Winter calls for slowing down and spending quality time together, and Kelowna offers a romantic way to escape the everyday. Here are a handful of ideas for what to do and where to go when you’re planning your perfect couple's getaway in Kelowna.

Why Winter is a Romantic Time to Visit Kelowna

Winter is a romantic time to visit Kelowna because it's when the city is most laid back. With fewer crowds at Kelowna’s must-visit spots, you can linger longer and experience Kelowna like locals. 

And linger you will, because the natural beauty of winter in Kelowna will make you want to slow down and take a deep breath of crisp-but-not-cold air. The landscape features snow-dusted vineyards and orchards, glassy lake water, and snow-capped mountains in the background. Calming, indeed.

Speaking of fresh air, some couples bond best on the mountain. In Kelowna, ski days at Big White or SilverStar can easily be paired with evenings spent exploring the city, all without overextending your plans.

Whatever you’re hoping to get out of a winter getaway with your partner, Kelowna offers places to stay and experiences that leave room for it.

Cozy Places to Stay For Couples

If you’re looking to keep plans flexible and enjoy a mix of scenery, food, and relaxed exploring, staying in or around downtown might be right for you. Set on Okanagan Lake, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort and The Royal Kelowna are more upscale. Near the water is Hotel Zed, which is much more playful if that’s more your speed, or the Prestige Beach House, offering relaxed lakeside accommodations just steps from the boardwalk, beaches, and downtown dining.

Hotel Eldorado Resort offers a lakeside setting outside the downtown core. With a Sip and Savour guest reception on Fridays and an afternoon tea service on Saturdays (this must be reserved in advance), these touches add to a weekend getaway.

If you want your winter escape to feel more private and tucked away, A Vista Villa Couples Retreat is designed for adults seeking connection and comfort with an outdoor hot tub, honeymoon suite, and sweeping valley views.

The right place to stay can make a couple's trip feel personal, and Kelowna has many accommodations to match your vibe. From romantic lakeside resorts and boutique hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, and every kind of vacation rental to choose from.

Romantic Winter Activities and Experiences

Winter activities abound in Kelowna, inviting you to get outside without overcomplicating the plan. Set right on the lake, Stuart Park is a favourite for casual ice skating. Or there’s snowshoeing through Myra Canyon, which offers wide-open views and peaceful trestle-filled trails. While you can’t rent snowshoes at the trailhead, you can get them from Play It Again Sports. 

To venture into the forest, head to Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club or Telemark Nordic Club. They both offer well-maintained trail options for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

If staying indoors sounds more appealing, Kelowna offers plenty of shared experiences. You can take a hands-on cooking class at Lakehouse Kitchens, spend an afternoon painting pottery at Work of Art Pottery Studio, book a private introduction to pottery lesson at Clayline Pottery, or keep things lighthearted with bowling at BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery, Okanagan Bowling Club, or McCurdy Bowling Centre.

And after a day well spent, it only makes sense to close it out with a memorable meal.

Wine, Dining and Aprés-Style Moments

^{Dome Dining at Frind Estate Winery. Photo: Ken Hagen}

Winter wine touring is a natural fit for couples visiting during the quieter months. Many wineries remain open for tastings, offering a more intimate experience and extra time to connect with the people pouring your glass. For more specific recommendations, read our guide to winter wine touring. 

If you’d rather not worry about driving, guided wine and craft beverage tours are also available through companies like Teehouse Wine Tours, A Grape Experience Wine Tours, and Carefree Wine Tours, making it easy to enjoy the experience together without either of you needing to be the designated driver.

And when it comes to dining, Kelowna’s restaurant scene offers plenty of options. Modern spots like Basil & Mint and Wilding bring a contemporary feel, while spots like Derrick’s Steakhouse and Waterfront Wines lean more classic and comforting.

OAK + CRU Social Kitchen and Wine Bar and Frind Estate Winery have managed to capture the aprés-style with their outdoor dome dining. If you prefer an indoor aprés vibe, check out our list of fireside restaurants.

After a night (or nights!) of indulgence, Kelowna has many ways to come back to calm and restore balance during the day.

Relaxation and Wellness Experiences

Even a single wellness experience can shift the tone of a trip. If you prefer it to be just you and your partner, many treatments or experiences can be booked privately, like Löyly Floating Sauna, a Nordic-inspired sauna experience on the lake. There’s also a 50-minute private hot-and-cold experience at Bioshack, which is a nice little recharge during the winter months. 

At Room + Pillar Spa, couples can book side-by-side massages or spend time in the salt cave. Cleopatra's Rituals offers a more immersive option, pairing expansive spa facilities with luxurious rituals like indulgent baths, scalp therapy, Ghassoul experiences, and more. Damara Day Spa offers a full-service spa menu featuring massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more, including relaxing couples massages.

These are just a few examples, but Kelowna has many more wellness experiences to soothe the mind and settle the body.

How to Plan a Romantic Winter Getaway in Kelowna

Here are some tips to help you plan your romantic winter getaway:

• Check for seasonal offers and packages before you book.

• Winter rates tend to be lower, but if you’re looking for an even better deal consider a long weekend or midweek stay.

• Make your trip relaxing by building each day around one anchor experience.

• Since some businesses adjust their hours seasonally, it's best to check the hours in advance on the company’s website.

• Since you’re visiting during ski season, it’s a great opportunity to pair a few days in the city with some time at a ski resort.

Start Planning Your Romantic Winter Getaway in Kelowna

There are plenty of cozy, relaxing and fun shared experiences to be had in January and February that will leave you and your partner feeling truly refreshed and more connected.

Explore accommodations and experiences on our website, and use the itinerary builder tool to start planning your romantic winter escape.