Kelowna Travel Guide 2025: Top Attractions, Activities & Insider Tips
If I had to sum up Kelowna in one line, I’d say it’s where lake life, wine life, and “should I just move here?” life all collide. This sun-soaked city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you’ve been working so hard when people here seem to spend their days paddleboarding, sipping wine, and watching the sunset like it’s their full-time job.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend time here in different seasons, and let me tell you—Kelowna is like that friend who’s good at everything. Whether you’re into food, hiking, beach naps, or pretending you know the difference between a Merlot and a Malbec, Kelowna’s got you covered. So grab a glass (of something local, preferably) and let’s dive in.
Okanagan Lake: The City’s Crown Jewel
First things first: you can’t talk about Kelowna without mentioning Okanagan Lake. This 135-kilometer-long beauty is basically the city’s playground. People swim, kayak, paddleboard, boat, and generally make the rest of us jealous.
One of my favorite afternoons was spent floating on a rented paddleboard, alternating between pretending I was in a yoga commercial and falling off spectacularly when a speedboat went by. If water sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry—the lake is equally great for sitting nearby with a cold drink and cheering other people on.
Knox Mountain Park: Views That Make You Forget Your Legs Hurt
If you want to impress your Instagram followers (or just your future self), head to Knox Mountain Park. The Apex Trail is short but steep enough to make you question your life choices around the halfway point. But at the top? Oh man—the views are chef’s kiss. The entire city, Okanagan Lake, and rolling vineyards stretch out like a painting.
Pro tip: Go at sunset. The sky turns into cotton candy, and suddenly that uphill sweat fest feels worth it. Just don’t forget water—you’ll thank me later.
Myra Canyon Trestles: History Meets Instagram
If you’ve ever wanted to bike on wooden bridges clinging to the side of a canyon (and who hasn’t, honestly?), the Myra Canyon Trestles are your spot. These historic trestle bridges were once part of the Kettle Valley Railway, and now they’re a bucket-list-worthy trail.
Picture this: you’re pedaling along, mountains and valleys on either side, snapping photos every five minutes because every corner looks like a screensaver. Even if you’re not a cyclist, you can walk it and still feel like you’re starring in a nature documentary.
Wine, Beer & Cider: The Holy Trinity
Okay, let’s be real. Half the reason people come to Kelowna is the wine. The city is basically Napa’s chill Canadian cousin who shows up in flip-flops but still knows their vintages.
- Mission Hill Family Estate: Fancy, iconic, and perfect for that “I’m sophisticated now” vibe.
- Quails’ Gate Winery: Pinot Noir and views so good you’ll forget you’re supposed to sip slowly.
- Summerhill Pyramid Winery: Yes, it has a pyramid. Yes, it’s as quirky as it sounds.
Not a wine person? Kelowna thought of you too. BNA Brewing Co. serves up craft beer in a super cool space (there’s even a bowling alley inside). And cider lovers, rejoice—BC Tree Fruits Cider Co. proves apples can be exciting, especially when they’re fizzy and alcoholic.
Pair all that with farm-to-table dining, where chefs make you wonder if you’ve been eating sad grocery store produce your whole life. Spoiler: you have.
Beaches: Because Vacations Require Sand
Kelowna is stacked with beaches, each with its own personality.
- Gyro Beach: Lively, family-friendly, and great for people-watching (aka judging other people’s paddleboard skills).
- Rotary Beach: Perfect if you want water sports and don’t mind a bit of buzz.
- Boyce-Gyro Park: Volleyball courts, picnic spots, and plenty of sunshine.
I once spent an entire afternoon alternating between swimming and eating ice cream, and honestly, I have no regrets. That’s the Kelowna way.
Adventure Time: Golf, Ziplines, and Snow
For those who need a little adrenaline with their vacation, Kelowna has options.
- Golf: With more than a dozen courses, you can swing away surrounded by mountains and vineyards. Just don’t let the view distract you mid-putt (like I did—terrible for the scorecard).
- Ziplining & ATVs: If dangling from a cable or ripping through backcountry trails sounds fun, you’re in luck.
- Big White Ski Resort: Come winter, this is the place to be. Powdery snow, cozy lodges, and the chance to yell “woohoo!” while barreling down the slopes.
Arts, Culture & Markets
Kelowna isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got some culture too.
- Kelowna Art Gallery: Great for a quiet afternoon of “hmm, yes, very artistic.”
- Rotary Centre for the Arts: Live shows, exhibits, and workshops for your inner creative.
- Downtown Kelowna: Boutique shops, quirky cafes, and murals that will definitely end up on your feed.
And please, for the love of all things local, visit the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market. Fresh fruit, handmade crafts, and vendors so friendly you’ll end up buying honey you don’t really need. (Yes, I’m speaking from experience.)
Day Trips: Because Why Not?
If you’ve got a car, there are some fantastic spots nearby:
- West Kelowna: More wineries. Need I say more?
- Peachland: A small lakeside town with hiking trails and serious charm.
- Lake Country & Oyama: Orchards, small lakes, and lookout points that make you pull over every five minutes for “just one more photo.”
Seasonal Fun: Year-Round Goodness
Kelowna doesn’t believe in “off-season.”
- Summer: Lake life, patios, and endless wine tastings.
- Fall: Harvest season—grapes, apples, and leaves that turn into a fall Instagram filter.
- Winter: Big White skiing and cozy winery visits.
- Spring: Blossoming orchards that smell so good you’ll wish you could bottle it.
Foodie Bucket List
Before you leave, make sure you try:
- Fresh Okanagan cherries and peaches (seriously, life-changing).
- Ice wine, because when else are you going to drink wine made from frozen grapes?
- Local coffee in downtown’s cozy cafes.
- Anything on a vineyard patio. Food just tastes better when there’s a lake view—don’t ask me why, it’s science.
Travel Tips from Someone Who Learned the Hard Way
- When to Go: Summer is busiest, fall is gorgeous, winter is for skiing, spring is underrated.
- How to Get There: Fly into Kelowna International (YLW) or road trip from Vancouver (4–5 hours) or Calgary (7–8 hours).
- Getting Around: Rent a car. Trust me, Uber won’t take you to that vineyard halfway up a hill.
- Where to Stay: From swanky lakefront resorts to cozy Airbnbs, there’s something for every budget (and every Instagram aesthetic).
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Kelowna is one of those places that sneaks up on you—in the best way. You come for the wine or the lake, and suddenly you’re daydreaming about buying a little orchard and starting a cherry empire (or maybe that’s just me). It’s laid-back, it’s scenic, and it somehow manages to balance adventure with “let’s just chill on the beach and eat ice cream for lunch.”
So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s equal parts fun, foodie, and fabulous views, Kelowna is your spot. Just don’t blame me when you start googling “how much does a vineyard cost in BC?” after your trip.
