Fall may bring shorter days, but visiting Kelowna is one of the most beautiful times. With crisp mornings and warm afternoons, it's the perfect season to explore the Okanagan Valley at your own pace. Autumn offers a chance to enjoy the harvest, take in the vibrant foliage, and make the most of lake activities during quieter months. A five-day stay lets you truly experience the magic of the season, making every moment count.
Start your fall getaway by choosing the right accommodation. Whether you're after a cozy cabin, a downtown hotel, or a luxury resort, Kelowna has options for every type of stay. The Royal Anne Hotel on Bernard is ideal for those who want to be close to downtown’s vibrant scene, while The Royal Kelowna offers luxury waterfront suites. For a blend of hotel rooms and private villas, Manteo at Eldorado Resort in Lower Mission provides the perfect mix. And if you prefer something more intimate, explore Kelowna’s charming bed & breakfasts and boutique hotels.
Getting around Kelowna is easy with a rental car, and with the scenic rolling hills turning a beautiful gold, surrounding mountains dotted with golden larches and panoramic lake views, the drive becomes part of the adventure. Budget Car Rental offers convenient options for your stay.
Day 1: Make the Most of Harvest
Paynter's Fruit Market in West Kelowna. Photo: Wines of BC
Agriculture is rooted in everything we do in Kelowna, and fall is the perfect time to make the most of it. Kelowna is located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, which is one of Canada's premier agricultural regions. During harvest, the orchards, vineyards, and farms are bustling with activity, offering a wide variety of freshly picked fruits, such as apples, pears, and grapes. You can visit U-Pick orchards or farmers' markets, where the produce is at its peak in flavour and freshness.
Begin your day with a visit to the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market, held every Wednesday and Saturday at the Landmark District until the end of October. As one of the largest markets in British Columbia, it offers a vibrant array of local goods, from fresh produce and baked treats to handmade beauty products, foraged mushrooms, and artisanal crafts. If you can’t reach the market, don't worry—there are plenty of daily farm markets throughout the Okanagan Valley.
After exploring the market, make your way to Paynter’s Fruit Market in West Kelowna. Here, you can stock up on freshly harvested fall produce, including the delicious Ambrosia apples, and enjoy a quintessential Okanagan farm experience. Plus, Paytner's offers a pumpkin patch perfect for the little ones to pick their ideal pumpkin for carving!
Pro tip: Make sure to grab some local produce and snacks to enjoy during your vacation!
Next, venture along the Westside Wine Trail, one of the areas largest wine regions, to experience the grape harvest season. Harvest is a particularly special time to visit, as many wineries host events that allow you to witness the grape harvest and crush process up close. The tasting rooms are quieter, giving you the chance to sip and savour with fewer crowds. Some wineries even offer exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, providing a firsthand look at the winemaking process and the artistry that goes into each bottle. Note: Due to weather earlier this year, many wineries are experiencing a low yield, however, there are still opportunities to experience the harvest at local wineries.
Finally, end your day off with a harvest dinner at one of Kelowna's local farm-to-table restaurants to taste the best local flavours.
Day 2: Immerse Yourself in Culture in Downtown Kelowna
Strolling down Bernard Avenue Downtown Kelowna. Photo: Kylie Mae
Begin your day downtown Kelowna. Walk the street of Bernard Avenue and pop in to one of the many coffee shops for a treat and some java. Pulp Fiction Coffee House has a unique space and is home to a vintage book store. Or, Deville Coffee has a great atmosphere to sit and socialize with your friends or family. You can even sit out on their patio and enjoy the morning sunshine. Next, walk up and down Bernard and pop into one of the amazing local shops, everything from artisan stores to home goods, consignment stores, and clothing stores. The District On Bernard is an indoor mall space perfect if the weather isn't in your favour. You can leisurely stroll and even grab brunch at one of the many local eateries, including Sunny's Modern Diner and the Bohemian Cafe & Catering Co.
Now, it's time to immerse yourself in arts and culture. Kelowna's Cultural District is located downtown and is home to many museums, art galleries, and performance spaces. Learn about Kelowna's history by visiting the Okanagan Heritage Museum, the Wine & Orchard Museum, and the Okanagan Military Museum. It will help provide you with some context for the rest of your exploring, and some more insight into what you learned yesterday! Then, stop by some of the many art galleries downtown. The Kelowna Art Gallery has many exhibits happening throughout the year that gives you insight into both local and travelling art, while Art Lovers Gallery has a unique collection of original Dr. Seuss pieces. If you skipped breakfast or are feeling peckish for lunch, try Sprout Bread, which makes some delicious breads and baked goods to enjoy along with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee from their Slowside cafe. Or, The Bike Shop Cafe which has some delicious soups and sandwhiches! Be sure to stop by many of the stunning public art pieces dotted along the way, including The Bear in Stuart Park, Rhapsody (lovingly referred to by locals as 'the Dolphins') and other art stops.
Kelowna Beer Institute patio. Photo: Nathaniel Atakora Martin (@nathanielatakora)
After you explore the Cultural District, head towards Tugboat Bay Beach where you can walk the waterfront and enjoy the warm autumn sunshine. Wind your way through the Rotary Marshes and see the local flora and fauna that is so close to our urban centre. This is a great spot for birding (and who doesn't love a little afternoon birding in the fall). If you're walking the boardwalk, stop by Kelowna Beer Institute for a pint and some pizza. You can enjoy their upper patio which looks out onto Water Street and the beautiful trees which turn a golden hue in the fall - you're sipping amongst the treetops!
Finally, it's time for dinner. Catch dinner and a show at the Kelowna Actors Studio and Dinner Theatre, or have a bite at Toncini Modern Italian in the Rotary Centre for the Arts before attending a performance there. Depending on your visit, you may also get to see the Okanagan Symphony, which has shows throughout the fall and winter seasons. And if you're looking for some dessert, Parlour Ice Cream is open until 10 pm for a late-night cone (because in Canada, we enjoy ice cream all year round).
Pro tip: Download the #exploreKelowna Arts & Culture Pass, which gives you exclusive discounts for performing arts, museums, galleries, and more!
Day 3: Explore the Vibrant Foliage
Myra Canyon Trestles and the Golden larches. Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography
There’s nothing more fall than watching the leaves change, and Kelowna offers plenty of spots to soak in the seasonal beauty. If you’re looking for an urban experience, start your day in Pandosy Village, a quaint neighbourhood just south of downtown. With its cozy local shops, cafés, and nearby waterfront accommodations, it’s the perfect place for a fall stroll. Grab a pumpkin spice latte from Bean Scene Pandosy and explore the charming storefronts offering everything from clothing and footwear to art and antiques. To wrap up your time shopping, stop at Grate Cheesery for a charcuterie board with a delicious assortment of local and international cheeses (or grab one to go to enjoy on your next autumn stop!).
For a more nature-focused experience, or if you want to see more stunning fall scenery, make your way up to the historic Myra Canyon Trestles, one of Kelowna’s most iconic attractions. This scenic spot is particularly beautiful in the fall when the golden larches glow brightly. The trestles offer a gentle grade, making it accessible for hiking or biking. If you want to see all the trestles and tunnels, consider bringing or renting a bike—it’s worth it for the full experience.
If you don’t have access to a vehicle for the trip or wish to stay close to town, Mission Creek Greenway is a fantastic alternative. This greenway stretches for many kilometres along Mission Creek, providing a serene setting for a walk. Start at the parking lot near Orchard Park Shopping Centre to check out the salmon spawning channels, where kokanee salmon return to spawn each fall.
Between the vibrant Pandosy Village, the breathtaking views at Myra Canyon, and the peaceful trails of Mission Creek, Kelowna is a perfect place to embrace the fall season. And if you're feeling up to an adventure, enjoy all three on the same day!
Day 4: It's all about Lake Country
Okanagan Rail Trail.
Today is all about Lake Country, just north of Kelowna and minutes from the airport. With three beautiful lakes—Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka—it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed rural experience. Whether you want to fish, get in an autumn paddle board, hike Spion Kop, or cycle the Okanagan Rail Trail, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can explore wineries on the Scenic Sip Wine Route, visit working farms, or stop for a delicious farm-to-table meal.
Start your day with a morning walk or bike ride along the Okanagan Rail Trail. If you begin in Oyama, you can rent an e-bike from Pedego Oyama and cruise along Wood and Kalamalka Lakes. As you ride, you’ll pass changing leaves, crystal clear waters, and rocky landscapes. For those who prefer hiking, Spion Kop’s trail network offers panoramic views of all three lakes from the top.
Next, head into Lake Country’s wine region for lunch. Grab a bite at a winery with views of Okanagan Lake, like BLOCK ONE Restaurant at 50th Parallel Winery, or sit in the garden at Peak Cellars' Garden Bistro, or the lovely patio at CHAOS Bistro at Ex Nihilo Vineyards. Be sure to try at least one wine tasting to notice the unique differences between Lake Country wines and those from West Kelowna. If you want something grown fresh, stop by a farm stand—Gambell Farms has seasonal produce, preserves, and snacks.
After lunch, take a stroll along the lake at Carrs Landing, a small community along Okanagan Lake. Stop at Kopje Regional Park, a peaceful spot by the water with views of the James Grant Island bird sanctuary and the historic Gibson Heritage House. This is the perfect way to end a day of exploring Lake Country’s natural beauty and local flavours.
Day 5: Corn Mazes, Pumpkins, and Fall-Fun
McMillan Corn Maze. Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography
On your last day, it’s time to embrace the full fall experience! Start the day with some classic fall activities like corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and tasty seasonal treats. Begin at McMillan Farms, a family-friendly spot that offers a fun corn maze and an apple slingshot. It’s also the perfect place to pick out your pumpkin for the season.
Next, head to Southeast Kelowna, home to a beautiful wine community. Vibrant Vine offers a unique experience with its 3D art gallery—grab a pair of 3D glasses for a fun twist on wine tasting. If you prefer being outside, both Priest Creek Family Estate Winery and SpearHead Winery have patio areas with lawn games, where you can relax and enjoy the fall sunshine.
From there, make your way to Meadow Vista Honey Wines, a local meadery and bee farm. You can take a self-guided bee tour or join their Smokies n S’mores event, where you’ll roast s’mores at fire pits, enjoy a honey smokie dinner, sip on mulled mead or hot chocolate, and take part in a scavenger hunt. It’s a cozy fall experience perfect for the whole family.
End your day at Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure, where their Haunted Farm transforms the space into the ghost town of Deadwood. Navigate their hedge maze, which has plenty of twists, turns, and spooky surprises. They also offer fun activities like archery and airbrush tattoos. The farm’s pumpkin patch has plenty of fresh pumpkins, and the haunted experience is fun for all ages, with jump scares but no blood and gore.
It’s the perfect way to wrap up your fall adventures in Kelowna!
As your trip comes to an end you might be looking to buy a few local products or some Kelowna souvenirs before you go. Make sure you stop by the Kelowna Visitor Centre where they have over 100 local vendors, the Towne Centre Card Shop, or Ogopogo Giftland for some great Kelowna mementoes.