Kelowna holidays
Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a city where nature reigns supreme. Sandy beaches line the shores of Okanagan Lake, cradled by mountains that promise a variety of winter sports at the first sign of snow. With vineyards, orchards and a whopping 304 days of sun a year, a holiday to Kelowna is always a bright idea.
Kelowna holiday highlights
Kelowna
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Ken Hagen
Wine country
With over 40 wineries in the area, you’ll want to check out some of British Columbia’s best vineyards on your holiday to Kelowna. Choose between five unique wine trails, all within a 20-minute drive of the city. Travelling without a car? Bus Route 20 in West Kelowna passes many of the Westside wineries. Or book a guided wine tour with customised tastings.
The great outdoors
From hiking to water sports, Kelowna’s natural surroundings promise countless adventures. Hike the Okanagan Rail Trail, climb to the top of Knox Mountain Park, or go boating on Okanagan Lake. Need to slow it down? Plan your holiday to Kelowna for mid-April to see the cherry blossoms. Or visit in late June, when Kelowna’s u-pick farms open for the season.
Winter playground
While a winter holiday to Kelowna promises mild temperatures, the nearby Monashee Mountains invite skiers and snowboarders to carve out plenty of downhill fun. Both Big White and SilverStar Mountain resorts are an easy drive away. Or glide through the snowy forests along groomed trails at Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club.
Kelowna: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
Canadian dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
April
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Photographer name
Find the best time to go to Kelowna
Weather in Kelowna
March – May: Spring in Kelowna brings warming temperatures and increasing sunshine. But it can still be chilly at night.
June – August: Summer is warm and sunny, with average temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C. By June, the water in Okanagan Lake is perfect for swimming.
September – November: Autumn is a great time to explore Kelowna’s wineries. The skies stay clear and sunny throughout October, bringing mild days and crisp evenings.
December – February: Winters are cold, but temps rarely drop below freezing. The mountains around the Okanagan Valley have plenty of fluffy snow for skiing and snowboarding.
Events in Kelowna
Fireside Festival (January or February): Beat the winter blues withlive music, art installationsand plenty of homegrown food and wine. This eclectic music festival evolved from a house party into a beloved, weekend-long community gathering.
Kelowna Pride Week (June): Enjoy a week-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a jam-packed schedule of drag brunches, craft fairs and picnics.The event ends with a Pride march and a festival on the shore of Okanagan Lake.
Okanagan Wine Festival (June and October): Experience the grape harvest and savour the best Okanagan Valley wines at this twice-annual event. Tastings, barbecues and competitions are all part of the fun.
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Things to do in Kelowna
Kelowna
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Ken Hagen
Family friendly things to do
Make your family holiday to Kelowna extra sweet with a visit to Arlo’s Honey Farm. Or tackle aerial obstacles at Myra Canyon and Okanagan adventure parks. Looking for something a little unexpected? Go ‘down under’ at Kangaroo Creek Farm. With the city’s beaches, hiking trails and fascinating museums, it’s easy to find things to do with family in Kelowna.
Shopping
Whether you’re in search of locally made souvenirs or your favourite brands, Kelowna’s shops have you covered. Start at Bernard Avenue’s enclosed shopping centre in Downtown Kelowna. Then head over to Pandosy and Tutt streets for antiques, bookshops and locally owned boutiques. If you want to combine shopping in Kelowna with entertainment, there’s no better place than the Orchard Park Shopping Centre.
Take in the culture
Head to the Cultural District in Downtown Kelowna to find galleries and museums that bring the city’s rich history to life. The recently overhauled Okanagan Heritage Museum emphasises the stories and traditions of the Syilx Okanagan people. Other attractions include the Okanagan Military Museum and the Sncewips Heritage Museum. Find even more local history with a visit to the Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum.
Nightlife
For the best nightlife in Kelowna, head to downtown bars and restaurants for live country and rock music. Or check out the breweries in Kelowna’s North End district. Kelowna’s nightlife is busiest in the summer, with the higher influx of tourists, but you’ll find no shortage of watering holes and dance floors year-round.
Places to eat
Restaurants in Kelowna cater to all tastes and budgets, with waterfront bistros, farm-to-table cafes and street food stands all vying for your attention. Aiming for a cheap holiday in Kelowna? Check out the food trucks like TNT Dynamite at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market. Or book a table at Lakeside Dining at Eldorado Resort near Mission Creek for seasonal specials and unbeatable lakeside views.
Beaches
With more than 30 public beaches in Kelowna, there’s no end to swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities. Boyce-Gyro Beach’s shallow waters are great for families, while Rotary Beach Park offers a secluded spot to catch up on your holiday reading. If you’re travelling with a furry friend, head to Cedar Creek Park, Kelowna’s largest off-leash dog beach.
Plan your holiday to Kelowna
FAQs about Kelowna holidays
December is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your Kelowna trip then and you can anticipate lows of -11ºC (12ºF).
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is what you'll be using for general expenses and activities during your trip to Kelowna.
The hottest month in Kelowna is August, when temperatures hit a maximum of 29ºC (84ºF).
Kelowna is a safe place for a holiday. As in all cities, be sure to exercise common sense to ensure a problem-free time. Avoid walking in parks alone at night, don’t leave valuables unattended in your car and stay aware of your surroundings when exploring busy Downtown.
Whether you're an explore-every-inch traveller or a take-it-as-it-comes explorer, the cost of your city break in Kelowna will depend on the kind of experiences you're after. Factor in everything from entry fees to meals, on top of your Kelowna flights and hotels.
English or French are the languages you're most likely to hear. Get familiar with some common local phrases during your city break in Kelowna and you'll blend right in.
A three-day short break to Kelowna is perfect for exploring the city’s sights and enjoying a wine tour. If you’re visiting in winter and want to ski or board in the nearby Monashee Mountains, consider staying a full week to get the most out of your stay.
Visit in spring for warm weather that’s perfect for hiking and strolling. Early autumn coincides with the wine-grape harvest and the changing of the leaves. If skiing and snowboarding are more your speed, February and March offer the best winter sports conditions.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in Kelowna. From Kasugai Japanese Garden to Waterfront Park and more, this city is as holiday-worthy as it gets.
The rainiest month is November, which gets an average rainfall of 9 cm. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Kelowna trip — there's still loads to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, visiting an art gallery, or relaxing in cosy cafes.
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