Get ready for the perfect blend of adventure, wine tasting, and relaxation in Kelowna on July Long Weekend. This is a great time to visit because the sun is always shining and it is the hottest month of the year.July is one of our favourite months in Kelowna because it has an average daily high of 27.9C with long daylight hours, offering optimal conditions for summer activities.
Explore the Outdoors
Knox Mountain Park and the view of Downtown Kelowna. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
Start your weekend with a dose of nature. We love capturing photos from the top of Knox Mountain Park, a park that features several hiking and biking trails. We recommend going in the morning to capture the sunrise when the temperatures are also cooler. Check out the Apex Trail - it’s a steep climb but it’s worth it as the reward at the summit offers panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and Downtown Kelowna.
If you’re looking for a unique way to take in the valley’s gorgeous views, plan an excursion to the Canyon Swing at Okanagan Adventure Park. Riders are hoisted up high in the air, before you are released to fling you across the canyon at speeds up to 100km/h. The countdown to the start of your thrill ride is optional - we however appreciated the heads up from the park host before we flew through the air!
Patio Hop
Many restaurants and cafes in the Kelowna area offer outdoor patios that overlook the lake or vineyards. Craft Beer Market and Earls Restaurant in downtown Kelowna both offer rooftop patios right beside the lake. If you’re a wine lover, make sure you try a tasting at one of the winery patios to pair the perfect glass with a picturesque view.
If you are on a family vacation, we recommend the picnic area at Frind Winery. There are tables right on the beach where the kids can play in the sand while you enjoy their delicious wood-fired oven pizzas and your favourite beverage. We always bring beach toys and bathing suits stay the whole the afternoon.
Hit the Lake
Pontoon Boating on Okanagan Lake. Photo: Nic Collar Film
Whether you are a paddleboarder, boater or swimmer, Okanagan Lake is ideal for water sports. If you’re looking for a boat rental, Downtown Marina is a convenient spot to make a splash. With speedboats, surf boats, pontoons, and SeaDoos available, get ready to soak up the sun while cruising across the lake.
Towing your boat to the Okanagan? Moorage is available at the Downtown Marina at hourly, nightly or multi-day rates. With friendly service and secure boat storage, finding a temporary home for your boat can be stress-free.
To experience the magic of the lake on a paddleboard, we recommend exploring the Kelowna Paddle Trail, a 27-kilometer route on Okanagan Lake from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Regional Park. Marked by buoys along the shoreline, this trail takes you beside over 20 beach and parks. If some tranquility is what you’re after, try heading north from Sutherland Park, or paddling south from Sarsons Park. We always go in the morning hours for a smoother ride.
Groove to Music
Outdoor Music at Red Bird Brewing.
Great tunes and good times will be flowing this July long weekend when our city will showcase some of Canada’s talented musicians. Red Bird Brewing will turn their parking lot into a licensed concert venue where they will host live music sessions, called Backyard Sessions, featuring evening performances from Jeremie Albino on Saturday, June 29 and Dan Mangan on Sunday, June 30. Dance and mingle in a festival-like outdoor atmosphere!
Grizzli Winery in West Kelowna will also be hosting musical and cultural entertainment event called Diversity Day on Sunday, June 30 from 11am to 4pm. This free family and pet-friendly event will happen at the winery’s outdoor pavilion, with drinks and snacks available. Kid activities will include face painting, colouring, games and a scavenger hunt. The full lineup can be found here. Walk-ins are permitted, or you can also RSVP on the winery’s website.
Celebrate Canada Day
Festivals Kelowna organizes a free annual community festival every Canada Day and you’re invited to celebrate our Nation’s birthday along the waterfront in downtown Kelowna. With food, local artisans, live performances and family fun, you’ll be sure to relish the party vibes on Monday, July 1 from 11am to 1030pm. The full schedule is online.
Header image from Sperling Vineyards. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
