Lifestyle
Things to Do in Kelowna
Wineries, beaches, skiing and trails, all year round
The best things to do in Kelowna are swimming and paddling on Okanagan Lake, wine touring, hiking, golf and skiing at Big White, 56 km from the city. Tourism Kelowna counts more than 40 wineries within a short drive, and the city gets nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. The guides below cover each one for residents and newcomers.
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Few Canadian cities put this much within easy reach. It's possible to ski at Big White in the morning and be back in town for dinner. In summer, the lake, more than a dozen golf courses and trails like Knox Mountain and Myra Canyon fill most weekends.
Outdoor recreation is part of daily life here, not only a weekend plan. The food scene has grown alongside the wineries: winery patios, craft breweries and a farmers' market twice a week from spring to fall. Each guide below covers one of these in detail.
Outdoor Recreation
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Wineries & Wine Tours
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Beaches
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Golf
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Trails
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Restaurants
Learn moreWhat are the best things to do in Kelowna?
The best things to do in Kelowna are built around Okanagan Lake and the hills that ring it. In summer, that means a day at one of the best beaches in Kelowna, paddleboarding from Gyro Beach, or a hike up Knox Mountain or across the Myra Canyon trestles (see our best hikes guide). Wine touring is the other big draw. Quails' Gate, Mission Hill, CedarCreek and Summerhill make good first stops, and our wineries guide maps the three main routes.
Golfers get a season that runs April through October at courses like The Harvest and Gallagher's Canyon (golf guide). Mountain bikers head to Myra-Bellevue, covered in our outdoor recreation guide. Much of it is free: most parks, beaches and trails cost nothing to use. For more ideas, see free things to do, family activities and our summer activities guide.
What is there to do in Kelowna in winter?
Winter in Kelowna means skiing up the mountain and milder, quieter days in the city. Big White Ski Resort is 56 km southeast of Kelowna, about an hour's drive, and Silver Star is 90 minutes north. Our skiing guide covers passes, rentals and first-timer tips.
In town, winter brings rain or slush more often than deep snow. The City of Kelowna runs a free outdoor rink at Stuart Park on the waterfront, and Telemark Nordic Club in West Kelowna grooms cross-country and snowshoe trails. Many wineries keep their tasting rooms open all winter. On grey days, the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Okanagan Heritage Museum and shows in the Cultural District are the usual indoor options (see art, music and culture). Our rainy day guide lists more, from climbing gyms to waterslides.
Where do locals eat and drink?
Locals eat and drink at winery restaurants, downtown patios and craft breweries. For a special night out, Old Vines at Quails' Gate and Home Block at CedarCreek are the usual picks. On a weeknight, the choice is more often a patio on Bernard Avenue or a pint at BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery on Ellis Street.
The Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market runs Wednesday and Saturday mornings from April to October in the Landmark District, and many residents do their weekly produce shopping there. Our best restaurants guide sorts the full list by occasion, from lakefront patios to neighbourhood cafes. If you're still deciding where to settle, living in Kelowna covers neighbourhoods and costs.