While flowers, chocolates, and decadent dinners are all lovely ways to show your love on Valentine’s Day, we’ve rounded up a few unconventional ways to celebrate and make memories in Kelowna, whether it’s with your significant other, best friends, or even on your own.

 
Take the Plunge 

Loyly Floating Sauna Outside
Löyly Floating Sauna at the Downtown Kelowna Marina. Photo: Löyly Kelowna on Instagram (@loyly.kelowna)

What better way to say I love you than conquering icy cold waters together? Cold plunging is all the rage right now and Kelowna is home to two new spots for you to choose from. 

Löyly Floating Sauna—the first of its kind in Kelowna— is located at the Downtown Marina, allowing you to take in the stunning winter views as you cold plunge into Okanagan Lake. As its name says, Löyly is also home to a sauna, so you can alternate between hot and cold, as is the Scandinavian tradition. You can book a private, 55-minute session for you and your loved one or take advantage of community session pricing if you’re heading out with your friends to celebrate. Gift cards are also available in case you’re in need of an idea that is sure to please.  

Sona Wellness, also located downtown, offers indoor private sauna and cold plunge experiences, which can be enjoyed on your own, with up to two friends, or with your significant other. Duo sessions are available in increments of 40, 60, or 75 minutes, during which time you’ll relax in the Clearlight Infrared Sauna and then cool things off in the cold plunge circulating tub.  

Other wellness experiences to consider for a more traditional Valentine’s Day outing include: 

 
Get Sweaty  

Gneiss Climbing
Gneiss Climbing Gym. Photo: Ken Hagen

Even if sports aren’t normally your thing, physical activity is a great way to have fun together and get your endorphins flowing—it can also bring lots of laughs as you try something outside of your comfort zone.  

Let your love climb to new heights at Beyond the Crux or Gneiss Climbing, both of which have options for beginners and more experienced climbers. On a budget this year? Take advantage of Gneiss Climbing’s Twilight Pass, which provides admission after 9 p.m. for $12 per person and shoe rentals for $3 per person. 

Not just for kids, Airhouse Sports, Energyplex, Planet Lazer, and Simplex Sportszone offer indoor fun for adults, too, with everything from skateboarding, trampolining, laser tag, arcade games, indoor sports simulation, and more. EnergyPlex also serves up food and drinks (for those 19 and up) in their Lazy Lounge, so you can refuel after your session. 

Perhaps this Valentine’s Day is more about venting your frustrations or mending a broken heart—Axe Monkeys has you covered with its Rage Room or axe throwing, both of which are sure to melt away the stress! 

    
Embrace Winter 

Photo from February 2023 Winter Destination Production
Slip & Sip Snowshoe Experience at The View. Photo: Ken Hagen

While many of us want to curl up and hibernate when the snow starts to fly, Kelowna’s four-season playground means there are so many ways you can embrace winter hand in hand with your loved one. It should be noted that British Columbia is experiencing warmer winter conditions in 2024 due to El Niño.

At The View Winery, weather permitting, you can explore the vineyards overlooking Kelowna with their Slip & Sip Snowshoe experience, then savour wine-paired fondue, cheese, and chocolate afterwards. Snowshoe rentals are included; however, you can also bring your own or stroll in your winter boots.  

Another uniquely Kelowna experience is the Snow E-Biking at Meadow Vista Honey Wines, hosted in partnership with Lakeside Eco-sports. After you’ve taken your 1-hour e-bike ride around the farm, you’ll get to sample local charcuterie, roast your own marshmallows for s’mores, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy a tasting of the farm’s honey and honey wines, creating unforgettable memories.  

If you want to mix adrenaline and relaxation, plan a day of outdoor adventure at Big White Ski Resort or SilverStar Mountain Resort—including non-skiing options like snowshoeing, ice skating, fat biking, or dog sled tours—followed by some time at either resort’s onsite spa. Or, book a Horse Drawn Sleigh Dining tour at Big White or the Snow Cat tour and dining experience at SilverStar for a memorable night out with your sweetheart.  

 

Something Extra

Hotel ZedHotel Zed. Photo: Hotel Zed

Adding to the list of unconventional ideas is Hotel Zed’s Valentine’s Day Nooner promotion, which this year focuses on self-love using virtual reality headsets. The hotel invites guests of all genders to fly solo or bring a partner, with special pricing on February 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Visit the Valentine’s Day in Kelowna page for additional hotel promotions and added information to help you plan your celebrations.