Kelowna, BC is an ideal year-round destination with an abundance of outdoor recreation and food and drink options. Here is a roundup of the Top Things to Do in Kelowna 2022 from the quirky to the classic.
About Kelowna, British Columbia
Kelowna is the largest community in the BC interior with a city population of more than 140,000 and a metro population of over 200,000.
Looking for a beach vacation? Say no more. Numerous beaches and parks dot Kelowna’s shoreline along spectacular Okanagan Lake.
Want to fly in? One of the busiest airports in Canada, Kelowna International Airport (YLW), makes it easy to get to Kelowna by air.
There are accommodations choices for everyone from budget friendly to luxury waterfront resorts.
Get your palate ready for some wine tasting. Kelowna is home to 40 wineries and another 135 within a short drive.
Kelowna also has an emerging craft beer and spirits scene with craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
Savour the best local fruit and produce that the city has to offer at fruit stands and farmers’ markets.
Top Things to Do in Kelowna 2022
Rub Shoulders with Exotic Animals at Kangaroo Creek Farm
Stop by the Kangaroo Creek Farm to get the perfect photo op with a real kangaroo or wallaby.
But that’s not all. You’ll also get to see sugar gliders, peacocks, emus, capybaras, goats, Patagonian cavies, and more.
If you plan your trip during peak season, they also occasionally have activities like face painting and visiting reptile exhibits.
It’s no surprise that this is a Traveler’s Choice activity on TripAdvisor.
I have personally been there twice and recommend this as a top thing to do with kids in Kelowna.
Admission: Adults $12; children and youth $6; seniors 65 yrs + $6; children 4 and under free.
Open April 29 to October (Thanksgiving), every day, 7 days a week, including the weekends and the holidays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gates close at 3 p.m.
Kangaroo Creek Farm
5932 Old Vernon Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 7V2
Experience the Outdoors at Bear Creek Provincial Park
Located in the Central Okanagan Basin just next to Okanagan Lake, plan a trip to Bear Creek Provincial Park to get in touch with nature.
With spaces for RV camping and regular campsites, you’ll be able to make the most of the scenery.
If you’re more of a day-trip kind of person, plan a quick hike through the gorgeous cottonwoods to get a view of the canyon below.
Bear Creek Provincial Park
Westside Rd, Kelowna, BC V0E 1S0, Canada
Wine Tastings and Organic Dining at Summerhill Pyramid Winery
The internationally-recognized and award-winning Summerhill Pyramid Winery is anything but ordinary.
Start by enjoying a wine tasting, which comes complimentary with a wine purchase.
Enjoy the gorgeous setting and the beautiful estate house.
For a bite after your sips, you’ll find great food options on site.
Enjoy organic dining at the Summerhill Bistro.
Relax in their warm and comfortable dining room, or soak in the vineyard and lake views from your table on their year-round patio.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Westside Rd, Kelowna, BC V0E 1S0, Canada
Look for a Canadian Legend at Lake Okanagan
It’s no wonder Lake Okanagan is one of Kelowna’s most visited landmarks.
The gorgeous lake has a delightful atmosphere and has a wide range of activities available, including swimming, boating, parasailing, and fishing.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for Ogopogo, the Canadian equivalent of the Loch Ness monster.
Lake Okanagan
Located west of Downtown Kelowna
Relax and Reflect at the Kasugai Japanese Garden
You’ll want to make time to stop at Kasugai Japanese Garden – a gem of Kelowna’s arts and cultural district.
Away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Kelowna, this garden commemorates the bond between Kelowna and its sister city in Kasugai, Japan.
Enjoy the stone lanterns, waterfalls, lush pine trees, and Koi pond.
Explore all the secluded pathways and gorgeous construction.
Kasugai Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Throughout the summer months the gardens will be open until 8 p.m.
The park closes in the winter months starting in late October/early November.
Kasugai Japanese Garden
1435 Water St Kelowna, BC 90623
Wine Tastings at Mission Hill Winery
As one of the oldest wineries in the Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Winery pairs old-world wine-making techniques with modern technologies.
At Mission Hill, you’ll be able to taste the fruits of those labors and enjoy the results of the area’s unique soil profile.
During your visit, take in the distinctive modern architecture on your way to your immersive wine tasting.
Or dine at the Terrace Restaurant and enjoy regionally inspired dishes with wine pairings.
Note: Mission Hill is technically located in the neighbouring community of West Kelowna.
Mission Hill Winery
1730 Mission Hill Rd, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4, Canada
Kelowna Farmer’s Market
The Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market is one of BC’s largest outdoor farmers markets, with up to 165 stands at the height of the growing/harvest season.
It’s an exciting place to wander through the rows of vendors; see the wide array of locally grown and made foods; find some nifty keepsakes and gifts; get to know the local artisans and food producers from Kelowna; and grab a deliciously fresh breakfast, lunch, or picnic for later.
Kelowna Resorts and Hotels
Manteo at Eldorado Resort
Enjoy lakefront views of Okanagan Lake from Manteo’s sleek, contemporary, yet comfortable rooms.
To really take in the sunset from your room, snag one with a private balcony or patio.
And if you’re traveling with your pet, no worries – they have plenty of pet-friendly accommodations.
The hotel earned a Traveler’s Choice distinction on TripAdvisor, so you know you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself.
If you’re looking for romance, spring for the Perfect Love Story package.
It includes a bottle of sparkling wine, dining credit for a romantic dinner, complimentary breakfast for two, and a late checkout.
Manteo at Eldorado Resort
3762 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 3L4
Hotel Zed Kelowna
If you like your travel plans to be laidback with a healthy dose of zany fun, Hotel Zed Kelowna is the place for you.
Every room is decorated with bold, retro-inspired colors that are sure to put you in a good mood.
As far as amenities, you’ll find a pool, hot tub, sauna, and three rooftop patios.
Take in the lakeside views while you relax by the rooftop fire pit.
When you’re not exploring Kelowna, you’ll find plenty to do without leaving the hotel.
You can check out board games from the lobby, hang out in the ping pong lounge complete with Wii station and coloring books, groove at the mini disco, check out a rental bike (including tandem bikes!), go for a spin on their free roller-skate rentals, and much, much more.
They even have typewriter stations and vinyl listening stations, if you’re feeling creative.
Past guests love this place, which earned them a Traveler’s Choice distinction on TripAdvisor.
Hotel Zed Kelowna
1627 Abbott St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1A9
Hotel Eldorado
With a Safe Travels certification by the World Travel & Tourism Council, you can rest assured, your stay at Hotel Eldorado will be comfortable and reliable.
The charming guestrooms pride themselves on the amount of natural lighting, which is sure to leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
The hotel is right on the water, giving you an unparalleled seafront visit.
Plan your visit to the marina using the live marina webcam on their website.
Spend a day out on the water by renting a kayak or going stand-up paddleboarding.
You’ll also find 5 different dining options, including lakeside dining and an onsite whiskey ambassador to walk you through a Scotch tasting.
Hotel Eldorado
500 Cook Road Kelowna, BC V1W 3G9
Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
You don’t have to choose between the bustle of the city and the charm of the outdoors.
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this urban hotel right by the water.
Relax in a stylish room with mountain views.
Enjoy fine dining in a luminescent outdoor dome or relax by the pool.
Hotel guests can cruise the waterfront by bike and take in the views of Lake Okanagan with a complimentary rental from Lakefront Sports Centre Ltd. which is included with your stay.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3
Top Things to Do in Kelowna – Eat & Drink
The Best of the Pacific Northwest at Raudz Regional Table
Feel right at home at Raudz’s communal table and enjoy their locally-sourced fare.
We’re talking the Crab Cappuccino soup with milk froth; baked British Columbia brie with caramelized apples and nut and seed streusel; and the charcuterie board featuring Okanagan hand-cut and cured speck and pork liver paté.
You’ll want to save room for dessert at Raudz – more specifically, the Liquid Dessert cocktail menu.
Sip offerings like A Coupe Of Coffee (bourbon, espresso, stout syrup, and chocolate bitters) or a lavender latte with lemon zest.
Raudz Regional Table
1560 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J7, Canada
Tapas at Tutt Street Tapas + Wine
You’ll feel right at home in the warm, Tuscan-inspired atmosphere at Tutt Street Tapas + Wine.
Order a smattering of small plates to share with your group.
On their judiciously-spare menu, you’ll find twists on classics like the “Bite Me” Salad, Brockale and Cheese Cakes with curry aioli, and Tuscan bruschetta.
You’ll also find an array of flatbreads. Make sure to order plenty of wine to pair with your selections.
Tutt Street Tapas + Wine
5-3045 Tutt St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2H4, Canada
The Daily Menu at Salt & Brick
Right next to Kelowna’s iconic landmarks “The Sails” and Lake Okanagan, you’ll find Salt & Brick, your ideal stop after a day of sight-seeing around town.
You won’t find Salt & Brick’s menu on their website, and there’s a very good reason for that – it changes every day.
Simply show up and expect deliciousness and creativity from contemporary cuisine.
Relax in their intimate, modern atmosphere and watch the chef work in the open kitchen.
Peruse the menu and enjoy a bite of the unexpected alongside their selection of 101 local wines.
Salt & Brick
243 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6N2, Canada
Lunch at Okanagan Street Food
When you’re looking for delicious, no-nonsense bites on the go, look no further than Okanagan Street Food.
But don’t mistake this for a regular spot.
Sure, you’ll find classics like fresh-cut fries (with homemade blackberry ketchup and truffled mayonnaise) and poutine.
But you’ll also find candied salmon risotto fritters with chile and lemongrass dipping sauce and seared fish tacos.
Okanagan Street Food
812 Crowley Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 7G7
Breakfast Sandwiches at Little Hobo Soup and Sandwich Shop
Roll by Little Hobo Soup and Sandwich Shop – a family-owned restaurant – for breakfast sandwiches on your way for a day out exploring downtown Kelowna.
You’ll find classic breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, and the vegetarian-friendly Veggie Benny with homemade hollandaise, spinach, tomato, and sautéed onions.
You’ll love it so much, you might want to stop by for lunch too.
Little Hobo Soup and Sandwich Shop
596 Leon Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6J6, Canada
Late-Night Bites at Cactus Club Café
Located at the Kelowna Yacht Club on the waterfront, you’ll want to make the Cactus Club Café your spot for drinks after a long day of sight-seeing.
Browse the menu while you sip a frozen sangria, their classic Frosé, or a wine selected from their extensive wine list.
Enjoy offerings like the tuna poke bowl, prawn spaghettini, grilled Dijon salmon, and spicy yam fries with garlic aioli.
Cactus Club Café
1-1370 Water Street, Kelowna BC