Top Things to Do in Kelowna: Ultimate Travel Guide to Canada’s Wine Country

🌟 Welcome to Kelowna: The Jewel of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley

Nestled on the sparkling shores of Okanagan Lake and surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and rolling hills, Kelowna is one of Canada’s most charming and diverse travel destinations. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a wine connoisseur, or someone simply seeking stunning natural beauty and urban culture, Kelowna has something for everyone.
 

In this complete travel guide, we’ll take you through top attractions, things to do, where to eat and stay, and why Kelowna is a must-visit city for your Canadian itinerary.

📍 Where is Kelowna?

Located in southern British Columbia, Kelowna lies in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, approximately:

390 km (240 miles) east of Vancouver

150 km (90 miles) north of the U.S. border

60 km (37 miles) from Vernon

The city boasts a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination.

🏞️ Top Attractions in Kelowna

1. Okanagan Lake

The shimmering centerpiece of Kelowna, Okanagan Lake offers endless water-based activities:

Boating and jet skiing

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Swimming and sunbathing on beaches like Gyro Beach and Hot Sands Beach

Don't miss the legend of Ogopogo, the mythical lake monster said to dwell in these waters!

2. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

A world-renowned winery offering:

Award-winning wines

Scenic vineyard tours

A breathtaking hilltop restaurant

Perfect for a romantic sunset dinner or a peaceful afternoon wine tasting.

3. Myra Canyon Trestles

One of British Columbia's top cycling and hiking routes:

Part of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail

Features 18 trestle bridges and 2 tunnels

Panoramic views over deep canyons and pine-covered hills

Ideal for families, cyclists, hikers, and photographers alike.

4. Knox Mountain Park

For sweeping views over downtown Kelowna and the lake, head to:

Apex Trail or Paul’s Tomb Trail

Great for sunrise hikes and wildlife spotting

The lookout point is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

5. Downtown Kelowna & Waterfront Boardwalk

Explore the heart of the city:

Trendy cafes, breweries, and restaurants

Art galleries and boutique shopping

Stroll along the scenic Waterfront Boardwalk to see public art, green parks, and sailboats

🍇 Wine Country Wonders

Kelowna is often called the “Napa Valley of the North”, and for good reason. With over 40 wineries within a short drive, it’s a paradise for wine lovers. Notable ones include:

Quails’ Gate Winery

Tantalus Vineyards

CedarCreek Estate Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Many offer tastings, tours, and farm-to-table dining. Book a wine tour by bike, bus, or private car to sip safely!

🚲 Outdoor Activities & Adventure

Kelowna is an outdoor playground. Here are the best activities by season:

☀️ Summer

Mountain biking at Knox Mountain and Crawford Trails

Golfing at world-class courses like Gallagher's Canyon or The Harvest Golf Club

Fruit picking at local orchards: cherries, peaches, and apples are a must

🍂 Fall

Wine harvest season – a magical time to visit

Scenic drives along Westside Wine Trail

Hiking through golden-colored vineyards and forests

❄️ Winter

Skiing and snowboarding at Big White Ski Resort, just 60 km away

Snowshoeing, ice skating, and winter wine tasting

🌸 Spring

Orchard blossoms cover the valley in pink and white

Best time for photography, biking, and hiking

🛍️ Shopping & Local Culture

Kelowna blends small-town charm with city convenience. Don’t miss:

🖼️ Kelowna Art Gallery & Cultural District

Galleries, museums, and theaters

Live performances and public sculptures

🍒 Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market

Fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal foods

Open every Wednesday and Saturday

🍽️ Where to Eat in Kelowna

From lakeside fine dining to casual local gems, Kelowna’s food scene is fresh, innovative, and deeply tied to local produce.

🔥 Top Restaurants

RauDZ Regional Table – Locally inspired fine dining

Waterfront Wines – Small plates and BC wines

Bouchons Bistro – French cuisine with a local twist

Salt & Brick – Creative small plates in a cozy setting

🍻 Best Breweries

BNA Brewing Co.

Kettle River Brewing

Red Bird Brewing

Pair your craft beer with views of the lake and live music.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Kelowna

🏨 Luxury Stays

The Royal Kelowna – Rooftop pool and lake views

Eldorado Resort – Classic lakeside luxury

🛏️ Mid-Range

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort

Hotel Zed Kelowna – Retro-style fun close to downtown

🏕️ Budget & Camping

HI Kelowna Hostel

Bear Creek Provincial Park Campground

Many travelers also enjoy staying in Okanagan Valley B&Bs for a more intimate, vineyard-side experience.

🧭 Day Trips from Kelowna

Kelowna makes a great base for exploring more of British Columbia:

🏔️ Big White Ski Resort

1 hour away

Excellent snow conditions and family-friendly facilities

🍇 Lake Country Wine Trail

A quieter alternative to Kelowna’s wine scene

🏞️ Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Hiking, boating, and wildlife watching

Accessible by boat or trail

🛫 Getting to Kelowna

✈️ Kelowna International Airport (YLW)

Direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Seattle

🚗 By Car

4.5-hour scenic drive from Vancouver via Highway 97C

7 hours from Calgary

🚌 Public Transit

Greyhound-style buses connect Kelowna to nearby cities

Local buses and shuttles are available, but a car is recommended for flexibility

✅ Travel Tips for Visiting Kelowna

Book wineries in advance, especially during summer and harvest season

Pack for all seasons – even summer nights can be cool

Rent a bike for scenic rides along the Mission Creek Greenway or Myra Canyon

Respect fire bans and nature – Kelowna can get very dry in summer

📸 Top Instagram Spots in Kelowna

Myra Canyon Trestles

Knox Mountain Lookout

Lavender fields in summer

Sunset over Okanagan Lake

Orchard blossoms in spring

💬 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Kelowna

Kelowna is a city that surprises and delights. It offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, vibrant culture, and culinary excellence. Whether you're sipping wine in a sun-drenched vineyard, hiking through pine forests, or dining lakeside as the sun dips behind the hills, Kelowna invites you to relax, explore, and return again and again.