Are you ready to make the most of your Spring Break, or just spring in general, in Kelowna? With the valley shedding its snowy blanket and nature bursting into life, there's no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy. Here are 10 things you can do on spring break in Kelowna and the area.
1. Bike the Rail Trail
Family Bike Ride on the Rail Trail. Photo: Tourism Kelowna in partnership with the Okanagan Rail Trail.
The snow in the valley is gone and it is time to tune up the bikes! Ride along the shores of Kalamalka or Wood Lake, peddle beside the planes at the airport, or cycle through the urban sections of the trail through the city. A part of the Okanagan Rail Trail north of the airport is still under construction, however, you can still access the trail from Waterfront Park in downtown Kelowna and ride all the way to the airport.
2. Look for Wildflowers
Arrowleaf Flowers at Knox Mountain Park. Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography
Did you know that Kelowna has an official flower? The beautiful yellow Arrowleaf balsamroot blooms every year in early to mid-spring, and if the weather is right you might just start seeing some of the flowers start to blossom at the end of March. By mid-April, you will notice this flower taking over many local trails and parks.
Our favourite place to spot wildflowers is along the trails at Kalamoir Regional Park.
3. Wear a T-Shirt and Soak Up the Sun!
Watching Wildlife at Rotary Marsh. Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography
There are not too many places in Canada where you can wear a T-shirt in early spring! By the end of March, our seasonal average daytime highs are in the low teens, and you will notice locals and visitors wearing t-shirts on sunny days.
4. Spring Skiing
Tubing at SilverStar Ski Resort. Photo: Wesla & Duane English
Just because the snow has melted near the lake, that doesn’t mean skiing is over! The two closest ski resorts to Kelowna are open until early to mid April every season. Whether you’re hoping to ski, snowboard, or tube, there are still plenty of mountain events going on at Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort.
Spring is our favourite time to take our two preschoolers to the mountain because you are almost guaranteed milder skiing conditions with more sunshine.
5. Visit the EnergyPlex or Scandia
Arcade Games at EnergyPlex. Photo via @EnergyPlex on Instagram
Off the main highway between downtown and the airport are two family attractions. Pick from an outdoor mini golf course, an indoor jungle mini golf course, go-karts, batting cages and the largest arcade in Okanagan at Scandia. Win cool prizes and a take-home souvenir with redemption tickets.
Just across the street is the EnergyPlex where kids can run around the 4-level jungle gym, rock climb on the 30-foot wall, and play laser tag. This place is a great option if you’re looking for an indoor activity with the kids.
6. Swim at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
H2O Aquatic Centre.
Ride a lazy river, race down a waterslide, float in a wave pool, surf on a wave or do laps in a pool at the H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre, Canada’s largest municipal waterpark.
Check the website for activity times, and don’t forget your wallet - photo ID is required for entry for all individuals aged 19 and over.
7. Walk along Okanagan Lake
Enjoying Spring Lakeside. Photo: Wesla & Duane English
Kelowna and its surrounding communities are all along Okanagan Lake, and there are many lakeside strolls to get some fresh air.
Peachland is one of our favourite places to visit because there is also a museum near the boardwalk that is home to a miniature train. Unfortunately, the museum is closed until April 30th, 2024 for renovations. The good news is that it will be reopening in May 2024! Admission to the museum is by donation.
West Kelowna’s longest lakeside stroll is within the Gellatly Bay Park. With multiple playgrounds and beach access points, including a dog-friendly off-leash beach, the whole family could spend hours exploring the outdoors on the west side.
The lakeside trails in Downtown Kelowna run between City Park and Rotary Marsh. After working up an appetite on your walk, grab a snack at one of the many restaurants or cafes along Bernard Avenue.
8. Hang out with Kangaroos at Kangaroo Creek Farm
Kangaroo Creek Farm. Photo: Wesla & Duane English
This interactive farm is any animal lover’s dream. Wander amongst the kangaroos, wallabies, capybaras, and emus. Hold an exotic bird or a sugar glider. See the porcupines and the bunnies up close.
Kangaroo Creek Farm is one of our family’s favourite places to visit in town. Not only will the kids have fun, but they will also learn about the animals as the staff are very knowledgeable and are always happy to answer any questions about the farm residents. Depending on the time of your visit, you might even get the chance to feed some of the animals.
Check out their website for their most updated hours. The farm is expected to open through spring break, weather permitting.
9. Learn about Aviation at KF Centre for Excellence
Flight Simulator at KF Centre for Excellence. Photo: Wesla & Duane English
The KF Centre for Excellence is an aviation museum located near the airport. Walk through their hanger and get up close to the centre’s rare aircraft collection. Sit in the cockpit of former flight simulators - this is a must-do experience for any airplane buff young or old, as visitors are permitted to sit in the pilots’ chairs, put on the headsets and interact with the buttons on the dash.
10. Find Fairy Houses
Photo: Wesla & Duane English
Feel the magic in the air along the trails in West Kelowna’s Marr Fee Park. Our kids love visiting the four fairy houses near the Rosewood Drive trailhead. Walk the loop and bring your furry best friend - this is also an off-leash dog park.
Cover Image: Matt Ferguson Photography
