Kelowna is a city in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Kelowna is the largest inland city in British Columbia, in the heart of BC's wine country. Okanagan Lake is the main draw in the summer.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Kelowna is the largest city in the tourist-oriented Okanagan Valley with a population of about 142,000 in the city, and 215,000 in the metropolitan area (2020). During the summer, Okanagan Lake is the main draw, this 135 km-long (84 mi) jewel is a big draw for boaters (power and sail), swimmers and kite-boarders; in addition, golf, hiking and biking are popular summer activities. In winter thousands of tourists come from all parts of the world to ski at Big White resort, which is 55 km (34 mi) from the city. Kelowna produces wines that have received international recognition. Vineyards are common around and south of the city where the climate is ideal for the many wineries.
Traffic can be quite heavy on major roads in Kelowna during the summer months, especially at the approaches to the floating bridge. A lack of advance left turn traffic lights contributes to accidents at major intersections. Kelowna has an extensive network of bike lanes. Cyclists are advised to use bike lanes (when not obstructed by parked vehicles) and intersections with caution. Cycling on local highways is not recommended. See the City of Kelowna website for a detailed map. There are several boat launches along the lakeshore with parking facilities. Be prepared to queue in the summer months.
1 Bertram Creek Regional Park, 5680 Lakeshore Rd (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. 2 City Park (Downtown 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. 3 Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, 3400 Lakeshore Rd (Lakeshore Rd & Swordy Rd).
Boating, Sailing, Seadoo-ing, Boating, and Windsurfing on Okanagan Lake. Wine tasting in this significant region for vineyards and wineries. See "Drink" section for local wineries. Enjoy the Athletic Centers 1 Parkinson Recreation Center, 1800 Parkinson Way, ☏ +1 250-469-8800. (updated Mar 2023), Capital News Center). 2 Capital News Center, 4105 Gordon Dr, ☏ +1 250-764-6288. (updated Mar 2023) Ballet Kelowna, ☏ +1 250-762-6105. See a ballet performance. (updated Mar 2023) Bike and hike the local mountains (Kettle Valley, 3 Myra Canyon, 4 Knox Mountain) Golf on any of the many great golf courses, such as: 5 Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club, 4320 Gallagher's Dr W, ☏ +1 250-861-4240.
1 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. (updated Nov 2015) 2 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.
Pubs close at 1AM and clubs at 2AM. 1 97 Street Pub, 2400 Hwy 97 N (At the intersection of Hwy 97 and Leckie Road (Beside the Best Western Hotel)), ☏ +1 250-979-6921. (updated Mar 2023) 2 The Blue Gator, 441 Lawrence Ave, ☏ +1 250-860-1529. A Blues club on Lawrence Street. Has an outdoor sidewalk patio where you can eat/drink. (updated Mar 2023) 3 Skinny Duke's Glorious Emporium, 1481 Water Street. (updated Jun 2021) 4 Tonics Pub & Grill, 1654 Ellis St, ☏ +1 250-860-2997. Good food, and great prices on drinks. Nice atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff. (updated Mar 2023) Wineries and wine tours have become popular things to do in Kelowna.
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, 2009, and 2023. Depending on the season, there may be campfire bans or parks may be closed.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €105 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Kelowna typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-22. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy