As an outdoorsy destination with hiking trails, dog-friendly beaches, lake activities, and many pet-friendly hotels and patios, Kelowna gives you every reason to plan a petcation, or bring your pet along with you on vacation.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Kelowna with a pet, along with some tips to help with planning your trip.

Note: The information in this article is related to non-service animals. 

What to Know Before You Book

^{Photo: One Peak Creative}

If you are new to travelling with a pet, or haven’t stayed in a hotel with a pet before, here are some things to look into before booking your Kelowna pet-friendly hotel room.

• ​Most pet-friendly accommodations charge additional fees for pets, so be sure to factor this into your travel budget when comparing accommodation options. Depending on the property, they may charge nightly fees, flat per-stay fees, and/or refundable cleaning deposits.
• Weight limits, the number of pets allowed, and the type of pets allowed can vary significantly between properties. Always double-check the hotel’s policy before booking, and call if you’re not sure (especially if you’re booking somewhere non-refundable).
• Pet-friendly rooms are often limited, so book early and be sure to indicate that you’ll be bringing a pet when making your reservation.
• Do not plan to leave your pet or pets unattended in your room. There are some rare exceptions, but almost all pet-friendly hotels do not allow pets to be left unattended, especially not if housekeeping will be stopping by.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Kelowna

The first order of business in planning your pet-perfect getaway is finding a pet or dog-friendly place to stay in Kelowna. We’ve grouped our recommendations by neighbourhood to help you choose the area that best fits your travel style.

Kelowna’s Airport District is a practical base if you’re arriving by air or planning to explore the Okanagan by car. Pet-friendly hotel options include Hampton Inn & Suites, which offers a pet-friendly airport shuttle, and Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, where dogs are welcomed with treats at check-in and have access to a grassy relief area and pet-friendly patio. Ellison Dog Park is only minutes from both hotels.

For a more residential, check out hotel options in the Glenmore & Dilworth area. Best Western Plus Hotel & Suites is a good option for travellers with either dogs or cats, and Fairfield by Marriott Kelowna also welcomes pets. North Glenmore Dog Park is not far by car, providing a large fenced area for your pet to burn off some steam. 

Then there’s Landmark District, which is our walkable business hub and home of the outdoor Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market that runs from spring to fall. Hotel options near this area include Coast Capri Hotel, which picks a "Pet of the Day” to put on its wall, and Hyatt Place Kelowna. Close by is Enterprise Dog Park, an off-leash area that overlooks a wetland pond.

In Downtown Kelowna, you and your pet will be close to Okanagan Lake, and the area’s walkability means you’ll be able to spend less time driving and more time exploring together. Pet-friendly options near the newly built City Park Dog Run include:

• The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort 
• Prestige Beach House
• Hotel Zed Kelowna
• Royal Anne Hotel

South of downtown, Pandosy Village offers easy lakefront access and a great selection of restaurants, cafés, and shops. Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort is one of the only hotels that allows you to leave your dog unattended for up to two hours. And about five minutes away by car, there’s a designated off-leash area at Mission Recreation Park.

If you're basing yourself across the bridge in West Kelowna, you'll find a couple of solid pet-friendly options as well. TownePlace Suites by Marriott West Kelowna welcomes pets. For something more resort-style, The Cove Lakeside Resort sits right on Okanagan Lake and offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Dogs are welcomed with a special amenity at check-in, and the resort's lakeside trails, beach, and grounds make it easy to keep your pet active between adventures.

Hotels aren't the only pet-friendly accommodation option in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. If you're planning an extended stay or travelling with a group, consider one of these pet-friendly vacation rental options:

• The Shore
• Acker Vacation Home Rentals
• Manteo at Eldorado Resort

Pet-friendly Things To Do in Kelowna

Once you've settled into your accommodation, it's time to start exploring. Here are a few pet-friendly activities to add to your Kelowna itinerary.

Pet-Friendly Hiking Trails

Knox Mountain Park, one of the city's most popular hiking destinations. Let your dog burn off some energy at Knox Mountain Dog Park before exploring the park's network of trails. During the warmer months, nearby Poplar Point Beach, just north of Sutherland Bay Park, has a designated off-leash swimming area and can be a great place to watch the sunset.

Over the bridge in West Kelowna, Kalamoir Regional Park offers a mix of forested and lakeside trails to explore with your pet. If you're visiting in the summer, the park's two designated dog beaches make it easy to cool off before or after your hike.

Explore more hikes in Kelowna, or, if your ideal day with your dog involves more swimming than hiking, head to one of Kelowna's dog-friendly beaches.

Dog Beaches

Cedar Creek Park is Kelowna’s largest dog beach, and it's worth the drive to Mission. Pack a picnic so you can take advantage of the lakeside picnic tables and nearby off-leash field with spectacular mountain views. Downtown, dogs can cool off at the Lake Avenue off-leash beach near the William R. Bennett Bridge, or enjoy a quick swim at the small beach near the iconic Spirit of Sail statue at the foot of Bernard Avenue. If you're exploring neighbouring West Kelowna, Gellatly Dog Beach is another great option, offering a place for dogs to splash around near the historic Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park.

Outside of taking your pooch swimming at a dog-friendly beach in Kelowna can also take your dog out on the water with you (provided they are wearing a pet life jacket!).
 

After a swim, many of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley's wineries and breweries welcome dogs on their patios too, so you can wind down with a glass of something local while your pup rests at your feet. Check out our guide to dog-friendly patios for spots across the Okanagan, or browse wineries that pair pet-friendly seating with a glass of Okanagan wine.

Tips for Travelling with Your Dog in Kelowna

^{Downtown Kelowna Waterfront Boardwalk. Photo: Destination Canada & Brandon Dodds}

• Temperatures regularly reach 25–30°C (77–86°F), and sometimes higher, in the summer. Carry water and avoid strenuous hikes during the hottest part of the day.
• Most parks and beaches in Kelowna require dogs to be leashed to help protect wildlife and sensitive natural areas. Keep your dog on leash except in designated off-leash areas.
• The Okanagan is home to coyotes, bears, cougars, birds of prey, and raccoons. Wildlife encounters are uncommon, but keeping your pet close by can help reduce the risk of conflicts.

Take care of yourself and your pet by learning about outdoor safety in Kelowna before you embark on any adventures.

Explore Kelowna With Your Pet

Why leave your dog or cat behind when they can experience Kelowna alongside you? Rather than wondering about your pet the whole time you’re on vacation, bring them to Kelowna for an adventure you’ll both love. 

Start planning your petcation in Kelowna and explore dog-friendly hotels in Kelowna that welcome both you and your pet.