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Welcome to Kelowna — the beating heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley!
Whether you’re chasing lake views in Kelowna, sipping at world-class wineries, hiking scenic Kelowna trails, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley, this city has something for everyone. In this easy guide, we’ll uncover the best places to visit in Kelowna, breathtaking lookout points, must-visit wineries, stunning hiking trails, and exciting nearby adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full vacation, this Kelowna travel guide will help you create unforgettable memories.
Part 1: Best Places to Visit
Downtown Kelowna: The lively downtown area is filled with waterfront parks, trendy shops, local cafés, and vibrant public art, making it the perfect starting point for your journey.
Kelowna City Park: Stretching along the lakeshore, this park features sandy beaches, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a scenic boardwalk — ideal for families and casual strollers.
Knox Mountain Park: As Kelowna’s largest natural park, Knox Mountain invites you to explore hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of the city and lake.
Okanagan Lake: Stretching for over 135 kilometers, this shimmering lake is a playground for boating, paddleboarding, swimming, and unforgettable sunsets.
Kasugai Gardens: A tranquil escape nestled downtown, these traditional Japanese gardens offer serene ponds, lush greenery, and stone pathways.
EnergyPlex and Scandia Golf & Games: Perfect for families, these entertainment centers offer indoor playgrounds, arcade games, mini-golf, and activities for all ages.
Kangaroo Creek Farm: A unique and interactive experience where visitors can hold and feed kangaroos, capybaras, and exotic birds — a favorite for kids and animal lovers alike.
Airport Area (Old Vernon Road): Beyond the airport lies scenic countryside dotted with farms, fruit stands, and rural beauty — perfect for a peaceful afternoon drive.
James Lake Recreational Area: This hidden gem offers a peaceful spot for fishing, birdwatching, and lakeside relaxation away from the busy city buzz.
Part 2: Best Lookouts in the City
Knox Mountain Summit: After a short hike or drive up, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over downtown Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, and the distant mountains.
Dilworth Mountain Park: A lesser-known lookout offering peaceful, panoramic views over the city and nearby hills — great for a quick sunset trip.
Myra Canyon Trestles: Walk or bike along the historic Kettle Valley Railway with views across deep canyons, dense forests, and endless sky.
Mount Boucherie: An extinct volcano turned into a moderate hiking challenge, where the summit offers 360° views over West Kelowna’s wine country and the lake.
Crawford Lookout: A peaceful, quiet spot tucked away in Lower Mission with rewarding views of the surrounding valley and forests.
McCulloch Lookout Point: Drive or hike to this stunning viewpoint offering expansive views of the thick forest, mountain ranges, and lakes stretching into the distance.
Pine Trail Lookout: A hidden treasure for hikers seeking quiet, natural surroundings and a sweeping, peaceful landscape at the end of the trail.
Part 3: Wineries to Explore
Mission Hill Family Estate: A grand, castle-like winery known for its architectural beauty, exceptional wines, and fine dining experiences.
Quails’ Gate Winery: One of Kelowna’s oldest wineries, offering delicious wines and a beautiful vineyard restaurant overlooking the lake.
CedarCreek Estate Winery: Sitting high above the lake, CedarCreek is known for its organic wines, stunning architecture, and intimate tasting rooms.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery: A quirky and fascinating winery where wines are aged inside a giant pyramid structure, believed to enhance their flavor.
Tantalus Vineyards: Offering boutique-style tastings, this winery specializes in Riesling and Pinot Noir, with modern architecture and artistic touches.
Crown and Thieves Winery: A hidden West Kelowna gem known for its moody, speakeasy vibe and bold, creative wines set inside a gothic-inspired castle.
Frind Estate Winery: The only beachfront winery in North America, Frind allows you to sip award-winning wines with your toes in the sand.
Part 4: Best Trails to Hike
Knox Mountain Apex Trail: A moderate climb that rewards you with some of the best panoramic views in the city, especially beautiful at sunrise.
Myra Canyon Trestles Trail: An easy trail following a historic rail route across trestle bridges and through tunnels — perfect for hikers and cyclists.
Bear Creek Provincial Park Trail: A short hike leading to waterfalls and river canyons, offering a great mix of forested paths and scenic lookouts.
Paul’s Tomb Trail: A scenic lakeside trail that leads you to a hidden beach, offering plenty of shady spots and gentle hills.
Mount Baldy Trail: A quieter trail with fewer crowds, offering stunning views over orchards, vineyards, and the glittering lake below.
Crawford Falls (Mill Creek Regional Park): A short but adventurous trail where you climb down to two beautiful, hidden waterfalls tucked inside the forest.
sntsk’il’ntən (Black Mountain) Regional Park: A culturally significant and ecologically diverse hiking area with trails leading to wetlands, grasslands, and mountain vistas.
Part 5: Best Nearby Places within 50km
Peachland: A lovely lakeside village with a beautiful boardwalk, ice cream shops, and peaceful beach parks — perfect for a lazy afternoon.
West Kelowna: Explore vineyards, beaches, hiking trails, and lakeside parks — a natural extension of your Kelowna experience.
Lake Country: Known for its orchard-fresh fruit, scenic lakes, and boutique wineries, Lake Country is a paradise for relaxed day trips.
Fintry Provincial Park & Waterfalls: A historic site featuring stone buildings, scenic hiking trails, and a majestic waterfall that cascades down through the woods.
Oyama Zipline Adventure Park: An adrenaline-filled zipline park where you’ll soar over valleys, forests, and lakes with breathtaking views.
Big White Ski Resort: In winter, Big White offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, and in summer, it transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, and alpine sightseeing.
Kelowna isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience that captures your heart with every sunset, every trail, and every glass of wine.
Whether you’re exploring its vibrant city life, discovering hidden lookouts, sipping your way through wineries, hiking wild trails, or taking a quick day trip, Kelowna offers something unforgettable at every turn. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let the beauty of Kelowna surprise you at every step.
