Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Kelowna is alive year-round. Spring awakens with blossoms and fresh patios. Summer turns up the heat on lakes and beaches. Fall dazzles with vineyard colours and harvest festivals. Winter cozies up with snow-capped views and après-ski charm.

Fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW), or drive in along the scenic Highway 97. The views start before you even arrive.

Canadian travellers don’t need one. International visitors will need valid documents to enter Canada.

Three to five days gives you a balanced mix of lake time, food and wine, and nature. A full week lets you fully unwind, sip slowly, explore deeply, and truly live the rhythm of the valley.

Public transit, car rentals, and bike shares make getting around a breeze. Rent an e-bike or scooter for a fun, breezy way to explore downtown and lakeside trails.

Yes! Book a guided wine tour, hop on a shuttle, or use a local ride service. Many tours pick up right from your hotel.

Yes, downtown Kelowna has on-street parking, lots, and parkades. Use posted signs or apps like PayByPhone to manage your time.

Downtown Kelowna is made for walking, patios, shops, galleries, and the waterfront are all steps apart. For wineries, trailheads, and lake adventures, local tour companies or rentals are your best bet.

Whether you want lakefront luxury, a family-friendly hotel, a quiet cabin, or a vineyard-view vacation rental—there’s something just your speed.

Absolutely. Many hotels and rentals welcome pets with open paws. Always check ahead for specific policies.

Kelowna’s outdoors are alive year-round. In spring, hike through wildflower-lined trails at Knox Mountain Park or cycle the historic Myra Canyon Trestles as the valley wakes up. Come summer, paddle Okanagan Lake, hit the beach, or tee off at sunrise. As fall rolls in, harvest hikes and vineyard strolls show off the changing colours and cooler air. In winter, trade sneakers for snowshoes or head 45 minutes up to Big White for a day of skiing and snowy play.

There are plenty of spots to get paddling. Kelowna Downtown Marina offers stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks with easy lake access. Kelowna Paddle Centre on Abbott Street is a local favourite for SUP and kayak rentals, plus optional intro lessons. For beachside convenience, Okanagan Beach Rentals at Rotary Beach and Tugboat Bay has a wide selection of paddleboards and kayaks. You can also explore at your own pace with rentals from the Kelowna Yacht Club. Whether you're chasing calm morning glides or sunset paddles, the lake’s always ready.

Kelowna is built for curious kids and playful grown-ups. In the warmer months, visit Kangaroo Creek Farm to meet kangaroos, wallabies, and more up-close—no passport needed. Splash through the lake at Gyro Beach, build castles in the sand, or rent pedal boats for a little family float. Indoors, Energyplex offers climbing walls, trampolines, and arcade games for all-day fun. As fall sets in, little ones love pumpkin patches and hayrides at nearby farms. Come winter, bundle up for Winter Street Market & Light Up, lace up at the Stuart Park skating rink, or head to Big White Ski Resort for tubing, snowshoeing, and marshmallow-toasting magic. Every season has a reason to play.

Top picks: Knox Mountain Park, Boyce-Gyro Beach, or any west-facing shores of Okanagan Lake. Bring snacks. Stay a while.

Catch panoramic views from Knox Mountain, Dilworth Mountain, or Mount Boucherie. For golden hour magic, grab a glass and watch the sun dip behind the hills at Quails’ Gate Winery or stroll the Downtown Boardwalk at twilight.

Browse downtown galleries and museums, catch Parks Alive! concerts in the summer, or visit Sncəwips Heritage Museum to explore local Indigenous culture.

Yes. Join cultural tours, shop local artisan goods, or attend events like the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in June.

Every bite and pour in Kelowna is a taste of place. With over 40 wineries, dozens of craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants tucked between orchards, lakeshores, and vineyards, Kelowna is a food lover’s playground. Explore wineries through Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country, where tasting rooms range from boutique hilltop estates to sleek modern cellars. Prefer a pint? The North End brew scene buzzes with small-batch stouts, juicy IPAs, and patios perfect for lingering. Farmers’ markets and local shops carry the valley’s best—just-picked berries, handmade cheeses, and preserves that bottle sunshine.

Sip a Pinot Gris, Riesling, or Pinot Noir. Bite into sun-warmed cherries, peaches, or apricots straight from the orchard. Look for dishes infused with lavender, fresh herbs, or local honey, and don’t miss artisan cheeses from regional producers. In cooler months, tuck into hearty dishes featuring root vegetables, paired with bold reds that reflect the season. Every table tells a story shaped by soil, sun, and the hands that tend it.

Absolutely. Kelowna’s culinary scene is known for being fresh, flexible, and inclusive. From plant-based bistros to upscale dining, many kitchens highlight seasonal produce and cater to dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. Servers are happy to guide you to something delicious that works for your needs—just ask.

• Spring: Okanagan Spring Wine Festival, Kelowna Beer Festival
• Summer: Canada Day at the Lake, Rock the Lake, Parks Alive!
• Fall: Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, Apple Marathon
• Winter: Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up, Taste Around

Visit our Events Calendar for up-to-date listings.

At 238 Queensway Avenue, Kelowna. Right on the waterfront. Stop in for local tips, maps, and a warm welcome.

Trip planning, bookings, recommendations, and locally made gifts. Think of us as your Kelowna concierge.

Yes! Most restaurants, cafés, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. You’ll also find public access at the Kelowna Visitor Centre and the Downtown Library.

Nope! English is the primary language. While you might hear some French or Indigenous syilx/Okanagan phrases, the locals are friendly and helpful no matter your language.

Canadian dollars (CAD). Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted, and you’ll find ATMs in most commercial areas.