Fall has arrived in Kelowna, and for many, it's the perfect time to visit. Fewer people and a slower pace mean you can get more time and more space to experience each stop. And with acres upon acres of vineyards, orchards, and larch forests, for a few weeks a year, the valley turns into a festival of colours.

There are many different types of accommodations you can choose from and you’ll find tons of bed & breakfasts peppered throughout the Kelowna area. These provide exceptional and exclusive service and it can be really great having a host that can serve as a guide, offering recommendations and suggestions on what to do or places to visit.

There is also a large selection of hotels and motels, and many of them offer weekly rates or special deals for stays of over four or five nights—check out this list of extended stay packages.

As you’re planning your trip, and while you're exploring Kelowna, be sure to keep health and safety top of mind (we've put together some helpful tips). 

Day 1: Welcome to Kelowna Wine Country

^{Photo by: Wines of British Columbia}

There is no time like the present to begin your introduction to the Kelowna wine scene and with over 30 wineries open during the fall and winter months, you have plenty to choose from. There are several specific trails in the Kelowna area, each one is slightly different in what they offer but they are all equally amazing.

The Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna has the largest collection with 14 wineries that range from grand architectural marvels like Mission Hill Family Estate to small quaint tasting rooms like Kalala Organic Winery.

Kelowna’s Southeast Bench is known for its rolling hills, bucolic fields, and winding country roads. Most of the family-owned tasting rooms have a rural, cool, and funky farm feel to them such as The Vibrant Vine that offers 3D glasses to view their labels.

The Lakeshore Wine Route winds along the shores of Okanagan Lake and offers breathtaking views. This is home to some of the valley’s oldest vines and most established vineyards, but it’s got its fair share of quirkiness, too, which includes a maze made from vines at Sperling Vineyards and a fully functioning pyramid at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. 

Located just north of Kelowna, Lake Country is a quaint rural town that lives up to its name. Three stunning lakes, Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka, are nestled amongst rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards, which almost guarantee a stunning view from wherever you stop, giving the name to the area's wine trail, The Scenic Sip.

The best way to explore and enjoy any of these wine trails is to book a Guided Wine Tour. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery, learn about the area, and not have to worry about booking reservations or driving to each location. There are many different types of wine tours from half days to full days, small group shuttles to private drivers, so you'll be sure to find an option that fits the needs of you and your family. 

Day 2: Fall Brews

Crisp fall or cosy winter days are perfect to get out and explore some of the areas best craft beers. With 15 different breweries in the city, Kelowna has become well known for the quality and diversity of its craft brews. Beer lovers will find producers who pour precisely hopped IPA’s and experiment with flavours and ingredients that come from Kelowna’s own backyard.

If you're exploring the indoor activities at McCurdy Corner, visiting someone at UBCO or enjoying the growing Landmark District head over to the nearby breweries, Kelowna Brewing Company, Freddy’s Brewpub, or Copper Brewing for a cold one when you're done. 

Later in the day head towards downtown then make your way down to the North End breweries. This area is turning into a proper Brewer’s Row, and currently has five options all within two blocks including Kettle River Brewing, Vice & Virtue Brewing,  Rustic Reel, Jackknife, and Red Bird.  Just down the road, you'll also find BNA, complete with bocce and bowling, and Kelowna Beer Institute, the original craft brewery in town. 

Day 3: Take a Hike and Stay Downtown

Time to get the heart pumping and the camera out (or the phone) and explore some of the hiking trails that make up this four-season outdoor playground. A great popular option is Knox Mountain – centrally located just on the edge of downtown Kelowna, it offers several trails so you can customize your hike. From the parking lot you can hike up to the Lower Crown Lookout (mid-point), and from here you can either continue uphill towards Upper Apex Lookout for some stunning panoramic views of the city or take Paul’s Tomb Trail a more mellow stroll that offers amazing views of the lake (and has very little incline). For more hiking options view the full list of hiking trail options in the area.

After your hike, stay in the downtown area and grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants in and around Bernard Ave (The Bohemian Café, Krafty Kitchen, or Antico Pizza are excellent options). Downtown you can stroll the 2km boardwalk that leads from City Park, all the way to the Rotary Marsh Bird Sanctuary, try and spot the Osprey, turtles, and maybe even deer. With cool little boutiques and stores, this area is great for shopping, coffee breaks, and overall people watching.

Day 4: Trestle Bridges and Indoor Fun

^{Photo by: Destination BC and Kari Medig}

One of the most spectacular places to visit in Kelowna is Myra Canyon Trestles along the Kettle Valley Railway. Originally built between 1912 – 1914, this 12 km section that runs through Myra Canyon includes 18 restored trestle bridges and two tunnels. It’s a breathtaking area to explore, and with it being relatively flat, it's a nice easy hike or bike. Bike rentals are only available until early October, so make sure you bring your own if you would like to bike the trestles. Once the snow has fallen, it also makes for a great snowshoe adventure.

After several days of exploring Kelowna’s outdoor playground – it’s time to take the fun inside, and you’ll find many options to keep you entertained. You can learn how to throw axes at Axe Monkey's, discover the world of simulators and enjoy a huge selection of adventures at Simplex Sportszone, or get some energy out of the kids at Eneryplex which has activities for all different age groups. You can check each businesses website for their Covid-19 updates and measures.

Day 5: Vernon & Oyama

^{Photo by: Davison Orchard}

For your fifth day in Kelowna, you might want to venture out a little bit and discover some of the surrounding areas. You can head to Vernon, about 50 km north of the city, the drive itself is so beautiful it makes the trip worth it. You can start your visit at Davison Orchards and pick up fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, feed the animals, or tour the pumpkin patch. Right next door you’ll find Planet Bee, a great stop to learn all about how beehives work and where you can not only buy some great honey products, but you can also partake in some mead tasting. While in Vernon, you can also stop by the Okanagan Science Centre and enjoy their hands-on exhibits and activities and see the only fixed roof planetarium in the BC Interior!

On your way back from Vernon consider stopping in Oyama, a beautiful area of Lake Country that connects two lakes. If you happen to have bikes with you, you can get on the Okanagan Rail Trail and ride along Kalamalka Lake. If you’re ready for a bite to eat, check out the local favourite Pane Vino for great farm to table pizzas and a great ambience!

Day 6: Understand the Roots of Kelowna

^{Photo by: Sncewips Heritage Museum}

On your last full day, head towards the Cultural District in downtown Kelowna. This 6-block area features a great selection of galleries that showcase local, national, and international artists, museums that range from heritage to military to art, performance art theatres, as well as some great coffee shops and dining options to round out your day. 

If you want to delve into the history and understand the origins of this area, must-stops are the Okanagan Heritage Museum, where you can discover the “natural and human history of Kelowna” and learn about the syilx/Okanagan People and their close connection to the land, as well as the Sncewips Heritage Museum (located on Westbank First Nation lands), who are dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and showcasing art and artefact collections of the natural history of the syilx/Okanagan People.  

Day 7: Support Local

As you are getting ready to leave and head back home, make sure you make a quick stop at the Kelowna Visitor Centre to support local by picking up some souvenirs or gifts to take with you. You’ll not only find Love for Kelowna and Kelowna Vibes apparel but also many locally-made products and art. And, you can always pick up a few brochures, talk to our friendly team, and start planning your next trip to Kelowna! 

View our Packages and Promotions page to make the most out of your stay, and remember to explore safely while visiting Kelowna.