Destination guide: Kelowna
The Yervana Staycation Series is your guide to staying local but keeping your travel spirits high! Throughout this series we will be bringing you staycation inspiration, guides to must-see destinations in Alberta and BC, road trip and weekend itineraries to help you plan, and chances for you to win a staycation of your own!
Home to lush vineyards, pristine lakes, outstanding golf courses and ski terrain, world-class wineries, and situated along the magnificent Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is a must-visit destination for so many reasons.
Whether you’re looking to soak up some rays, sip on amazing wine, and explore the outdoors, Kelowna needs to be added to your list of places to visit!
Top 7 Things to do in Kelowna
With so many ways to get your adventure on, Kelowna is a great place to visit year round! Choose from spending the day on the water, hitting up a golf course, visiting wineries, explore breathtaking landscapes, and more!
1. Indulge in Farm Fresh Fruit & Produce
Start your visit by fueling up for your adventures with farm fresh fruit and produce! This is a must-do when you visit Kelowna, you do not want to miss the farm-fresh goodness found at every fruit stand!
Alternatively you can pick the fruit yourself! Head over to one of the many orchids around town to pick your own cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines and apples!
2. Get Out on the Water
Okanagan Lake offers plenty of opportunities for fun! If you are feeling adventurous, the vast Okanagan Lakes gives you the space to do almost every type of water sports from efoiling, flyboarding, to jet skiing, and stand up paddle boarding. Or if you’re looking to sit back and relax, you can head out on a captained boat tour with Yervana Local, Mike!
Would you rather enjoy the water from a distance? Lay out on one of Kelowna’s pristine beaches. Gyro Beach is fun for the whole family with its close proximity to playgrounds, volleyball courts, washrooms, and a concession. Travelling with your dog? Head over to Cedar Creek Park, the only dog friendly beach in Kelowna.
4. Hit the Bike Trail
Whether you prefer a scenic bike trip or mountain biking, Kelowna’s bike trails will take you from the mountains to the lakeside orchards and world-famous vineyards! You can head out on technical trails, single tracks, or simply follow the road for a scenic experience.
5. Play a Round of Golf
Kelowna is a golfers paradise, with over a dozen golf courses situated around the orchards, rolling hills and lakes making playing a round of golf a pleasure for golfers and none golfers alike!
6. Put on Your Hiking Boots
Kelowna offers a range of trails to choose from! Head out on a simple morning hike or make it a full day adventure.
From Downtown Kelowna there are plenty of trail options up Knox Mountain, or you can head out of the city to Cedar Mountain Park for a stunning 7km journey that will lead you to a cliff top with a breath-taking vista.
For a truly Kelowna experience, head out with Yervana Local, Frank on a hiking and winery tour!
7. Hit the Slopes
In the winter, skiers and snowboarders can make fresh tracks at Big White Ski Resort or Silver Star Mountain Resort, which are both only a one hour drive away.
Best Spots to Grab a Bite to Eat
Lakeside or mountain view? Either way you’re sure to enjoy a mouth-watering meal amongst jaw dropping scenery. Whether you’re craving a locally brewed beer, a glass of crisp Okanagan wine, farm-to-table food, or craft cocktails, Kelowna is home to a variety of options!
Here are some must-try places for food and drinks in Kelowna.
RauDZ Regional Table
Downtown Kelowa’s RauDZ Regional Table lives by support local, buy local, eat and drink local mission, creating a fusion of local excellence that extends from back to front of house and is known for its award-winning cocktails.
Salt & Brick
You know a restaurant must be good when it’s featured on the Food Network’s Big Food Bucket List, a show where host, John Catucci, tours North America in search of must-eat meals to meet chefs and learn how they make their unique creations. Salt & Brick is big on showcasing unique eats and off the beaten path Okanagan wines.
Krafty Kitchen + Bar
Krafty Kitchen + Bar is another Downtown Kelowna favourite, known for their casual farm to table eatery and bar feel. You’ll find high quality local and sustainable dishes, plus, their Hip Hop Brunch is not to be missed! Featuring dishes like Pop Lox and Drop It and Truffle on my Mind Brunch Bowls!
BNA Brewing
If you’re looking for a fun time then BNA Brewing is your one-stop shop! BNA is an independent craft brewery in Downtown Kelowna with a multi-level tasting room, full-service restaurant, and bowling alley!
How to get there
By Plane
The Kelowna International Airport is perfectly situated and connected to major airports across Canada, making it easy to fly into the city.
By Road
Driving to Kelowna is a refreshingly accessible and scenic drive. From Vancouver, you can drive the beautiful 4 hour journey through the Coquihalla or Crow’s Nest route.
By Bus
For an easy ride into Kelowna, consider catching an EBus. The bus company offers regularly scheduled, roundtrip bus rides to/from Kelowna from different cities across BC.
Ready to explore Kelowa?
Tag us in your Kelowna adventures on Instagram with #yervana or @myyervana for a chance to be featured on our page!
Where to next?
Thinking of doing a little exploring in British Columbia? Kelowna is close to other popular destinations in the province, including Kamloops and Vancouver.
