Kelowna for Students & Families | Study, Explore & Visit

Kelowna isn’t just a place to study, it’s a city where lakeside beauty, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant cultural scene create the perfect balance of work and play. Whether you're a student at Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan, or one of the area's other post-secondary schools, Kelowna offers endless ways to explore and connect. If you're a family member visiting your student, you'll love it, too!

For Students: Live, Study, and Explore

Life as a student in Kelowna is about more than classes and exams. Between study sessions, you can step outside to experience a city surrounded by lakes, vineyards, and mountain trails. Lazy afternoons at the beach, scenic bike rides along the lake, and lively nights in the downtown core make it easy to balance academics with fun. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or a welcoming community, Kelowna has something for your student lifestyle.

Outdoor Adventures: Balance campus life with outdoor fun. Hike Knox Mountain for panoramic views, cycle along the Okanagan Rail Trail, or relax on the sand at Kelowna City Park. In winter, ski at Big White Ski Resort, or enjoy lakeside skating at Stuart Park.
Food & Nightlife: Refuel at cozy cafés and local restaurants, or gather with friends at Kelowna’s breweries and cideries. For a fun night out, check our Weekly Happy Hours & Events Calendar to find trivia nights, live music, and local specials.
Arts & Culture: Explore galleries and studios, discover live music downtown, and immerse yourself in seasonal festivals.

Active & Outdoors

Restaurants

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Happy Hours, Specials & Weekly Events

Arts & Entertainment

For Visiting Family: Make the Most of Your Trip

Family visits to Kelowna are the perfect excuse to explore the Okanagan together. Whether you’re cheering on your student at graduation, spending a weekend catching up, or exploring the city for the first time, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, local culture, and warm hospitality.

Stay in Comfort: Choose from hotels and resorts, charming bed & breakfasts, or spacious vacation rentals close to campus.
Family-Friendly Fun: Spend an afternoon exploring the waterfront, enjoy playtime at one of our many attractions, or take a scenic drive to nearby wineries for stunning patio views and tastings.
Plan Your Evenings: Check the Events Calendar for live music, shows, and festivals that the whole family can enjoy.

Photo series in partnership with Okanagan Rail Trail

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(1) Bike from UBCO to Downtown Kelowna on the Okanagan Rail Trail, (2) Downtown Kelowna Waterfront Promenade

Insider Tips for Students and Families

Get Around Easily: Utilize bike lanes, scenic walking paths, and public transit to explore the city without a car.
Seasonal Highlights: From summer lake activities to winter skiing and autumn harvest celebrations, Kelowna offers four-season fun.
Stay Connected: Follow Tourism Kelowna on Social Media for real-time updates on events, activities, and things to do.

Kelowna is the perfect place for students to thrive and for families to experience the Okanagan’s beauty while visiting. Between outdoor adventures, cultural activities, and welcoming local experiences, your time here will always be memorable. Start planning with our full list of experiences.