Kelowna and the Okanagan are celebrated for their abundance of fresh, local fare, which is plentiful during the summer and fall. Read on to discover what delicious eats you can discover throughout summer—your taste buds and memory bank will surely thank you!


Find the Freshest Flavours

Person Picking Peaches in Orchard 15 - Paynter's
Paynter's Fruit Market. Image Credit: Darren Hull Studios

For many years, “peaches and beaches” was a well-known adage associated with Kelowna, and for good reason. Tree fruits from the Okanagan—peaches, apples, and cherries in particular—are synonymous with the area and highly sought after by locals and visitors alike.

Cherries are one of the first tree fruit crops ready to be picked, with the first varietals typically maturing in early July. From there, you’ll see apricots, peaches, pears, plums, and finally, apples ready for the picking. Several orchards offer u-pick so that the whole family can enjoy the fun!

If you prefer to let someone else do the picking, drop by a local market to choose from an array of available produce. Tour the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market, where you’ll find abundant local ingredients.

PRO TIP: Harvest dates and availability of local produce are weather-dependent. Fruit and vegetables may be ready earlier or later than usual, with yields varying by varietal and area, depending on Mother Nature's delivery. Connect with the team at the Kelowna Visitor Centre or with the orchards and markets directly to confirm availability.


Sip the Best of the Okanagan

People drinking beer outside at BNA Brewing Co.
BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery. Image credit: BC Ale Trail (@bcaletrail)

Along with fresh fruit and vegetables, Kelowna and area are also well known for more than 40 wineries that produce award-winning wines. There are also exceptional and award-winning craft beer, cider, and spirits, so you can pick your favourite sip to enjoy while visiting. Throughout the summer, several of the wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the area also host musicians at their establishments. 

While you can easily explore Kelowna’s wine trails and breweries, cideries, and distilleries on your own, with someone in your group as the designated driver, there are also local tour companies that will organize all your stops and provide you with a knowledgeable guide who will give you lots of interesting and fun information during your journey. It will make your experience a breeze!

PRO TIP: Reservations at area tasting rooms are a good idea during the busy summer months. It's best to plan your tour days as far in advance as possible so you can visit all your favourite or must-visit wineries and watering holes. 


Savour Local Fare

People Enjoying Food and Drinks at Frankie We Salute You 3
Dishes at Frankie We Salute You! Image Credit: BC Ale Trail & Norma Ibarra

You’ll have no trouble finding delicious food while exploring Kelowna, including several seasonal dining options only available during the warmer months of the year. This includes Angel Share rooftop restaurant at Crown & Thieves, Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate, and 19 Bistro @ Fitz in Peachland, a collaboration between Fitzpatrick Family Vineyard and 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar. You'll marvel not only at the food but also the expansive lake views!

Other spots you don't want to miss for fresh summer flavours include:

  • Plant-based Frankie We Salute You!, where they turn the freshest fruit and vegetables into scrumptious dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
  • Krafty Kitchen + Bar, whose casual farm-to-table dining concept delivers high-quality eats daily for dinner and hip-hop brunch Friday through Sunday. 
  • Salt & Brick for its fresh sheet menu, which offers creative and inspired dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. 

Be sure to leave some room so you can beat the summer heat with a cold treat from Parlour Ice Cream. They make their ice cream using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.

Some additional options if you're looking patio hangs include:

Check out the #exploreKelowna blog for more ways to enjoy Kelowna’s four-season playground this summer!