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Kelowna is a city in the Okanagan region of British Columbia.

Kelowna is the largest inland city in British Columbia, located in the heart of BC's wine country. It has a metropolitan population of about 165,000. Okanagan Lake is the main draw in the summer. This 135 km long jewel is a big draw for boaters (power and sail), swimmers and kite-boarders. In winter thousands of tourists come from all parts of the world to ski at Big White resort, located 55 km from the city. Tourists also come in the fall (mostly) to experience and taste the Okanagan's world class wines from various wineries throughout the valley.

Bertram Beach

Bertram Creek Regional Park, end of Lakeshore Rd. One of the best kept secrets of Kelowna is Bertram Park at the end of Lakeshore Road, with beautiful beaches and grassy areas to picnic on it is one of the most idyllic places in Kelowna, it offers BBQ's as well as change/wash rooms.
City Park, Abbott St at Leon (west of Abbott St between Bernard and Harvey, car access from the corner of Abbott & Leon. A great environment in the summer to sun tan, play and enjoy yourself, or be with your family at the playgrounds. The water and skate park offer a great time in the sun.
Gyro Beach Park, Lakeshore Rd & Swordy Rd. Enjoy the half submerged playground in summer -- you can let yourself slide along the rope into the lake within which you may come across our lake's resident the Ogopogo (we are not joking, Loch Ness isn't the only body of water with a lake monster [the term monster is used loosely]). If you see Ogopogo make sure to be friendly as it is his home you're swimming in ;).
Knox Mountain Park, Knox Mountain Rd (accessed from the end of Ellis St. 6AM-10PM; vehicle access only in summer M-Sa 9:30AM-9PM, Su noon-9PM. Large park and natural area north of Kelowna's downtown. The view from the top has great views of the valley, including downtown Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. There is a road most of the way up with parking, that is open in the summer. There are also many trails for walking and biking that lead to other viewpoints and Paul's Tomb, the only beach in the park.
Mission Creek Regional Park, 2363 Springfield Rd, +1 250 469-6140 (EECO Center). Open during daylight hours. Park set on both sides of Mission Creek. The EECO Center has environment exhibits and park information. The creekside trail has a fish ladder, an old homestead site, interpretive signs and a playground/picnic area. Salmon return to the spawning channel in Sept-Oct each year.
Stuart Park, Water St, between Mill & Doyle. 6AM-11PM. Waterfront park with some nice views. Notable for Bear Plaza and it's public art, and the outdoor skating rink in winter.
Waterfront Park, 1200 Water St. 6AM-10PM. Another park along downtown Kelowna's waterfront. It's well-maintained with a boardwalk along the waterfront, gardens, a sandy beach for swimming (Tugboat Beach) and seasonal concession stand and washroom facilities. There's also a bird sanctuary (Rotary Marsh) at the northern end.
Another "best kept secret" is a beautiful beach located off Lakeshore in the Mission area. To get to it, turn down Truswell Road and take a left on Martin Road. If you walk keeping on the right to the end of Martin, you will come to a river. Turn right down a narrow bank alongside the river and walk along it for a short distance and you'll find and absolutely gorgeous beach frequented mainly by the younger crowd. If you bring beer or "other things" BC is famous for, be careful, as this beach is certainly not a secret to the police. This beach is referred to by locals as "Hidden Beach", often reduced to "Hidden", or "Skim Beach".

Wineries along the lakeshore in Kelowna Wineries and wine tours have become popular things to do in Kelowna. There are over 20 wineries in Kelowna and the surrounding area, ranging from some of the biggest names in BC wine to small boutique wineries. The list below includes wineries that are in Kelowna only — several popular wineries associated with Kelowna, such as Mission Hill and Quail's Gate, are in neighbouring West Kelowna and covered there.

CedarCreek Estate Winery, 5445 Lakeshore Rd, +1 778 738-1027. Tastings 10AM-7PM (July-Labour Day), short hours other times of the year; tours daily at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM May-Labour Day, by appointment at other times of the year. One of B.C.'c first 8 pioneering wineries, CedarCreek has also twice been named as Canada's Winery of the Year. Join in for wine tastings, winery tours or a meal at the 'Farm to Table' Vineyard Terrace Restaurant. The Vineyard Terrace Restaurant wraps around the wine shop and has views of the vineyard and Okanagan Lake. Open June 1- Sept 18, 2016. Daily: 11am for Lunch and Dinner. Tasting bar $5 (four tastings), tour $12. Private tours are available with advance notice..
Summerhill Pyramid Winery, 4870 Chute Lake Rd, +1 250 764-8000. Tastings 9AM-6PM; tours at noon and 2PM. An organic winery that produces a variety of red, white and sparkling wines from grapes sourced from their vineyard and others in the Okanagan. Wine tours explain their organic methods and the role of the distinctive pyramid wine cellar. There is also an on-site bistro that is open for lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. Tour is $10 (includes four tastings).
The Vibrant Vine / Okanagan Villa Estate Winery, 3240 Pooley Rd, +1 778 478-4153. 11AM-6PM May-Sept, 1PM-4PM Oct-Dec. Small but distinctive winery. The tasting room is a 3D experience with the art and vivid bottle labels all in 3D (glasses included for free). There's live music on summer weekends and a stage for theatre performances. The wines are mostly whites, with a couple of red blends. The WOOPS? label (a blend of several Okanagan varietals) won Best White Wine in The World 2013 at the World Wine Competition, Geneva.
Explore: Kelowna Wine Trails and tour Mission Hill Winery, Quail's Gate Winery.

CedarCreek Estate Winery, 5445 Lakeshore Rd, +1 778 738-1027. Tastings 10AM-7PM (July-Labour Day), short hours other times of the year; tours daily at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM May-Labour Day, by appointment at other times of the year. One of B.C.'c first 8 pioneering wineries, CedarCreek has also twice been named as Canada's Winery of the Year. Join in for wine tastings, winery tours or a meal at the 'Farm to Table' Vineyard Terrace Restaurant. The Vineyard Terrace Restaurant wraps around the wine shop and has views of the vineyard and Okanagan Lake. Open June 1- Sept 18, 2016. Daily: 11am for Lunch and Dinner. Tasting bar $5 (four tastings), tour $12. Private tours are available with advance notice..

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, 4870 Chute Lake Rd, +1 250 764-8000. Tastings 9AM-6PM; tours at noon and 2PM. An organic winery that produces a variety of red, white and sparkling wines from grapes sourced from their vineyard and others in the Okanagan. Wine tours explain their organic methods and the role of the distinctive pyramid wine cellar. There is also an on-site bistro that is open for lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. Tour is $10 (includes four tastings).

The Vibrant Vine / Okanagan Villa Estate Winery, 3240 Pooley Rd, +1 778 478-4153. 11AM-6PM May-Sept, 1PM-4PM Oct-Dec. Small but distinctive winery. The tasting room is a 3D experience with the art and vivid bottle labels all in 3D (glasses included for free). There's live music on summer weekends and a stage for theatre performances. The wines are mostly whites, with a couple of red blends. The WOOPS? label (a blend of several Okanagan varietals) won Best White Wine in The World 2013 at the World Wine Competition, Geneva.

Explore: Kelowna Wine Trails and tour Mission Hill Winery, Quail's Gate Winery.

Bertram Creek Regional Park, end of Lakeshore Rd. One of the best kept secrets of Kelowna is Bertram Park at the end of Lakeshore Road, with beautiful beaches and grassy areas to picnic on it is one of the most idyllic places in Kelowna, it offers BBQ's as well as change/wash rooms.

City Park, Abbott St at Leon (west of Abbott St between Bernard and Harvey, car access from the corner of Abbott & Leon. A great environment in the summer to sun tan, play and enjoy yourself, or be with your family at the playgrounds. The water and skate park offer a great time in the sun.

Gyro Beach Park, Lakeshore Rd & Swordy Rd. Enjoy the half submerged playground in summer -- you can let yourself slide along the rope into the lake within which you may come across our lake's resident the Ogopogo (we are not joking, Loch Ness isn't the only body of water with a lake monster [the term monster is used loosely]). If you see Ogopogo make sure to be friendly as it is his home you're swimming in ;).

Knox Mountain Park, Knox Mountain Rd (accessed from the end of Ellis St. 6AM-10PM; vehicle access only in summer M-Sa 9:30AM-9PM, Su noon-9PM. Large park and natural area north of Kelowna's downtown. The view from the top has great views of the valley, including downtown Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. There is a road most of the way up with parking, that is open in the summer. There are also many trails for walking and biking that lead to other viewpoints and Paul's Tomb, the only beach in the park.

Mission Creek Regional Park, 2363 Springfield Rd, +1 250 469-6140 (EECO Center). Open during daylight hours. Park set on both sides of Mission Creek. The EECO Center has environment exhibits and park information. The creekside trail has a fish ladder, an old homestead site, interpretive signs and a playground/picnic area. Salmon return to the spawning channel in Sept-Oct each year.

Stuart Park, Water St, between Mill & Doyle. 6AM-11PM. Waterfront park with some nice views. Notable for Bear Plaza and it's public art, and the outdoor skating rink in winter.

Waterfront Park, 1200 Water St. 6AM-10PM. Another park along downtown Kelowna's waterfront. It's well-maintained with a boardwalk along the waterfront, gardens, a sandy beach for swimming (Tugboat Beach) and seasonal concession stand and washroom facilities. There's also a bird sanctuary (Rotary Marsh) at the northern end.

Another "best kept secret" is a beautiful beach located off Lakeshore in the Mission area. To get to it, turn down Truswell Road and take a left on Martin Road. If you walk keeping on the right to the end of Martin, you will come to a river. Turn right down a narrow bank alongside the river and walk along it for a short distance and you'll find and absolutely gorgeous beach frequented mainly by the younger crowd. If you bring beer or "other things" BC is famous for, be careful, as this beach is certainly not a secret to the police. This beach is referred to by locals as "Hidden Beach", often reduced to "Hidden", or "Skim Beach".

Biking the Kettle Valley Railway in Myra Canyon

Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, accessed via McCulloch Rd (main entrance) or June Springs Rd. Home of the famous wooden trestles of the old Kettle Valley Railway. Recently rebuilt after being burnt down - They provide a unique and beautiful view of the Kelowna area, as well as the uninhabited areas surrounding it. These are about an hour's drive outside of Kelowna - up a dirt road.
Kelowna Rockets / Prospera Place, 1223 Water St, +1 250-762-5050 (box office), +1 250-860-7825 (team office). M-F 9:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. The Rockets are the local team in the Western Hockey League (players are 16-20 years old). Tickets can be purchased online or through the box office at Prospera Place, their home arena. $17-24 for a bowl seat (child/adult).
Okanagan Sun football.
Knox Mountain Climb. An annual hill climb is one of the highlights of this peak.
Mission Creek Greenway.
Swimming - many sand beaches great beaches. Some feature swimming platforms (Gellatly bay aquatic park) and swing lines (Gyro park).
Bike and hike the local mountains (Kettle Valley, Myra Canyon, Knox Mountain)
Golf on any of the many great golf courses.
Play Tennis
Enjoy the Athletic Centers (Parkinson Recreation Center, Athens Recreation Center, Capital News Center).
Sailing, Seadoo-ing and Boating on Okanagan Lake.
Windsurfing
Skateboarding/longboarding--the skateparks are average but lots of great hills
Or the best yet... just be lazy and lay at the beach... or in winter in a jacuzzi surrounded by snow.
Hangout in city park and walk along the boardwalk.
See a Ballet Kelowna performance
H20 Adventure and Fitness Center, 4075 Gordon Dr Kelowna, BC V1W, +1 250 764-4040. H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is the largest municipally owned water park in Canada and features an Olympic length 50 meter pool, wave pool, river run, 3 water slides, children's water play area, and an ocean wave surf simulator. And, for the fitness enthusiast, a 12,000 square foot cardio, weight equipment and exercise space await you.

Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, accessed via McCulloch Rd (main entrance) or June Springs Rd. Home of the famous wooden trestles of the old Kettle Valley Railway. Recently rebuilt after being burnt down - They provide a unique and beautiful view of the Kelowna area, as well as the uninhabited areas surrounding it. These are about an hour's drive outside of Kelowna - up a dirt road.

Kelowna Rockets / Prospera Place, 1223 Water St, +1 250-762-5050 (box office), +1 250-860-7825 (team office). M-F 9:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. The Rockets are the local team in the Western Hockey League (players are 16-20 years old). Tickets can be purchased online or through the box office at Prospera Place, their home arena. $17-24 for a bowl seat (child/adult).

Okanagan Sun football.

Knox Mountain Climb. An annual hill climb is one of the highlights of this peak.

Mission Creek Greenway.

Sailing, Seadoo-ing and Boating on Okanagan Lake.

H20 Adventure and Fitness Center, 4075 Gordon Dr Kelowna, BC V1W, +1 250 764-4040. H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is the largest municipally owned water park in Canada and features an Olympic length 50 meter pool, wave pool, river run, 3 water slides, children's water play area, and an ocean wave surf simulator. And, for the fitness enthusiast, a 12,000 square foot cardio, weight equipment and exercise space await you.

Bernard Avenue (between Richter and Water Street) & the downtown area: Frock (vintage clothing), Olive & Elle (beautiful household items), Funktional
Pandosy St at/around KLO Road
Okanagan fruit tree co-operative, 816 Clement Avenue, Mon-Sat 9-5
Kolu, Rosebuds consignments
Orchard Park shopping centre

Public art in downtown Kelowna

Bohemian Cafe, 524 Bernard Ave, +1 250 862-3517. W-F 7:30AM-2:30PM Sa 8:30AM-2:30PM Su 8:30AM-2PM. Cafe that serves breakfast, soups and sandwiches. Focuses on local sourced ingredients and makes their own bagels and bread. Breakfast $5.50-16, lunch $7-17.
Lake Tai Vegetarian Restaurant, 1958 Kirschner Rd, +1 778 478-9931. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa-Su 12:30PM-9PM. Awesome little Taiwanese vegetarian restaurant serving light, healthy meals even carnivores will love. Almost all dishes are also vegan and gluten-free. Also serves wide selection of teas, bubble tea. Incredibly nice people, great service. Accepts credit cards. Try the honey crispy bean! $10-15.
Mad Mango Cafe, 551 Bernard Ave (across the street from the bargain shop on Bernard, +1 250 762-8988. Tu-Sa 7:30AM-6PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM. Small and popular cafe that serves a mix of Asian cuisine — won ton soup, pho, Malaysian curries, sweet and sour rice and vermicelli noodles — as well as a small selection of sandwiches and breakfast items. $4-7.50.
Subcity Donair, 1007 Rutland Rd N, +1 250 765-4440. 9AM-9PM. Local Subway or Quizno's style of restaurant with locations downtown and around the city. Offers chicken and beef donairs, small selection of subs, and fries and other sides. $7-10 for a donair or sub.
The Marmalade Cat cafe, * 103-2903 Pandosy St, +1 250-861-4158.

Bohemian Cafe, 524 Bernard Ave, +1 250 862-3517. W-F 7:30AM-2:30PM Sa 8:30AM-2:30PM Su 8:30AM-2PM. Cafe that serves breakfast, soups and sandwiches. Focuses on local sourced ingredients and makes their own bagels and bread. Breakfast $5.50-16, lunch $7-17.

Lake Tai Vegetarian Restaurant, 1958 Kirschner Rd, +1 778 478-9931. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa-Su 12:30PM-9PM. Awesome little Taiwanese vegetarian restaurant serving light, healthy meals even carnivores will love. Almost all dishes are also vegan and gluten-free. Also serves wide selection of teas, bubble tea. Incredibly nice people, great service. Accepts credit cards. Try the honey crispy bean! $10-15.

Mad Mango Cafe, 551 Bernard Ave (across the street from the bargain shop on Bernard, +1 250 762-8988. Tu-Sa 7:30AM-6PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM. Small and popular cafe that serves a mix of Asian cuisine — won ton soup, pho, Malaysian curries, sweet and sour rice and vermicelli noodles — as well as a small selection of sandwiches and breakfast items. $4-7.50.

Subcity Donair, 1007 Rutland Rd N, +1 250 765-4440. 9AM-9PM. Local Subway or Quizno's style of restaurant with locations downtown and around the city. Offers chicken and beef donairs, small selection of subs, and fries and other sides. $7-10 for a donair or sub.

The Marmalade Cat cafe, * 103-2903 Pandosy St, +1 250-861-4158.

Bai Tong Thai food - On 275 Bernard Avenue, one of Kelowna's best Thai food places!
Memphis Blues, 289 Bernard Ave, +1 250 868-3699. A fantastic BBQ house, close to the water in downtown Kelowna.
O-Zeki Japanese.
RauDZ Regional Table, 1560 Water St, +1 250 868-8805. 5PM-10PM. Popular and well regarded bistro. Dishes focus mostly on BC seafood or meat from BC or Alberta. Seating is varied — there's one long communal table or you can choose a more traditional booth seat. Mains $16-32.

Bai Tong Thai food - On 275 Bernard Avenue, one of Kelowna's best Thai food places!

Memphis Blues, 289 Bernard Ave, +1 250 868-3699. A fantastic BBQ house, close to the water in downtown Kelowna.

O-Zeki Japanese.

RauDZ Regional Table, 1560 Water St, +1 250 868-8805. 5PM-10PM. Popular and well regarded bistro. Dishes focus mostly on BC seafood or meat from BC or Alberta. Seating is varied — there's one long communal table or you can choose a more traditional booth seat. Mains $16-32.

Chop Steakhouse & Bar. Steak, seafood & drinks for a special night out.
The Fixx.
Gulfstream Restaurant. Steak
Mon Thong.
Bouchons Bistro, 1180 Sunset Dr #105, +1 250 763-6595. 5:30PM-10:30PM. Elegant French restaurant with many French classics — bouillabaisse, cassoulet, foie gras, duck confit, rabbit, lamb Provinçale and pommes frites. There's also a weekly "Chef's Table", a three-course fixed price menu. Mains $23-40, Chef's Table menu $45.
The Rotten Grape.
La Bussola Restaurant.
Waterfront Restaurant.

Chop Steakhouse & Bar. Steak, seafood & drinks for a special night out.

The Fixx.

Gulfstream Restaurant. Steak

Mon Thong.

Bouchons Bistro, 1180 Sunset Dr #105, +1 250 763-6595. 5:30PM-10:30PM. Elegant French restaurant with many French classics — bouillabaisse, cassoulet, foie gras, duck confit, rabbit, lamb Provinçale and pommes frites. There's also a weekly "Chef's Table", a three-course fixed price menu. Mains $23-40, Chef's Table menu $45.

The Rotten Grape.

La Bussola Restaurant.

Waterfront Restaurant.

Pubs close at 1AM and clubs at 2AM.

The Grateful Fed, Bernard Ave, the main strip downtown, and has live music in the later evenings, with pub/deli style eats and drinks, and a patio in the warmer months.
Roses Waterfront pub located by the Grand/Kelowna Yacht Club.
Flashbacks Nightclub on Ellis Street (Close to Prospera Place)
The Blue Gator A Blues Club located on Lawrence Street. Has an outdoor sidewalk patio where you can eat/drink.
97 Street Pub At the intersection of Hwy 97 and Leckie Road (Beside the Best Western Hotel)
Doc Willoughby's Downtown Pub, 353 Bernard Ave.
Sturgeon Hall, 1481 Water Street.
Tonics Pub, Ellis Street. Good food, and great prices on drinks. Nice atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff.

The Grateful Fed, Bernard Ave, the main strip downtown, and has live music in the later evenings, with pub/deli style eats and drinks, and a patio in the warmer months.

Roses Waterfront pub located by the Grand/Kelowna Yacht Club.

Flashbacks Nightclub on Ellis Street (Close to Prospera Place)

The Blue Gator A Blues Club located on Lawrence Street. Has an outdoor sidewalk patio where you can eat/drink.

97 Street Pub At the intersection of Hwy 97 and Leckie Road (Beside the Best Western Hotel)

Doc Willoughby's Downtown Pub, 353 Bernard Ave.

Sturgeon Hall, 1481 Water Street.

Tonics Pub, Ellis Street. Good food, and great prices on drinks. Nice atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff.

Kelowna is a growing city and therefore has its growing pains, with these come the following recommendations; avoid Leon & Lawrence Avenues between Water and Ellis during night time. City Park at night is patrolled, however can be somewhat dodgy after hours too. Be cautious when visiting the other local parks and beaches during the evening as well as they are known for transients and illegal activity.

As long as you keep yourself aware of your surroundings, you will be fine.

In summer, the city is also prone to forest fires, having suffered large fires in 2003 and 2009. Depending on the season, there may be campfire bans or parks may be closed.

Kelowna General Hospital

West Kelowna - If you're looking to round your wine experience, West Kelowna on the other side of Okanagan Lake via Hwy 97, is a good place to stop. It is home to some of the valley's best known wineries like Mission Hill, Mount Boucherie and Quail's Gate.
Penticton - 45-60 minutes south of Kelowna is Penticton, another popular summer vacation spot with loads to do. Hang out at a beach, float down a canal, rock climbing, walking and biking trails are all within the city. There are also many wineries in the area.
Peachland - A small community on the west side of Okanagan Lake between Kelowna and Penticton. The waterfront has a number of beaches while the hillside affords views of the lake and valley. There are also many walking trails along the waterfront, up the hillside and through Hardy Falls Regional Park.
Vernon - About 45 minutes north of Kelowna along Hwy 97, Vernon is a smaller quieter but still popular holiday destination. Highlights include the many parks that offer swimming, walking and hiking trails, a handful of wineries, and Predator Ridge, an acclaimed golf resort.
Big White — Ski resort and village southeast of Kelowna via Hwy 33. It lays claim to having to more ski-in ski-out accommodation than any other resort in British Columbia. Summer activities include hiking and sightseeing.

[[West Kelowna]] - If you're looking to round your wine experience, West Kelowna on the other side of Okanagan Lake via Hwy 97, is a good place to stop. It is home to some of the valley's best known wineries like Mission Hill, Mount Boucherie and Quail's Gate.

[[Penticton]] - 45-60 minutes south of Kelowna is Penticton, another popular summer vacation spot with loads to do. Hang out at a beach, float down a canal, rock climbing, walking and biking trails are all within the city. There are also many wineries in the area.

[[Peachland]] - A small community on the west side of Okanagan Lake between Kelowna and Penticton. The waterfront has a number of beaches while the hillside affords views of the lake and valley. There are also many walking trails along the waterfront, up the hillside and through Hardy Falls Regional Park.

[[Vernon (British Columbia)|Vernon]] - About 45 minutes north of Kelowna along Hwy 97, Vernon is a smaller quieter but still popular holiday destination. Highlights include the many parks that offer swimming, walking and hiking trails, a handful of wineries, and Predator Ridge, an acclaimed golf resort.

[[Big White]] — Ski resort and village southeast of Kelowna via Hwy 33. It lays claim to having to more ski-in ski-out accommodation than any other resort in British Columbia. Summer activities include hiking and sightseeing.