Fall is the perfect time to book that golf trip in Kelowna. With mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery as the region’s lush landscapes transform into vibrant autumn colours. Enjoy discounted green fees, relaxed tee times, and the bonus of pairing your rounds with Okanagan’s renowned wineries during harvest season, making it an unforgettable golf getaway.
Here are 10 reasons why fall is one of the best times to golf in Kelowna.
1. Experience the stunning foliage on the fairways
Photo: Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club
A golf course is a perfect place to experience the beauty of fall. As you play your round, you can almost see the abundant colours of Kelowna change in front of you, with golden leaves, rich reds, and the crispness of the season enhancing each swing. The cool air, mixed with the scent of fall, makes the experience even more magical, as nature's vibrant transformation surrounds you with every swing.
2. There is so much to choose from!
Photo: Tower Ranch Golf Club, Shawn Talbot Photography
With 19 spectacular golf courses, all in different locations with varying landscapes, you’ll get a complete Kelowna fall experience right from the fairway. From rolling vineyards and lakefront views to forested mountain terrain, each course offers a unique setting to soak in the season’s beauty, whether you're teeing off with the backdrop of golden hills or navigating tree-lined fairways framed by autumn hues.
3. Pick your perfect golf weather
Photo: Kelowna Springs Golf Club
You can choose to tee off during a crisp, clear Kelowna morning, when the cool air and soft light create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for an early round. Alternatively, you can wait until the afternoon to enjoy warmer temperatures, as the sun casts a golden glow over the course, making for a more relaxed and leisurely experience. Whether you prefer the refreshing start of a brisk morning or the lingering warmth of an autumn afternoon, Kelowna’s fall weather offers the best of both worlds for golfers.
4. Cooler ground = better roll
Photo: Gallagher's Canyon Golf Club
As Kelowna temperatures cool down from the average highs of 28°C during the summer months, the ground typically firms up. Catch a good drive in the right conditions and there's a chance you're going to see a lot more roll in the fairways.
5. Forget the cart - it's great to walk!
Photo: Shadow Ridge Golf Club
With warm—but not too hot—fall temperatures, it's an ideal time to forgo the golf cart and take a leisurely walk along the course. Not only does walking provide obvious health benefits like improved fitness and increased circulation, but it also allows you to connect more deeply with your surroundings. Without the distraction of a cart, you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning fall scenery, soaking in the vibrant colours, crisp air, and serene atmosphere as you move from hole to hole. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the season while enhancing both your game and your overall experience.
6. The grass is lush and thriving
Photo: Okanagan Golf Club
In addition to the vibrant fall colours, now’s the perfect time to enjoy a lush golf course that’s benefitted from an entire season of growth and meticulous grooming. After months of care, the fairways and greens are in prime condition, offering soft, well-manicured grass that plays beautifully underfoot. With the intense summer heat behind us, the cooler temperatures are not only ideal for golfers but also for the course itself—the grass thrives in the fall, maintaining a healthy, rich green that enhances your playing experience. It's the ideal time to take advantage of the best-kept conditions of the year.
7. It's cheaper to visit and golf
Photo: Scott Bakken
A fall visit also means lower hotel rates and fewer golfers lining up at the first tee, making it the perfect time for a relaxed and affordable golf getaway. With summer crowds gone, you’ll find more availability for accommodations and tee times, allowing you to plan a trip that fits your schedule without the usual rush. For even better deals, consider a mid-week getaway—this is when you can score the biggest fall travel perks, from reduced room rates to more peaceful rounds of golf on less crowded courses. It’s an ideal time to enjoy both the savings and the serenity of Kelowna’s fall golf season.
8. Take advantage of harvest
Photo: David Mcllvride
Fall is also harvest season, and the Okanagan Valley is brimming with an abundance of fresh, local produce. After a day on the course, take advantage of the season by visiting one of Kelowna’s many fruit stands or farmers' markets, where you can stock up on crisp apples, juicy pears, pumpkins, and other autumn favourites. If you’d rather indulge in someone else’s culinary expertise, head to one of Kelowna's local restaurants that feature farm-to-table menus. These establishments highlight the region’s fresh harvest, offering dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients, from orchard-fresh fruit to locally grown vegetables and herbs. It’s the perfect way to round out your golf trip with a taste of Kelowna’s renowned fall flavours.
9. Enjoy the wine!
Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
A visit to Kelowna is not complete without exploring the region’s renowned wineries, and fall is the ideal time to do so. After finishing your round of golf, take the opportunity to unwind with a visit to a few nearby wineries, where you can soak in the stunning landscapes and panoramic vineyard views as the grape harvest gets underway. The crisp fall air, golden leaves, and ripening grapes create an unforgettable setting for wine tasting, offering the chance to sample freshly pressed wines and limited-edition releases. Whether you're sipping a glass of bold red or a crisp white, the harvest season adds a special touch to your experience, making your Kelowna trip even more memorable.
10. October is a great month to visit and golf!
Photo: Scott Bakken
Stay into October to experience the Okanagan Wine Festival (October 18 - 19 + 26 - 27, 2024), a vibrant celebration of the region's finest wines, exquisite culinary delights, and unique events set against breathtaking backdrops. This festival is perfect for wine enthusiasts, offering tastings, winemaker dinners, and seminars that dive into the art of winemaking.
After indulging in the festival, head to the Myra Canyon Trestles for stunning panoramic views that will leave you in awe. This historic trail features beautiful wooden trestle bridges and scenic vistas, providing an unforgettable hiking experience amidst vibrant fall foliage. The rich reds, oranges, and yellows of the trees against the canyon and mountain backdrop create a picturesque scene that you won’t want to miss. Whether you're walking or biking, the Myra Canyon Trestles offer a perfect conclusion to your Kelowna adventure.
Don’t you just love fall? We do! And you could be here golfing in Kelowna before you know it!
Explore fall golf packages to hit the easy button and book your next golf getaway.
