Monday, May 1, 2023

Best things to do in Kelowna B.C. Canada



                                                             This Image: Tourism Kelowna
                            * This post contains affiliate links which means if you choose to purchase thru my links; I may receive a small commission

Today I'm sharing a Quick Guide for exploring Kelowna British Columbia.  This is one of my favorite destinations located in my birth country- Canada.

Kelowna is the largest of four communities located In the Central Okanagan Valley. It is a beautiful resort city, and is known for Cali type weather.  Acutually Kelowna is known as " Lil California." 

The area is due north on the Coquihalla highway from Hope BC.  The drive through the  Coquihalla Pass is an experience in itself.  Make sure your camera is ready to go. A scenic haven of wildlife, and wilderness await you.

a quick travel guide to Kelowna BC Canada

The Legend of the Ogo Pogo

The city sits at midway point of the Okanagan Lake. West Kelowna, Peachland, Westbank, and Penticton are other lake resorts nearby.

No visit to Kelowna would be complete, without hearing about it's "slinky like" resident. A sea serpent that is said to live in the Okanagan Lake.  I remember swimming with my cousins in the lake, while scaring each other about the Ogo Pogo.

The OGO POGO is large sea monster that was said to be sighted by First Nations people in the 19th century. Many have reported seeing the long snake in the water in recent years.

a quick travel guide to Kelowna BC Canada

Kelowna's Main Attractions

The Okanagan Lake

The options for water sports are endless: boating, sailing, chartered cruises, and water skiing to name a few. A popular lake sport, is kite boarding. It takes a lot of skill, and just the perfect wind conditions to do kite boarding.

Many summers of my childhood were spent swimming in the Okanagan Lake downtown Kelowna and on the shores of Westbank. My two aunts lived in Westbank for many years.

Wineries and Orchards

The Okanagan attracts thousands of tourists every year.  Many of them come to experience the wineries, wine trails, and  bike tours  . This area is rich in agriculture and orchards. Some of the juiciest fruit you will ever eat, is picked and processed in Kelowna. There are several orchards where you can have fun picking your own.

I have fond memories as a kid of my aunt and unlce working the orchards in Kelowna and nearby cities of Penticton, Peachland and Summerland. 


a quick travel guide to Kelowna BC, Canada


a quick travel guide to Kelowna BC Canada

Downtown & City Park

Downtown Kelowna is very charming, fun and has lots to explore. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, shops and options for boat rentals and other water sports.  All around are amazing views of the bridge, lake and mountains.




A quick travel guide to Kelowna BC canada

Where to Eat

My favorite place to eat was Cactus Club Café, the food was delicious.  If you make it to Kelowna, you must try it!  Earl's is a short walk from Cactus Club and offers fantastic menu choices as well. 

If you are a PIZZA LOVER, Fresh Slice is my GO TO!  Grab a piece and enjoy the stunning lake views across the street. If you want to experience the best of local cuisine, a walking food tour would be a great experience. 

A quick travel guide to Kelowna BC Canada

a quick travel guide to Kelowna BC Canada

Where to Stay



The Okanagan valley abounds with resorts, hotels and short term rentals . We often stayed at a friend's house with an attached B n B.  They no longer own the home, so it will be a hotel next time we visit.

A popular chain of resorts in Canada: Delta Hotels, has a location close to the lake, downtown Kelowna. I would highly recommend a stay here, 

a quick travel guide to kelowna bc

What to Wear

Style in Kelowna is very informal and casual. Since there are so many outdoor activities and water sports, pack for those activities.  The summers are quite toasty, and temperatures can soar into the 90's . The heat is dry, not much humidity to speak of. The winters are cold, but sunny and dry.  Make sure to pack warm outfits if you decide to vist Big White Ski Resort.

If you live in the Northwest, Kelowna is a 6 hour drive from Seattle, and 4 hours from Vancouver. I hope you get the chance to visit Kelowna soon! If you need help planning your itinerary to KELOWNA;  I now offer Trip Planning Services for a small fee. 

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Would you like to comment?

  1. Great post! What a fun place to visit! Peace!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

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    1. Thank you Cheryl, I hope to go back soon and get better pictures..the weather was not cooperating..ha ha

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  2. My best friend is from Kelowna, it's such a beautiful city. Great roundup of all of the best spots :)
    Taryn
    http://www.peplumsandpushups.com

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    1. HI Taryn...that is so kewl she is from there, I would love to move back.such an amazing city!

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  3. I would love to visit Canada someday. When my girls were small my parents took them on a Canadian adventure that they still talk about to this day. Thank you so much for the great peek at the beautiful experiences tourists can enjoy in Kelowna BC.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, sounds like some wonderful memories were made there....Canada has so much to offer for tourists!

      Valerie

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  4. I remember Kelowna, I traveled there few years ago, but just for a couple of days. I loved so many things about this place, and I was just thinking about visiting again. You now gave me the inspiration that I needed to do so! :)

    Sabina | I've Got Sunshine

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    1. HI Sabrina...ahh I am so glad this inspired you, this is what I love to hear, I do hope you get to go soon. I am hoping to go again before summer is over to get better pics!

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  5. Another reason why I wish I'd had more time in BC. It looks so charming here. I have also heard good things about Cactus Club -they have some locations in Van :).

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    1. Hey Chantell. for sure...BC is amazing.....I am a little biased ;0 ) but it truly has stunning scenery everywhere you go! I was raised in Van, and miss it lots!

      Valerie

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  6. Looks interesting, lovr the winerys 😍

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    1. HI Fran....I want to do a wine tour next time...hope you can check it out !

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  7. Really useful guide as we are planning our trip around Canada and want to put Kelowna on the list as well. I love the way you present the packing option!

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    1. Glad it was helpful Coralia and hope you get to visit Kelowna !

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  8. Awesome photos. Can't help but notice, we share the same name :)

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  9. Wow! Would love to visit Kelowna someday.

    Your Airbnb stay looks amazing... :-) Thanks for sharing the complete Kelowna guide :-)

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    1. Thanks Lady.....yes it was for sure amazing..so beautiful and quiet!

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  10. There are a bunch of nice places that you showed here, I love your post :)

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    1. THanks Alexi, I sure hope you can go...I hope to go back before summer is over!

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  11. It looks like such a beautiful town with some amazing scenic views! I can definitely see the resemblance to California. WIll have to keep it in mind next time I'm up in BC!

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    1. Thanks Caroline, these pics do not do the place justice..the skies were so grey when I was there! Hope you can go!

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  12. I hadn't heard of this town before, but I love the BC area. Such beautiful nature up there! And I think your pictures show this town isn't lacking for the BC beauty.

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    1. Thank you so much.. Yes BC is incredible and I hope you can visit Kelowna in the near future!

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  13. Wow! I love this complete guide. Really informative and useful. Especially the style tips. Thank you :)

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  14. I love the darkness of the images. It really added a drama that reminded me of why I'd love to visit!

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    1. Thank you Suzanna, I always think dark means bad..but I guess not..thank you for the nice words, and I hope you can go!

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  15. It looks like a great place for some water sports! Loved the tips what to wear!

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  16. Kelownafornia us locals call it ;)

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  18. you write very well this article, there are a lot of good resource here. i am sure i will visit this place again soon. Visa Consultancy Agency

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  19. Looks beautiful here, I would love to visit :)

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  20. I've been to BC but never to Kelowna. This looks like a beautiful place to visit! That lake is gorgeous!

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  21. I don't know if my last comment went through or not. I've been to BC before but never to Kelowna. This looks like a beautiful place to visit. And that lake? Gorgeous!

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  22. Gorgeous photos! The urban area as well as the surrounding countryside are beautiful. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 63.
    Carol
    www.scribblingboomer.com

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  23. Kelowna has been on my bucket list for a while now! I think it was back in 2010 (more or less), we visited Alberta and British Columbia and did the fabulous drive between the two. It was a wonderful holiday and I'd love to do it again, but this time include a visit to Kelowna.
    Great post!
    Suzy x

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  24. It looks like a really nice place to visit, with a lot to do there! Thank you for sharing!

    Thank you for joining the Weekday Wear Link up!

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  25. These pictures are gorgeous! This area is so stunning, it looks like a really fun place to visit!

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