Plenty of Indoor and Outdoor Fun in Kelowna
Kelowna is the crown jewel community in the beautiful British Columbia region of the Okanagan and offers a wide variety of fun and engaging experiences for visitors and locals of all ages. In this article we will break down the must-see places to go in Kelowna, giving you access to the best of what the area has to offer. Read on, get inspired, and make some plans to hit the best spots in Kelowna!
Must-See Indoor Experiences
BNA Brewing Company and Eatery: Locally-made craft beer? Retro-modern stylish decor? An arcade and bowling lanes to top it all off? Yes, please! BNA Brewing in downtown Kelowna has it all! This is a great place to enjoy fun and recreational entertainment while supporting a local, Kelowna-owned and operated business. BNA is a favourite among locals for a fun night out with friends or family, either small groups or large. The menu has a selection of creative and flavourful dishes, from gourmet burgers to shareable plates. This lively downtown spot is popular, so make a reservation and book your bowling lanes in advance if you’re planning to go on a weekend. Learn more about BNA Brewing here.
Okanagan Regional Library: A library might not immediately jump out at you as a must-see place to visit, but, trust us, this one is special! Beyond its substantial collection of books, the Okanagan Regional Library serves as a community hub, with a range of innovative resources and activities for all ages. One of its notable features is the library’s impressive makerspace. It’s a creative environment equipped with cutting-edge technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines, allowing visitors to use and borrow the equipment to bring their ideas to life. Not only that, but the library also has fully equipped recording studios for podcasters, musicians, and content creators looking to produce high-quality audio projects. Library patrons can also access digital design tools, virtual reality equipment, and coding workshops, encouraging hands-on learning and exploration. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, or hobbyist, the Okanagan Regional Library provides a welcoming space to learn new skills, collaborate on projects, and engage with other members of the local community.
Rotary Centre for the Arts: The Rotary Centre for the Arts is a vibrant cultural hub in Kelowna, dedicated to fostering creativity, artistic expression, and community engagement. Located in the heart of the city’s downtown Cultural District, this multi-purpose facility is home to the Mary Irwin Theatre, a beautiful venue that regularly offers a variety of concerts and artistic performances. In addition to the theatre, the centre features a number of different art studios and galleries, providing space for local artists to create, exhibit, and share their work with the public. Visitors can also sign up for hands-on art workshops, classes, and community programs catering to all ages and skill levels. The Centre also has a bistro on-site, which is a cozy spot to enjoy a coffee or meal while soaking in the creative atmosphere. Whether you're interested in attending a live performance, exploring local art, or taking part in a creative workshop, the Rotary Centre for the Arts is a must-visit destination for culture lovers in Kelowna.
Must-See Outdoor Experiences
Cedar Creek Park: For those of us with canine companions, Cedar Creek Park is an absolute must-see in terms of places to go in Kelowna! It is Kelowna’s largest off-leash dog beach and additionally provides stunning mountain and lake views. It’s a wonderful place to take a dip in the lake to cool off on a hot summer’s day (with or without a dog). Other water-based activities visitors enjoy at Cedar Creek Park include stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The park also has a number of scenic walking trails that all visitors can appreciate, and with its westward orientation, the views of sunsets from the park are stunning. The park has picnic tables all along the lakefront and alcohol is officially permitted, so you can also enjoy a locally produced glass of wine or beer while watching the boats go by. Plan a visit to lovely Cedar Creek Park!
Graystokes Provincial Park: Located 45 km northeast of Kelowna, this beautiful hidden gem of untouched wilderness is a great choice for the outdoor enthusiasts among us. Graystokes offers a true backcountry experience, as there are no developed facilities or campgrounds, making it ideal for those seeking both solitude and adventure. Visitors should come prepared for a wilderness-style trip, with proper gear for the experience you’ve planned and lots of respect for the natural environment. One of the park’s biggest draws is its extensive network of trails, which range from moderate to challenging, making it a great destination for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and even snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. The park is also home to pristine creeks and wetlands, which provide an important habitat for local wildlife, including moose, black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Visit Graystokes for a true experience of serene and rugged British Columbia backcountry!
View from Mission Hill Family Estate Winery: Whether or not you’re a wine enthusiast, taking in the breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake from the top of Mission Hill Family Estate Winery is truly something special. Luckily, access to the grounds is free to visitors since the owners keep their doors open for all guests. This makes it possible to stroll around the property, taking in the stunning views, and be peacefully undisturbed. Mission Hill does offer 60-minute guided wine tasting experiences, and reservations for those are recommended. The on-site restaurant and lounge have lunch and dinner options, and in the warmer months it’s possible to sit at a sunny outdoor table and sample their selection of Okanagan wine with some inspired food. Come enjoy the views of Okanagan Lake from this stunning location!
Nearby Experiences in the Kelowna Area
Okanagan Science Centre and Polson Park, Vernon: Vernon is the second biggest community in the Okanagan region next to Kelowna and offers a wide range of fun activities for all ages. We would be remiss if we didn’t encourage you to take the short drive from Kelowna to downtown Vernon (about 45 minutes) to visit us at Okanagan Science Centre in Polson Park. We offer a variety of engaging and educational science-focused exhibits, making for hands-on fun for visitors of all ages. Not only that, our facility boasts the Okanagan’s only fixed room planetarium, with shows offered regularly for our visitors’ enjoyment. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to keeping our facility accessible and fun for all ages. Our convenient location in Polson Park offers other options for fun and entertainment: walking trails, a skate park, a picnic shelter, tennis courts, a Japanese Garden, and a playground for kids. Take the beautiful and short drive from Kelowna to Vernon and come see us at the Okanagan Science Centre!
Take a Ride on the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland: Take a trip back in time and go for a ride on a restored 1912 steam locomotive on the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in nearby Summerland. (Summerland is about a 40-minute drive from Kelowna.) As the train chugs along the historic section of the Kettle Valley Railway, passengers get to experience panoramic views of vineyards, orchards, and rolling hills, with glimpses of Okanagan Lake in the distance. The ride includes lively commentary about the region’s railway history, occasional musical entertainment, and the thrilling experience of crossing the iconic Trout Creek Trestle, a stunning 73-meter-high steel bridge. Perfect for those interested in history and families alike, this unique and charming excursion captures the romance of a bygone era. Trains typically run from May to October with 3x/week schedules. Plan your visit at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway website here.
Conclusion: Lots to See and Do in Kelowna and Surrounding Area
When you’re looking for places to go in Kelowna, there is definitely no shortage of options available to you. Memorable outdoor experiences are numerous in the Kelowna area and there are additionally many fun and engaging options of things to do indoors. Plus, let’s not forget the options that are available in nearby Okanagan communities such as Vernon and Summerland. We hope you enjoyed this overview of some of the best spots in the Kelowna area. Now get out there and have some fun!