Food & Drink
Best Date Night Spots in Kelowna
Kelowna Team
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Summary
Where to take a date in Kelowna: winery dinners, casual pubs and wine bars, lakeside walks, and a few low-key ideas.
In this article:
The best date night spots in Kelowna are Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery, Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery, and BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery. This guide sorts them by the kind of evening you're after, from winery dinners and casual pubs to lakeside walks, hikes and a night at the theatre. Each entry notes what the spot is best for.
Fine Dining Experiences
Fine dining dates mostly mean a lakeside dining room or a winery restaurant, and these three are the safe bets.
Waterfront Dining
The classic waterfront dinner is at the Eldorado Resort on the lake in the Mission.
- ●The Eldorado Resort - Lakeside Dining Room
Location: 500 Cook Rd, Kelowna, BC
The Lakeside Dining Room is the dressed-up option, with lake views and locally inspired food. Ask for a window table when you book.
Upscale & Intimate
The most memorable upscale dates happen at winery restaurants, with dinner served among the vines.
- ●Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery
Location: 5445 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC
Wood-fired food with CedarCreek wines in a polished dining room among the vines is about as Okanagan as an evening gets. Arrive early and do a wine tasting before dinner.
- ●Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery
Location: 3303 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, BC
For a big night, Old Vines is a strong pick, overlooking the vineyards and Okanagan Lake with a seasonal, local menu paired with Quails' Gate wines. Make a reservation well in advance.
Casual & Cozy Dates
Casual dates work best at a brewery, a pub or a winery patio, where you can share food and actually talk.
Breweries and Pubs
The two easiest casual dates downtown are both on Ellis Street: BNA Brewing and the Train Station Pub.
- ●BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery
Location: 1250 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
BNA is fun and loud, with industrial decor, a long craft beer list and a bowling alley upstairs. Share a few appetizers over local beer, then go bowling.
- ●Train Station Pub
Location: 1177 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
Set in the city's historic train station, this relaxed pub has a good beer selection and comfort food. It's best on a warm evening when you can sit out on the patio.
Wine Dates
For a wine-themed date that isn't a formal dinner, try a winery patio in West Kelowna or the wine museum downtown.
- ●The Modest Butcher at Mt. Boucherie Winery
Location: 829 Douglas Rd, West Kelowna, BC
The winery's casual restaurant serves farm-to-table food with a view over the vineyard, and it's relaxed enough that you can actually talk.
- ●Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum
Location: 1304 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
It's not a wine bar, but if you both like wine it's an unusual pick, with exhibits on the history of winemaking and orchards in the Okanagan Valley.
Activities & Adventures
Some of the best dates don't come with a dinner bill: lakeside walks, a hike, a bike ride or a show.
Lakeside Strolls & Sunset Views
The best free date is a walk along the downtown waterfront, with a stop at the Japanese garden behind City Hall.
- ●Waterfront Boardwalk & City Park
Location: Downtown Kelowna
The boardwalk runs along Okanagan Lake downtown and ends at City Park, where you can sit on the beach and watch the sunset. It's cheap and classic, and it's better with a picnic.
- ●Kasugai Japanese Garden
Location: 1435 Water St (behind City Hall), Kelowna, BC
Kasugai is a quiet garden with koi ponds and carefully kept landscaping, suited to a slow walk.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor dates mean a hike up Knox Mountain or a bike ride on the Okanagan Rail Trail.
- ●Hiking at Knox Mountain Park
Location: Knox Mountain Dr, Kelowna, BC
Knox is the classic date hike, with panoramic views of the city and Okanagan Lake, and a good picnic spot at the top. It's best in the warmer months, so check trail conditions before you go. For more options, see our guide to Kelowna parks.
- ●Bike Ride on the Okanagan Rail Trail
Location: Various access points
The trail follows the old railway line, so it's easy riding with good scenery and a bit of exercise. Rent bikes, and pack water and snacks for a longer ride.
Arts & Culture
For an arts date, the Rotary Centre for the Arts downtown runs live music, theatre and art exhibitions.
- ●Attend a show at the Rotary Centre for the Arts
Location: 421 Cawston Ave, Kelowna, BC
Check the downtown performing arts centre's schedule for live music, theatre and art exhibitions.
Match the plan to the budget and the season: a winery dinner for a big night, a walk and a picnic for a regular Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some romantic restaurants with lake views in Kelowna?
The Eldorado Resort's Lakeside Dining Room and Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery both look out over Okanagan Lake. Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery has vineyard views instead.
Where can I go for a casual date night in Kelowna?
BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery, Train Station Pub and The Modest Butcher at Mt. Boucherie Winery are the best casual date spots in town. All three are relaxed enough to talk, or you can book a wine tasting instead.
What are some outdoor date activities in Kelowna?
The best outdoor dates are hiking Knox Mountain Park, biking the Okanagan Rail Trail and walking the waterfront boardwalk. City Park and Kasugai Gardens are also good choices.
What are some unique date night ideas in Kelowna?
For something different, visit the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum for its historical exhibits or see a show at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Bowling upstairs at BNA is another fun option.
When is the best time of year for a romantic date in Kelowna?
Summer and fall are the best times, with the warmest weather and the most to do outside. A winter dinner at a winery or restaurant works well too.
