable ways and explanation about the wines they create in the winery.
The tour gives the chance to taste different wines, but the wine samples here are not for free.
The wine is quite excellent, but priced a bit higher than the shops you can find outside. There is also a restaurant where you can try local dishes paired with their best wine.
According to the description written on their flyers, the secret to having the fine wine produced in this part of the city is by using a pyramid power.
If you look around their vineyards, the sight of the well tended organic grapes is one of the true secrets to their sparkling wine.
Despite the high entrance fee and a different price for their fine wines, this place is still worth seeing when in Kelowna.
Tantalus Vineyards
The Tantalus Vineyards is one of the charming wineries here in Kelowna.
It is a little remote, there are no guided tours or explanations about the winery, but it is still worth the visit because of their aged special wines.
It is equipped with a pleasant staff who will readily assist you if you find any of their wines interesting. The price of the wines here is cheaper by 10% than what you can purchase outside or from other wine shops around Kelowna.
What fascinates visitors to gather and get curious about their wines, is the comfortable ambience of their wine tasting area.
It is a huge place surrounded by all glass windows with an observation deck leading to a view of their large vineyard.
The open air setting and the sight of their special wines neatly arranged in the bar is already pleasing to the eye making the area look so relaxing and inviting.
Aside from tasting the best wines, there are sculptures about wine in the garden area where guests can have their pictures taken.
Kelowna is not only rich with natural parks and attractions, it’s land is so blessed and ideal for orchard farms where the locals can grow and nurture the best tasting grapes and cherries.
From the Okanagan Valley up to the Okanagan Lake, wineries and fruit orchards rule the scenery and you must prepare yourself for the numerous wine tastings offered by the different wineries here in Kelowna.
The natural attractions, scenic lakes and parks, the great food and sparkling wine make Kelowna an ideal holiday destination in Canada.