When the highlands above the city turn yellow in mid-October, head up to Myra Canyon to hike or cycle a scenic portion of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The needles of larch trees turn a glorious gold and make a picturesque backdrop on the 12-km (one-way) path that crosses 18 trestles and passes through two tunnels. Closer to town, walk or cycle along the Mission Creek Greenway and look for orange Kokanee salmon laying their eggs in the shallow spawning channel at Mission Creek Park. Trail ride in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park to enjoy the leaf colours and lake views from the back of a horse.

Fall is harvest season in the valley and agri-tourism is a growing trend. Visit a fruit stand or farmers market to load up on fresh produce, or go right to the source at McMillan Farm for apples, pumpkins and family fun in the corn maze and petting zoo. Also in southeast Kelowna, Arlo’s Honey Farm and Forbidden Spirits educate visitors about the delicious products produced on site.

There’s a buzz in the air at Kelowna’s more than 40 wineries, too. Wine grape harvest coincides with the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Join a guided tour along one of five regional wine trails, pair local, seasonal food with valley wine at a winery restaurant, or participate in a festival event such as wine tasting and stargazing.