Winter Fun in Kelowna, BC: Outdoor Play and Indoor Delightsn Valley

There’s something magical about Kelowna in the winter. The air is crisp and pure, and on a clear day, you can see the surrounding snow-dusted mountains reflected on Okanagan Lake’s glassy surface. The city has a reputation as a summer destination, but locals know that Kelowna's mild enjoyable winter climate shines, too.

Spend Time Outdoors

When the snow flies, mild valley temperatures beckon families downtown to ice skate by the lake at Stuart Park, a free outdoor rink with a fire pit for warming up. Or, couples head to Knox Mountain Park, just north of downtown, for a winter hike with rewarding views.

Ski Down Snowy Mountains

At higher elevations, the light Okanagan powder really accumulates at nearby Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort, less than an hour’s drive from town. Besides the main attraction of downhill skiing and snowboarding, these winter playgrounds offer every snowy pursuit you can imagine, from fat biking to snowmobiling.

Cozy Up Indoors

There’s plenty to do indoors in Kelowna, too. In the downtown Cultural District, you can visit a museum, browse boutiques, grab a seasonal beer at a craft brewery, warm up with a latte at a cozy café, or relax over a farm-to-table meal. Delicious tasting tours run year-round and are a great way to spend a winter afternoon, explore the wineries by community and create your perfect route, or book a guided wine tour and sit back and enjoy the experience.