- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Kelowna
Kelowna's past is preserved in sites like the 1859 Father Pandosy Mission, BC's first non-native settlement. Laurel Packinghouse, an Okanagan Orchard icon, now hosts events. Explore Tutt Street's hidden 1900s heritage homes, showcasing what is Kelowna famous for beyond tourism.
Kelowna sits along Okanagan Lake's 135 km shoreline, surrounded by vineyards and pine-covered hills. Hike Knox Mountain for panoramic lake views or cycle the Myra Canyon Trestles, part of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Waterfront Park and City Park beaches highlight outdoor life in any Kelowna travel guide.
As a premier wine region, a Kelowna travel guide points to over 40 wineries. Experience farm-to-table dining and seasonal fruits like Okanagan peaches and cherries. Discover hidden gems like local cideries and distilleries. Don't miss the Okanagan Wine Festivals, happening quarterly, not just at harvest.
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- KelownaCanada
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #LightSweater
- #Camera
- #Sunglasses
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages here
- #OkanaganLake
- #KnoxMountainPark
- #MissionHillFamilyWinery
- #KelownaArtGallery
- #MyraCanyon
- #GlenCanyonRegionalPark
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
- Biking along the waterfront
- Hiking Knox Mountain
- Swimming at Hot Sands Beach
- Shopping in Orchard Park Mall
Recommended Hotels in Kelowna by Experience
Things to do in Kelowna
Discover
Things to do in Kelowna include stunning sights like Knox Mountain, the Okanagan Lake waterfront, and the Kelowna Art Gallery. Discover unique Kelowna attractions that highlight the beauty and culture of this vibrant city.
Experience
Experience outdoor activities such as hiking at Myra Canyon, cycling along scenic trails, and attending Kelowna tours and events. Delve into the local culture with art exhibits and summer festivals showcasing the region's heritage.
Knox Mountain
Scenic park offering hiking trails and lake views.
Kelowna Art Gallery
Contemporary art venue showcasing local artists.
Okanagan Lake
Large lake perfect for water sports and relaxation.
Myra Canyon
Historical rail trail offering stunning canyon views.
Lake Country ArtWalk
Annual event showcasing local artists and crafts.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Kelowna, fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW) from major Canadian cities. For Kelowna airport to city center, use a Kelowna shuttle bus, taxi, or rideshare for the 15-20 minute trip.
Getting Around
For getting around, public transport in Kelowna is available via BC Transit buses, but routes can be limited outside central areas. Many visitors opt for car rental in Kelowna for flexibility exploring wineries and lake-side attractions.
Local Essentials
Book summer stays early as Kelowna is popular. Anticipate heavy summer traffic, especially on Highway 97, and plan routes carefully. Cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful. Visit local farmers' markets for unique finds.
Where to Stay in Kelowna
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore the local cuisine in Kelowna featuring perogies, bison burgers, and signature wines. Late dinners and vibrant café culture ensure a delightful experience for food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors.
Enjoy
Taste the best restaurants in Kelowna like JOEY Kelowna for innovative dishes, with a warm atmosphere. Book ahead! For drinks, BNA Brewing Co. offers craft beers and a lively setting. Don't miss the top cafes in Kelowna like The Bohemian Cafe.
JOEY Kelowna
Modern restaurant serving global dishes, cocktails & wine.
Bouchons Bistro
Charming French fare with a cozy ambiance, reserve early.
Cactus Club Cafe
Contemporary American dishes, vibrant and popular.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Celebrate Kelowna's heritage at events reflecting its agricultural roots. Experience local traditions that connect you to the Okanagan's history. Discover authentic Kelowna cultural activities that are a must-see for history and community spirit.
Enjoy
Explore modern creativity in Kelowna with diverse arts and music events. Enjoy live concerts, theater, and dynamic art installations that define the city's contemporary culture. These are essential things to do in Kelowna.
Okanagan Wine Festivals
Savor local wines, food pairings, and vineyard tours in spring and fall.
Kelowna Regatta
Water-based event in early August with boat races and family activities.
Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market
Local produce, artisan crafts, and live music every Wednesday & Saturday.
Kelowna Polar Bear Dip
New Year's Day plunge into Okanagan Lake to raise funds for charity.
Kelowna Dragon Boat Festival
Exciting races and performances on Okanagan Lake in late June/July.
Kelowna in spring is something else
The wineries along Lakeshore Road are absolutely worth the trip. The scenery is stunning and the wines are genuinely good. People are laid-back and welcoming. Great city to just slow down and enjoy.
Best beach town in the BC interior
Rotary Beach is the spot. Clean water, soft sand, and the lake views are just gorgeous. The whole waterfront area is easy to walk around and there's always something going on. Way more relaxed than the coast and the sun actually shows up. Peach smoothies from a local stand near the beach - highly recommend.
Okanagan wine country delivered
We came specifically for the wineries and the Mission Hill Family Estate blew us away - the building alone is worth the visit. The whole region feels really well set up for wine tourism without being snooty about it. Food pairing options were excellent too.
Great city for a family summer trip
Kids absolutely loved it. The waterpark at Waterfront Park kept them busy for hours and the lake is so clean. Downtown has good food options and nothing felt too overwhelming or crowded. Ogopogo statues gave the kids a fun little mythology story to talk about all week.
Apple cider, wine, and good people
Came during the harvest season and the whole region was buzzing. The farmers markets were stacked with fresh peaches, apples, and cherries. Pandosy Village has some really cute little shops and cafes. Food scene is strong for a city this size.
Ski trip with a great twist
Big White is legit. Powder was excellent and the runs have something for all levels. What surprised me was how easy it is to combine skiing with a proper city stay - Kelowna has solid restaurants and a lively downtown to come back to after the slopes.