Wine Tours
Après Tours
Kelowna
FOUR SEASONS, ONE LAKE
Vineyards catch the summer sun, a massive lake cuts through the valley, and snowy mountains wait just an hour away.
228 things to do · Updated October 2026Things To Do guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Andrey Sulitskiy · Knox Mountain Park via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Summer heat drives everyone toward the sandy beaches and boat launches along Okanagan Lake. Fall brings the grape harvest across the valley's distinct wine trails, along with cooler temperatures for cycling the Myra Canyon trestles. Winter shifts the focus up the highway to the deep powder at Big White Ski Resort.
- Best season
- July-August
- Known for
- Wine, lakes, skiing
- Getting around
- Car, bike, tours
- Good to know
- Book summer stays early
01MOST-LOVED
Where locals take their visitors.
Beaches, lookouts, galleries and adventures with the most local love.
Wine Tours
Vivid Tours - Kelowna Wine Tours
Kelowna
Ski Resorts
Big White Ski Resort
Kelowna
Attractions
Kelowna City Park
Kelowna
Ski Resorts
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Kelowna
Hiking Trails
Knox Mountain Park
Kelowna
Outdoor & Recreation
Waterfront Park
Kelowna
Wine Tours
BARE Wine Tours
Kelowna
Markets
Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market
Kelowna
Beaches
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park
Kelowna
Hiking Trails
Mission Creek Regional Park
Kelowna
Guided Tours
Sip Happens - Kelowna Wine Tours
Kelowna
Cinemas
Cineplex Cinemas Orchard Plaza
Kelowna
Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.
•GET OUTSIDE
Trails, tee times and the lake.
Hiking, golf, cycling, paddling and boat days, all in one place.
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•FOUR COMMUNITIES
Pick your side of the lake.
Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland and Lake Country: four communities, each with its own favourites.
Explore The City
•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Four Seasons in the Okanagan Valley
Drive the sprawling lakeshore, pinpoint the right wine trails, and map out mountain hikes across the Westside, Peachland, and Lake Country. Jump straight into the region's top outdoor and cultural spots.
The short answer
Start your morning walking the waterfront boardwalk from the Cultural District down to City Park. In the afternoon, book a tasting along the Lakeshore Wine Route, then finish the day catching the sunset from the top of Knox Mountain.
01On the water
Beaches and Lake Life
Summer heat naturally draws everyone toward Okanagan Lake. The shoreline is dotted with sandy stretches meant for swimming and sunbathing. Head to Boyce-Gyro Beach Park for a long sandy strip and a family-focused crowd, or visit Rotary Beach Park to launch a paddleboard. In the Lower Mission, Sarsons Beach Park brings a quieter, local scene. For a classic downtown afternoon, Kelowna City Park has a water park and a wide beach right off the main drag.
Waterfront Park connects the Cultural District to the lake with a paved boardwalk and landscaped gardens. It is a solid spot for a stroll before grabbing ice cream downtown. Across the bridge in the west, Pritchard Park and the CNR Wharf and Gellatly Bay Aquatic Park draw heavy local traffic. In Peachland, Antlers Beach Regional Park is a mandatory stop, while Lake Country's Beasley Park and Kaloya Regional Park give you direct access to Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake.
Warm months are meant for getting out on the water. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and speedboats from Kelowna Downtown Marina or Okanagan Lake Boat Rentals. Catch a peaceful morning paddle along the shore or spend the day tubing and waterskiing across the deep valley basin.
Local tips
- Parking at popular beaches fills up fast. Arrive early or ride a bike.
- Many beaches have concession stands, but packing a picnic saves time.
- Look for designated swimming areas, as the lake gets heavy boat traffic.
- Pack sunscreen and a hat, because the valley sun beats down hard.
02Hit the trails
Parks and Hiking Trails
Just north of downtown, Knox Mountain Park stands as the largest natural area in the city limits, packed with trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Apex Trail is a steep climb with wide views of the city and Okanagan Lake. For an easier lakeside walk, the Paul's Tomb trail is a solid choice. The park stays busy year-round with locals getting a quick workout in nature.
Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park holds the famous Myra Canyon trestles. This section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway includes 18 restored wooden bridges and two tunnels built into the steep canyon wall. The nearly flat, 24-kilometre round-trip trail works well for walking or cycling and gives you sweeping views of the valley. You can rent bikes right at the trailhead from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours Inc.
The region has plenty of diverse hiking options. Mission Creek Regional Park has flat, accessible gravel paths running along the water. Across the lake, Bear Creek Provincial Park maintains a popular loop trail that climbs up to a waterfall. For a steeper challenge, Crawford Falls in the Lower Mission requires a sharp descent to reach the rushing water. Mill Creek Regional Park also has a shaded walk ending at a waterfall just east of the highway.
Local tips
- Check trail conditions online before heading out, especially in spring and fall.
- Bring plenty of water, particularly for exposed routes like the Apex Trail.
- Wildlife, including bears, live in these parks. Stay alert and make noise on the trails.
- The road up to Myra Canyon is unpaved gravel, so drive carefully.
03Taste the valley
Wineries and Farmers Markets
The Okanagan Valley is the birthplace of BC wine, and touring the vineyards is a major draw. The region breaks down into several distinct wine trails. The Westside Wine Trail sits on Mount Boucherie with sweeping lake views and massive estates. Up north, the Scenic Sip trail winds through the rolling hills of Lake Country. The Lakeshore Wine Route in the south contains some of the area's oldest producing vines.
To hit the tasting rooms safely without needing a designated driver, book a guided tour. Companies like Vivid Tours - Kelowna Wine Tours and Sip Happens - Kelowna Wine Tours run half-day and full-day excursions that often include lunch. These guides handle the driving and share local history. Other active operators include Wicked Wine Tours, Vine 49, and Sip & Anchor, which pairs a boat cruise with wine tasting.
Grab fresh local produce at a farmers market. The Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to October, packing the lot with vegetables, crafts, and food trucks. Across the bridge, Paynter's Fruit Market is a family-run staple known for its fresh peaches and ice cream. For another farm-to-table stop, pull into Don-O-Ray Farmers Market on Benvoulin Road.
Local tips
- Most tasting rooms now require advance reservations, so book your slots early.
- Pace yourself and drink plenty of water between vineyard stops.
- Many estates can ship cases of wine directly to your home address.
- Bring reusable bags to the farmers market to carry your produce.
04Stay active
Golfing and Cycling
With a long dry season, the valley is a major golf destination. The city has several championship layouts, including The Okanagan Golf Club, which maintains two distinct 18-hole courses: the Bear and the Quail. Other notable greens include the orchard-lined Harvest Golf Club and Black Mountain Golf Club. On the west side, Shannon Lake Golf Course is carved right into the mountainside, creating a challenging round with elevation changes.
Cycling is an efficient way to cover ground. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a major draw, maintaining a flat, gravel path right along the shores of Kalamalka and Wood Lakes. The trail suits all skill levels and keeps you away from vehicle traffic. Rent an e-bike from Lakeside Eco-Sports to ride longer distances. For mountain bikers, the dirt trails at Knox Mountain Park range from beginner-friendly climbs to technical downhill runs.
Boating on Okanagan Lake dominates the summer months. From the Kelowna Yacht Club and the downtown marina, you can rent different watercraft to get out on the deep water. Spend the afternoon wakeboarding, casting a fishing line, or cruising along the shoreline. For a quieter pace, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to paddle around the smaller bays and shallow beaches.
Local tips
- Book tee times weeks in advance, especially for weekend morning slots.
- The rail trail gets crowded. Keep right and ring your bell when passing pedestrians.
- If you lack boating experience, hire a captain or take a mandatory safety lesson.
- Always wear a certified life jacket when you are out on the lake.
05Hit the slopes
Winter at Big White
When the snow falls, traffic heads up to Big White Ski Resort, located just an hour east of the city. Known for its dry champagne powder, the mountain has expansive terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. With 16 lifts and over 118 runs, it stands as a major Canadian ski destination. The mountain also has the largest vertical drop for night skiing in North America.
Big White has plenty to do off the ski runs. The village has a tube park, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and Canada's highest outdoor skating rink. For a faster pace, book a snowmobile tour through the backcountry trails, ride behind a team of sled dogs, or strap on snowshoes to walk the quiet Nordic tracks through the trees.
Down in the valley, winter brings a different pace. The outdoor skating rink at Stuart Park sits right on the downtown waterfront. The local hiking trails, like the wide paths at Mission Creek Regional Park, take on a quiet atmosphere in the snow. After a cold walk, warm up at a downtown pub like O'Flannigan's Pub or watch a Rockets hockey game at Prospera Place.
Local tips
- Check the highway conditions before driving up the mountain. Winter tires are legally required.
- Secure accommodations and ski lessons at Big White early, particularly around the holidays.
- Dress in warm layers, as the alpine weather shifts rapidly.
- Many summer businesses, including several tasting rooms, stay open through the winter.
06Rainy days
Culture and Indoor Activities
The Cultural District takes up a compact six-block area downtown. Here you will find the Kelowna Art Gallery, displaying both Canadian and international artists. The neighbourhood also holds the Okanagan Heritage Museum, the Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum inside The Laurel Packinghouse, and live performance spaces like the Kelowna Community Theatre. Walk outside to spot public art pieces, including the metal dolphin sculpture, and the walled Kasugai Gardens.
Families have several options to burn off energy. Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure runs a petting zoo and a hedge maze, while the Energyplex houses a massive indoor playground, rock climbing walls, and a laser tag arena. Down south, ZipZone Peachland runs a high-speed zipline course right over the deep canyon. On a hot afternoon, the splash pads at City Park and Ben Lee Park draw big crowds of young kids.
When the rain starts, head inside. Catch a new release at Cineplex Cinemas Orchard Plaza, Landmark Cinemas Grand 10 Kelowna, or Landmark Cinemas West Kelowna, Xtreme. For an indoor workout, climb the bouldering walls at Gneiss Climbing. Many vineyards have indoor tasting rooms, turning a wine tour into a solid rainy-day plan. You can also walk the concourse at Orchard Park Shopping Centre or buy tickets for a show at the community theatre.
Local tips
- Admission to many of the downtown museums is by donation.
- Check the online schedules for the community theatre and Prospera Place to catch live events.
- Book indoor activities like escape rooms or the Energyplex ahead of time on wet days.
- Downtown hosts several free street festivals throughout the summer months.
Vivid Tours - Kelowna Wine ToursBig White Ski ResortKelowna City ParkSilverStar Mountain ResortKnox Mountain ParkWaterfront ParkBARE Wine ToursKelowna Farmers' and Crafters' MarketBoyce-Gyro Beach ParkMission Creek Regional ParkSip Happens - Kelowna Wine ToursCineplex Cinemas Orchard PlazaBear Creek Provincial ParkLandmark Cinemas West Kelowna, XtremeKasugai GardensProspera PlaceBen Lee ParkEnergyplex - Entertainment Centre KelownaStuart ParkLandmark Cinemas Grand 10 KelownaO'Flannigan's PubPaynter's Fruit MarketRotary Beach ParkKelowna Downtown Marina
•Insider Access
Let a local show you around.
Tours, rentals, shops and stays run by Kelowna locals, all bookable from their profiles.
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•THE FULL LIST
Search all 228.
Search by name, narrow by type or community, and sort by the most-reviewed or highest-rated.
See them on the map228 places
Wine ToursVivid Tours - Kelowna Wine ToursTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 5 (6,504) · KelownaSki ResortsBig White Ski ResortSki Resort in Kelowna.★ 4.7 (5,080) · KelownaAttractionsKelowna City ParkCity Park in Kelowna.★ 4.6 (4,794) · KelownaSki ResortsSilverStar Mountain ResortSki Resort in North Okanagan.★ 4.7 (3,022) · KelownaHiking TrailsKnox Mountain ParkKelowna's largest natural area park, offering extensive hiking and biking trails with sweeping panoramic views of the city and Okanagan Lake.★ 4.7 (2,976) · KelownaOutdoor & RecreationWaterfront ParkWaterfront Park is Kelowna's vibrant downtown oasis, offering panoramic lake views, a scenic boardwalk, and a hub for recreation and events.★ 4.7 (2,683) · KelownaWine ToursBARE Wine ToursTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 5 (2,373) · KelownaMarketsKelowna Farmers' and Crafters' MarketFarmers Market in Kelowna.★ 4.5 (2,325) · KelownaBeachesBoyce-Gyro Beach ParkBoyce-Gyro Beach Park is a lively, family-friendly Kelowna hotspot known for its wide sandy beach, shallow waters, playgrounds, and water sport rentals.★ 4.6 (2,253) · KelownaHiking TrailsMission Creek Regional ParkA nature-filled urban oasis with winding trails, a Kokanee salmon spawning channel, and an environmental education centre for all ages.★ 4.7 (2,027) · KelownaGuided ToursSip Happens - Kelowna Wine ToursTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 4.9 (1,536) · KelownaCinemasCineplex Cinemas Orchard PlazaMovie Theater in Kelowna.★ 4.2 (1,500) · Kelowna•STORIES
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•FAQ
Good to know
July and August draw the biggest crowds for hot weather and lake swimming. September brings cooler air, quieter beaches, and the start of the grape harvest across the valley.