October in Kelowna: the trees are full of colourful leaves, the air is crisper, harvest is in full swing, and there is a ton of outdoor adventure to be had. Here are some things to do over the Thanksgiving weekend in Kelowna; take it all in or build your own adventure and take your time while you #exploreKelowna.
Last Chance Activities
Photo by: Scott Bakken Productions
Rent a Bike at Myra Canyon Trestles
Explore what is described as a photographer's dream and take in the golden larches at Myra Canyon Trestles. Rent a bike from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals (open until October 11) to fully explore the 12 km (one-way) rail trail, which will have you riding over 18 trestles and through two tunnels.
Swing from the Tree Tops at Myra Canyon Adventure Park
Climb high within the trees at Myra Canyon Adventure Park (open until October 15) with 77 climbing elements and 1.6 kilometres of climbable courses. Push yourself on the Ropes and Challenge courses or bring along the little ones who can conquer the Kinder course. If you can't make it over Thanksgiving weekend, be sure to visit towards the end of the month when it will be transformed into a Halloween Scare Park.
Glide Through the Air at ZipZone Adventure Park
The exhilarating feeling of gliding through thin air, but now you are also gliding over a canyon that is 381 ft. deep. If that's not enough to get your heart pumping, you can also do it upside down and backwards. ZipZone Adventure Park (open until October 9) is sure to offer an epic adventure since they do have Canada's highest freestyle zip lines.
Sip Kelowna
October is BC Wine Harvest Month, a time to celebrate the season and support local by visiting your favourite Kelowna area winery, where you'll get to see the vineyards at their peak and taste newly-released red wines. Tour the wineries safely and comfortably by booking a guided wine tour, using our Kelowna Wine Trails guide, or downloading the Wines of BC Explorer App.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, you can also catch the tail end of Kelowna Beer Week—the finale event, which will feature all of the Central Okanagan breweries, takes place at BNA Brewing from 12–3 p.m. on Saturday, October 8. Along with the region's best craft brews, beer-lovers will enjoy live music from DJ Ghostcurb as well as discounted rates on BNA's bowling and bocce.
Arts & Culture
There is plenty for arts and culture fiends to explore over the long weekend. Locals and visitors who are in town on Friday, October 7, can explore Sncewips Heritage Museum's newest exhibit, What Does it Mean to be syilx?, which "emphasizes the voices and artistic expressions of the syilx people." A travelling exhibit exploring the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George is on display at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, which is open throughout the long weekend.
As part of Culture Days, the City of Kelowna and Kelowna Museums are hosting a free, guided tour of the Cultural District from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 8. On the same day in Lake Country, GATHER: Storytelling, artmaking, breaking bread together, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Irish Mohawk artist, Lee Claremont, as well as special guests from the Kelowna Hindu Cultural Society.
Browse our online events calendar to see what else is happening throughout the weekend.
Fall-inspired Eats
While you explore Kelowna over the long weekend, enjoy hassle-free and tasty Thanksgiving eats from Kelowna and area restaurants:
Dine-in
- Frankie We Salute You!: Start your day off with brunch, vegan style, including a new fall menu item—Pumpkin Waffles.
- Gulfstream Restaurant: Family-style, three-course traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings offered from Saturday, October 8 through Monday, October 10 starting at 4 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended.
- Summerhill Organic Bistro: On Sunday, October 9, and Monday, October 10, make reservations for a three-course Thanksgiving dinner indoors or on the patio.
To-go/Take and Bake
- Krafty Kitchen + Bar: For the third year in a row, Krafty is offering a take-home Thanksgiving dinner—orders must be placed online in advance for pick-up on Sunday, October 9.
- Lakeside Dining at Eldorado Resort: Three-course, chef-prepared meal available to-go—pick up on Monday, October 10, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
- Train Station Pub / Midtown Station: Take and bake Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, sides, and dessert—pre-orders must be placed (phone or email) by 2 p.m. on October 7.
Discover more of the restaurants in and around Kelowna here. Or, if you're looking for ingredients to prepare your own feast, check out the vendors at the Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market.
