Kelowna Holidays

Best time to visit Kelowna

The best time to visit Kelowna depends on what you want to do while you're there. Here's a breakdown of the seasons:

Spring (April-June): This is a shoulder season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the wineries. You'll avoid the hottest temperatures and crowds of summer.

Summer (July-August): Kelowna shines in the summer. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for hitting the beach, swimming in the lake, or going boating. There are also many festivals and events happening throughout the summer. However, be prepared for crowds and potentially smoky skies from wildfires.

Autumn (September-October): The weather starts to cool down in the fall, but it's still pleasant for spending time outdoors. The crowds have thinned out, and the wineries are busy with the harvest. You can also enjoy some great fall foliage.

Winter (November-March): Kelowna gets a fair bit of snow in the winter, which makes it a great destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, many outdoor activities and wineries are closed during this time.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Kelowna is sure to have something to offer you.

Discover Kamloops

With such lovely landscapes you will want to get out and enjoy the sunshine and there are plenty of ways to do that, from hiking and biking, sailing, swimming and many other watersports, to exploring the lush and fertile wineries and orchards.

Downtown Kelowna is a good blend of independent boutiques, mainstream shops and shopping malls with plenty of great restaurants, cafés and bars to refuel at. Stroll down Bernard Avenue and you will reach City Park and its sandy beach, where you can spot the statue of the Ogopogo – the legendary lake monster said to inhabit the waters of Okanagan Lake. A nice area of the city to explore is the Cultural District which is spread over six downtown blocks and is home to many galleries, studios and museums, including the Kelowna Art Gallery and the BC Wine and Orchard Museums. Pick up a brochure and take the heritage walking tour around some of the city’s historic houses and buildings dating back up to one hundred years.

Okanagan Lake is an important feature of the city and being able to walk to its shores from downtown is a great advantage. There are nine beaches along the city’s waterfront, from quiet, leafy parks with sandy swimming areas, to busy beaches with boat rentals and lively music. There are several smaller ‘beach access’ areas for those who like to explore off the beaten track and many waterfront boardwalks to stroll along.

With lush landscapes and twinkling waters by summer, snowy activities aplenty on hand by winter, delicious fresh foods, excellent shopping and plenty of culture, Kelowna is a great place to visit throughout the year.

Things to do on Kelowna Holidays

Hiking trails vary from gentle strolls beside the lake to strenuous uphill mountain hikes, with many in between. Biking is equally varied, with pleasant family-friendly routes and thrilling downhill courses. One of the most popular for both biking and walking is the Myra Canyon Trail, which follows the historic Kettle Railway bed through tunnels and over towering trestles, with stunning views.

If you prefer to get out on the water and explore there is a good deal to keep you busy, from thrilling jetski and powerboat rentals to leisurely dinner cruises and atmospheric sailing trips. For a more intimate experience hire a canoe and set off to discover your own private coves and bays. Okanagan Lake is a huge 68 miles long, so there is plenty of space for everyone!

Kelowna enjoys a relatively mild winter, meaning lakeside strolls in the light snow are enjoyable, many wineries still open their doors to visitors, and the city’s galleries and museums provide entertainment and amusement. The city is just an hours’ drive from two fantastic ski resorts, with Big White being the best known. Immerse yourself in excellent skiing and snowboarding, find beautiful snowshoeing trails and enjoy winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, dog sledding and snowmobile tours, before returning to the comforts and amenities of the city. Kelowna has the best of both worlds!