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Looking for things to do in Kelowna, BC? We’ve got you covered. While on a road trip from Vancouver to Revelstoke, we had the chance to revisit one of our favorite places in British Columbia, the Okanagan Valley. It had been a while since we explored this beautiful community and quickly learned why so many people are moving to Kelowna. This town not only has a glorious wine scene but there’s also a fabulous food scene, distilleries, and outdoor activities galore. When planning a weekend getaway from Vancouver or exploring the province of British Columbia makes sure to put Kelowna at the top of your list.

Kelowna is located in Okanagan Valley in the interior of BC. It is situated halfway between Vernon to the north and Penticton to the south. It is a four-hour drive from Vancouver and sits on the east side of Okanagan Lake. Kelowna is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, mountains, and of course the gorgeous lake. A visit to Kelowna is a must on any British Columbia itinerary and below are the reasons why. So, read on to see all the things to do in Kelowna to help you plan your trip.

This was by far our favorite of all the things to do in Kelowna. Everyone we met along this trail commented how spectacular it was and we agree. The trestles of the Kettle Valley Railway in Myra Canyon offer one of the most spectacular views in British Columbia, let alone the Okanagan Valley. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail itself runs from Hope to Castlegar and is actually 650-kilometers long, but the most beautiful views are located just outside of Kelowna in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park.

You can hike or bike to see the 18 trestle bridges that cling to the sides of Myra Canyon. There are two impressive railway tunnels carved through canyon walls and the views are glorious. Get out early in the morning and either go hiking or you can rent bikes starting at 9:00 am from the bike rentals that are set up at the trailhead.

There are a whopping 40 wineries within 20 minutes of Kelowna, so it is no wonder that wine tastings and wine tours are some of the most popular things to do in Kelowna. Pick up a Wine Trail guide to take a self-guided tour on your own, or you can book a wine tour in Kelowna. The Okanagan Valley makes some of the best wines in Canada from Summerhill to Cedar Creek where you’ll have the chance to taste its delicious vintages. Make sure to enjoy lunch on one of the terraces overlooking the valley and Okanagan Lake. When you find a wine you like, you can even have it shipped home. Book this Kelowna Wine Tour to explore established and family-run wineries in a Mercedes.

Speaking of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is located on the eastern shore of the Okanagan Valley’s largest lake. This fjord lake is a deep lake that was carved by glaciers creating a 135 km (84 mi) long reservoir that is ripe for exploring from Vernon to Penticton. The lake warms to a balmy 19-23C (69-71F) in the summertime making it an inviting place to go for a dip. From the Kelowna waterfront, you can rent stand-up paddleboards (SUP), kayaks, pontoon boats, and pedal boats. You can even try your hand at flyboarding.

If you are looking for something unique to do in Kelowna, take a Maeg’s BBQ boat tour. You can either go on a 45-minute guided sightseeing tour or you can rent your own Barbecue Boat Float and have your own bbq on the water as you explore Kelowna’s shores.

Kelowna has some beautiful beaches that are perfect for watching the sunset. There is a beach right downtown beside the Kelowna visitor center and marina, but there are other beaches around town. Our favorite for sunset was Rotary Beach Park. There are 30 beaches in Kelowna with lakeside parks scattered along the shores of Lake Okanagan.

The beaches are great places to hang out even if you aren’t watching the sunset. Many have amenities, playgrounds, and watersport rentals. Some of the more popular beaches in Kelowna are Hot Sands Beach, Boyce-Gyro Beach, Sarson’s Beach, and Strathcona Park.