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Kelowna is the largest city in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, set on the eastern shore of long, deep Okanagan Lake. Orchards and ranching once dominated the area, and the valley's warm, dry summers now support a large wine industry, making the city a lake-and-vineyard destination for much of Western Canada.
The waterfront is the city's main stage. Waterfront Park and Stuart Park sit downtown along the lake, with walking paths, marinas and winter skating at Stuart Park, while City Park offers beaches and lawns near the floating bridge. Knox Mountain Park rises just north, with trails to viewpoints over the lake and city. Boyce-Gyro Beach Park is a popular sandy swimming spot, and Bertram Creek Regional Park, on the west side, provides a quieter beach. Mission Creek Regional Park follows a creek with trails through forest, and Father Pandosy Mission preserves log buildings from an Oblate mission founded in the 1850s. Wineries around Kelowna, on both sides of the lake, host tastings, restaurants and patios. Okanagan Lake itself invites boating, paddleboarding and swimming in warm summer water.
Kelowna suits wine lovers, families and summer beachgoers. July and August are busy and hot, and wildfire smoke can occur in some summers. Penticton and Vernon are close for more of the valley.
WiserMap travel guideKelowna British Columbia Okanagan Lake Beaches and WineriesKelowna travel guide with Okanagan Lake beaches, lakefront parks, Knox Mountain views, Father Pandosy Mission, local wine and fruit, stays and a three day plan.Read the guide
A lakeside park downtown with walking paths, a lagoon, bridges, a sandy beach and an outdoor stage for summer concerts, linked to the boardwalk along Okanagan Lake. It is busy on summer evenings. Walk north along the boardwalk to the Sails sculpture and the marina at sunset.
A downtown park on the lakefront next to the Sails sculpture, with lawns, public art, a splash area and a seasonal outdoor ice rink in winter. Festivals and events are often held here. It makes a good starting point for a walk along the lake, with cafes and restaurants on Bernard Avenue nearby.
Kelowna's largest downtown park, next to the William R. Bennett Bridge, with beaches on Okanagan Lake, a water park, sports fields, gardens and the Hot Sands beach. It is very busy in summer. Arrive early for parking on hot weekends, and bring a towel for the lake beaches.
A small Japanese garden downtown created to honor Kelowna's sister city of Kasugai, with ponds, koi, waterfalls, stone lanterns and quiet paths behind high walls. Entry is free. It is a calm break from the busy streets, but it closes at dusk and in the cold months, so check opening times.
A large park just north of downtown with hiking and biking trails and a road leading to lookouts with sweeping views over Okanagan Lake, the bridge and the city. The Apex trail climbs to the summit. Go early on summer mornings to avoid heat, and bring water, as there is little shade.
A section of the old Kettle Valley Railway above Kelowna, with 18 wooden trestles and two tunnels on a gentle trail around a canyon, rebuilt after wildfires in 2003. It is great for biking or walking. Rent a bike at the trailhead in summer, and go early, as the gravel road up is slow.
A large park along Mission Creek with forest trails, a salmon spawning channel where kokanee run in autumn, a children's play area and an environmental education center. The Mission Creek Greenway continues for kilometers upstream. Visit in late September to see the red spawning fish.
The long, deep lake that defines Kelowna, used for swimming, boating, paddleboarding and fishing, and home to the legendary lake creature Ogopogo. Boat rentals and cruises leave from the downtown marina. Rent a boat or paddleboard for a day, and look for Ogopogo statues around town.
A popular sandy beach on Okanagan Lake in the Lower Mission, with a swimming area, volleyball courts, a concession and paddleboard rentals in summer. It is a favorite with families. Arrive early on warm weekends, as the parking lots and the sand fill quickly by midday.
A heritage site preserving the original buildings of the first European settlement in the Okanagan, founded in 1859 by Oblate missionaries, with a chapel, log cabins and farm equipment. It is run by volunteers and open in the warmer months. Check hours, and allow about an hour for a visit.
An organic winery in southeast Kelowna overlooking Okanagan Lake, known for its sparkling wines and a pyramid on the grounds where wines are aged, plus a bistro with lake views. Tastings and tours are offered. Book a table in advance, and arrange a driver or tour if visiting several wineries.
The Kelowna Rockets play junior hockey in the Western Hockey League at Prospera Place, a downtown arena close to the lake, with an energetic local crowd. The season runs from fall to spring. Buy tickets in advance for weekend games, and walk to dinner downtown afterward.
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