Situated in the picturesque valley of the Okanagan in British Columbia, Canada lies the city of Kelowna. To the north is Vernon, to the south lie Summerland, Peachland on the southwest, and at the border line is lake country. There are many resorts in Kelowna, and all can be found just a short taxi ride away from the airport.
In the center of town, activities range from boating, houseboat cruises, world class golfing and of course plenty of shopping. While these activities will keep you entertained, they can also get fairly expensive — it’s a well-known local joke that BC stands for ‘Bring Cash’.
That said, the following are a list of 10 activities and events you can appreciate while staying in Kelowna that will give your wallet a rest.
Knox Mountain/Paul’s Tomb
Knox Mountain Park is located at the North end of the downtown zone and offers climbing trails, cookout areas and two of the best lookouts over the city of Kelowna. Paul’s Tomb Trail is accessed by means of Poplar Point Drive and offers an easy climbing trail which ends at a secluded shoreline. Maps of this and different trails are accessible from the City of Kelowna tourism office.
Parks Alive
Offering an assortment of free performances all through the summer, Parks Alive is a group program that provides music and amusement that the entire family can appreciate. Take an interest in week by week concerts, music festivals, arts and crafts shows and youth activities all at the scenic lakefront stop downtown.
Fat Cat Children’s Festival
Presently in its eighteenth year, the Fat Cat Children’s Festival is a group occasion hosted totally by volunteers. Bring your children to appreciate two days of stage and street performances, games, hands-on activities and even a parade. Every year the festival promotes an alternate subject with remarkable activities, costumes, and stimulation, drawing in more than 15,000 patrons!
Life and Arts Festival
This family orientated festival showcases nearby ability and the developing social district of Kelowna. Appreciate stage and street performances in music, live auditorium as well as culinary and performing arts. With three stage venues as well as an artisan market and “IlluminArts Lantern Celebration,” this festival offers a touch of something for everybody.
Kasugai Japanese Garden
Located inside a walled enclosure behind City Hall, Kelowna’s Kasugai Japanese Garden is almost totally avoided the streets. Worked to represent the sister-city relationship with Kasugai, this organic sanctuary offers an unwinding retreat from the busy downtown center of Kelowna amid the summer months. The garden itself features a mobile way around the edge, footbridge, koi fish lake, waterfall and numerous scenic sitting areas.
Mission Creek Path
Mission Creek Park offers 12 km of moderate to difficult trails, including Mission Creek Path which is a favorite trail for walking, cycling and jogging. The path begins at the intersection of Dilworth and Springfield and continues all the way to Lakeshore Road. Dogs are allowed in this park. Enjoy an active stay in Kelowna.
Beaches
Located on the beaches of Lake Okanagan, Kelowna offers some of the best beaches in the Okanagan. Young adults will enjoy the busy atmosphere of Gyro Beach, while families with small children may prefer the quieter Rotary Park Beach. If you are searching for lots of amenities, City Park features one of the largest sand beaches in town as well as a playground, picnic area, basketball and tennis court, children’s water park and a skateboarding park. Waterfront Park offers a semi-secluded beach and bird sanctuary for visitors that are looking for a quiet place to relax and just enjoy the sunshine and nature.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Tour
Kelowna has no shortage of high-quality wineries to visit, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery is known both for its delicious organically grown Okanagan wine and signature on-site pyramid. Unlike many of the other wineries in the area, Summerhill offers free guided tours several times a day followed by a complimentary tasting.
Father Pandosy Mission
This heritage site is where the missionary Father Charles Pandosy ministered for the Okanagan’s original settlers. Founded in 1860, this site marks an important period in Okanagan history. Today you can explore the four-acre property, which contains several of the original buildings that have been restored and filled with antiques unique to the area.
Bear Creek Park
Located in West Kelowna, Bear Creek Provincial Park offers more than 5 km of well-marked hiking trails, including Bear Creek Canyon Trail. This popular trail makes a loop of the canyon and includes a footbridge over the creek, a sturdy staircase on the side of the mountain and several viewpoints offering spectacular Okanagan vistas – don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars. The park is also home to a 400m sandy beach, playground and summer concession.
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