Kelowna is the beating heart of the Okanagan Valley a city of over 140,000 people that somehow still feels like a sun-soaked lake town. Situated on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, it’s surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and mountains, with a downtown waterfront that comes alive every summer.
It’s also the most accessible entry point to the entire Okanagan region. Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Seattle. From the airport, the South Okanagan is just 90 minutes south making Kelowna the natural base for anyone flying into the region.
Find the Best Kelowna Hotel for Your Dates
Kelowna fills up fast in July and August. Compare options and book early.
Why Visit Kelowna?
- Wine country: The Kelowna area is home to over 40 wineries. The Kelowna Wine Trail links Mission Hill, Quails’ Gate, Summerhill, Cedar Creek, and many more along the west and east sides of Okanagan Lake.
- Okanagan Lake: 135 km long, warm in summer, and extraordinarily scenic. City Park Beach in downtown Kelowna is one of the best urban beaches in Canada.
- Big White Ski Resort: One of BC’s best ski resorts, just 57 km east of Kelowna. Reliable snow, a proper ski village, and excellent beginner-to-expert terrain.
- Food & drink scene: Kelowna punches well above its weight for dining. Craft breweries, excellent farm-to-table restaurants, and a thriving farmers’ market.
- Outdoor recreation: World-class mountain biking (Knox Mountain, Myra Canyon), hiking, paddling, and golf.
- Gateway to the whole valley: Penticton is 60 km south, Osoyoos is 90 minutes south, Vernon is 45 minutes north. Kelowna is the best base for exploring the full Okanagan.
Top Things to Do in Kelowna
Wineries & Wine Tasting
The Kelowna wine scene is anchored by several iconic estates on the west side of the lake (the Westside Wine Trail) and a growing cluster on the east side (the Lakeshore Wine Trail). Top wineries to visit:
- Mission Hill Family Estate the most dramatic winery in BC. A hilltop estate with a bell tower, amphitheatre, and exceptional Oculus Bordeaux blend. Book a tour.
- Quails’ Gate Winery consistently excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Old Vines Restaurant is one of the best winery restaurants in Canada.
- Summerhill Pyramid Winery BC’s largest organic winery, certified biodynamic, famous for their pyramid-aged sparkling wines. Stunning lake views.
- Cedar Creek Estate Winery beautifully renovated estate on the lakeshore. Excellent Pinot Noir and a fantastic restaurant.
- Tantalus Vineyards boutique, biodynamic, exceptional Riesling. One of the most respected producers in BC.
Book a Kelowna Wine Tour
Skip the driving guided tours pick up from your hotel and cover 3–4 wineries with a knowledgeable guide.
Local operators: Vivid Tours (e-bike wine tours) • Red Dog Wine Tours (award-winning van tours, also on Viator)
Okanagan Lake & Beaches
City Park Beach in downtown Kelowna is the social hub of the city in summer a long sandy beach with a floating water park, beach volleyball, and the Sails restaurant right on the waterfront. It gets busy on weekends, but it’s genuinely excellent.
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park in Pandosy is quieter and popular with families. Rotary Beach at the south end of the city is more relaxed. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are widely available along the waterfront.
For the full Okanagan Lake experience, consider a sunset boat cruise several operators run tours from the downtown marina.
Book a Sunset Boat Cruise
Evening cruises on Okanagan Lake with wine, stunning mountain views, and no driving required.
Rent directly: Kelowna Boat Charters • Kelowna Downtown Marina • Lake Surf (West Kelowna)
Myra Canyon & Kettle Valley Railway
One of the most spectacular cycling and hiking trails in BC. The Myra Canyon section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway crosses 18 trestles and 2 tunnels through a dramatic canyon above Kelowna. The views are stunning and the trail is mostly flat (it follows a railway grade). Rent a bike in Kelowna or bring your own.
Distance: about 24 km return to cover the full canyon section. Budget 3–4 hours.
Explore Myra Canyon by E-Bike
Guided e-bike tours make the trestle trail accessible to all fitness levels highly recommended.
Paddleboard or Kayak on Okanagan Lake
SUP and kayak rentals and guided tours from City Park beach — no experience needed.
Knox Mountain Park
Kelowna’s own backyard mountain, right at the north end of downtown. A network of hiking and mountain biking trails winds up through pine and sagebrush to a summit with panoramic views of the lake and city. The Paul’s Tomb trail to the summit is about 5 km return. Dogs welcome on leash.
Big White Ski Resort
Just 57 km east of Kelowna, Big White is one of the top ski destinations in BC and one of Canada’s best ski-in/ski-out villages. Reliable champagne powder snow (they average over 750 cm annually), a proper pedestrian village with restaurants and bars, and terrain for all levels. Summer at Big White means mountain biking, hiking, and the Adventure Park.
Lift tickets and rentals can be booked in advance online recommended in peak season.
Downtown Kelowna & Bernard Avenue
Kelowna’s downtown core has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Bernard Avenue is the main street walkable, lined with independent restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries. The Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market runs Wednesday and Saturday mornings from May to October at Parkinson Recreation Centre and is one of the best markets in the interior.
Okanagan Heritage Museum & Cultural District
The Okanagan Heritage Museum (free admission) offers a well-curated look at the natural and human history of the valley Indigenous peoples, fur trade, orcharding history, and early Okanagan settlement. The Kelowna Art Gallery next door rotates excellent exhibitions. Both are worth 1–2 hours, especially on a hot afternoon or a shoulder-season visit.
Where to Stay in Kelowna
Waterfront Hotels (Downtown)
The best accommodation in Kelowna for summer visits is right on or near the waterfront. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort is the flagship waterfront hotel private beach, marina, multiple pools, and walking distance to everything downtown. The Prestige Harbourfront Resort is a solid mid-range option right on the water.
Book Delta Grand Okanagan → Book Manteo Resort → Browse All Kelowna Hotels →Vacation Rentals
For families or groups, Kelowna has an excellent selection of vacation rentals lakefront homes, vineyard cottages, and downtown condos. VRBO and Airbnb both have strong Kelowna inventory. Book at least 3 months in advance for July and August.
Search Kelowna Vacation Rentals (VRBO) →All Kelowna Accommodation
Browse All Options →Getting to Kelowna
By air: Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has direct flights from Vancouver (45 min), Calgary (1 hr), Edmonton, Toronto, and Seattle. It’s the main air gateway to the entire Okanagan Valley.
Best Time to Visit Kelowna
The Okanagan Wine Festival in early October is one of BC’s premier wine events 10 days of winery events, dinners, and tastings across the valley. Book accommodation 6+ months in advance if attending.
Kelowna + South Okanagan: The Full Valley Road Trip
Kelowna is the perfect starting or ending point for a full Okanagan valley road trip. Fly into YLW, spend 2 days in Kelowna, then drive south through Peachland, Summerland, and Penticton before finishing in Osoyoos on the US border. Or do it in reverse fly in, drive straight south to Osoyoos, then work your way back up north.
See our full 7-day Okanagan itinerary →
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Kelowna Stay
July and August fill up fast. Check availability for your dates now.
Explore More of the Okanagan
Penticton BC Travel Guide
60 km south of Kelowna two lakes, wineries, beaches, and the Naramata Bench.
Osoyoos BC Travel Guide
Canada's warmest lake and only desert 90 minutes south of Kelowna.
Okanagan Weekend Itinerary
A perfect 2-day plan starting from Kelowna and heading into wine country.