24 Ways to Discover Kelowna in 24 Hours

Credit: OGOPOGO PARASAIL

Kelowna, British Columbia is an exciting city to explore for any length of time and there are a multitude of experiences to suit everyone’s interests. Here are sites to see and activities to do while you’re in and around Kelowna.

Knox Mountain – Knox Mountain is located about a 5 minute walk from downtown Kelowna and it has an expansive view of the city, Lake Okanagan and the Okanagan Valley. The top is accessible by a variety of trailed foot paths, bike paths or by car.
Visit a Winery – Kelowna is centrally located in the Okanagan Wine Region which boosts some of the best wine in the world. There are dozens of wine routes in all directions and there are even a few located in the heart of downtown.
Cruise Lake Okanagan – There are many ways to enjoy Okanagan Lake and there are rental companies in the harbors outfitted with any way to do it. From power boats to sail boats, or kayaks and paddle boards, there are a multitude of ways to get out into the water.
Credit: Okanagan Lake Rentals
Eat a Meal on a Patio – Eating a meal on a patio along Okanagan Lake is a pleasant opportunity to enjoy the lake and there are many restaurants along the water to enjoy a meal, a snack and a drink.
Lounge at the Beach – Within the downtown core is one of Kelowna’s best beaches, City Beach. City Beach has a sandy beach, volleyball courts, basketball courts, lots of green space for picnics and a walkway that runs along the water. There are also many beach access points throughout the city with sandy beaches, boat launches and parks.
Explore Myra Canyon Trestles –Myra Canyon Provincial Park is a day use site with trails traversing over 18 trestle bridges over decommissioned Kettle Valley Railway. The park is located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Kelowna and is open year round, with services and rentals available from April – November.
Credit: Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society
Go Parasailing – Fly high above the waters of the lakes at Kelowna Downtown Waterfront with this incredible parasailing experience. Harness sizes are available for ages 4 and up, so even your younger kids can enjoy this. With an experienced captain and high-quality equipment, this is a completely safe activity for all.
Mission Creek Greenway – The Mission Creek Greenway is an easy hike that spans 16 km of Mission Creek, with several entrances and exits along its path which makes it very accessible. There is also an interpretive center at the midpoint of the trail which gives information about the local fauna and flora of the region.
Orchard Park Mall – Visit Kelowna’s #1 shopping mall with over 170 stores and a food court, there is surely something for everyone.
Kangaroo Creek Farm – Meet the kangaroos and the other animals at the Kangeroo Creek Farm, located just outside of Kelowna, approximately a twenty minute drive north. This petting farm hosts animals native to Australia, including the kangaroo, the capybara and the emu, along with many other animals.
Credit: Kangaroo Creek Farm
Visit the Kelowna Art Gallery – The art gallery is located downtown and showcases local, national and international exhibits.
Kasugai Japanese Gardens – Located in the heart of downtown is the Kasugai Japanese Gardens, a little oasis from the bustling core. This garden has paths along a pond with koi and several opportunities to relax on a bench and enjoy the view.
Okanagan Flyboarding – Soar 25+ feet above the Lake Okanagan on your personal jet pack.
Go Golfing – There are five golf courses in within the city limits of Kelowna all with sweeping views of the Okanagan landscape. The Okanagan Valley has recorded the most sunshine in Canada making for a long and dry golfing season.
British Columbia Wine Museum – Located downtown, this museum hosts a history of wine and about the Okanagan Valley. They also have a gift shop with wine paraphernalia.
Visit the Pyramid at Summerhill Winery – Summerhill Organic Winery is a great stop to check off a lot of sightseeing of Kelowna. There are pyramid tours, a sweeping view of Okanagan Lake and Valley, wine tasting and tours and a restaurant open throughout the day and night.
Kelowna Mountain – Kelowna Mountain is a hiking area with trails, caves, several suspension bridges and spectacular views of the Okanagan Valley.
Kelowna Mountain Bridges & Vineyards
Discover chefs at Okanagan College at Infusions Restaurant – The Okanagan is famous for hosting the Canadian Culinary Championships each year and fostering the growth of many chefs. Eating at the college restaurant for lunch or dinner will give diners a peak into up and coming chefs.
Fun at the Casino – There are a couple of casinos to choose from when in Kelowna. Most notably, there is Playtime Casino downtown located adjacent to the Delta Grand Hotel. This casino has table games, slots and a restaurant with a daily buffet.
Carmelis Goat Farm – Carmelis Goat Farm is located about a 15 minute drive from the downtown core of Kelowna . They have goats onsite roaming the hills of the acreage and inside there is goat cheese tasting and cheese shop to purchase local goat cheese.
Credit: Carmelis Goat Farm
The BC Ale Trail – Beer is getting to be as popular as wine in the Okanagan. There are six breweries located in Kelowna, most of which are in the industrialized area, just a few minute walk from the downtown. Each brewery has its own vibe and most have patio seating to enjoy a tasting flight outside in the sunshine.
Go on a horse ride or go adventuring at Myra Canyon Adventure Park – Just 20 minutes from downtown Kelowna and right underneath the Kettle Valley Railway trestles, this ranch is the best destination for horseback riding in the area. Trail rides are available year-round for all ability levels, no experience necessary. For those who like more adrenaline rushing exercise, its challenging rope courses, netted climbing course, disc golf, zip lines, balance boards, swings and so much more offer exciting activities that can take up more than a day.
Myra Canyon
Kelowna Fruit Stand – When the visit to Kelowna is done, along the highway towards the airport is the Kelowna Fruit Stand to stop in and purchase some local Okanagan fresh fruit to savor before leaving.
Airport Wine Tasting – If there wasn’t enough time to wine tour, then don’t fret there is still time for one in the Kelowna Airport Lounge. There is also opportunity to purchase wine in order to have something to remember the Kelowna region.