Things to do in Kelowna, B.C.
Introduction
A picturesque Canadian lake town is the perfect summer getaway. If you can picture yourself sipping morning coffee from a local shop in the warm B.C. sun as you look across a beautiful lake in the mountains, then Kelowna may be your next travel destination. Keep reading to learn about my top 5 favourite things to do in Kelowna, B.C.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail
When visiting Kelowna, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a must. This trail runs along the mountainside on an old rail bed that was once part of the Canada Pacific Railroad. The trail tunnels and bridges are still intact, but the rail tracks have been removed and the ground smoothed to make for a unique cycling or hiking experience. This trail provides some of the most beautiful views of the area that surrounds Kelowna, and it is perfect for a leisurely ride as you take in the beautiful scenery. You can either bike or walk the trail and if you don’t have a bike, you can rent one at the start of the trailhead. This trail was relatively flat which made it functional for all ages and cycling levels. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is certainly an unforgettable experience that’s fun for all.
Oyama Zip Line Adventure Park
If you want to add a little adventure and excitement to your vacation, I recommend visiting Oyama Zip Line. Soar through the air past treetops on the side of a mountain in the Okanagan Valley! This unique and fun experience is extremely enjoyable and makes for some great memories. The staff at Oyama are friendly and knowledgeable and there is a camera at one of the zip lines that takes your photo, and you can purchase it for a reasonable price at their main office.
Parasailing
Need more excitement added to your Kelowna vacation? Parasailing above Okanagan Lake is an exciting and enjoyable experience. Viewing the lake and Kelowna from the air is surreal! There are a few different companies that provide parasailing, and we used Ogopogo Parasail. This company had options for double parasailing which made the experience even more fun as we could partner with a friend! Sailing through the and watching your friends parasail from the boat makes for a great afternoon of laughs.
Wine Tours
Kelowna is full of wineries and orchards. If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon activity, I recommend sampling some of the local flavors at one of the many wineries that line the Okanagan Valley. A few that we sampled and enjoyed included Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and Quails’ Gate Winery. There are also wine tours available which allow you to sample multiple different wineries.
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Kangaroo Creek Farm
A unique and enjoyable attraction in the Kelowna area is the Kangaroo Creek Farm. While this attraction is more geared towards children, it is still enjoyable for adults. You can purchase food to feed kangaroos and wallabies. There are many other animals that you can see from a distance such as emus. The farm has food vendors making it a great location to stop for some lunch during a busy day or exploring the area. Additionally, when we visited the farm there was a small farmers market with local vendors and handcrafted items which make for great souvenirs! The Kangaroo Farm is seasonal and is only open during the warmer months so make sure to research when they open for the season if you are planning a visit.
Conclusion
There are plenty of things to do in Kelowna, B.C. From adventure to hiking, to relaxing afternoons sipping wine there is something to do for everyone in the Okanagan Valley. Kelowna is a beautiful place to visit and explore. Please comment below on your favorite things to do in Kelowna!
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Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.