Exploring Kelowna in March

A visit to Kelowna means making the most of its four distinct seasons, with March signalling the official transition from winter to spring. Read on to find out more about what you can discover and what to expect in Kelowna when visiting at this time of year.

Outdoor Adventure

^{Fat biking at Myra Canyon Trestles}

Adventure abounds throughout the year in Kelowna, but in March, you can really make the most of Kelowna’s outdoor playground. Snow is generally scarce in the city but is still plentiful in the surrounding mountains, allowing visitors and locals alike to enjoy both winter and spring activities.

Head up to Big White Ski Resort to get your fill of Okanagan champagne powder. With added activities like fat biking, skating, tubing, snowmobiling, and more, you’re sure to find something for any outdoor lover (or après-ski opportunities for those who prefer to stay indoors). If you’re a skier comfortable on green and blue runs, take advantage of Big White’s free Snow Host tours. These 90-minute tours, which take place daily at 10:30 a.m., are open to all ages—an experienced local volunteer will show you the ins and outs of the resort, making sure you have fun and make the most of your visit. Discover more about the program and other available activities on Big White’s website.

Feel like skiing and golfing on the same day? In most years, you can do that in March! In 2022, Two Eagles Golf Course in West Kelowna opened on March 11, with other courses starting to follow suit in mid-March. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting started with the sport, you’ll find a Kelowna golf course that matches your skillset.

While rentals for water sports aren’t available yet this early in the year, those with their own equipment and the right gear to stay warm can get out to explore the Kelowna paddle trail on Okanagan Lake—many locals are out on the water year-round! 

Local Events

Here are some of the events you can enjoy in Kelowna this March.

Festivals & Sports

• Slopeside Pride, hosted by Big White Ski Resort in partnership with The Bridge Youth & Family Services, offers two days of inclusive, family-friendly fun supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Kelowna through The Bridge's program, Etcetera. Queerphobia will also host a couple of 19+ events as part of Slopside, which takes place on March 23 and 24, 2024. 
• SilverStar Mountain Resort is once again hosting its SEISMIC Spring Mountain Festival, which kicks off on March 29 and runs through until April 7, 2024. Attendees can enjoy signature sports events, family activities, live music, wine-tasting events, and more!
• Take in some Western Hockey League action at one of the Kelowna Rockets March 2024 home games at Prospera Place in downtown Kelowna.

Food & Drink

• Spend your Friday night indulging in delectable cheese and chocolate at Maestro's Mediterranean Restaurant and Terrace. Bookings for Fondue Fridays, available weekly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., can be made online.
• Brush up your culinary skills with the demonstration or hands-on cooking classes at The Okanagan Table or Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School.

Music, Comedy, & Performing Arts

• Grammy-nominated comedian, television host, best-selling author and advocate, Chelsea Handler, is bringing her Little Big B*tch Tour to Prospera Place on March 9, 2024. 
• Get set for some great shows at the Kelowna Community Theatre, including:
  • Corb Lund's The El Viejo Release Tour, taking place at 8 p.m. on March 6, 2024. Only a handful of single tickets remain!
  • Letterkenny Presents A Night of Stand-Up on March 26, 2024, with comedians Mark Forward, Jeff McEnery, and Allie Pearse.
• Lake Country's Creekside Theatre is also hosting several shows in March 2024, including:
  • JUNO and Canadian Folk Music Award-nominee, The Royal Wood, is performing with special guest, Jeffery Straker, on Saturday, March 16. 
  • Ballet Kelowna will present works from its contemporary ballet repertoire with its program taqəš and Other Works on March 19.  

Heritage, Arts & Culture

• Visit the Kelowna Art Gallery to take in the variety of exhibitions running this spring, including Significant Forms, an installation-based group exhibition showcasing work from regional and national contemporary artists that opens on March 2, 2024. An opening reception for the exhibition will take place the evening before from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day

• Stay tuned to our online calendar of events for more details on St. Patrick's Day 2023 events!

For a complete list of events happening in Kelowna, check out our events calendar.

Transitioning Weather

^{Waterfront Park, downtown Kelowna}

As with any transitional month, fluctuating weather may require you to pack more strategically. Average daytime temperatures can range from -2°C / 28°F to 10°C / 48°F—depending on where you’re visiting from, this may seem balmy or downright chilly, so you’ll want to pack accordingly. March will see a mix of precipitation, with an average of 21 mm (0.8 inches) of rain/snow for the entire month. There isn’t generally a need for tons of rain gear though, as showers tend to be brief and light. If you’re planning on heading up into the mountains, be sure to have appropriate winter gear as there will still be plenty of snow around. View our helpful outdoor safety tips.

Helpful Planning Resources

Plan a purposeful and rewarding trip to Kelowna by using the resources available on our website:

• Use our itinerary builder to keep track of things to do and plan your schedule.
• Learn more about Kelowna’s accommodation options and browse available packages and promotions.
• Find ideas for visiting during spring break.
• Discover more about spring in Kelowna.

Have more questions about your trip to Kelowna? Connect with our team at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.

Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more inspiration and share your adventures using #exploreKelowna.