It’s now time for my favourite season- fall! Kelowna truly showcases the beauty of each season, but autumn brings a special charm with its vibrant colours and crisp air. What better way to celebrate the delectable fall flavours than exploring Kelowna’s food and beverage scene? When I think of fall flavours, the following immediately come to mind - apples, pumpkin, maple, butternut squash, cinnamon, hazelnuts, and pecans. Here are seven must-try spots that are sure to ignite the fall spirit and fulfil your cravings.
Copper Brewing
Copper Brewing, a personal favourite local craft brewery, offers a selection of 20 unique beers, delicious gourmet hot dogs, and plenty of board games. Plus, it’s an easy-to-access central location near the Landmark District. Their Nut Brown Ale always gives me fall vibes. It’s a smooth, medium-bodied brown ale with warm, toasted nutty aromas, thanks to the blend of victory malt and roasted oats. As for their gourmet hot dogs, if you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out! My go-to is The Zoomie, a locally made sausage topped with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and cracked pepper mayo! Choose Copper Brewing for your next happy hour outing for $6 sleeves and food specials, available on Monday to Thursday from 3 pm-6 pm or on Saturday from 7 pm-10 pm!
Meadow Vista Honey Wine
You’ve likely been to a grape winery, but have you been to a honey winery? You have to check out Meadow Vista Honey Wines in East Kelowna, where delicious mead is served and is home to 150 hives of hardworking honeybees! Honey wine, also known as mead, has grown on me over the years. Their award-winning Mabon Spiced Mead tastes like autumn in a glass. It has just the right amount of cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg, and clove and pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice baking and relaxing nights in. Remember, it’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping! The gift shop at Meadow Vista has an abundance of great gift ideas, there are candles, beauty products, and of course, honey. They often host events throughout the year, like their cozy Smokies n' Smores Night - a perfect fall activity!
Okanagan Spirits: Kelowna
Okanagan Spirits, Western Canada’s original craft distillery, has been producing international award-winning spirits since 2004, and it’s based right here in the Okanagan! Round up some friends and book a unique distillery experience, such as their “Gin'troduction" or "Whisky Experience". Both offer educational deep dives into the history and production processes alongside a guided tasting. Don’t want to go out? Enjoy a night in and warm up with a glass of their BRBN Bourbon-style Corn Whisky. This whisky matures in white American toasted oak casks, which gives it the subtle flavours of vanilla and caramel.
19 Okanagan Bar & Grill
Home to the largest patio in West Kelowna, 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar is the go-to spot for a relaxed dining experience, showcasing fresh, local ingredients and exceptional service. In addition to their all-day menu, they offer a wide selection of drinks, weekend brunch, and a daily happy hour from 2 to 5 pm. Don't miss their Harvest Chicken, it’s the perfect dish for fall! This beautifully crafted meal features pan-roasted chicken and potatoes, bursting with rich flavours of wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, candied walnuts, roasted apples, rosemary, and fennel. After dinner, don’t forget to grab some of 19 Okanagan’s frozen soups to go for those nights when you want a quick meal - just thaw, heat, and enjoy!
Bouchons Bistro
Bouchons Bistro in the Cultural District of downtown offers an unforgettable French dining experience, perfect for cozy fall nights with its warm, elegant ambiance. Alongside their regular menu, Bouchons presents unique offerings like a fall tasting menu, where you will taste the comforting French flavours of fall and other special events. Join them for the Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau on November 21 to celebrate the release of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau- a vibrant, fruity red from France’s Beaujolais region, traditionally debuted every third Thursday of November. For $35 per person, you’ll enjoy a curated charcuterie and cheese board, paired with a glass of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau. Reservations are required, don’t forget to book your spot here!
Train Station Pub
The Train Station Pub is a local favourite in downtown Kelowna for many reasons! They offer a large menu of classic comfort pub food, brunch, on-tap craft beer, and Okanagan wine, all served under the roof of a restored historic building that once served as a lively train station nearly 100 years ago. As the fall evenings get chillier, Train Station Pub is the ideal spot to gather indoors for an evening. Gather your friends for Train Station Pub’s weekly Wednesday night trivia! Order some appetizers (the Train Wreck nachos are a must-try!) and sip on a Station by Big Bear Honey Lager for a fun, relaxed night out. It’s also a great place to pre-game before a Rockets game, located right across the street!
Waterfront Wines
If you need inspiration for your next date night, consider checking out Waterfront Wines in downtown Kelowna! This award-winning restaurant blends fresh, regional ingredients with a diverse wine list that celebrates the best of British Columbia’s wine country. You can experience fine dining flavours in an approachable environment. As the seasons change, their dessert and cheese selection features flavours that are simply unbeatable. With a rotating variety of world-class cheeses, there's always something new to explore. If you're looking for an indulgent fall dessert, be sure to try my favourite- the Flourless Hazelnut Cake. It strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, allowing the rich, toasty hazelnut flavour to shine without being overpowering.
