Famed for its pine forests, vineyards, and mountain views, Kelowna is a bright spot in British Columbia’s idyllic Okanagan Valley. People flock to Kelowna after learning about its amazing weather and natural attractions. This is an outdoor lover’s paradise! Of course, more than two dozen local vineyards help visitors to find a relaxing pace.
Kelowna also has an incredible waterfront area with parks and cultural attractions. From ski hills to hiking trails, this little slice of British Columbia lake country has everything you need for the perfect getaway.
A tour we think you'll love
Are you looking for fun things to do in Kelowna during your upcoming visit? This rundown offers a mix of popular and unusual things to do in Kelowna. There’s something for the whole family. Check it out!
1) Enjoy Okanagan Lake
When looking for fun things to do in Kelowna, the lake is the go-to attraction. Spanning 84 miles, the lake’s east and west sides are connected by the five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge. Kelowna is perched roughly at the lake’s halfway point.
Lake Okanagan’s shore is cut into several different beaches. Most have bathrooms, concession stands, and fun playgrounds. Here are some fun ideas for how you spend your time exploring the treasures of Okanagan Lake:
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If you’re looking to get in the water, paddle boarding and kayaking are common. You can also book a wake boat, sailboat, or pedal boat to get out on the water with the crowds.
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Like all of the lakes here in the valley, Okanagan has crystal-clear water that’s clear enough for snorkeling and scuba diving! Local charter companies offer boat and shore dives that bring you to the lake’s underwater rock formations and caves. The submerged terrain is also famed for its shelves and drop-off points. Squally Point and Traders Cove Regional Park are the two popular dive sites. It’s common to see rainbow trout, burbot, and whitefish during dives.
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Hiking Paul’s Tomb trail at Knox Mountain Park is a popular family friendly hiking route with moderate difficulty. Running adjacent to Okanagan Lake, this popular trail offers many glimpses of the shimmering water.
Pro Tip: Of all the beaches to choose from, Hot Sands Beach in West Kelowna is a winner because of its long, sandy beach with just the right amount of shade. There’s also a volleyball court, basketball courts, playground, waterpark, and skate park.
2) Be Smart About Your Transportation
It can be so disappointing to realize that you don’t have a way to explore Kelowna BC and the surrounding areas because you don’t have a reliable way to get around. This is especially important when planning things to do in Kelowna in winter because getting through hilly passes to reach ski resorts on your own isn’t always easy. Insiders know to simply book rides with Kelowna Transfers!
Kelowna Transfers is Kelowna’s trusted provider of private transportation if you need wedding shuttles, ski shuttles, transfers between mountains at ski resorts, or corporate shuttles within Kelowna. We offer a mix of public and private shuttles to meet your needs and budget! Countless Kelowna visits are getting around town with ease using our:
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Revelstoke Airport Shuttle (Private): Enjoy door-to-door pickup and drop-off services with multiple departures daily. You’ll be driven by a professional commercial driver in a 4WD shuttle vehicle.
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Sparkling Hill Resort Airport Shuttle (Private): We bring you into the hills above Okanagan Lake for your luxurious experience with transportation options operating from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Big White Ski Resort Shuttle (Private): Taking you from the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Big White Ski Resort and other ski resorts throughout BC in 2023 model years or newer with studded winter tires, our private shuttle offers a scenic ride through the mountains with flexible 24-hour pickup based on your needs.
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Revelstoke Airport Shuttle (Public): Enjoy cost-effective transportation between Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Revelstoke with seamless door-to-door service with flexible scheduling.
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SilverStar Ski Resort Shuttle (Public): Featuring flexible door-to-door service, this is the cheapest shuttle between Kelowna and SilverStar Mountain Resort.
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Big White Ski Resort Shuttle (Public): Let door-to-door service between Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Big White with flexible scheduling help you get around in style.
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Kelowna Wedding Shuttle (Private): Make your day flawless with a luxurious ride showing off stunning views of Okanagan Valley. Our skilled local drivers know the routes to all local venues.
We know these roads like nobody else! With professional, on-time service every time, all you have to do is enjoy the views from one of our spacious luxury vehicles. Satellite phone and Garmin InReach messaging device ensure that communication is never lost as we bring you into the mountains!
Whether you’re coming for cross country skiing or wine tasting, don’t leave having an incredible experience up to chance! Book you ride with Kelowna Transfers today!
3) Discover The Cutest Thing To Do In Kelowna At Kangaroo Creek Farm
Plan an exciting day with BC’s cutest critters at Kangaroo Creek Farm. Guests can approach, feed, and pet the lovely kangaroos, wallaroos, and wallabies at the farm. Kangaroo Creek is also home to a wide assortment of loveable creatures that includes:
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Tortoises
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Capybaras
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Goats
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Parrots
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Peacocks
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Fancy chickens
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Sugar gliders (Australian possums)
One of the farm’s most famous residents is an African crested porcupine named Priscilla. Of course, the friendly and knowledgeable guides at this family friendly farm will be standing by to oversee all of your gentle interactions and answer any questions.
4) Taste The Soft Blush Of British Columbia With A Wine Tasting
Kelowna is the official birthplace of winemaking in British Columbia! In fact, the region is home to roughly 40 wineries located within a 20-minute driving radius. Here’s a glance at the five distinct wine trails in Kelowna:
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East Kelowna – Noted for its smaller wineries and orchards.
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West Kelowna – Features a mix of small and big wineries. Some stunning vineyards even slope down toward the lake.
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Lakeshore – The wineries here generally offer amazing lake views facing west. Additionally, the outline of West Kelowna and downtown can be seen across the water from many vineyards.
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Lake Country – This region is known for its pinot Noir wines.
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Downtown – The wine trail route running through downtown features urban wineries with contemporary tasting rooms.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Kelowna’s climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean, making it ideal for growing a variety of grapes? This unique weather contributes to the exceptional quality of the wines produced in the region! if you’d rather leave it to the experts, there’s no better way than on a Kelowna Wine Tour
5) Experience The Local Culture Of Kelowna
Not everyone comes to Kelowna just to tour wineries or look posh on the ski slopes. If you love a hidden gem, put these attractions on your list:
Okanagan Heritage Museum
Visit the world of the Okanagan people at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. The Museum’s exhibits take you through the Okanagan Valley to witness the fascinating lives of past and present inhabitants. Admission is by donation. This is a family friendly museum with attractions and exhibits for all ages.
Kelowna Brewing Company
Enjoy drinks with the locals at Kelowna Brewing Company. This local brewery is famed for its warming winter ales. Savor toasty flavors with hints of malt and molasses.
Stuart Park Ice Rink
Enjoy one of the best things to do in Kelowna winter when a portion of the park is converted to a rink for public skating. If you come in the summer, this same plaza is home to the city’s famed Dancing in the Park series!
Jog In City Park
With a waterfront green space on the bank of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna’s City Park is the perfect spot for a warm-weather jog.
Kelowna Art Gallery
Located in Kelowna’s Cultural District in downtown, the Kelowna Art Gallery features contemporary and historic Canadian art. The campus features four gallery spaces and an outdoor courtyard. The gallery’s permanent collection features nearly 1,000 pieces.
Visit A Bowling Alley
Did you know that bowling is big in Kelowna? Unwind with the locals at McCurdy Bowling Centre (30 lanes), BNA Bowl, West Kelowna Bowl, Whiskey Jack’s Pins & Pints, or Okanagan Bowling Club.
Knox Mountain Park
Covering more than 380 hectares just north of downtown Kelowna, Knox Mountain Park is the city’s largest natural area park. Within the park, you’ll find several diverse Okanagan ecosystems that include wetland, riparian, and pine forest. Visitors can visit from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Don’t miss the chance to have an unforgettable experience in one of BC’s most treasured scenic spots!
The Valley Is Calling
Whether you’re arranging travel for a wedding, ski weekend, vacation full of wine tastings, or a spa day among the scenic hills, Kelowna is a prime location for luxury.
Kelowna Transfers is the local name for professional, safe, and on-time transportation to destinations throughout Kelowna. Don’t settle for anything less than riding in pure luxury. Book your trip with us today!
