Kelowna is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods and communities, all of which add something uniquely their own to Kelowna's vibe. This Guide to Mission is part of a series designed to give you an overview of the places you can discover when you #exploreKelowna.

 
Mission

Alongside Okanagan Lake, heading south from Pandosy into the rolling hills at the far end of Kelowna's boundaries, sits Mission, typically referred to by locals as Lower Mission and Upper Mission. Made up of numerous lakeside residential properties on either side of Lakeshore Road, Mission also offers plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy and activities to discover, along with delectable dining options. 

Mission starts at K.L.O Road, extending south to nestle against Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Okanagan Lake runs along the west edge of the neighbourhood, while to the east, Casorso and Stewart Roads mark the border between Mission and Southeast Kelowna.


Accommodations

Couple on Balcony at Hotel Eldorado (1)
Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort. Image by Nic Collar Film

Historic charm and lakeside comfort are the name of the game at Eldorado Resort, which comprises two properties: Hotel Eldorado, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and Manteo. Groups of all sizes will find the perfect fit, thanks to the selection of rooms, suites, and villas available between the properties. On-site services and amenities, which guests of both hotels have access to, include:

Nearby, just beyond the border of Mission in Southeast Kelowna, you'll find Soma Craft Cidery Farm Inn, surrounded by 13 acres of farmland, with easy access to the wineries along the Sip South East Kelowna trail. The contemporary Farm Inn has 10 private boutique suites to choose from, with dog-friendly options so your four-legged friends can come along, too. Be sure to say hello to the friendly alpacas who reside onsite!

If staying in the great outdoors is more up your alley, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park has six marine campgrounds along its undeveloped shoreline, as well as numerous rustic campsites (not vehicle accessible) within its 10,000 acres. 


Activities & Attractions

Michaelbrook Golf Course 4
Michaelbrook Golf Club. Image by Shawn Talbot Photography

One of Kelowna's most affordable courses, Michaelbrook Golf Club, is conveniently located in Lower Mission, about a 5-minute drive from Eldorado Resort. The flat, walkable, mid-length course is perfect for beginners or those seeking a fast pace of play, averaging just over 3 hours for 18 holes. If you've worked up an appetite, dining is available onsite at Brookside Grill, the golf club's fully licensed restaurant. 

Families seeking some indoor fun in Mission can spend the day at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, Canada's largest municipal waterpark. There are numerous amenities for all ages, including a wave pool, lazy river, and splash park, a family hot tub, waterslides, and the always popular FlowRider surf simulator! The pool schedule varies, so be sure to check the H2O website for all the details. 

During the summer, travel to Upper Mission to discover the family-run Twin Oaks Certified Organic Orchard, which has been in operation since 1921 and passed down through generations. Starting in June, you'll find a variety of berries and tree fruits ready for purchase—the farm also offers u-pick if you want to find the perfect pear, peach, or plum yourself!  

If you're ready for a break after all the adventure or simply want to incorporate some pampering into your trip, make your way to Bellevue Day Spa, where you can select from a variety of spa services to relax and feel rejuvenated. 


Food & Drink

Dining on Patio at Summerhill Pyramid Bistro 1
Nature's Table at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Image by Ken Hagen

As Canada's first and only UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Kelowna has no shortage of memorable food and drink experiences, and Mission is no exception. From cafes like Bright Jenny Coffee, serving its locally roasted brews, to restaurants like Basil & Mint, with a menu created with ingredients sourced from across BC, you'll have so many delicious Okanagan eats to savour. 

Both CedarCreek Estate Winery and Summerhill Pyramid Winery have onsite restaurants. At CedarCreek's Home Block Restaurant, Chef Neil Taylor and his team create home-style dishes using ingredients grown in the winery's own gardens and sourced locally wherever possible. At Nature's Table at Summerhill, you can choose from a wide selection of organic plant-based items, with meat dishes available as well. Both restaurants pair their delicious plates with their exceptional, award-winning wines, which are only rivalled by the stunning Okanagan Valley views you can take in while dining on either restaurant's patio. 

Nearby, you can explore other award-winning Okanagan wines at Tantalus Vineyards and at the wineries along the Sip South East Kelowna wine trail, choose from locally brewed beers at Barn Owl Brewing, along with wood-fired sourdough pizza from Mystic Pizza on select days, or discover expertly crafted cider at Soma Craft Cidery. 

In Lower Mission, near Barn Owl Brewing and Bellevue Day Spa, you'll find an array of restaurants and cafes offering a variety of eats. Along with delicious pizzas, tacos, and salads, DunnEnzies Pizza Co.'s Lakeshore location hosts live music and has an amazing outdoor patio, home to a nearly 200-year-old tree that provides much-needed shade on those hot summer days. Other food options in the surrounding Lower Mission plazas include Aomi Sushi Japanese Restaurant, Hector's Casa Cantina, Little Tokyo Ramen, Milk Shed Coffeehouse, The Mission Creamery, Sunshine Market, and Villages Pizza. 


Shopping, Arts & Culture

Father Pandosy Mission
Father Pandosy Mission

Though there are limited arts, culture, and shopping experiences right in Mission, in nearby Pandosy, you can explore the historic Father Pandosy Mission, as well as numerous local art galleries and boutique shops—learn more in the Pandosy Neighbourhood Guide. 

A couple of boutique stores you can explore in Mission include 102 Lake, with a curated selection of apparel, jewellery, and lifestyle goods, and family-owned Unhinged Gift & Lifestyle Boutique, which offers a mix of fashion and unique gifts. 

Want to commemorate your trip to the Okanagan with some body art? There are several highly-rated tattoo studios in the area, including Jays and Arrows, Ember, and Third Son Tattoo.  


Parks & Outdoor Space

Couple Hiking at Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park Aerial 6
Couple hiking at Johns Family Nature Conservancy. Image by  Ken Hagen

Travellers who crave outdoor adventure and want to explore some of the region's wide open spaces will love Mission, with the following parks and green spaces ready to discover: