If your next conference or corporate gathering brings you to the Okanagan, consider arriving a little earlier or lingering a little longer to experience the best the region has to offer.
In Kelowna, it's easy to turn a work trip into something more, with energizing and restorative experiences, rooted in the land and natural beauty the region is known for. A few extra days can shift the pace, deepen your stay, and let you experience the valley beyond the conference room.
Indulge in the Region’s Best Food and Wine
The Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate
Savouring the tastes of the Okanagan in Kelowna, Canada's first and only UNESCO City of Gastronomy, is a year-round endeavour; however, those visiting through the summer and fall can look forward to fresh fruit and the bounty of harvest season. With many restaurants focused on local, farm-to-table dining and more than 40 wineries in and around Kelowna, you'll have your pick of experiences when you come early or stay beyond your event.
The Terrace Restaurant, the seasonal, outdoor restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate, focuses on four elements when crafting its mouth-watering cuisine: locality, seasonality, simplicity, and resourcefulness. The high-quality ingredients on your plate will be sourced as close to the winery as possible—sometimes from the on-site gardens—and will change with the seasons. You can even book yourself for one of their guided tastings or wine & food experiences—the sweeping lake views will be the icing on the cake of your visit.
On the opposite side of Okanagan Lake, you'll find CedarCreek Estate Winery, where you can discover Chef Neil Taylor’s locally-inspired creations at Home Block Restaurant. The winery offers a few experiences to savour both food and wine, including a two-course wine-paired lunch, three-course wine-paired dinner, or the five-course Library Experience Menu. Each dish is expertly prepared to showcase the wine and the finest ingredients sourced as close to the kitchen as possible.
For a fantastic waterfront dining experience, a visit to Lakeside Dining at Eldorado Resort is a must (request patio seating, if possible, for the best views and closest access to the water). The restaurant has an extensive wine list featuring over 150 labels. There are several exclusive dining experiences at the resort, including tastings in The Whisky Room, heritage high tea, and the ever-popular Sunday brunch.
Want some help guiding your Kelowna food and wine experiences? Book a tour with Okanagan Foodie Tours or A Taste of Kelowna Food Tours, or browse the Food & Drink section of the #exploreKelowna blog for more ideas and recommendations from locals.
Destress and Find Your Centre
The Spa at The Cove Lakeside Resort. Photo Credit: Shawn Talbot Photography
Conferences spark ideas, conversations, and momentum. But after full days of sessions and networking, a little breathing room goes a long way. Adding paid time off before or after your event gives you the space to decompress, reset, and experience Kelowna at your own pace.
At the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna's largest waterfront resort, you'll find Damara Day Spa. Bask in the tranquillity as you treat yourself to one of their massage services, body treatments, or spa packages. If you're travelling with the family, the little ones can even get in on the relaxation as Damara's kids' spa services cater to children aged 4 to 10.
Not far from downtown, you'll find a thermal wellness destination, Cleopatra's Rituals Thermal Spa and Steam, home to a dry-snow spa experience designed for thermal contrast and sensory renewal. Blending ancient traditions with modern techniques, the spa also offers signature services including vino therapy, Hammam foam baths, scalp treatments, and more.
Venture to West Kelowna for a visit to the Spa at The Cove, an official Aveda spa. The almost 5-hour Cove Destressor will surely melt away your worries as you enjoy a hydrotreatment, massage, pedicure, manicure, and facial. There is also the Gentlemen's Retreat, which includes a massage, facial, pedicure, and manicure in the 3.5-hour time slot.
Other wellness spots to add to your plans include Beyond Wrapture Day Spa, The Recovery Spa, Float Space, and Room + Pillar Salt Cave & Wellness Spa.
Make Time for Outdoor Experiences
Spring mountain biking at Knox Mountain Park, amongst the Arrowleaf Balsamroot.
Kelowna’s wide-open spaces, fresh air, and year-round outdoor playground will provide you with numerous opportunities to find your centre and relax, no matter what time of year you visit.
The trails and lakeside pathways provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities, allowing you to stretch your legs and clear your head before or after a business event. Explore the waterfront boardwalk, Okanagan Rail Trail, or Myra Canyon Trestles for easygoing hiking and biking options that accommodate every pace and ability.
For two wheels, you can rent everything from cruiser bikes to powerful e-bikes from a variety of experienced local providers. Those seeking adaptive equipment will want to connect with Kelowna Bike Rentals. On foot, the vast network of hiking trails weaves through forests, ambles along the lakeshore, and ends on hillside lookouts, perfect for a post-event reset and a deep breath of fresh Okanagan air.
Learn more about Kelowna's four-season outdoor playground and find the outdoor activity that best suits your interests.
Incorporating these Kelowna experiences and others will leave you feeling relaxed and ready for whatever is next, whether it's the start of your event or the trip home. If your event brings you to Kelowna in the late spring, summer, or early fall, we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as activities, experiences, and dining reservations can book up quickly during peak season.
