As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crisp edge, fall in Kelowna means it's time to slow down and savour the season. There are a few activities we make sure to do every fall, from cycling the Myra Canyon Trestles to sipping the local wine. Be sure to check off one or more of the items on our fall bucket list to elevate the season.

Outdoor Fall Activities in Kelowna

Cycle the Myra Canyon Trestles 

^{Myra Canyon Trestles. Photo: Ken Hagen}

Pedal over 18 wooden trestles and through 2 tunnels on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail as it curves around Myra Canyon high above the city. This historic section of the trail was once part of a railway built in the early 1900s and today offers one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in the Okanagan. The flat, 12-km (one-way) ride is especially pretty in late October when the larch trees turn from green to yellow, creating golden highlights against the surrounding evergreens and cliffs. You’ll also be treated to views of Okanagan Lake, rolling hills, and the valley stretching far below. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to stop for a rest, take pictures, and soak in the history and natural beauty that make this trail so memorable.

Take a Hike

^{John's Family Nature Conservancy. Photo: Ken Hagen}

There are so many hiking spots where you can see the fall colours across the valley. One local favourite is the network of trails in the John’s Family Nature Conservancy above the Kettle Valley neighbourhood. The Crags Trail parallels a popular rock climbing area, and you can even climb to the top of the cliffs along a steep path for a great view of Okanagan Lake, downtown Kelowna, and valley hillsides coloured green, yellow, red, and orange thanks to the changing fall foliage.

See the Salmon Spawn

^{Hardy Falls in Peachland. Photo: Nic Collar Film}

There are many spots to see the annual phenomenon of Kokanee returning to their spawning grounds, and one of the best is on the Hardy Falls hike near Peachland. The short 0.8 km out-and-back trail parallels Deep Creek and offers many spots to view lake salmon, including several bridges. The trail ends at a pretty waterfall, and the fall colours along the route are lovely.

In Kelowna, the Mission Creek Greenway is also a great spot for salmon spotting. Looking for more in-depth knowledge about the salmon spawn in Kelowna? Lakeside Eco-Sports now offers an e-bike tour that takes you on a route around Kelowna and along Mission Creek to view the salmon as they make their way up the creek.

Go Apple U-Picking

^{Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography}

Few things feel more like fall in Kelowna than heading into an orchard to pick your own apples. With trees heavy with fruit, it is a chance to taste the season right where it grows. Varieties range from sweet Galas to tart Spartans, and the experience of filling a basket straight from the branch is one to remember. It is an activity that brings out the kid in everyone, and you will leave with apples for snacking and baking!

Fall Food, Wine, and Accommodations in Kelowna

Go Wine Touring

^{Photo by: Wines of British Columbia}

With more than 40 wineries spread between Peachland to the south and Lake Country to the north, Kelowna has a lot of wine to sip during the fall grape harvest. It’s easy to book a small-group wine tour or embark on a self-guided tasting trip with your group along one of Kelowna’s Wine Communities. There are even family-friendly wineries where the kids will be entertained while you sample adult beverages. No matter where you go, you’ll be greeted with colourful fall views around every bend in the road.

Experience Farm-to-table Dining with Fresh Fall Ingredients

^{Lamb Dinner at Krafty Kitchen + Bar. Photo by Meghan Reading}

Along with good wine comes great food. The Okanagan Valley isn’t as well known for its food scene as its up-and-coming wines, but perhaps it should be. Autumn is also the time of year when local growers are filling their larders and this seasonal bounty is reflected on local menus. Some of our favourite restaurants dedicated to the practice of local, seasonal ingredients include Krafty Kitchen + Bar, Home Block at Cedar Creek Estate Winery, and Frankie We Salute You! 

Stay Lakeside at a Resort 

^{Rooftop view from Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort. Photo by Scott Bakken Productions}

Though cooler temperatures might not tempt you for a dip in Okanagan Lake, you can’t beat the lakeside vibes when you stay at a resort right on the water (and rates typically drop in the fall after Labour Day). Eldorado Resort is Kelowna’s oldest hotel, located on the lakeshore close to the bustling Pandosy neighbourhood. Across the bridge, in West Kelowna, you’ll find The Cove Lakeside Resort with a full-service spa. And right downtown is the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort, within walking distance of beaches, boutiques, restaurants, and breweries. 

Discover Fall Festivals and Events

^{Okanagan Feast of Fields.}

Kelowna’s fall calendar is full of events that celebrate the season. From wine festivals to cultural gatherings, there is always something happening. The Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is a highlight, offering tastings, tours, and special events at wineries across the region. It is the perfect chance to meet winemakers, try new vintages, and experience the valley’s wine culture at its most vibrant. Okanagan Feast of Fields is another standout, bringing together local farmers, chefs, and artisans for a roaming harvest festival where you can taste the best of the region in one afternoon. Craft beer lovers can also mark their calendars for Kelowna Beer Week, which showcases the city’s growing brewery scene with special releases, tastings, and events across town. Other community gatherings, like harvest fairs and artisan markets, bring the region together and showcase the creative spirit that thrives here.

Check these and more off your bucket list this fall, explore packages and promotions to make the most out of your trip.