Staying near the Kelowna International Airport and looking for fun activities? From wineries to kid-friendly farms, here are a few suggestions for things to do without having to drive more than a few minutes to your next stop!
Wine & Cider
Come for the wines and stay for the panoramic views of the valley! Bring your own picnic or order one of their charcuterie boards for a fun happy hour. Ancient Hill is a small boutique European-style winery with friendly staff. Situated right across from the airport, this is a must-stop for airplane enthusiasts as you can enjoy watching the big jets taking off from the runway while sipping on a glass of wine.
On the opposite of the airport from Ancient Hill, you can find Upside Cider. Committed to environmental sustainability and biodiversity, Upside Cider is proud to be Kelowna's first Organic Cider. Enjoy wood-fired pizza from their rooftop patio while sipping on cider and watch the planes come in and out of Kelowna.
Kangaroo Creek Farm
This is the ultimate interactive farm for kids and adults alike! After moving from Lake Country in 2020, the Kangaroo Creek Farm is now at a new location at the Kelowna Airport's north end. Open daily from 10 am to 3 pm through the summer season, come and wander amongst the kangaroos and wallabies! You can also learn and see the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, along with numerous exotic birds. Make it an educational visit and be sure to ask any of the knowledgable staff any questions you may have about the various species who call this farm home! Our kids enjoyed being able to pet and socialize with many of the animals.
Mill Creek Regional Park
Come and chase the waterfalls at Mill Creek Regional Park just east of the Kelowna airport! With multiple options for both beginner and immediate level hikers, there is a trail that is suited for all ages. This 15.3-hectare park is also dog-friendly, but a leash is required. Parking can be limited, and we recommend coming here during non-peak hours to make sure you can get a spot!
Golfing
Okanagan Golf Club - The Bear Course
This neighbourhood is a golf lovers paradise. All within minutes of each other are Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club, Shadow Ridge Golf Club, and the two courses that make up the Okanagan Golf Club - The Bear and The Quail. Challenge yourself to golf for hours on end while taking in the fresh air and local scenery. Make sure you give yourself some time to relax with a post-round drink at the 19th hole - all of these golf courses have a restaurant on-site.
Scandia and Energyplex
EnergyPlex
Have a blast with the kids at Scandia Golf & Games! With an outdoor mini-golf course, an indoor jungle mini golf course, go-karts, batting cages and the largest arcade in Okanagan, this is the place to drum up some friendly competition between family members. Located just minutes south of the airport, visitors can also win cool prizes with redemption tickets!
Looking for more ways to keep those kids entertained? Almost directly across the street is Energyplex. With an indoor playground, a rock climbing facility, an arcade and a laser tag arena, there is no shortage of fun for the little ones. The hours of operations are dependent on the activity, so make sure you check out their website before going.
Helicopter Tours
Several helicopter tour companies await to take you up into the skies for a flight to remember. Okanagan Mountain Helicopters, Ikon Adventures Helicopters, and Graham Helicopters are all located beside Kelowna’s airport.
Choose from scenic sightseeing tours or arrive in style at various wineries for wine tasting. Or if you have a special occasion coming up, surprise your loved one with a heli-picnic and enjoy the picturesque views the valley has to offer.
