
City Of Kelowna Maps
Kelowna is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. Known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural scene, Kelowna attracts visitors from around the world. In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and more to help you plan your perfect Kelowna vacation.
Top Attractions
Kelowna has a variety of top attractions, including:
- The Kelowna Art Gallery
- The Okanagan Heritage Museum
- Gyro Beach
- City Park
- Prospera Place
- Okanagan Lake
- Knox Mountain Park
The Kelowna Art Gallery
The Kelowna Art Gallery is a must-visit for any art lover. With a collection of over 6000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The gallery also has a variety of rotating exhibits, so be sure to check their website to see what’s on display.
The Okanagan Heritage Museum
The Okanagan Heritage Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the region. The museum has exhibits on the Indigenous peoples who have lived in the area for thousands of years, as well as displays on the early European settlers who arrived in the 1800s. There is also a section on the natural history of the Okanagan Valley.
Gyro Beach
Gyro Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kelowna. With its soft sand, crystal clear water, and stunning views of the lake and mountains, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day. There are also plenty of amenities at the beach, including washrooms, picnic tables, and a playground.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions in Kelowna are definitely worth a visit, there are also some hidden gems that are worth checking out:
- Myra Canyon Trestles
- Rotary Beach
- Scenic Canyon Regional Park
- Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens Gallery
Myra Canyon Trestles
The Myra Canyon Trestles are a series of historic railway bridges that were built in the early 1900s. Today, the trestles are part of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail and are a popular spot for hiking and cycling. The views from the trestles are breathtaking, with sweeping vistas of the Okanagan Valley.
Rotary Beach
Rotary Beach is a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches in Kelowna. With its calm waters and beautiful views, it’s a great place to relax and unwind. There are also plenty of amenities at the beach, including picnic tables, washrooms, and a playground.
Food Scene
Kelowna has a thriving food scene, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks to choose from. Some of the top spots to check out include:
- RauDZ Regional Table
- Waterfront Wines
- Craft Beer Market
- Curious Cafe
- Momo Sushi
RauDZ Regional Table
RauDZ Regional Table is a must-visit for any foodie. With a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, the restaurant has won numerous awards for its cuisine. Be sure to try their signature dish, the “Yam Fries with Okanagan Chili Aioli.”
Waterfront Wines
If you’re a wine lover, Waterfront Wines is the perfect spot to indulge in some of the region’s best vintages. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, with over 400 bottles to choose from. The menu also features a variety of locally-sourced dishes, including fresh seafood and farm-to-table produce.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Kelowna can be an expensive destination, but there are plenty of ways to save money while still enjoying all the city has to offer. Some budget-friendly tips include:
- Visit during the off-season
- Take advantage of free activities, like hiking and exploring local parks
- Eat at local food trucks and markets
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodations, like hostels and campsites
Outdoor Adventures
Kelowna is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities to choose from. Some of the top outdoor adventures include:
- Hiking in Knox Mountain Park
- Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway Trail
- Kayaking on Okanagan Lake
- Skiing at Big White Ski Resort
- Camping in Bear Creek Provincial Park
Historical Landmarks
Kelowna has a rich history, with numerous historical landmarks to explore. Some of the top sites include:
- The Father Pandosy Mission
- The Okanagan Military Museum
- The Benvoulin Heritage Church
Family-Friendly Activities
Kelowna is a great destination for families, with a variety of activities that kids and parents will love. Some family-friendly activities include:
- Exploring the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
- Visiting the Kelowna Family YMCA
- Playing at the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
- Going on a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Kelowna
- Visiting the Kangaroo Creek Farm
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, Kelowna has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to explore. Some top picks include:
- Visiting the Kelowna Museums Society’s “Haunted Kelowna” tour
- Going on a winery tour by bike with Monashee Adventure Tours
- Exploring the Kelowna Mountain Bridges Suspension Park
- Going on a guided fly-fishing trip with Trout Country Fishing Guides
Natural Wonders
Kelowna is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural wonders in Canada. Some of the top spots to explore include:
- Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park
- Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
- Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
- Ellison Provincial Park
Vibrant Nightlife
Kelowna has a thriving nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some top picks include:
- Fernandos Pub
- The Blue Gator
- Doc Willoughby’s Public House
- Level Nightclub
- The Habitat
Local Markets
Kelowna has a variety of local markets to explore, where you can find everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts. Some top markets include:
- The Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
- The Downtown Kelowna Winter Market
- The Peachland Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
- The Westbank Farmers’ Market
Beaches and Mountains
Kelowna is situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. Some top spots to explore include:
- Gyro Beach
- Kalamalka Lake
- Big White Ski Resort
- Knox Mountain Park
Cultural Immersion
Kelowna has a rich cultural scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performances to enjoy. Some top cultural experiences include:
- Visiting the Kelowna Art Gallery
- Attending a performance at the Kelowna Community Theatre
- Exploring the Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens Gallery
- Learning about Indigenous culture at the Okanagan Heritage Museum