Things to Do in Kelowna for the Ultimate Summer Getaway

There’s no shortage of things to do in Kelowna when the sun’s out and the lake’s calling.

From wineries that feel like Tuscany to sunsets that make you pull over and stare, summer here hits different. Whether you’re coming from Vancouver or Calgary, it’s an easy weekend escape—or a longer stay if you’ve got time.

Here’s a list of must-do Kelowna experiences worth building your whole trip around.

The Top Things to Do in Kelowna: A Summer Guide

A few years ago, I needed a break from the Lower Mainland traffic, and I didn’t want to overthink it. So I packed a bag, grabbed a cold brew, and pointed the car east.

Four hours later, I was in Kelowna, where the mercury rises, the pace slows down, and the sky actually feels bigger. I spent a long weekend enjoying stunning beaches, sumptuous wine, and spectacular food.

Afterwards, I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated…So much so that a Kelowna road trip has become a sort of annual tradition.

Here’s what I keep going back to.

• Wine tasting at local vineyards
• Waterfront parks for walks and views
• Water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking the Paddle Trail, or boating
• Myra Canyon biking and trestle bridges
• Kelowna Farmers’ Market every Wednesday and Saturday
• Local orchards for fresh-picked fruit
• Craft beer tasting in the city
• Beaches for swimming or people-watching
• Golf courses with epic lake views
• Kelowna Food Tours to get the inside scoop on the city’s culinary scene
• Golden Hour at Knox Mountain Park for Kelowna’s best views
• Okanagan Valley day trips to nearby towns

✈️ Wondering how to get here? Have a look at our guide on how to get to Kelowna from Vancouver.

The 12 Best Things to Do in Kelowna

Visit a Kelowna Winery (or Five)

Kelowna’s first vineyards date back to the 1850s, and wine is still the city’s signature. You can visit dozens of vineyards overlooking Okanagan Lake, from massive estates to small-batch family-run wineries.

I usually book one or two tastings and leave time to relax. Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Mission Hill are both solid bets, as they’re located close to town.

Can’t choose? Visiting Kelowna without a vehicle? There is a whole host of guided Kelowna wine tours that let you sample the region’s best wines. They also include transport, tastings, and a knowledgeable local guide.

Check out your options by clicking the button below:

⭐ Don’t leave without: Buying a bottle to drink on your hotel balcony later.

Hit the Waterfront Parks

Downtown’s Waterfront Park connects right into Tugboat Bay and the Waterfront Promenade, stretching out along Okanagan Lake.

This is where the city feels like a beach town, with kids splashing in the water, folks walking dogs, and food trucks parked nearby. It’s casual, easy, and good at any time of day.

Another great option is City Park. There’s a beach, picnic areas, a splash pad, a playground, and a walking path, making it a great option if you’re visiting with kids.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing a cold drink and parking yourself on a bench.

Try Water Sports on Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is massive, running 135 km from Vernon to Penticton, and Kelowna is located bang right in the middle.

Renting a paddleboard or kayak and riding the 27 km long Kelowna Paddle Trail is one of my favourite things to do in Kelowna. The trail connects numerous beaches, parks, and attractions, making it a great way to explore the city’s waterfront.

But if you’re looking to kick up the excitement factor, a Kelowna Parasailing adventure is a spine-tingling option. I tried it on my last trip up, and it’s an unforgettable experience.

⭐ Don’t leave without: An early morning paddleboard session before the heat kicks in.

Bike the Myra Canyon Trestles

Myra Canyon used to be part of the Kettle Valley Railway. Today, it’s a scenic biking route scattered with trestle bridges and a few tunnels carved through rock.

The ride is mostly flat and about 12 km one way, so it’s doable even for casual cyclists. The views are unreal, and it’s cooler up in the hills.

Okanagan Wine Tours

Uncork the Okanagan: Book Your Wine Tasting Today from $150.

Discover Your New Favourite Wine

With 18 man-made trestles, two steel bridges and two tunnels built into the mountain, your hour-long bike ride or hike will be filled with adventure and scenic viewpoints.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Pausing for a photo at Bridge #6—it’s the best angle.

Browse the Kelowna Farmers’ Market

Held every Wednesday and Saturday, the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market runs from April to October. In summer, it spills into parking lots and grassy patches.

You’ll find local fruit, fresh baking, handmade goods, and more fresh produce than you can carry. It’s great for people-watching, too.

I promise, no visit to this foodie paradise is complete without trying the local fare.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing a snack for the beach or road trip later.

Taste Fruit from Local Orchards

Nothing screams “summer in the Okanagan” quite like fresh, juicy fruit. All across Kelowna and the surrounding areas, orchards open their gates for U-pick or farm stand visits.

Cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, berries, and apples are ripe for the picking, depending on the time of year. Some farms even have picnic tables and cafés—my tip: keep wet wipes in the car, things get sticky.

You simply can’t go home empty-handed. Visit Tourism Kelowna’s U-Pick 101 page to learn more.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Picking your own cherries or grabbing a basket of sun-warmed peaches from a roadside stand.

Sample Local Craft Beer

Kelowna’s craft beer scene is still growing but already full of flavour. Breweries like BNA Brewing, Red Bird, and Kettle River serve up cold beer, good snacks, and laid-back spaces that don’t feel too try-hard.

It’s the perfect midday stop after hiking, beaching, or just walking around. Not to mention, nothing quenches your thirst on a hot summer’s day like an iced-cold beer.

If you’re looking to get a behind-the-scenes look at the local scene, an organized Kelowna beer tour will take you to three Kelowna breweries to help you find your new favourite brew.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Trying a flight—you’ll find something new.

Spend a Lazy Day at the Beach

Hot summer days in Kelowna are built for beach time. Boyce-Gyro Beach and Hot Sands Beach are the busiest, while Strathcona and Rotary Beach Park are more chill.

Overall, there are over 30 beaches in or near Kelowna, so you’ll be sure to find one that meets your fancy.

Whether you swim, tan, float, or nap under a tree, there’s space to do it. I always bring a book that I forget to open, some local fruit, and some headphones to forget about my worries.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A cold drink and a beach floatie.

Tee Off at One of Kelowna’s Scenic Golf Courses

Kelowna is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to golfing. With long summer days and mountain and lake view fairways, it’s one of the most peaceful places to play.

Gallagher’s Canyon and The Harvest are top picks, and Tower Ranch is no slouch either. If you’re travelling with someone who golfs, this is the perfect way to kill half a day.

Kelowna’s 19 golf courses showcase the area’s varied landscapes and terrain. So, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your budget and skill level.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Booking an early morning tee time to beat the heat and enjoy a peaceful round with epic views.

Take Part in an Exciting Kelowna Food Tour

Kelowna’s downtown food scene is full of small-batch ice cream shops, creative chefs, and unexpected bites hiding behind unassuming doors. A food tour helps you skip the guesswork.

Booking a guided food tour is an easy way to sample the best of the city in one fun, walkable afternoon. I joined one on a whim last summer and ended up discovering a hole-in-the-wall bakery I’ve been dreaming about since.

The guides are local and know their stuff, plus the food is paced so you won’t leave feeling stuffed or starving. I’ve included a link to my favourite tour below; I recommend checking it out.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing a photo of your group outside one of the alleyway stops—some of the street art downtown is surprisingly cool.

Golden Hour at Knox Mountain Park

Knox Mountain Park is one of Kelowna’s best sunset spots, with panoramic views over downtown, Okanagan Lake, and the vineyards beyond.

The Upper Apex Trail lookout is where the magic happens. Hikers, photographers, and locals out walking their dogs all gather up top just before the sun hits the hills.

I once hiked it after a long winery day, and it sobered me up in the best way. It’s peaceful, breezy, and every angle feels like a postcard.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Sitting on the bench facing west as the light hits the lake—seriously, it’s unreal.

Take a Day Trip to Explore More of the Okanagan Valley

If you’ve got a car and a free afternoon, driving down Highway 97 opens up a bunch of great side trips.

Summerland has cute lakefront cafés, and Osoyoos feels like another country with its desert landscape. I’ve even done the loop down to Oliver and back for wine tasting—it’s the best in BC, so totally worth it.

One of my favourite things to do is take a day trip to Penticton and enjoy the Penticton Channel Float. You can grab a floaty and relax as you drift from Okanagan Lake all the way down to Skaha Lake.

⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing a coffee in Peachland and walking the waterfront boardwalk.

🧐 Looking to explore further? Check out our guide to an Okanagan Road Trip from Vancouver.

The Vancouver to Banff Train

The Rocky Mountaineer: Embark on the World’s Best Travel Experience Now!

Lock in Your Low Price Guarantee Now

Things to Do in Kelowna FAQ

What are the best things to do in Kelowna for couples?
Wine tasting, paddleboarding on Okanagan Lake, and sunset picnics in Waterfront Park are all great low-key options for couples.

When is the best time to experience Kelowna fruit orchards?
Fruit season in Kelowna runs from late June through early September, with cherries in July and peaches in August being the highlights.

What’s the top-rated Kelowna golf course for lake views?
The Harvest Golf Club offers panoramic lake and vineyard views while being just minutes from downtown Kelowna.

Are there easy day trips from Kelowna worth doing?
Yes. Penticton, Summerland, and Osoyoos are all scenic drives from Kelowna, offering wineries, beaches, and smaller crowds.

How kid-friendly are Kelowna’s outdoor attractions?
Very. Kelowna City Park, Myra Canyon, and most beaches are ideal for families. Plus, many orchards welcome kids for fruit picking.

Is the Kelowna wine scene walkable?
Only partially. Some urban wineries are close together, but most of the top vineyards like Mission Hill require a short drive.