The Okanagan Valley is a beautiful place to explore, and it's full of opportunities to travel sustainably and responsibly. Whether you're visiting Lake Country, Kelowna, or West Kelowna, you can enjoy local culture, delicious food, and outdoor activities while being mindful of the environment. Here are some options to consider for your journey through this amazing region!
Eco-Friendly Activities
Biking
Myra Canyon Trestles. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
Explore scenic surroundings by bike! Rent a traditional or e-bike and ride past orchards, vineyards, and lake views. Here are three of the best trails to add to your list:
- Myra Canyon Trestles in Kelowna is a must do when visiting the area. With 18 trestles and two tunnels, the path is an easy 12 km one way ride on a flat pathway overlooking Kelowna and Okanagan Lake.
- Boucherie Multi-Use Path/Recreation Corridor through West Kelowna is one of the newest biking paths to try in the Okanagan. The path will take you past beaches, bird-watching areas, wineries, and breweries.
- Okanagan Rail Trail is a nearly complete 50 km trail from Downtown Kelowna to Coldstream (a section north of the Kelowna Airport is closed, plan accordingly). Consider starting at Gatzke's Orchard in Lake Country and ride north along Kalmalka Lake for unforgettable views of the turquoise waters.
Hiking
Mount Boucherie Hiking. Photo: Ken Hagen
For stunning views and a great way to experience the local flora and fauna consider adding a hike or two to your visit. In the summer, remember to plan for the weather and your abilities and consider going early in the morning or late in the evening when hiking these trails:
- Mount Boucherie is an extinct volcano in West Kelowna that gives hikers a workout while offering great views of the surrounding communities.
- Spion Kop in Lake Country rewards those who make it to the top with views of Wood, Duck, Okanagan, AND Kalamalka Lakes.
- Knox Mountain near downtown Kelowna is easy to access and offers amazing views up and down Okanagan Lake.
Paddling
Paddling at Kaloya Regional Park on Kalamalka Lake. Photo: Ken Hagen
Enjoy the beauty of the Okanagan with a fuel-free lake adventure like stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, it's the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Remember to keep safety top of mind and review these tips when planning your paddle in these locations:
- Kaloya Regional Park on the southeast side of Kalamalka Lake in Lake Country has many access points to calm turquoise waters.
- In West Kelowna from Gellatly Bay Waterfront where you can find sandy beaches, a dog park, and even a zipline, to Frind Winery, the only winery with beach access!
- Travel past 20 beaches on the 27 km Kelowna Paddle Trail from McKinley Beach to Bertram Regional Park.
Nature Walks & Birding
James Grant Island from Kopje Regional Park. Photo: ©RDCO & Michael Hintringer
The Okanagan is surrounded by beauty and some of the best ways to enjoy it is to get out into nature. Consider adding these spots to your itinerary:
- View the James Grant Island bird sanctuary for excellent bird watching at Kopje Regional Park.
- Meander the accessible walking paths through century-old nut trees at the Gellatly Nut Farm.
- Take in the stunning views at Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park during the day, or visit at night as this location is Canada's third Nocturnal Preserve.
Sustainable Wining and Dining
Restaurants & Cafes
Waterfront Wines.
Many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more source their ingredients from the bountiful farms and orchards in Lake Country, Kelowna, and West Kelowna. Here are three you don't want to miss:
- Waterfront Wines in downtown Kelowna is a must for foodies, this well-established restaurant was one of the first in the area to focus on working with local suppliers.
- Garden Bistro at Peak Cellars grows much of its produce on-site and sources ingredients as locally as possible.
- West Kelowna's newest restaurant 31 CHARKAY focuses on using local ingredients from farms in the area.
Wineries
Off The Grid Winery. Photo: Ken Hagen
Visit wineries that practice organic and sustainable viticulture and wine-making processes to taste the true terroir of our vineyards. Here are just three to consider:
- Off the Grid is a certified organic winery in West Kelowna that uses sustainable practices in the vineyards and during the wine-making process.
- Blind Tiger Vineyards in Lake Country is a small family-run organic vineyard producing Reisling, Gewurztaminer, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay using minimal intervention.
- CedarCreek Estate Winery in Kelowna focuses on environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in all vineyard management, in addition to their water conservation efforts and minimizing energy consumption
Shop Local
Farms, Orchards & Markets
Folktale Cider. Photo: Ken Hagen
The farms, orchards, and markets in West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Kelowna have the best selection of locally-grown produce and fruit, arts and crafts, and much more! It's a great way to support local artisans and farmers and learn more about life in the Okanagan.
- Lake Country's main industry is agriculture, making it the perfect place to learn about farming. Add the Farm Gate Trail to your itinerary to find the best places to stop.
- Take a self-guided tour along the Westside Farm Loop to buy fresh fruit, produce, and preserves.
- The Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market, has recently moved to the Landmark District, visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays to enjoy the largest market in Interior BC.
Locally Made Goodness
Pandosy Village.
While in the area, find local shops with a wide range of specialties - from locally made pasta, chic clothing, fresh-baked goods, jewelry and more!
- Pandosy Village in Kelowna is lined with a variety of locally-owned shops and restaurants with options for everyone.
- Many of the wineries in West Kelowna have shops that focus on local products and items that complement their wine.
- Beat Patisserie in Lake Country is a small, independent, woman-run pastry shop that focuses on local ingredients.
Green Accommodations
The Cove Lakeside Resort.
Stay at accommodations that put sustainability at the forefront with certifications and initiatives that help the environment. Here are a just three in the area:
- The Cove Lakeside Resort has implemented many policies and procedures that have led them to be awarded three Green Keys through The Hotel Association of Canada.
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okangan Resort is a Biosphere committed business and alighted with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations..
- Oyama Lake Eco Lodge features a variety of eco-friendly cabins, glamping and camping sites, and a converted bus!
Header image: Hiking at Mount Boucherie. Photo: Ken Hagen