If you love wine, fresh fruits and pristine beaches then Kewlona is the best place to visit. We have laid out a list best things to do in Kelowna ranging from embarking on a gastronomic tour to trying adventure sports. Irrespective of the season you are visiting in, we have something for everyone.
Let’s Check the best things to do in Kelowna…
Explore the Wineries
Wine connoisseurs can rejoice as Kelowna houses more than 40 different wineries. If you are travelling to Kelowna between June and August, then you can enjoy guided tours and wine tasting at the wineries. Wine tastings cost somewhere between $5 to $15, and you can taste roughly 4-5 different wines. Some of the wineries also offer lunch and dinner choices. The Cedar Creek Estate Winery is the top choice of travelers. It offers both 3 and 5-course meals. The USP of these restaurants lies in their farm-to-table cooking. These usually stick to seasonal ingredients.
You can also explore the culinary scene of Kelowna with a wine and food tour. This can help you breeze through the city’s history. You can also taste local cuisine in a relaxed way. Moreover, you can truly relish Okanagan flavors on these guided tours, which usually last for around 3 hours. OEB is a popular breakfast joint that never disappoints. You can try the farm-to-table-to-table approach at Krafty Kitchen + Café. You can try dishes like mimosa pitchers, eggs Benny flights, vegan bowls, and more.
Apple & Pumpkin Picking
For a classic fall experience, you can try apple and pumpkin picking around Kelowna. Get ready to wander along rows of fruits and fill in your bags with your favorite ones. You can visit spots like Rose Hill Orchard and Twin Oaks Organic Orchard. They promise a fulfilling day filled with lake views, on-site markets, farm animals, and more. This family friendly activity is one of the best things to do in Kelowna.
Unwind on a Rooftop Patio
Make the most of Kelowna’s warm evenings by relaxing at its rooftop patios. Here you can choose between beer-focused ones or the patios offering a breathtaking view of Okanagan Lake. Moreover, you can combine these events easily with a day’s stroll and shopping. The rooftop season is best enjoyed from late spring to early fall. Earl’s and Craft Beer Market are two popular rooftop patios in Kelowna.
Have a fun time at the Beach
The soft sand and warm summer water in Kelowna’s beaches never fail to attract visitors. You can choose amenity-packed-stretches of shoreline. There are also quieter stretches for enjoying the sunset sans the crowd. You can take your whole family along for a fun picnic at the multiple beaches of Kelowna. Some of the popular spots you can try are the Tugboat Bay Beach, Hot Sands Beach in City Park, and Boyce-Gyro Beach Park. There are multiple ice cream shops, cafes, and grocery stores in the vicinity.
Try Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding can be an excellent way to experience the serene beauty of Okanagan Lake. Irrespective of your skill level, you can get a paddleboard from the countless rental stores lining the beach. Its calm and clear water is perfect for practicing balance. At the same time you can enjoy the sprawling views of vineyards and mountains.
Axe Throwing
Beginners can try axe throwing at Kelowna and master the art within a few throws. Later on, you can head out to Kelowna Karting or Axe Monkeys. After axe throwing, you can head to the karts. These go-karts are electric which adds an extra fun. Additionally, being indoors it is one of the best things to do in Kelowna on a rainy day. It will cost you between $18 to $36 CAD per person as per the activity you choose.
Go on a Shopping Spree
There is a walkable shopping hub in Downtown Kelowna on Bernard Avenue. Here you will find a mix of local makers, independent boutiques, and small shopping centers. Your shopping experience will feel more like exploring a neighborhood rather than entering a traditional shopping mall.
Opt for a Hike
Adventure enthusiasts can hike to Myra Canyon which offers stunning views throughout the year. A 4-wheel drive is needed for reaching the road leading to the trailhead during winter months. Moreover, this hike is well suited for beginners and intermediaries. It takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Paul’s Tomb Trail is another popular hike option.
Visit a Cidery
The cideries of Kelowna offer a beautiful blend of its creative craft-beverage scene and the region’s orchard heritage. Moreover, these refreshing drinks are crafted from Okanagan pears, apples, and stone fruits. Usually the cideries are set up on hilltop properties or working farms. Further, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of hills, orchards, and the lake with each sip. Some popular cideries to visit are Upside Cider, Soma Craft Cidery, and the Truck 59 Ciderhouse.
Rent a Boat for a day
Boating in Kelowna is an excellent way to soak up the summer’s sun. Despite having a higher price tag, it can help you have a fun time in the water. Moreover, you can choose between self-led rentals or hiring a captain. Some popular rental services are Surf City Boat Rentals, Okanagan Luxury Boat Club & Valet, etc.
Try Golf
Okanagan Valley is a true heaven for avid golfers. Warm weather in this area makes it ideal to enjoy a game of golf for an extended season. Some popular golf grounds are the Predator Ridge Golf Course, Kelowna Golf & Country Club, etc. Most of the fairways are lined by orchards, and vineyards. Furthermore, some of these golf courses even offer lake views.
Visit Local Farmers Market
The Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market runs from April to October at the Orchard Park Shopping Centre. Additionally, the market shifts indoors at the Parkinson Rec Centre between November and March. This offers an excellent opportunity to buy some local fruits and vegetables. Moreover, it’s advisable to head out to the markets at early hours for getting the freshest produce. You can find the best peaches, cherries, meats, vegetables, and more. You can visit the Hillcrest Farm Market, KLO Farm Market, etc.
Go to a Meadery
Swap grape-based wines with honey-based wines at a Kelowna meadery. This can be another fun things to do in Kelowna. Moreover, these meaderies offer year-round walk-in tastings. You can also book VIP guided tastings. These will walk you through the entire process and also provide a keepsake tasting glass.
Here are some more fun things to do in Kelowna!!
Have fun time at Kangaroo Creek Farm
You can reach Kangaroo Creek Farm following a 20-minute drive from Kelowna. Children below 5 can enter for free, while $10 CAD is levied on elder children and $20 on adults. Once inside the farm, you will get to meet different varieties of kangaroos, including the small joeys. Some other animals you will find here are capybaras, sugar gliders, emus, peacocks, and more.
Enjoy an Adrenaline Rush on a Flyboard
A water-propelled flyboard can actually let you fly over the Okanagan Lake. You will simply have to fasten your feet into the boots of the board. Next, a water jet will propel you upwards. An hourly board rental will cost you around $127 CAD. This activity has a high demand among tourists, and so it’s advisable to book your slot in advance.
Go on a scenic drive through Lake Country
Lake Country is extremely picturesque. Moreover, you can enjoy its beauty to the brim by going on a road trip. This little Region outside of Kelowna is surrounded by lakes and natural beauty all around. Above all, you will be rewarded with stunning views. Head out of Kelowna on Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 towards Vernon. The drive takes around an hour, and you can stop wherever you wish to.
Walk the Waterfront
You can take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge at Kelowna. For this you will have to visit Downtown Kelowna and you can walk past the waterpark, playground, and even the iconic bear statue. Moreover, by timing it right, you can even catch the sunset at the Waterfront Boardwalk. This is a perfect addition to best free things to do in Kelowna.
Go Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is an excellent outdoor adventure for tourists who are visiting Kelowna in winter. Simply head out to the Kelowna Nordic Club and you can try different activities at just $15 CAD per day per person. Both the snowshoeing and skiing trails are properly maintained by the Kelowna Nordic Club.
Hop onto a Parasailing Adventure
Booking a parasailing ride will let you enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings while being up in the air. Moreover, you can try a parasailing adventure by paying $90 CAD per person to Okanagan Parasail or Ogopogo Parasail Kelowna. The entire activity is 1 hour long with 10 minutes of airtime.
Master Rock Climbing
You can get an introductory rock climbing course at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park. You can visit the park for free, but this course will cost you $130 CAD. The park has multiple trails offering views of hung canyons and more.
To conclude, Kelowna is a must-see destination that has an option for everyone. Undoubtedly, there is a huge list of best things to do in Kelowna! Be it wine tasting, outdoor options, natural beauty or endless fun activities. if you are planning to visit Kelowna then consider at least three nights so as to make most of Okanagan Valley.
Related Read: A Quick 3 Days Itinerary to Explore Penticton
