Kelowna is a great destination year-round for adventure and outdoor lovers. If you want to learn more about the city, keep reading to know the best things to do in Kelowna BC.
Photo by Jeffrey Eisen on Unsplash
This beautiful city is located in British Columbia and is one of the largest metropolis in the province. It has a long history, before settlers arrived in the mid-1800s it was occupied by the Syilx people. Even today, it keeps a connection to this heritage through its name, since the word Kelowna comes from the Syilx for “grizzly bear”.
The city grew that large thanks to its incredible fertile lands, which are primordial not only for the local agriculture but also for the vineyards that settlers quickly started growing. Nowadays is a great destination for tourists and locals alike, with lively festivals and events and a great catalog of outdoor activities and recreation centers. So why not spend a few days there? There are lots of things to do and enjoy in Kelowna BC.
Things to do in Kelowna BC during the Day
Biking at Myra Canyon
Kelowna is a great place to practice outdoor activities like biking. If you want to have one of the most scenic rides of your life, take your bike or rent one and head to Myra Canyon. This trail follows a section of the Kettle Valley Railway and it’s quite famous for its wooden trestle bridges and tunnels, which offer a great view of the canyon.
If you don’t feel like pedaling for longer distances there’s always the option of renting an E-bike. That way you can enjoy the trip even if you’re not in your best shape.
The trail is about 24 km long, but it’s a round trip, so you only need to do it once. It’s considered an easy trail because it’s mostly flat and well-maintained. The time it takes depends on your pace and how many stops you make, but it usually takes between 2.5 to 4 hours to finish. It’s a good idea to plan a bit more time just to be safe. If you want to learn about the area’s history, you can opt for a guide who will ride with you and show you the key points of the trail.
Hiking at Knox Mountain
If you’re looking for sporty things to do in Kelowna, BC, hiking is highly recommended. One of the best hiking destinations in the area is Knox Mountain Park. Within the park you’ll find the start of ten trails, varying in difficulty and length. It doesn’t matter your fitness level or your experience, you’ll find a trail that is perfect for you, and be assured, even the easiest ones have rewarding views awaiting.
Some other popular trails to explore:
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Apex Trail: Is quite short, with only 2.7 km, but don’t be fooled, it can be quite challenging. It does have the best views of the Okanagan Lake and a full view of downtown Kelowna though.
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Paul’s Tomb Trail: An easy one with only 2.5 km that ends in a small beach. It’s perfect for a casual walk, especially if you go with children.
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Goat’s Peak: As the name says, this trip will not be easy and you’ll definitely work a sweat by the end of it. But there are so many great views along its 5.8 km that it’s totally worth it.
Photo by Tyler Reynolds on Unsplash
Swimming in Okanagan Lake
One of the best things to do in Kelowna BC if you visit during the heat of the summer months. The Okanagan Lake is a perfect spot for swimming, with many, many sandy beaches and clear calm water.
You have plenty of spots to choose and don’t worry, the water temperature can get quite warm in summer, ranging from 19 to 24ºC. If you like to practice aquatic sports like kayaking you can rent one and enjoy the beautiful days exploring the deeper side of the lake.
Some beaches you might visit:
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Hot Sand Beach: Right in downtown Kelowna, you can even go by foot if you’re staying in that part of the city. Is great for swimming and has designated areas for picnics and volleyball courts.
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Boyce-Gyro Beach: A great place to rent a kayak or a paddleboat and spend the afternoon gently paddling along.
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Gellatly Bay Aquatic Park: If you like to jump from high places into the water this is the beach for you. Here you’ll find diving platforms of varied highs and even a floating dock.
Photo by Robbie Down on Unsplash
Things to do in Kelowna BC during the Night
Casino Night at Playtime Casino
What better way to end a day full of activities and fun, than a Casino Night at Playtime Casino? Take some coins and chips and try your luck. You can play all-time classics like blackjack, poker, and roulette. If you prefer to play at your own pace and rhythm try the slot machines. The casino has over 450 of these! Don’t forget to fully enjoy the ambiance of the place and watch the lively nighttime shows it offers.
Some unusual games to try at the casino:
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Electronic Table Games (eTables): Try some classics like blackjack and roulette in this low-stakes, quick-paced style if you want to try something new.
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Arcade Bar: You probably have some coins on you after the slot machines, so why not try some old and new arcade games in the bar? Sip your favorite drink while you enjoy the nostalgic feeling of the classic arcades.
Photo by Amit Lahav on Unsplash
Wine and Dine on a Dinner Cruise
After a full day of adventures and discovering great places with even greater views of the area, you’ll probably be quite spent. So, for the most relaxing option on the list, we suggest the Dinner Cruises on Lake Okanagan. This way you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the magnificent views of the sunset over the lake while having a gourmet dinner. Don’t forget to ask for a good local wine to go with the food.
Where to book your cruise:
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Luxury Lake Tours Dinner Cruises: These cruises are often paired with visits to great restaurants like The Blind Angler, Gasthaus, and JAC’s on the Beach.
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Tourism Kelowna Cruises: You can choose if you prefer a more casual dinner or a fancier one. In any case, don’t forget to try the local wine.
Craft and Posh Cocktails
One of the best things to do in Kelowna BC during the evening time is visit the local bars. Kelowna has an interesting nightlife and a great variety of bars that offer quite exciting cocktails. If you like to experiment with the spirits and syrups, you have ample options. You can either enjoy the well-known classics, or you can try the unmatched creativity of the bartenders at Kelowna.
Where to go and what to try:
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Born to Shake: One of the favorites. It reinvents the classics giving them a unique twist. There you can try the Carrot Cake Old Fashioned, which sounds like a dessert, but it actually has Okanagan spirits, amaretto, and a delicious carrot cake syrup.
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Social 242 Lounge & Grill: Lovely downtown atmosphere and specialty cocktails, what more can you ask for? For a unique although a bit questionable flavor, try the Bacon Bourbon, a quirky cocktail made with bacon-infused bourbon.
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Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery: One of the most recommended, since, aside from trying the cocktails, you can actually watch a whole competition of skilled mixologists. Try the BC Cherry Martini, it’s a classic, but it’s well made using only the best cherries of the region.
Photo by M.S. Meeuwesen on Unsplash
Expert Tips to Visit Kelowna
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Bring your adventure gear: For all the adventures and outdoor activities, be sure you have comfortable shoes since you’ll likely be on your feet a lot. Get also your sunscreen and your trusty camera to record all your visits.
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Try the food pairings: The region is widely known for its great wine and tasty food, so take the opportunity to enjoy the combination of both whenever you have the chance to grab a bite. Ask the staff at the restaurants for their suggestions if you want to experiment and try something new.
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Be safe: Kelowna is mostly safe, but it’s a good idea to stay alert, especially in quieter areas at night. Don’t leave valuables unattended and be cautious in unfamiliar places. Avoid certain areas after dark, like the north end of downtown and parts of Leon Avenue.
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Respect Kelowna’s diverse community: Kelowna has a diverse community, so be respectful and open when visiting cultural sites or interacting with others.
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Stay connected with mobile data: When visiting Kelowna, it’s important to stay connected and informed. One way to easily access real-time local information and stay in touch with friends is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. With it, you won’t need Wi-Fi to keep up with updates and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
