10 Best Things To Do In Kelowna

Myra Canyon, located approximately a 40-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, is a stunning destination. It is the former Kettle Valley Railroad that gracefully skirts the edge of a deep canyon. On this remarkable trail, spanning 12 km, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying the well-maintained hiking and biking experience. Along the way, you will traverse 18 wooden trestle bridges and pass through two tunnels.

The breathtaking views from Myra Canyon offer panoramic vistas of Kelowna and the impressive 135-km-long shore of Okanagan Lake that lies alongside it. Surrounded by larches and rugged mountains, one would hardly believe they are in such close proximity to civilization. Myra Canyon provides a genuine opportunity to appreciate not only the engineering marvel of the trail but also the natural wonders that attract countless visitors to Kelowna.

Big White Ski Resort, located around an hour east of the city, is a great base for exploring Kelowna. Whether you're visiting in the summer or winter season, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Winter brings the opportunity to experience high-quality skiing across the resort's 119 trails. Set at over 2,000 meters high, the views are breathtaking - as are the temperatures!

In the summer, Big White transforms into a biking resort, with access to the trails available via the ski elevators, which is quite unusual. You couldn't ask for a more picturesque setting as you decide which of the 34 challenging trails you want to tackle next. The resort also offers accommodations (winter only), restaurants, bars, and a wide range of other facilities.

Kelowna Art Gallery is a great place to start if you want to discover Kelowna's cultural side. It offers permanent exhibitions that showcase a rotating selection of the gallery's 800 art pieces, as well as a program of changing exhibits that highlight Canadian artists.

Spread across 4 galleries, one of which is a delightful courtyard space, you can explore thoughtfully curated exhibitions that encompass the historic, the modern, and the indigenous art. The gallery also provides an interactive experience with a program of lectures and workshops throughout the year.

Knox Mountain Park is an excellent on-foot adventure that's easily accessible from the center of Kelowna. Spanning an area of 385 hectares, the park extends from the shoreline of Okanagan Lake to the top of the 300 meters Knox Mountain.

From the mountain's peak, the view offers unparalleled vistas of the city and lake. There are several trails to be enjoyed, the most popular being the Paul's Tomb Trail. It takes approximately an hour to hike from the bottom to the top, and 4-legged friends are welcome, making it an attractive option for a family day out.

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, one of the first vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, continues to be regarded as one of the best. With a history of crafting wines since 1981, Mission Hill has earned the prestigious title of Winery of the Year five times, a testament to the exceptional quality of its wines.

Visitors to Mission Hill Family Estate Winery can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards, gaining insight into the wine-making process and understanding why the terroir in the Okanagan area is perfect for wine production. Tastings are a must-do, and a delightful dining experience at the Terrace Restaurant can complement them. Here, guests can savor local and seasonal produce paired with the vineyard's finest wines.

Kelowna City Park is a lakefront expanse of grass and sand that is ideal for enjoying those long, hot summer days. You can walk from one end of the park to the other in ten minutes, but despite its small size, there is a whole lot going on at City Park.

Whether you want to try your hand at bowling, volleyball, or skateboarding, you can indulge yourself here. From May to September, there is also a floating water park that will keep kids entertained for hours. So, pack up a picnic, throw on your swimsuit, and enjoy a day reveling in Kelowna's City Park.

Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, just a 5-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, is a popular lakefront beach that's loved equally by locals and visitors. It's great for those sunny days when you want to slow down the pace and focus on bathing and sunning.

The park offers beach volleyball, a playground for kids, changing facilities, and paddleboard and pedalo rentals. Little else is required. Find a spot under the shade of a tree, take in the views of the mountains across the lake, and feel those stresses melt away.

The Okanagan Heritage Museum is the ideal place to visit if you want to find out more about the Okanagan region. The museum has undergone redevelopment to incorporate the history and culture of the region's Syilx/Okanagan indigenous communities. This representation includes the construction of a traditional kekuli house, which children love to explore.

Other exhibits at the museum include a Sports Hall of Fame, as well as displays of historical artifacts related to the development of the Okanagan region and Kelowna in particular, encompassing both cultural and geographical aspects. To gain a deeper understanding of the items on display, you can take a guided tour.

The Kasugai Gardens, located in the center of Kelowna, offer a tranquil oasis, perfect for taking a few moments of respite from the bustling city. Serving as a symbol of the connection between Kelowna and its sister city Kasugai in Japan, the garden holds a special place as one of the city's most distinctive parks.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the traditionally designed Japanese gardens as you leisurely stroll amidst vibrant plants, graceful stone lanterns, and picturesque waterfalls. Naturally, you'll encounter majestic koi carp gracefully bathing in the ornamental pond. Find a seat in one of the gazebos and bask in the soothing ambience until you feel ready to venture back into downtown Kelowna.

The Waterfront Boardwalk, located at the northern edge of downtown Kelowna, offers a scenic lakeside trail that spans 2 km. By following its graceful curve along the shore, you can embark on a picturesque journey that transitions you from the bustling cityscape to the tranquil Rotary Marshes wildlife park.

While strolling along the wooden boardwalk, you'll have the opportunity to soak in panoramic vistas of Okanagan Lake. Moreover, keep your eyes peeled, as it's common to spot a variety of wildlife during your walk. Herons, eagles, and beavers are frequent visitors to this area. Why not enhance your experience by packing a picnic and turning it into a delightful afternoon outing?