May long weekend is coming up quickly, and many people are keeping an eye on the recommendations and restrictions from provincial health authorities around non-essential travel. With vaccines rolling out, the hope is that movement away from local communities will be allowed, but here is a reminder; we live in a place that people choose as a vacation destination. Now is the time to safely make the most of our home, don’t miss out on your opportunity to stay and play while supporting our amazing tourism businesses.

Without further ado, here are ideas for you to consider for your long weekend staying close to home:

Wine & Dine

^{Mt. Boucherie Winery. Photo by: Wines of British Columbia}

Fill your days with all of the eats, treats, and drinks of Kelowna!

• Head to the Kelowna Farmers’ Market to load up on all the best locally sourced ingredients to fill your fridge and pantry. 
• Spend the afternoon checking out some of the restaurants and shops of the Landmark District.
• Plan and book ahead and take a wine tour to explore one of the five distinct wine trails in and around Kelowna or take the guesswork out of it and book a guided tour. 
• Enjoy a perfectly paired meal at a winery restaurant
• Visit the farms and orchards around town to pick up early season and/or local products on offer. 
• Check out some of the amazing breweries or choose a cidery for a more rural experience. 
• Add in a meal at one of the farm-to-table restaurants downtown. 

Where to stay

To easily reach all areas of town, choose a hotel downtown as your home base. Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, The Royal Kelowna, Prestige Beach House, Royal Anne Hotel and Hotel Zed all offer great room options and a variety of amenities.

Family Fun

^{Photo by: Nic Collar Film}

There is no end to the fun you can have as a family in Kelowna.

• Spring has arrived, which means the joey babies are making an appearance at Kangaroo Creek, make sure to plan a visit.
• Find a new hiking trail to explore and take in new Okanagan views, consider Knox Mountain Park, the trails along Mission Creek or find a family-friendly waterfall hike. 
• Get a cool, locally-made treat at an ice cream or gelato shop.
• Hit the beach! Over 30 parks and beaches to explore means you’ll find the perfect spot to spend time as a family.
• Take it to new heights on a zipline adventure or outdoor ropes climbing course. 
• Have fun indoors at a climbing gym, mini golf course, bowling alley, laser tag, and more.

Where to stay

Keep the kids entertained even longer with a stay at a hotel with a pool and/or waterslide. Check out Best Western, Hampton Inn & Suites, Kanata Hotel, or Comfort Suites. 

High Adrenaline Adventure

^{Photo by: Matt Ferguson Photography}

The vast nature that we are lucky to be surrounded by in Kelowna, means that there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

• Okanagan Lake, Wood Lake, and Kalamalka Lake are all easy to get to for Kelowna area residents, so get on the water and try parasailing or hydroflying.
• Zip through trees at an outdoor adventure park, there are a variety of options for all experience levels.
• Test your limits with a heart-pumping hike like McDougall Rim or Carrot Mountain. 
• Try the huge network of mountain biking trails, there’s something for beginners all the way to pros.
• Book a helicopter tour and view our beautiful home from high above.
• Take in the view from the water and rent a kayak or paddleboard. CRIS Adaptive also offers equipment so people of all abilities can participate.
• Get into the backcountry on an ATV and see areas of the central Okanagan you'd never see otherwise. 
• Rent a boat and try wakeboarding or surfing. If you're new to it, book a lesson to learn. 

Where to stay

Choose a rural escape like Myra Canyon Ranch. A stay at a bed and breakfast is also always a relaxing way to end an adventurous day.

Romantic Getaway

^{Photo by: Nic Collar Film}

Grab that special someone and indulge in some rest and relaxation the last long weekend before summer.

• Book a spa treatment, everything from mani/pedis to vinotherapy massage, spend an hour or the whole day getting pampered.
• Try a round! Kelowna has 16 golf courses to choose from and hitting the links can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and views.
• Go on a guided wine tour. Don’t worry about the details and just indulge, wine tour operators make all the arrangements for you.
• Take in the sunset from a sail boat. Book a private boat tour with your special someone for the ultimate Kelowna evening. 
• Reserve a special wine-paired meal on a patio at a winery restaurant to taste all the Okanagan has to offer.
• Rent e-bikes and ride along the Okanagan Rail Trail or go winery hopping. 

Where to stay

A lakeside resort is the perfect place to unwind and truly feel away from home. Check out The Cove or Eldorado Resort.

For more staycation inspiration, read about what other Kelowna residents have done while we have been encouraged to stay local and support local during the pandemic.