The Okanagan Valley is well-known and loved for its hot summers; however, even the most seasoned sun worshipper needs a break occasionally. Here are 10 ways to cool down and beat the heat in and around Kelowna.

1. Hit the Lake

^{Wakesurfing on Okanagan Lake. Photo: Nic Collar Film}

There’s nothing like Okanagan Lake’s refreshing waters to stay cool on those hot summer days.

• Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the Kelowna Paddle Trail on the east side of the lake. Nearby, in downtown Kelowna, you’ll find rentals at Downtown Marina Kelowna, the Kelowna Yacht Club, and Okanagan Beach Rentals, where you can also try out a super-sized water trike!
• Get your adrenaline pumping by renting a speed boat or waverunner from Eldorado Marina.
• Take in the best of Kelowna on a combination boat and wine tour with Tiki Time Tours or Sip & Anchor.

While having fun in the water, you can take breaks in shady spots under the trees at many adjoining beach parks, including Bertram Creek Regional Park, Bluebird Beach Park, Kinsmen Park, and Raymer Bay Regional Park. Kelowna’s most popular beaches—Hot Sands, Boyce-Gyro, and Rotary—all have shady spots, too.

2. Make a Splash

^{Splash BC Wibit Waterpark at City Park. Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography}

Along with Okanagan Lake, Kelowna has several splash pads and waterparks where kids—and kids at heart—can cool off!

• City Park in downtown Kelowna is home to a large waterpark only steps away from the lake.
• One of Kelowna’s newest waterfront parks in Pandosy Village at the corner of Abbott Street and Cedar Avenue has misters to help beat the heat.
• Further south, in Kettle Valley, you’ll find a small waterpark and playground at Quilchena Park.
• On the east side of Kelowna in Rutland is Ben Lee Park, which also has a waterpark, playground, and many trees for picnicking in the shade.

3. Get Active Indoors

^{Airhouse Sports Academy. Kelowna. Photo: Airhouse Kelowna}

If you need a break from the sun, why not head indoors to enjoy one of the many family-friendly activities in and around Kelowna?

• Have high-flying fun on the trampolines or hit the skate park at Airhouse Sports Academy.
• See who can get a hole-in-one at Scandia's indoor mini-golf course.
• Let the kids have some fun at the arcade games while you enjoy a refreshing drink in the Lazy Lounge at Energyplex.  
• Get into some friendly competition at Kelowna Karting or Simplex Sportszone.
• Escape reality with some VR games at Virtual RCades.

4. Head up to Big White or SilverStar

^{Big White Ski Resort in the summer.}

Going to a higher elevation means temperatures will be a bit cooler, allowing you to spend more time outdoors than you might otherwise.

• Both resorts offer hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing, and live music throughout the summer.
• There is an array of cafes and restaurants at both resorts, so you can relax and have a bit to eat under a shady patio umbrella. 
• This upcoming Saturday, July 13, Big White will host its annual Craft & Country Mountain Festival, while SilverStar will welcome visitors to its Silent Disco at the Red Antler.

5. Savour Refreshing Frozen Treats

^{Parlour Ice Cream downtown Kelowna. Photo: BC Ale Trail & Norma Ibarra}

Nothing says summer like sipping on a frozen drink or savouring your favourite flavour of ice cream!

• Hit up Parlour or Moolix in downtown Kelowna to get your ice cream fix. 
• Find refreshing adult beverages around town, including frosé at Sandhill Wines, icebergs at Jackknife Brewing, and spiked slushies at Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery. 
• Scour area convenience stores to find Screamers, a mix of your favourite slushie flavours with soft-serve ice cream.

6. Take a Sunrise or Sunset Hike

^{Knox Mountain Park Sunset. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Kelowna is well known for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, which happen at cooler times of the day, allowing you to take a short hike to witness the beauty of the Okanagan.

• Knox Mountain Park will offer expansive views of downtown Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, and the Valley.
• Goats Peak Regional Park, Kalamoir Regional Park, and Mount Boucherie are perfect for sunrise.
• Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park and Dilworth Mountain Park are great for sunset. 
• For an accessible option, check out the walkway by The Cove Lakeside Resort. 

7. Book a Guided Wine Tour

^{Guided Wine Tour at Volcanic Hills Winery. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Settle into an air-conditioned vehicle and explore the Central Okanagan's wineries on a guided tour.

• Small groups can discover the area's wineries in Lust 4 Luxury's comfortable and classy Mercedes-Benz AMG SUV.
• Book a private or customized tour with BARE Wine Tours, Beach Bum Tours, or Roots & Vines Tour Co.
• Take advantage of the recently launched JPC Hop on Wine Shuttle from Kelowna Concierge or the last-minute Spontaneous Wine Tour from Cheers! Okanagan Tours and Transportation.
• Join a public group tour with any of the region's guided wine tour companies. A knowledgeable guide will lead the way and take care of the driving, so all you have to do is have fun!

8. Indulge in Some Retail Therapy

^{Pandosy Village.}

Shopping offers another way to escape the heat, whether you're looking for gifts for friends back home or souvenirs for yourself.

• Find a mix of local and national retailers at Orchard Park Shopping Centre, the largest mall in Interior BC. 
• Take a short walk from the beach to The District on Bernard, where you'll find apparel, artisanal products, and more. 
• Explore the local shops in Pandosy Village and downtown Kelowna for one-of-a-kind finds and souvenirs. 

9. Explore the area's Breweries

^{BNA Brewing Bowling Lane. Photo: Nixon Hospitality Group}

While Kelowna is well known for its wine, the region is also home to an array of breweries where you can cool off with handcrafted brews on shaded patios or indoors while enjoying fun activities and events.

• Reserve a lane at BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery for bowling or play some classic video games at Copper Brewing. 
• Get tickets to Nest Fest 2024 at Red Bird Brewing, or hit up the brewery for one of its other live music shows this summer. 
• Take your four-legged bestie to Unleashed Brewing Co., where you can participate in Paint Your Pet nights (the next one is August 20).

10. Catch a New or Classic Movie

^{Outside of Bernie's Supper Club & Cinema. Photo: Nixon Hospitality Group}

Sit back and relax in an air-conditioned theatre to catch the newest flicks, recent favourites, or familiar classics.

• Summer screenings at Bernie's Supper Club & Cinema include She's the Man, Wet Hot American Summer, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and more. Visit on Tuesdays to take advantage of Toonie Tuesdays, where you'll get $2 off local craft beer, wine, and movies.
• Enjoy the comfortable full recliners while you catch the latest releases at Cineplex Cinemas Orchard Park. 
• Visit the spacious theatres at Landmark Cinemas Grand 10 in Kelowna or Xtreme Theatre in West Kelowna for additional new release showtimes. 

As a final reminder, travellers and locals can cool down at any public City of Kelowna facility, including recreation centres and local libraries. Additionally, the City is waiving transit fees to ensure transportation is not a barrier to keeping cool—make sure to tell the driver that you are travelling to a place to cool down. 

For hot weather safety tips, visit Tourism Kelowna's Outdoor Safety webpage.