How to Plan Your Perfect Kelowna Itinerary (2025)

Kelowna, an attractive city on the shore of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, has some of the warmest weather in Canada. Meanwhile, major sporting and music events here in 2025 and 2026 will significantly boost the city’s tourism. I visited as part of my backpacking tour of Canada. Here’s how to create your ideal Kelowna itinerary so you can experience the best of this area according to your interests. It includes where to stay and all the best things to do in Kelowna, whether you’re into food and wine, adventure sports or exploring the beautiful natural surroundings.

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Where to stay in Kelowna

Where to base yourself in the city for your Kelowna itinerary is a crucial consideration. The best place to stay in Kelowna to access its main attractions and get around is downtown. Here are some of the best affordable hotels in Kelowna:

Situated in the heart of downtown, The Royal Anne Hotel is a good option. This hotel has comfy beds, free Wi-Fi and serves an excellent breakfast.

For fans of retro-chic and stylish decor, Hotel Zed Kelowna is ideal. This lakeside hotel offers free bike rentals and has a cool rooftop patio.

A short walk or drive from downtown is Accent Inns Kelowna. Guests like its cleanliness, casual vibe and welcoming atmosphere.

For more options and deals for your dates, explore the map below:

The tastiest 2 day Kelowna itinerary for foodies

Flavours of the lake

Start day one with breakfast from the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market, where you can sample fresh produce, artisan goods and baked treats from local vendors. Try some locally made jams or pick up a fresh smoothie.

At 10am or 2pm, book yourself on a three-hour guided food tour. A local guide will tell you all the city’s gastronomic tales, as you stroll through Kelowna’s picturesque waterfront cultural district. Along the way, you’ll indulge in seven tantalizing tastings and four drink visits at authentic and unique local businesses.

Later in the afternoon, visit Urban Distilleries & Winery to sample handcrafted spirits, including vodkas, gins, and whiskeys, paired with small bites. See my review of my tasting experience there below.

End your day by dining at Waterfront Wines Restaurant, a celebrated spot for fresh, seasonal fare. Pair your meal with a selection from their curated wine list for the ultimate foodie experience.

Book your guided food tour of Kelowna, including 7 tastings and 4 drinks, here.

My visit to Urban Distilleries

Former engineer and home brewer Mike Urban set up Urban Distilleries just over ten years ago. There, he produces gin, vodka and whisky under the brand name ‘Spirit Bear’.

Inspired by a visit to a cognac distillery in France five years ago, Mike used his engineering skills to distill his own spirits, adapting the German-made copper stills to his own specifications and learning first-hand about the industry.

His niche is hand-crafted spirits using only locally grown grains, flavoured with all-natural ingredients.

We sampled espresso-infused vodka, Okanagan lavender and apple gin, peri peri chilli vodka, muscat grappa, single malt whisky and more (it was a tough job, but I’m here to serve my faithful readers!). Every time, the flavours were beautifully balanced – it’s clear why these spirits have won awards.

Mike is so passionate about his business, he has ambitions to sell his creations internationally. When we met, he was about to attend a trade fair in Asia and shared with us his new flavour ideas.

It was a fantastic experience to hear his story and taste the inventive spirits – highly recommended.

A taste of the orchard

On day 2, rent an e-bike and cycle through the Kelowna Fruit Loop. Kelowna is known for its orchards and on our ride we passed by several. Apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums are all grown here. I tried a peach and it was wonderfully fleshy and juicy. There’s even a nearby town called Peachland, which sounds like somewhere out of a fairytale.

Enjoy lunch at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery with organic dishes and breathtaking vineyard views. Read my review of my wine tastings here below.

Then why not enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing and more tastings on this guided tour of more Kelowna wineries before returning to downtown Kelowna.

Wrap up your foodie adventure by renting a tiki party yacht on Okanagan Lake and indulge in the on-board BBQ and bar.

My visit to the Summerhill Pyramid Winery

The Okanagan Valley wine region has almost 10,000 acres of vineyards and orchards on its mountainsides, among the rich pine forests.

We tried four of its wines at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery. It houses a striking pyramid-shaped cellar, lovingly and painstakingly created because of its sacred geometry and the belief that it aids the wines’ ageing.

Would the wines’ taste back up this theory?

Book your place on a Kelowna sunset sip wine tour here.

With vineyards overlooking the sweeping view of the lake, this attractive winery hosts weddings – there was one in progress when we were there.

I also discovered a piece of modern art here that was very much to my liking. It’s a huge bottle of wine being poured into a glass. Naturally I gave this, one of my favourite beverages, a big hug. You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face.

Now it was time to sample some of the real stuff.

Discover the local honey and honey wines on a self-guided e-bike adventure in Kelowna – book here.

Tasting Canadian wines – our verdict

We tastes four local wines.

First up, the sparkling white Cipes Brut NV. It has won national awards every year since its inception in 1991, and we could taste why. Much fruitier than your average sparkling white, it is a delight on the tongue, reminiscent – according to the literature – of ‘crisp apple, pear, lime, almond and grapefruit’. We were pleasantly surprised.

Why had Canadian wines eluded us until now?

The 2012 Organic Pinot Gris was light and easy-drinking, while the 2013 Ehrenfelser, known as the ‘hot tub wine’, was sweet and tasty, with a nose reminiscent of farms and hay.

Finally, it was the 2011 Baco Noir, which was peppery with ‘notes of blueberry, blackberry and cigar box’. I love these descriptions.

We followed the tasting with a delicious lunch at the on-site restaurant Nature’s Table at Summerhill, which specialises in organic, seasonal, locally grown food accompanied by more of Summerhill’s organic wines (of course).

Why not take a half-day guided tour of Kelowna’s best wineries – check it out here.

Final thoughts on the Kelowna foodie itinerary

If these Okanagan businesses are anything to go by, Canada has fine tastebuds when it comes to wine and spirits. Kelowna’s clean air and rich natural surroundings somehow seems to be transferred into the bottle.

Who knows, maybe soon we’ll all be toasting with a Canadian tipple.

Sip warm mulled wine and roast marshmallows by the fire on a Kelowna farm this cosy guided wine tour.

The most nourishing 2 day Kelowna itinerary for nature lovers

Lakeside exploration

Begin your first day with a peaceful hike at Knox Mountain Park for stunning views of the lake and city. Stroll along the Kelowna Waterfront Boardwalk and stop to admire the Bear Sculpture at Stuart Park. This iconic artwork is a symbol of Kelowna’s connection to nature and makes for a great photo spot.

Created by artist Brower Hatcher in 2010 it commemorates the city and its history. It’s a meaningful symbol as the name ‘Kelowna’ is derived from the indigenous people’s word for female grizzly bear.

Spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding on Okanagan Lake, a serene way to connect with nature and enjoy the water.

Alternatively, head to Mission Creek Greenway for a gentle walk through beautiful wooded trails.

Fishing and orchard trails

Rent an e-bike on day two and cycle the Kelowna Fruit Loop, visiting orchards like Don-O-Ray Farms. Taste fresh peaches, cherries and apples straight from the trees as you enjoy the scenic beauty of Kelowna’s countryside.

At the picturesque Frazer Lake, why not cast your line in the calm waters and try to catch rainbow trout, kokanee salmon or bass. Read my review below.

Return to Okanagan Lake to eat at a lakeside cafe like Sandhill Winery Bistro, which offers fresh, locally inspired meals.

Alternatively, end your nature-filled itinerary with a meal at Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery. Savour seasonal dishes paired with local wines, and take in the serene vineyard and lake views.

Our Kelowna fishing experience

On one of our days in Kelowna, we decided to hire bikes. On our way back from the rental place, we met Carlos.

A friendly Spanish architect who had recently relocated to Canada, he’d been attracted by its mild weather and scenic nature. Carlos is also a passionate angler and he offered to show us one of the local lakes.

So together with him we cycled along the winding roads to Frazer Lake, some 10km south of downtown Kelowna. In the photo below you can see him teaching my boyfriend how to fish.

While the boys were catching trout, luring them with wriggly rubber worm bait, I checked out the lake’s many turtle residents.

Curious about our presence, they would often poke their noses out of the water. At midday they all climbed onto the floating logs to sunbathe – very cute.

The most exciting 2 day Kelowna Itinerary for adventure seekers

Thrills on the water

Kickstart your first day with a jet ski rental or wakeboarding session on Okanagan Lake. The calm waters are perfect for adventure sports.

Then, why not try a thrilling parasailing experience on Okanagan Lake. Soar high above the water and enjoy unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Refuel at BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery, known for hearty meals and refreshing craft beer.

In the afternoon, switch gears and rent a speed boat to explore hidden coves along the lake.

Finally, relax with dinner or drinks at Hotel Zed’s rooftop patio, where you can share stories of the day’s adventures.

Canyon thrills and axe-throwing adventures

Begin day two with an exciting canyoning adventure. Traverse cliffs, waterfalls, and rocky terrain as you rappel and climb your way through the stunning Okanagan landscape.

In the afternoon, embark on an e-bike ride and axe-throwing adventure. Test your aim and try your hand at this fun, competitive activity.

End your action-packed trip with dinner at Salt & Brick. This trendy downtown spot has an atmosphere that’s as lively as its daily menus are adventurous.

What to know when planning your Kelowna itinerary

My first impression of Kelowna was how huge it is – it’s a city after all, with a population of around 180,000. Part of me was expecting a sleepy lakeside town, but one thing about Canada is that everything here is BIG.

When we asked passers-by in Kelowna for directions, the places we wanted to go – even just the nearest supermarket – were often over a kilometre away. A long way when you’re on foot!

The city is located on Okanagan Lake, which is also massive – an impressive 135km long. As well as lakeside beaches, Kelowna has plenty of watersports, a huge yacht club and posh lakeside houses with their own private jetties and boats.

The grounds are so beautiful they look like something from a catalogue. New homes were mid-construction, being built almost entirely from wood. This is common in this country with its flourishing timber industry.

How to get around Kelowna

Kelowna is a bike-friendly city with dedicated cycling paths and scenic routes, including along the lakefront. Many hotels and hostels offer bike rentals, and there are rental shops throughout the city. It’s a great way to explore nearby wineries or enjoy the views.

The city’s affordable public bus system covers most of Kelowna and surrounding areas, including popular spots like Mission Creek Greenway or Orchard Park Shopping Centre.

If you plan to visit vineyards, hiking trails, or nearby towns, renting a car is the best option. There are several car rental companies in the city and at the airport.

For a unique way to explore Okanagan Lake, consider renting a boat or using water taxis. These options are popular for visiting lakefront attractions or simply enjoying a day on the water.

How to travel to Kelowna

In keeping with our backpacking budget, we travelled from Vancouver to Kelowna by overnight Greyhound bus.

Affordable bus services like this, as well as Ebus and Rider Express connect Kelowna to Vancouver and other major cities in British Columbia. The bus terminal is conveniently located near downtown Kelowna.

Kelowna is a scenic 4.5-hour drive east from Vancouver, while from Calgary, it’s an 8-hour journey. From Seattle in the US, the drive takes around 6.5 hours north through Washington state and across the Canadian border.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is one of Canada’s busiest airports, located just 15 km from downtown. There are direct flights to Kelowna from major cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Seattle. From the airport, you can reach the city centre in about 20 minutes.

Final thoughts on planning your perfect Kelowna itinerary

Kelowna is a destination that truly has it all—stunning natural beauty, a thriving food and wine scene and plenty of outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re parasailing over Okanagan Lake, biking through vineyards or sampling its local produce, Kelowna’s charm lies in its mix of laid-back vibes and exciting activities.

Pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing corner of British Columbia!

Next up, find out how to plan a Canada backpacking trip and the best way to cross the country, here.