With summer underway, Kelowna locals will surely have friends and family visiting and exploring the region. We've compiled some activity suggestions and dining and accommodation options to help make their trip unforgettable and your planning and hosting easy.


What to Do

Outdoor Activities

Kayaking Downtown Aerial 2

Kelowna is a four-season playground, and summer is the sweet spot for outdoor adventure lovers, thanks to the array of available activities, including:

Kelowna is also a well-known birding destination for those who prefer less physical outdoor activities. For more information and more outdoor recreation options, click here. 


Indoor Activities

Bernie's Supper Club & Cinema Entrance

Whether your group needs a break from the summer sun or you have people in your crew who aren't huge outdoor lovers, you'll find an array of indoor activities to satisfy a variety of interests:


Farms, Markets, and Orchards

Person Picking Peaches in Orchard 15 - Paynter's
Paynter's Fruit Market. 

The Okanagan Valley is world-renowned for its fresh fruit and produce, available throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Visiting local farms, markets, and orchards is a great social activity, where you can nibble on delectable treats or take home edible souvenirs.

It can also be a great activity for your visitors with children, as parents can put their baby in a carrier while walking around. Have guests with a toddler? Busy two or three-year-olds might love running down the rows of peach trees or getting in on the u-pick action! Don-o-Ray Farm Adventure and Davison Orchards even have dedicated areas for the kids to play. 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to several devastating weather events in the fall and winter, area farms and orchards anticipate low yields in 2024. Please contact u-pick orchards or farms directly before visiting to confirm availability.  


Where to Eat & Drink

Outdoor Dining

Home Block Restaurant at Cedar Creek Estate Winery
Home Block Restaurant at CedarCreek Estate Winery. Image credit: Ken Hagen

Summer means taking your visitors to dine al fresco so they can soak in the beautiful Okanagan weather. Several Kelowna and area establishments were recently included in OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada for 2024:

According to its website, OpenTable scanned diner metrics and over 1.1 million reviews to narrow down the restaurants where Canadians love dining outdoors. Click here to explore more dining options in the area. 


Wineries

Modest Butcher at Mt Boucherie Estate Winery Patio Aerial 1
The Modest Butcher patio at Mt Boucherie Estate Winery. Image credit: Shawn Talbot Photography

Kelowna is the birthplace of BC wine, with more than 40 wineries in and around the region drawing visitors all year. Plan an itinerary for your visiting family and friends by exploring the wineries in each of the region's communities:

Or, make it even more simple by leaving the planning to the experts at one of the local guided wine tour companies—you won't have to worry about having a designated driver or booking tasting appointments, and you'll get to learn a little something along the way thanks to the knowledgeable drivers guiding your day.  


Craft Sips

People enjoying beer at Jackknife Brewing
Jackknife Brewing. Image credit: BC Ale Trail & Norma Ibarra

Along with a vast number of wineries, Kelowna is now home to numerous breweries, cideries, and distilleries crafting delectable sips for visitors and locals to savour. In Kelowna's North End, your family and friends can choose from numerous breweries, including family- and pet-friendly options like Jackknife, Red Bird, Rustic Reel, or Unleashed. Other nearby options for handcrafted sips include BC Tree Fruits Cider Co., MotherLove Ferments, and Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery. 

Venture outside downtown to find even more breweries to explore, or add one of the area's distilleries or cideries to your list. 


Where to Stay

From lakefront resorts to quaint B&Bs and everything in between, Kelowna offers plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation options. Since not everyone has space to host visitors, having the option to book spacious and comfortable accommodations is a must, especially for those travelling with young children who may require extra bedrooms or a quiet spot for naptime. 

Manteo at Eldorado Resort 3 Bedroom Luxury Villa Living Space
3-bedroom villa at Manteo at Eldorado Resort. Image Credit: Okanagraphy

With an array of room configurations and recently updated lakefront villas, the Manteo at Eldorado Resort is an excellent choice for groups of all sizes looking for easy access to the beach and waterfront. Guests staying at the Manteo can access the on-site amenities, as well as those at its neighbouring sister property, Hotel Eldorado. These include on-site dining at Maestro's Mediterranean or Lakeside Dining, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, boat and watercraft rentals, and more.
 

The Cove Lakeside Resort - Suite Balcony
The Cove Lakeside Resort Suite Patio. Image Credit: Shawn Talbot Photography

The Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna is also a great choice because of all the amenities available, such as a seasonal pool with a waterslide, a private beach, and an on-site marina that makes renting a boat for the day smooth sailing. Also within walking distance is Gellatly Beach and Park, which has a playground for the kids and a historic nut farm to explore.
 

Boyce-Gyro Beach & Aerial of Kelowna
Boyce-Gyro Beach, pictured above, is steps away from Siesta Suites Kelowna.

Consider Siesta Suites if you're searching for a budget-friendly option that's a short walk from shops, restaurants, and the beach. The hotel can easily accommodate families or small groups thanks to its multi-bedroom suites, including kitchenettes. There are two outdoor pools on site, but the hotel is also steps away from one of Kelowna's most popular beaches, Boyce-Gyro Beach.


Looking beyond summer? Consider Exploring Kelowna in the Fall!

Summer is the busiest time in Kelowna, which may result in skipping some things on your must-do list due to capacity or wait times. During the fall, you and your group can explore at an unhurried pace. Rates for accommodations will also start to come down, so your friends and family can choose to stay a little longer and spend more time enjoying your company and the region's outdoor fall activities. Find out what Kelowna has to offer in the fall.


Header image of Priest Creek Family Estate. Image credit: Ken Hagen