Coming to Kelowna and want to keep your spending in check? Here are a few suggestions on what to do when vacationing here while keeping an eye on your budget. Look it this way - the more you can save on what you spend during your travels, the longer you can afford to vacation!
Things to do Without Having to Take Out Your Wallet
1. Go to the Beach
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly or a dog-friendly beach, we have them all! City Park is great for the kids as it has a water park and a playground. Those who are travelling with their furry best friend might want to check out Cedar Creek Park, the biggest off-leash dog area in Kelowna, which includes a place for you to take a dip with your dog!
Click here for a complete list of beaches and parks in and around Kelowna.
2. Head out for a Walk or a Hike
Kelowna is home to many trails, so there's a perfect walk for everyone in your group. A relaxing stroll along the downtown boardwalk is a great place to get some fresh air at a leisurely pace. If you prefer getting your heart rate up, try hiking to the top of Knox Mountain or Mount Boucherie to enjoy the panoramic views.
Click here to learn more about the trails in the Central Okanagan.
3. Ride Your Bike
Okanagan Rail Trail, between Lake Country and Vernon
Tune up your ride and bring it with you next time you’re heading to Kelowna. We have bike trails for all riding abilities, from accessible, flat urban pathways—including more than 300 km of bike lines—to challenging downhill runs; explore the city on two wheels! Riding your bike while visiting will also help you save on gas money and reduce your carbon impact.
Our favourite rides are Mission Creek Greenway, a gentle gravel trail, and the Okanagan Rail Trail, both of which are wide enough for kids in bike trailers.
PRO TIP: Toggle on the biking layer on Google Maps to see all the bike lanes, trails, and paths.
4. Explore the Region's Public Art
Tourism Kelowna has developed a variety of mobile passes, all of which are free to use. The Public Art Pass takes you on a self-guided tour from Lake Country to Westbank First Nation and everywhere in between. As an added incentive, you can collect points to be entered into a prize draw for a $200 gift card to the Kelowna Visitor Centre.
5. Take in a Parks Alive! concert
Photo by: Matt Ferguson Photography
This free concert series runs all summer long at various parks throughout Kelowna. From blues and jazz to classic and indie rock, there is a wide variety of options for the music lovers in your group.
6. Discover Arts & Culture
Did you know the Kelowna Art Gallery offers free admission from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays? Take in world-class exhibitions like the recently launched Okanagan Print Triennial, which "offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the global printmaking community."
Admission to local museums, such as Sncewips Heritage Museum, Okanagan Heritage Museum, and Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum, is by donation, so you can pay what you can afford. There are also free arts and culture events throughout the summer, such as Meet Me on Bernard, Kelowna Made, and Downtown Kelowna Block Party.
To find other free events happening in and around Kelowna, visit Tourism Kelowna's online Events Calendar.
Top Ways to Extend Your Budget
1. Book Your Stay Mid-Week
The Royal Kelowna. Photo by: Shawn Talbot Phototraphy
If you have a flexible work schedule, booking your accommodations mid-week or during non-peak periods can potentially save you some money. Some hotels offer a better nightly price if you book at least a couple of weeks in advance, while others offer discounts on their rate if you book more than a few nights in a row. Visit the Packages & Promotions page on Tourism Kelowna's website for current offers.
2. Take Advantage of Happy Hour & Specials
Many restaurants, pubs, wineries, and breweries have designated Happy Hour menus that offer food and drink specials, usually during the mid-afternoon or after 9 p.m. Explore the Happy Hour, Specials & Weekly Events calendar to see what's happening or call ahead to find out what's on offer so you can stretch your vacation dollar.
3. Budget so you can splurge
Why not cook or prepare some of your meals so you can splurge on others? While many hotels include complimentary breakfast, you can also plan to visit the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters' Market or one of the many other local markets in Kelowna to pick up some fresh produce and tasty treats to savour in the nearest park or beach. In the process, you'll save some money, and the drool-worthy restaurant meal you indulge in will feel much more satisfying!
4. Enjoy promotions on activities
On top of the free activities listed in the previous section, there are plenty of additional attractions where you can save money:
- Take advantage of evening/twilight pricing at spots like Kelowna Water Park, Gneiss Climbing, and local golf courses.
- Have family-friendly fun with 50% off bowling lanes at BNA Brewing on Mondays or by visiting McCurdy Bowling, where you'll find Buy 1 Get 1 Hour of Bowling on Wednesdays after 7 p.m. or All You Can Bowl for $20 each after 7 p.m. on Sundays.
- Enjoy half-priced arcade games at Planet Lazer from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Thursday.
- Get out of the heat and catch a flick at Bernie's Supper Club & Cinema—for the month of July, all movie tickets are $10.99, plus you can save an additional $2 on Toonie Tuesdays.
- Test your skills at Simplex Sportszone with 2 for 1 Monday Madness or Trackman Toonie Tuesday.
Call ahead or browse the social media channels of the attractions you're interested in visiting to find out about other promos that may be on offer.
5. Shop at local thrift stores
Grey Hearts Denim. Photo by: Danika Lee Photography
Many shops in Kelowna have upcycled and thrifted apparel, such as Grey Hearts Denim, Frock & Fellow, and Man + Women at Cannery Lane. It’s a great way to save, plus it’s a sustainable option when looking to purchase new clothes. Win, win.
