Kelowna is a well-renowned summer destination, but the cooler months also beam with seasonal activities that satisfy the outdoor adventurer, culinary enthusiast, and explorer in all of us.
Here are 5 reasons you should visit Kelowna in the winter.
1. Snowshoes & Trestles
The Kettle Valley Railway is a unique beauty in the winter when a blanket of snow lays atop the iconic trestles. If you don't have snowshoes you can rent them in Kelowna, both Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) and Play it Again Sports have rentals. When you are out snowshoeing, keep your eyes peeled as you might just see some local wildlife like the moose or white-tailed deer that frequent the area in the winter.
2. Frosty Waterfall Hikes
There is something magical about a frozen waterfall - and luckily Kelowna is surrounded by beautiful waterfall hikes. If you appreciate the more moderate terrain, try Hardy Falls. It's well maintained, 2 km long path leads you to a viewing platform where you can enjoy the falls. For a more strenuous hike, try Bear Creek Provincial Park, or Crawford Falls (also called Canyon Falls Park).
3. Nordic Escapes
Grab your nordic gear and head to the popular Telemark Nordic Club located just minutes outside of West Kelowna where you can cruise more than 75 kilometers of track-set trails. The club offers rentals and lessons onsite that allow you to make the most of your experience no matter your skill level. The snowy paths are lined with a moss-covered ponderosa and cedar forest that make the perfect backdrop for a winter adventure and on a clear, sunny day some of the trails offer breathtaking panoramic views across the Okanagan Valley.
4. Tasty Sips
Savour sweet, crisp ice-wine from grapes harvested from local vineyards, taste locally-sourced menu items, or visit the breweries for flights of their small-batch stouts. Or do them all because the culinary scene thrives year-round in Kelowna. Many wineries host winter experiences, see a list of events. Drink like a local at one of Kelowna’s craft beer hangouts like BNA Brewing Co & Eatery, or Tree Brewing. Combine culinary with experience on brunch sleigh-ride dining tour at Big White Ski Resort or let the pros instil some knowledge onto you at a Mission Hill Winter Culinary Class.
5. Ice Skates & City Lights
In the winter, Kelowna’s waterfront is home to an ice skating rink at Stuart Park. This free family rink is beautiful day and night while lit by string of bulbs, a cozy fireplace, and tasty treats from local food trucks. Skate rentals are available at the rink and all experience levels are welcome! If you’re more of a spectator, attend a high energy Kelowna Rockets WHL hockey game at Prospera Place.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or cozy culinary experiences, winter is a great time to #exploreKelowna.
