Over the past couple of years, we’ve been connecting with Kelowna and area residents to learn more about the people who call this region home, their favourite places, and how tourism impacts their lives. We've also highlighted the benefits a strong tourism sector creates for Kelowna and its surrounding communities.
Follow along with this ongoing series to learn more about Kelowna from those who know it best—locals.
Jake Winkler
Though his family lived in Kelowna for five years during his early childhood, it wasn’t until 2016 that Jake Winkler moved back to the city as a young adult, after growing up in Ontario.
“I enjoy the incredible active lifestyle that is available in Kelowna,” exclaims Jake. “No matter the season, there is always something to do outdoors.”
As an active person regularly competing in recreational triathlons in the summer and skiing in the winter, it’s no surprise that Jake joined forces with a handful of his friends to launch Hopsyclists in 2022, creating an inclusive community centred around cycling and craft beer. In their inaugural season, the group organized more than 25 rides and had over 50 riders join.
Through its rides, Hopsyclists caters to a diverse range of cyclists, from casual riders to experienced pros, emphasizing a no-drop policy to ensure everyone enjoys the journey. Thanks to Kelowna's approximately 300 kilometres of on-street bike lanes and 40 km of separated paved multi-use paths, along with numerous mountain trails in the area, there are many routes for the group to choose from. Every ride concludes with some social time at one of the group’s partner breweries.
Luckily for Hopsyclists, there is no shortage of breweries to choose from, as there are more than 20 breweries located in and around Kelowna. Tree Brewing—now Kelowna Beer Institute—launched in 1996 as one of the Okanagan’s first craft breweries. Not long after in 2000, the city’s original brewpub, Freddy’s (formerly Big River Brewpub) was opened.
Hopsyclist crew at Kelowna Beer Institute. May 2022. Photo credit: Hopsyclists Instagram
Since then, many more brewers have joined the community here in Kelowna, bringing their best sips to residents and visitors, alike. According to Brewers Journal, a recent study by MNP found that craft beer tourism in Canada generates upwards of $1.475 million in total economic output and supports up to 8,800 jobs. Here in BC, revenues from craft breweries in BC increased from $240 million to $319 million between 2016 and 2020, while the total number of craft breweries in the province grew from 54 to 204 during the same time; even with the global pandemic, more breweries were scheduled to open as of December 2021, according to Trade and Invest BC.
Cycling is also an important part of the visitor economy, particularly in Kelowna, where there are plenty of trails for mountain biking, numerous scenic routes for road cycling, and hidden gems for gravel riding. Plus, you can't forget about the Myra Canyon Trestles Trail and the Okanagan Rail Trail for unique, scenic biking experiences in the area. Some local companies—like Kelowna Bike Rentals, Kelowna E Kruise, Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals & Tours, and others—make biking even more accessible, with e-bikes and adaptive rentals available for all ages and abilities.
A recent feature in Canadian Cycling Magazine showcased all Kelowna has to offer for cyclists. The author of the piece, cycling enthusiast Christina Palassio, even had a chance to meet up with Hopsyclists while visiting the area, furthering the connection between visitor and local.
“Tourism in Kelowna helps create a lively community to live in,” says Jake. “It also makes the city an enjoyable place for friends and family to visit, thus creating more opportunities to connect with loved ones from out of province.”
Jake also notes that a vibrant tourism sector “tends to help attract new shops, restaurants, music and sporting events, and more, that we as locals get to enjoy.”
Aside from the obvious recommendation of exploring the region by bike, Jake typically recommends wineries, hikes, and golf as things to do when his friends and family visit (with coffee shops as added bonus stops along the way).
Watch the video below to get a glimpse at some of the fun Jake and the Hopsyclists have while they spread their love for Kelowna!
