Kelowna is an exciting hybrid of amazing food and wine, vibrant culture and beach-based vacations on the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Visitors flock to the Kelowna area to go wine touring and taste locally produced food, to visit museums and galleries, and to take advantage of endless outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is home to outstanding golf courses, scenic trails, and plenty of beach and water-based fun.
Okanagan Lake forms Kelowna's western boundary, which means very easy access. Several nearby beaches offer a base for swimming, paddling, waterskiing, windsurfing and fishing. The younger set can build sandcastles on the shore and splash in the shallow water.
Further inland there are excellent hiking and biking trails, and in the winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. An hour outside of town lies Big White Ski Resort with its renowned champagne powder.
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Highlights
Wine
There are more than 25 wineries in Kelowna and the immediate area, all of which offer tastings and many of which offer tours. Set out to explore on your own, or join a guided tour operator who can customize the day just for you.
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Food
This is prime growing area, so farms and orchards dot the landscape. Savour delectable Okanagan fruit fresh from an orchard or local market, sample artisan goat cheese or goat's milk gelato, or book a tour of a honey farm. Kelowna restaurants take full advantage of the local bounty.
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Golf
The most difficult part about golfing in Kelowna will be trying to decide which course to play first. Kelowna averages more than 2,000 hours of sun each year, giving it one of the longest and driest seasons in Canada. Many courses offer stunning lake views.
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Okanagan Lake
Stretch out on the sand and soak up the sun within a few minutes’ walk of downtown Kelowna. Jump in the lake for a swim, or indulge in a wide range of water sports; stroll the waterfront boardwalk, or just relax with a good book.
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Kettle Valley Railway
This former railway turned hiking and cycling path boasts views of the area's many orchards and vineyards. The most popular section includes 18 trestles and two tunnels through spectacular Myra Canyon. The trail has several access points.
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Laurel Packinghouse
This designated heritage building is the oldest and largest standing packinghouse in the province. It was carefully restored to house the BC Orchard Industry Museum, highlighting the region's agricultural roots. A newer addition is the BC Wine Museum & VQA Wine Shop, which tells the story of wine making in the Okanagan Valley.
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Kelowna Cultural District
Follow a self-guided walking tour past several notable pieces of public art and a number of locally significant historic buildings. Along the way, encounter parks, a natural wetland and a Japanese garden. The recommended starting point is scenic Waterfront Park.
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Big White
Look no further for fantastic family fun. Big White has been recognized by the Times of London as one of the "Top 5 Family Resorts in the World." The mountain averages 750cm/25ft of fluffy powder, and offers 118 marked runs.
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