Kelowna trips and vacations

With over 40 wineries in the area, you’ll want to check out some of British Columbia’s best vineyards on your holiday to Kelowna. Choose between five unique wine trails, all within a 20-minute drive of the city. Traveling without a car? Bus Route 20 in West Kelowna passes many of the Westside wineries. Or book a guided wine tour with customized tastings.

From hiking to water sports, Kelowna’s natural surroundings promise countless adventures. Hike the Okanagan Rail Trail, climb to the top of Knox Mountain Park, or go boating on Okanagan Lake. Need to slow it down? Plan your trip to Kelowna for mid-April to see the cherry blossoms. Or visit in late June, when Kelowna’s u-pick farms open for the season.

While a winter holiday to Kelowna promises mild temperatures, the nearby Monashee Mountains invite skiers and snowboarders to carve out plenty of downhill fun. Both Big White and SilverStar Mountain resorts are an easy drive away. Or glide through the snowy forests along groomed trails at Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club.

Hugging the shores of Okanagan Lake, Downtown Kelowna is one of the best areas to stay in Kelowna. Stroll through City Park, or venture along the boardwalk toward Rotary Marsh Bird Sanctuary. In the summer take a break from the area’s busy shops, farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries to enjoy a day of sun on Hot Sands Beach.

Good for: Beach, restaurants, lakeside walks

With plenty of hotels, dining options and activities available, lively Rutland is great for families. Head to Ben Lee Park and Rutland Centennial Park for picnics and outdoor sports facilities. Or spend an afternoon admiring the area’s colorful murals. In the mood to bag a bargain? Make a beeline for the Rutland Flea Market, open Sunday mornings through lunchtime.

Good for: Parks, street art, flea market

Home to parks, trails and beautiful views over Okanagan Lake, hillside Dilworth is where to stay in Kelowna if you like to be near nature. Hike through Dilworth Mountain Park for panoramic vistas. Or get acquainted with local wildlife at the Kokanee salmon spawning channel in Mission Creek Regional Park. For retail therapy, check out Orchard Park Shopping Centre, just a 5-minute drive from Dilworth.

Good for: Hiking trails, nature, spectacular views

Make your family trip to Kelowna extra sweet with a visit to Arlo’s Honey Farm. Or tackle aerial obstacles at Myra Canyon and Okanagan adventure parks. Looking for something a little unexpected? Go ‘down under’ at Kangaroo Creek Farm. With the city’s beaches, hiking trails and fascinating museums, it’s easy to find things to do with family in Kelowna.

Whether you’re in search of locally made souvenirs or your favorite brands, Kelowna’s shops have you covered. Start at Bernard Avenue’s enclosed shopping mall in Downtown Kelowna. Then head over to Pandosy and Tutt streets for antiques, bookshops and locally owned boutiques. If you want to combine shopping in Kelowna with entertainment, there’s no better place than the Orchard Park Shopping Centre.

Head to the Cultural District in Downtown Kelowna to find galleries and museums that bring the city’s rich history to life. The recently overhauled Okanagan Heritage Museum emphasizes the stories and traditions of the Syilx Okanagan people. Other attractions include the Okanagan Military Museum and the Sncewips Heritage Museum. Find even more local history with a visit to the Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum.

For the best nightlife in Kelowna, head to downtown bars and restaurants for live country and rock music. Or check out the breweries in Kelowna’s North End district. Kelowna’s nightlife is busiest in the summer, with the higher influx of tourists, but you’ll find no shortage of watering holes and dance floors year-round.

Restaurants in Kelowna cater to all tastes and budgets, with waterfront bistros, farm-to-table cafes and street food stands all vying for your attention. Aiming for a budget-friendly holiday to Kelowna? Check out the food trucks at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market. Or book a table at Lakeside Dining at Eldorado Resort near Mission Creek for seasonal specials and unbeatable lakeside views.

With more than 30 public beaches in Kelowna, there’s no end to swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities. Boyce-Gyro Beach’s shallow waters are great for families, while Rotary Beach Park offers a secluded spot to catch up on your summer reading. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, head to Cedar Creek Park, Kelowna’s largest off-leash dog beach.