Overview
Sitting on the shores of Okanagan Lake, surrounded by mountains, Kelowna is known for its wineries, its beaches and its superb scenery. It is also great for shopping and fantastic for food, with its restaurant menus packed full of fresh local produce. Blue skies and outdoor adventures make it a great place to visit in summer while its proximity to ski resorts, its museums and culture also make it a great winter base.
With such lovely landscapes you will want to get out and enjoy the sunshine and there are plenty of ways to do that, from hiking and biking, sailing, swimming and many other watersports, to exploring the lush and fertile wineries and orchards. Hiking trails vary from gentle strolls beside the lake to strenuous uphill mountain hikes, with many in between. Biking is equally varied, with pleasant family-friendly routes and thrilling downhill courses. One of the most popular for both biking and walking is the Myra Canyon Trail, which follows the historic Kettle Railway bed through tunnels and over towering trestles, with stunning views.
Downtown Kelowna is a good blend of independent boutiques, mainstream shops and shopping malls with plenty of great restaurants, cafés and bars to refuel at. Stroll down Bernard Avenue and you will reach City Park and its sandy beach, where you can spot the statue of the Ogopogo – the legendary lake monster said to inhabit the waters of Okanagan Lake. A nice area of the city to explore is the Cultural District which is spread over six downtown blocks and is home to many galleries, studios and museums, including the Kelowna Art Gallery and the BC Wine and Orchard Museums. Pick up a brochure and take the heritage walking tour around some of the city’s historic houses and buildings dating back up to one hundred years.
Kelowna enjoys many festivals and events throughout the year: four annual wine festivals, regular live music, craft fairs, art shows and the lively Dragon Boat races which take place at the end of August, complete with traditional Chinese drums and hordes of spectators.
Okanagan Lake is an important feature of the city and being able to walk to its shores from downtown is a great advantage. There are nine beaches along the city’s waterfront, from quiet, leafy parks with sandy swimming areas, to busy beaches with boat rentals and lively music. There are several smaller ‘beach access’ areas for those who like to explore off the beaten track and many waterfront boardwalks to stroll along. If you prefer to get out on the water and explore there is a good deal to keep you busy, from thrilling jetski and powerboat rentals to leisurely dinner cruises and atmospheric sailing trips. For a more intimate experience hire a canoe and set off to discover your own private coves and bays. Okanagan Lake is a huge 68 miles long, so there is plenty of space for everyone!
Kelowna enjoys a relatively mild winter, meaning lakeside strolls in the light snow are enjoyable, many wineries still open their doors to visitors, and the city’s galleries and museums provide entertainment and amusement. The city is just an hours’ drive from two fantastic ski resorts, with Big White being the best known. Immerse yourself in excellent skiing and snowboarding, find beautiful snowshoeing trails and enjoy winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, dog sledding and snowmobile tours, before returning to the comforts and amenities of the city. Kelowna has the best of both worlds!
With lush landscapes and twinkling waters by summer, snowy activities aplenty on hand by winter, delicious fresh foods, excellent shopping and plenty of culture, Kelowna is a great place to visit throughout the year.
Things to do
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Kelowna
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Sandman Hotel Kelowna
from £36
In a great location near Kelowna town with its beaches and stunning lake, The Sandman is a comfortable hotel with great amenities.
Rooms are ...see more
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Delta Hotels By Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
from £62
The Delta hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort is a destination resort right in the centre of Kelowna, on the shores of sparkling ...see more
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Accent Inn Kelowna
from £29
The Accent Inn is a classic hotel in a good location within walking distance of downtown Kelowna.
Rooms are welcoming and spacious ranging from ...see more
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Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites
from £45
In the heart of the Okanagan Valley, The Best Western Plus Kelowna has a good range of rooms and excellent amenities.
The hotel is laid out around ...see more
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Coast Capri Hotel
from £47
In a great central location, Coast Capri Hotel is an excellent choice for your stay in Kelowna.
Rooms range from comfort to superior to premium ...see more
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Comfort Inn Suites Kelowna
from £38
The Comfort Suites are a good choice for your stay in the Okanagan Valley, with excellent facilities and just a few minutes’ drive to busy downtown ...see more
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Inn at Big White
from £51
The Inn at Big White is a large hotel with a great location in the centre of Big White village resort, with fantastic views of the Monashee Mountains.
Rooms ...see more
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Manteo Resort Hotel & Villas
from £59
The Manteo Resort is a large hotel with excellent amenities and a lovely location right on the shores of the beautiful Okanagan Lake.
Choose ...see more
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Prestige Beach House Kelowna, WorldHotels Crafted Collection
from £38
The Prestige Inn is a great hotel with excellent amenities and a fantastic location right in the heart of downtown Kelowna, minutes from the beach.
Standard ...see more
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Ramada by Wyndham Kelowna Hotel & Conference Center
from £44
The Ramada by Wyndham Kelowna Hotel & Conference Center is a classic hotel in a good location just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Kelowna.
There ...see more
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Stonebridge Lodge at Big White
from £122
An all-suite hotel in three separate buildings, Stonebridge Lodge enjoys a great position at the base of the mountain and just a few minutes from the ...see more
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The Kanata Kelowna Hotel & Conference Centre
from £42
The Kanata Kelowna Hotel & Conference Centre offers the most convenient location. Located by Highway 97, its a drive to downtown and a 10 minute drive ...see more
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White Crystal Inn
from £48
Nestled in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, The White Crystal Inn is in the resort of Big White and offers a good variety of accommodation.
The ...see more
Top tips
Top tips for visiting Kelowna
Top Tip 1
• The Okanagan Valley is famous for its fantastic wines and there are many vineyards around the city you can tour, with beautiful rows of vines, great views over the lake, and a variety of wines to taste. Some are open during the winter months while others, such as Calona Vineyard, are just a short walk from downtown.
Top Tip 2
• To find out more about the history of the industry visit the BC Wine Museum in the cultural district. Housed in a historic packinghouse there are some interesting displays and a great selection of wines. The adjoining Orchard Museum is also worth a visit.
Top Tip 3
• If you are touring the countryside, don’t miss a stop in the Okanagan Lavender Farm where you can wander through the relaxing fields of lavender and herbs, or to Carmelis to sample some delicious goat cheeses and gelatos. Drop by one of the many roadside stalls on your way home to pick up some of the plumpest, juiciest peaches, cherries and other fruits you have ever tasted.
Top Tip 4
• There are many beautiful hiking trails in the area but one of the most rewarding is Paul’s Tomb. The route leads to a pretty, secluded cove with crystal clear waters. Popular for divers and snorkelers, there are wrecks and even an Ogopogo sea monster statue submerged under the waters.
Top Tip 5
• If you are travelling with children, there is plenty to amuse them. As well as the many beaches and parks, there is a waterslide park, the Kangaroo Zoo and children’s activities every Sunday afternoon in the Kelowna Art Gallery.
Top Tip 6
• For a step back from the busy city, take a peaceful stroll around the Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery or the perfectly manicured flower beds at Elysium Gardens.
Top Tip 7
• For those who enjoy their views with a thrill, Oyama Ziplines is the place to be! They have six different lines - including side-by-side lines - boasting spectacular views over Kalamalka Lake, known as the lake of many colours due to its ever changing green and blue tones.
Top Tip 8
• The valley’s grapes may produce some fantastic wines but they have an altogether more soothing use too. Visit Beyond Wrapture Spa and indulge in some ‘vinotherapy’ treatments, including grape pip scrubs and relaxing grape-seed oil massages.
