Thinking of heading to beautiful Kelowna British Columbia for a little getaway? While wineries and wine tasting in Kelowna are BIG reasons to go – that’s only just scratching the surface. There’s actually so many more fun things to do in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, whether it’s for a long weekend, a week or longer.
In the summer the Okanagan Valley is sunny and hot, making it the perfect little holiday destination. But regardless of the season, the city of Kelowna is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year.
There’s gorgeous lakes, sandy beaches and vineyards among the worlds best. You can hike the mountains and trails most of the year, and in the winter there’s ski resorts that have the amazing champagne powder that the Okanagan mountains are known for.
You might not know it but there’s some pretty amazing food in Kelowna too. From super fine dining to food truck deliciousness, there’s tons of tasty options and vibes to choose from.
If you love your food and drink like we do, AND spending time outdoors – you’re going to have a great time here. These are the best fun things to do in Kelowna, British Columbia.
* A note about Covid-19 *. There’s a small chance that some of these things might not be open or operating because of the pandemic. Be sure to check out their websites for the current status.
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Table of Contents
- 16 Super Fun Things To Do In Kelowna British Columbia
- 1) Pick Fruit At A Kelowna U Pick Farm
- 2) Myra Canyon Trestles
- 3) Craft Breweries, Cideries And Distilleries
- 4) Ride Along The Lake On A BBQ Boat
- 5) Group Bicycle Brewery, Wine And City Tours
- 6) Kelowna Farmers Market
- 7) Kayak Or SUP Okanagan Lake
- 8) Taste All Of The Wine In The Okanagan Wineries
- 9) The Kelowna Mountain Suspension Bridges
- 10) Play With Miniature Horses At Arion Therapeutic Farm
- 11) Go Ziplining And Climbing At A Kelowna Adventure Park
- 12) Explore Kelowna’s Hiking Trails
- 13) Take An ATV Tour Of The Okanagan
- 14) Hit The Best Kelowna Beaches
- 15) Go Horseback Riding In Kelowna
- 16) Bike Riding And Walking Trails
16 Super Fun Things To Do In Kelowna British Columbia
1) Pick Fruit At A Kelowna U Pick Farm
Fruit (and veg) just seems to taste so much better when you’ve picked it yourself, don’t you think? The Okanagan Valley happens to be absolutely FULL of fruit orchards – the climate here is perfect for it. The first apple trees were planted in the region in the mid 1800’s and have been growing, along with other fruits ever since.
There are a variety of different fruits ripe for the picking at different times in the summer months. From u pick cherries in June to u pick apples in September, fruit picking is one of the top fun activities in Kelowna, BC.
Just about anyone can do it and it’s something the whole family can enjoy during the summer and fall. (and it’s a cute date idea too!) Bring lunch, find some shade and have a picnic in the picking fields to round off your afternoon.
So make room in your freezer, grab some buckets and go check out some of the Kelowna u pick farms to pick your own fresh fruit.
2) Myra Canyon Trestles
It’s something fun and different that you can easily do on your own, or with the whole family. A scenic walk or bike ride along the Myra Canyon Trestles is one of the most fun things to do in Kelowna British Columbia.
For a bit of a backstory, the Myra Canyon Trestles are part of the decommissioned Kettle Valley Railway. It ran from Midway, which borders Washington, all the way to Hope in the Fraser Valley.
The Myra Canyon portion of the Kettle Valley Railway was built by hand and completed in 1914. The KVR was mainly in use from 1915 until 1961, purposely built to serve the demands of mining in the area at that time. Over the years, several washouts caused sections of the railway to be permanently closed and eventually the entire Kettle Valley Railway was abandoned.
These days the Myra Canyon Trestles are a popular place for locals and visitors to walk and ride bikes. It’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna in my opinion, and was a big part of the reason for our latest trip to the Okanagan.
Some people call it a hike but with a maximum grade of 2.2% and a maintained gravel walkway, it’s much more of a leisurely stroll. The gentle grade means most people will be able to walk it and makes bike riding with little ones easier. (Also perfect for people like me who don’t want a strenuous bike ride.)
We decided to bring our bicycles to Kelowna to ride the entire 24 kilometre return trip. The trail takes you over a total of 18 trestle bridges and through 2 train tunnels, passing over steep canyons and reaching an elevation of 4100 feet, the highest part of the KVR.
You don’t have to complete the whole thing either to enjoy it. If you start from the Myra Station entrance you’ll get the most scenic views. You’ll also be able to cross a handful of trestles and go through one tunnel within the first 2 km.
There are two entrances to the Kelowna Myra Canyon Trestles, with parking and pit toilets at each one. The Myra Station entrance is the main one and on a summer weekend it’s pretty full by 12:30pm.
We recommend going earlier. There was still plenty of parking when we got there at 9:45am and the temperatures were much cooler to start. (We were freezing cold in shorts when we started, so maybe dress in layers?) There isn’t really any shade until the last 1/4 of the trail and you warm up pretty quick if you’re on a bike so we were glad to have started before it got too busy and too hot.
If you aren’t bringing your own bike, you can rent bicycles at the trail from Myra Canyon Bike Rentals or at other shops in downtown Kelowna. You can also take guided tours with them and other companies if you want to learn a little history. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can even ride the 80km from Myra Canyon to Pentiction.
The Myra Canyon Trestles are located about 30-40 minutes from downtown Kelowna and is pretty straightforward to get to using Google Maps.
Starting from Myra Station, it took us about 3 hours to complete the round trip on bikes, including some stops along the way. Definitely bring water with you and a snack, and give yourself around 4 hours to complete if you’re bike riding it – we tend to bike on the faster side.
Bring your dog! The Myra Canyon Trestles are on-leash dog friendly and we saw people other than us carrying dogs on their bikes as well. I can imagine that the views would be even better in the fall when the trees have more colour.
Also, it’s possible to snowshoe Myra Canyon in the winter!
> Read Next: 12 Kelowna Breweries To Get Your Craft Beer Fix At
3) Craft Breweries, Cideries And Distilleries
We like our wine – but we like craft beer even better! Actually, it might be a tie but that doesn’t really matter. If you’re a fan too, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are more Kelowna breweries than you or I probably thought there were.
Not just craft beer either. There’s craft cider and craft distillers as well! I’ll have to do a whole other post on those though, because there are actually quite a few. But seriously, for a small city, who knew the Kelowna craft beer scene was so popular.
The breweries, distilleries and cideries are spread out around the city but the majority of them are fairly close to, or in downtown Kelowna. There’s a concentration of Kelowna breweries on Richter St between Vaughan Ave and Recreation Ave, so it’s easy to check out a few in an afternoon.
Another way to check out more distilleries and breweries in Kelowna is to go with a brewery tour company. They’ll take you around to the ones you want to try, and since you don’t have to worry about driving, you can drink as much as you want 🙂
There’s also the less conventional way to try out Kelowna breweries – and it’s probably one of the most stupid but FUN things to do in Kelowna BC.
What am I talking about? Check out number 5 on my list!
4) Ride Along The Lake On A BBQ Boat
Sunny weather + a boat always = a good combo, but have you tried a BBQ boat yet?
Hop on one of these circular orange boats with 9 of your pals for an entertaining afternoon or evening on Okanagan Lake. Maegs BBQ Boats are equipped with a barbecue in the centre, surrounded by circular seating for optimal socializing.
As far as group activities in Kelowna go, this is one of the most fun things to do! There’s a ladder for when you decide to jump in the lake, speakers and a sun shade too. Just bring the food!
The boats are eco friendly and simple to operate on your own, or there’s the option to hire a captain if you prefer. Food for barbecuing can also be ordered through their catering company to be ready when you arrive.
The family owned and operated company also offers private and public 45 minute guided tours of Okanagan Lake.
5) Group Bicycle Brewery, Wine And City Tours
What could be more fun than riding a giant group bicycle with up to 15 friends? Well, probably riding a group bike with 15 friends AND stopping for drinks along the way!
We saw people riding these in downtown Kelowna and thought it looked like such a good time. Don’t have a group? No problem, you can go by yourself or with just a few friends and you’ll be grouped with others. It’s a great way to meet new people since it’s super interactive – you’ll all be working together to move the bike.
You don’t get to actually drink while you’re riding the group bike like they do in Amsterdam, but it still seems pretty awesome and probably not something most people have done before.
Not drinking or not interested in hitting up breweries or wineries but want to do the bike? They also do Kelowna sightseeing tours, which is perfect for the whole family. Check out Smile Cycle Tours here, it has to be one of the most unique and fun things to do in Kelowna!
6) Kelowna Farmers Market
Anytime of the year is a good time to visit the Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market. It operates year round and is huge.
You can find so many things at the Kelowna Farmers Market – farm fresh vegetables, fruits and cheeses, fresh and frozen meats, handmade and vintage jewelry, decor and so many more other artesinal foods and things you would find at an outdoor market.
It’s a cool place to stop by just to take a look, maybe chat with the locals and have something to eat at one of the many food vendors on site. During the summer months is when you’ll find the most variety of fresh produce available. Visit in the winter months and you’ll still find a fair amount, plus other fruits and vegetables that weren’t in season before.
The Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market is open in the summer on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am – 1pm, usually from April to October. The main market is located on the corner of Dilworth and Springfield. They also open a satellite market downtown once a week, usually on a Sunday, during the peak summer season. In the winter months the market is moved to the Parkinson Rec Centre.
Check out their website for more information and events coming up.
7) Kayak Or SUP Okanagan Lake
Okanagan Lake is quite pretty and stand up paddle boarding or kayaking is a great way to take in the scenery and see beautiful vineyards from a different point of view. Also, it’s a good time AND you can burn off some of those calories from drinking too much wine or what have you. (It’s a win win – I prefer to get my exercise in without actually having to exercise, don’t you?)
The lake waters are calm and if you wanted, you could pretty much paddle all the way to Penticton. You don’t have to complete it in one day either, there are campsites and parks that you can stop at along the way.
Another cool thing you can do on Okanagan Lake is to Kayak or Paddle Board the Kelowna Paddle Trail. The buoy marked trail follows the shoreline starting from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Regional Park, but of course you can start anywhere along the 27 kilometre Kelowna Paddle Trail.
There are so many beaches and parks where you can launch or park your Kayak or SUP along Kelowna’s shore, so why not bring lunch and chill out at a park for little while too.
We brought our own inflatable paddle boards to Kelowna but there are so many places in town where you can rent them or canoes or kayaks for the day or more. Most of the Kelowna paddle board rental shops are conveniently located along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake and you can find lessons and SUP Yoga there too!
8) Taste All Of The Wine In The Okanagan Wineries
Okay, so obviously I had to mention it somewhere – it’s one of the best things to do in Kelowna and probably the biggest attraction! There are So. Many. Wineries. You know you have to go wine tasting in Kelowna! And the vineyards? Gorgeous!
But seriously, it’s part of the experience, you just can’t leave without trying out some of the best wineries in Kelowna. There are so many ways to do it as well. You can do a self drive tour and choose one of the wine trails to make it easy. Kelowna wine trail maps are available online or you can usually pick one up at your hotel.
Another great way to get around is to go with a Kelowna winery tour company. They’ll take care of the driving so you can taste ALL the wine you want. Usually they can also get you into a tasting quicker since they are a tour company – super helpful when it’s busy. Wine tours generally include stops at 3-5 Kelowna vineyards, with a stop for lunch in between. You can choose the wineries, or leave it up to them.
Arrive in style and rent a vintage car for the day, you can even do a helicopter wine tour – how’s that for luxury?
Another cool and different way to tour the vineyards in Kelowna is to ride a bike. You can easily do this on your own, following one of the five wine trails in Kelowna or anywhere else in the Okanagan. You’ll find that many of the Okanagan vineyards are close together so it’s pretty easy to get between them. Just be sure to pick a route that isn’t too hilly so it’s a leisurely ride!
If you don’t want to go at it on your own, why not join an organized bicycle wine tour? Other unique ways to tour the best wineries in Kelowna and beyond are to go on an Okanagan ATV wine tour or on one giant group bike with Smile Cycle Tours.
Whichever way you choose to do wine tasting in Kelowna, you’ll be glad you did. You know you want to – It’s one of the most fun things to do in Kelowna after all.
> Visiting with your dog? Read my in depth post about all the dog friendly wineries in Kelowna!
9) The Kelowna Mountain Suspension Bridges
I bet you didn’t know that the longest suspension bridge in all of Canada and North America is in Kelowna BC.
Nope, neither did I – but it’s totally true and you can walk across all 800+ feet of it, if you visit on a weekend in July or August. So if you’re trying to find some fun things to do in Kelowna this weekend, definitely check them out!
Not only is there a super long suspension bridge in Kelowna but there are 3 other bridges on Kelowna Mountain to explore as well. You’ll find yourself at the top of a waterfall, overlooking vineyards and getting some fantastic Okanagan views.
Following the devastating Okanagan wildfires in 2003 that destroyed the area, the property was purchased by local developer Mark Consiglio and his wife Nicole. Kelowna Mountain Vineyards and Bridges was born from their desire to revive the landscape and bring a new park to the community for everyone to enjoy.
The Kelowna Mountain Suspension Bridges are generally open on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August. Check their website or facebook page for up to date information and hours.
Also, they’re on-leash dog friendly!
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10) Play With Miniature Horses At Arion Therapeutic Farm
Would you love to hang out with llamas, miniature horses and pot bellied pigs? Well you can visit these and other sweet animals at The Arion Therapeutic Farm in Kelowna. You can schedule a visit on any day of the week, and it’s only about 15 minutes from downtown.
This peaceful little farm functions as a sanctuary for both the animals and for us humans too. You’ll get to learn the back stories of each of the animals here while you interact and groom them, and even visit the farm bee hives. I’m pretty terrified of bees (well wasps mainly) so that part isn’t for me, but the whole farm is a lovely experience for everyone and anyone, not just kids.
The Arion Therapeutic Farm also offers custom therapeutic animal programs and has a bed and breakfast on site. They are mainly volunteer supported. Visit their website for more information about their animal tours and programs.
11) Go Ziplining And Climbing At A Kelowna Adventure Park
There’s not only one, but FOUR different adventure parks and zip-line courses in and around Kelowna BC. Some are zip lines only and some have climbing and obstacle courses to test yourself on as well. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Kelowna, for anyone, at any age. And there are different levels and experiences for everyone to try out.
If you’ve never done a zip line before, go for it. What better place to do it than in a scenic place like Kelowna?
12) Explore Kelowna’s Hiking Trails
There’s quite a few fantastic hikes in Kelowna you know. If you love views – you got it. Want to hike to a waterfall? Sure, they have those too. Fancy a dip at a secret, secluded beach? Uhh, yes please.
No matter your fitness level, you should be able to go hiking in Kelowna. There’s trails ranging from easy to difficult and each has something different to offer. It’s a great activity to do with your dogs too, since most of the hikes in Kelowna are dog friendly.
Just be sure to check for closures and trail conditions before heading out – and keep in mind that bears do live here as well.
13) Take An ATV Tour Of The Okanagan
You can explore Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley at any time of the year on an ATV. You’ll get a chance to get into the backcountry and see the area from a different perspective – and it’s super fun!
Bring your own quad if you have one, or rent one in town if you’d rather explore on your own. For everyone else, there’s a company just outside of Kelowna that offers some awesome tours of the area. You can even combine ATV-ing with a wine tour or zip lining and make a full day of it.
If that sounds pretty good and you want to ATV in Kelowna, check out Okanagan ATV Tours for more information.
14) Hit The Best Kelowna Beaches
There are a serious amount of beaches in Kelowna BC, seriously. This is including the West Kelowna beaches as well, just on the other side of Okanagan Lake. So it’s only natural that hitting one of these beautiful beaches is one of the best things to do in Kelowna.
There are of course the main city beach parks which are large and have lots of parking. You’ll find rental places in these areas for things like: paddle boards, pedal boats and lake floaties. (or bring your own!)
There’s also water parks to cool off in, right in downtown Kelowna and one of them is a floating waterpark in the lake. You know, the kind with the floating trampolines and waterslides? We still haven’t been to one of these but we want to – it looks like one of the most fun things to do in Kelowna on a beach day.
Aside from these, there are so many more beaches in Kelowna BC. You can also find beach access down at the end of some residential roads along the lake. Grab your floatie and choose one to check out, you might just find the best beach in Kelowna.
*Just a caution, if you’re travelling with dogs they unfortunately aren’t allowed at a lot of the beaches and parks. Click here to find beaches and to see which ones are dog friendly. Aside from that, Kelowna beaches are great!
> Read Next: 23 Dog Friendly Wineries In Kelowna BC
15) Go Horseback Riding In Kelowna
Maybe you’ve never even been on a horse before or it’s been a long time since you’ve last ridden. There’s no time like the present right? So you might as well try to go horseback riding in Kelowna.
There are several stables and ranches in area and even children as young as 3 years old are able to be accommodated (with a guide leading the horse on a rope).
From group rides to private and groomed trails to backcountry, it’s a fantastic way to get out and see places and views that without doing a difficult hike, you probably wouldn’t see. You’ll ride through the forest, beautiful meadows and along lakes with fantastic views and scenery all around.
16) Bike Riding And Walking Trails
Whether you’re into mountain biking or leisurely cycling and walking there’s tons of trails and cycling routes in Kelowna and the Okanagan. There’s parks, mountains and 40 kilometres of shared use, paved paths right in the city of Kelowna.
Then there’s the Okanagan Rail Trail, stretching 50 kilometres from the northern end of Kalamalka Lake near Vernon, all the way to downtown Kelowna on Okanagan Lake. The trail passes within metres of 22 parks and many points of interest and runs 24 kilometres along lakeshores and creeks.
Since the Okanagan Rail Trail runs along a discontinued rail corridor, the maximum grade of the trail is only 1.3%. That means it’s relatively flat and not a difficult trail, most people will be able to use it with no problems.
For mountain bikers, there are some awesome Kelowna bike trails (so I’m told) just minutes from downtown. This includes Knox Mountain Park with a variety of different trail types and Myra-Bellevue Park with the biggest trail network in Central Okanagan.
So there you have it! There are tons of fun things to do in Kelowna BC, no matter the time of year. As long as you like wine, food and having a good time, its a great place to get away.
What are your favourite fun things to do in Kelowna? Let me know in the comments!
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