It’s warming up in Kelowna, and that can only mean one thing- fresh fruits and veggies from our bountiful farms and orchards are almost here!
Agriculture is a massive industry in Kelowna and the Okanagan, to the point that many of our visitors come from miles away just to pick from our orchards! Enjoying the agritourism scene here is a perfect way to soak in the sun, breathe some fresh air, support local businesses, and leave with a bag full of sweet summertime treats.
Photo: Darren Hull Studios
A common misconception is that it’s difficult to take advantage of Kelowna’s agriculture if you don’t have a vehicle of your own. Due to the needed acreage, farms and orchards are typically a fair distance from town. Luckily B.C. Transit has us covered! While you can’t reach every orchard without a vehicle, there are enough within bussing distance to keep you occupied and well-supplied all vacation long. This guide will walk you through the different farms, orchards, and markets reachable by bus, along with detailed instructions on how to start your transit journey!
For ease of direction, all bussing instructions will have downtown’s Queensway Bus Exchange ( as a starting point.
U-Pick Orchards
You can’t visit Kelowna without having at least one u-pick experience. The joy of spending a sunny day in a beautiful orchard, seeking out the juiciest fruits and picking them by hand is unmatched.
Sun City Cherries
Photo: Destination BC and Kari Medig
Sun City Cherries is a family run orchard specializing in- you guessed it- cherries! Their lovely farm market also offers honey, gelato, juice and samosas if you need a quick snack between picking sessions.
U-Pick available: Cherries
Twin Oaks Organic Orchard
Twin Oaks Organic Orchard. Photo: Kylie Mae
Another family farm, Twin Oaks is one of the only certified organic u-pick orchards in the area, with a huge variety of fruits to choose from! Open all season long, there’s always something new to pick up throughout July to September.
U-Pick available: Cherries, Apricots, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Apples
Directions by bus to Sun City Cherries and Twin Oaks Organic Orchard:
- At Queensway Bus Exchange, hop on the #5 (Gordon- Mission Rec Exchange)
- Ride 17 stops to Mission Rec Exchange
- Transfer on to the #16 (Kettle Valley)
- Ride 7 stops to Chute Lake at Barnaby
- Walk 3 minutes down Barnaby Road to Twin Oaks Organic Orchard and/or walk 6 minutes up Lakeshore Road to Sun City Cherries
Paynter’s Fruit Market
Paynter's Fruit Market. Photo: Wines of British Columbia
Operating for over 100 years, Paynter’s Fruit Market is a staple in West Kelowna. With a massive farm market carrying products from their 40+ acres of land alongside other BC-made treats, you’ll find something for everyone here. Consider booking a farm tour for a fun and informative Okanagan experience!
U-Pick available: Apricots, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Apples
Directions by bus:
- At Queensway Bus Exchange, get onto the #97 (Westbank)
- Ride 4 stops to Westbank Exchange
- Walk 7 minutes up Highway 97 and onto Paynter Road to Paynter’s Fruit Market
Farm and Fruit Stands
If the fruit picking itself isn’t a must-do for your vacation, consider visiting one of our numerous farm and fruit stands to pick up some fresh produce and other great local products.
Don-O-Ray Farms
Don-O-Ray Farms. Photo: J.Cockrall-King, from Food Artisans of the Okanagan
Don-O-Ray Farms is one of Kelowna’s most popular farm markets for families, with a fantastic farm market and the Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure, an interactive farm experience including a petting zoo and tons of fun activities. The market includes plenty of fresh produce, alongside baking, preserves, candies, ice cream, and the most delicious butter chicken sauce you ever taste. Keep in mind, this one has a longer walk from the closest bus stop, but with all of the great things to buy and do, it is still highly recommended!
Directions by bus:
- At Queensway Exchange, hop on the #5 (Gordon- Mission Rec Exchange)
- Ride for 14 stops to Gordon at Casorso
- Walk for 8 minutes down Casorso Road and then turn left for another 12 minutes up Benvoulin Road to Don-O-Ray Farms
KLO Farm Market
A newer family-owned and operated stand established in 2019, KLO Farm Market has quickly made a reputation for itself with excellent produce and customer service. They’ve recently introduced an early spring tulip festival, and u-pick flower bouquets!
Directions by bus:
- At Queensway Bus Exchange, get on the #5 (Gordon- MIssion Rec Exchange)
- Ride 12 stops to Gordon at KLO
- Walk 15 minutes up KLO Road to KLO Farm Market
Kelowna Fruit n Veggies
Conveniently located in the central city, Kelowna Fruit and Veggies is a fantastic fruit stand and, in the later seasons, corn maze! With a large variety of fruits and veggies to choose from, including certified organics, Kelowna Fruit and Veggies is one of the easiest places to stop in for some amazing fresh, local produce! Remember to regularly check their website to see what varieties are currently available.
Direction by bus:
- At Queensway Exchange, hop on the #11 (Rutland)
- Ride 14 stops to Springfield at Barlee
- Walk 4 minutes down Springfield Road, and then turn right for another 5 minutes down Cooper Road to Kelowna Fruit and Veggies
Farmers and Crafters Markets
Kelowna offers plenty of options for farmers and crafters markets, where tons of farmers and artisans will bring their produce to one convenient location for you to shop to your hearts delight! The ones listed here are frequent, weekly markets, but be sure you check Tourism Kelowna’s events page for any upcoming pop-up markets near you!
Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market
Photo: Salt Food Photography
Kelowna’s titular farmers and crafters market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, in the Landmark District. With over 100 vendors ranging from farm fresh produce, bakers, crafters, live music and food trucks, the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market is the number one spot for local, artisanal goods. This market is a must-see for visitors and locals alike, and is the perfect way to spend some time in the sun while supporting local small businesses.
Directions by bus:
- At Queensway Bus Exchange, hop on the #97 (UBCO)
- Ride 2 stops to Harvey at Kirschner (Parkinson Station)
- Walk 2 minutes into the Landmark District and the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market
Downtown Satellite Market and Open Air Collective
This summer, downtown’s Kerry Park will come alive every Saturday and Sunday with farm and artisan markets! Both markets will provide a plethora of local vendors alongside live music and concessions, making for a perfect weekend morning!
These markets are located right downtown on the boardwalk, so if our starting point is Queensway Bus Exchange, we don’t even need to bus! Just walk 2 minutes to Kerry Park and you’re there! Coming from elsewhere? Check Kelowna Transit’s website to see which buses can bring you downtown.
Photo: Salt Food Photography
Kelowna’s agritourism scene is a fantastic one, so make sure you don’t let a lack of vehicle keep you from experiencing all of the bountiful produce our beautiful valley has to offer!
Tips for your trip:
- Download the Transit app on your phone to see where the next bus is in real-time, and to help plan any future trips
- Download the UMO app for quick and easy fare payments
- Don’t purchase more than can fit in a medium-sized bag. Other passengers may need to sit beside you on your trip home
- Thank your bus driver when you get off at each stop
Header image: Darren Hull Studios
