Kelowna Adventure Guide: Top Things to Do & Must-Try Activities

If Kelowna Wasn’t on Your Radar — It Should Be

Winter in Kelowna is peaceful, and that’s exactly how I like it. It’s the perfect season for adventure — from light-jacket hikes to fat biking with friends or easy strolls along the scenic boardwalk. This trip reminded me that winter doesn’t need to mean hibernation; it can mean discovery.

When I landed in Kelowna, BC, the view took my breath away. Mountains, lakes and sunsets that look hand-painted — the kind of scenes that keep photographers outside long after sunset.

Read more, if you only have one day in beautiful Kelowna!

Hotel Eldorado: A Winter Retreat on the Water

My stay at Hotel Eldorado was pure calm. Each morning, I woke to snow-tipped peaks and boats resting quietly along the pier — a scene that felt like a postcard brought to life.

This elegant hotel has it all:

• A long boardwalk perfect for morning strolls or golden-hour photos.
• A restaurant and spa for relaxation after a day outdoors.
• An indoor heated pool for winter and a lakeside patio for summer.
• And, of course, the famous Sunday brunch — avocado toast, eggs Benedict, granola and local coffee, all overlooking Okanagan Lake.

Read more stories from across Canada and explore how other provinces tell their own stories.

Hiking Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Start your morning with a hike through Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park. The trails lead to panoramic views of the city and Okanagan Lake, and on clear days, you can see the valley stretch for miles.

Adventurers will love Crags, a popular local climbing spot, while photographers can capture deer and birdlife against fresh snow. The main hike takes about 45 minutes — a perfect mix of challenge and reward.

Mission Hill Winery: A Must for Wine Lovers

No trip to Kelowna is complete without a visit to Mission Hill Winery. The architecture alone is worth the visit, with grand arches, stone courtyards, and those breathtaking valley views.
Tours start at under $40, and the open gift shop offers a wide range of items, from signature wines to artisanal glassware.

Even without a tasting, strolling the vineyard grounds and spotting deer among the vines makes this a peaceful stop between adventures.

Exploring Okanagan Lake Boardwalk

Kelowna’s Okanagan Lake boardwalk runs about two kilometres and is both dog-friendly and incredibly scenic. It links marinas, beaches and cafés, offering easy access to the Kelowna Visitor Centre, where local experts help plan experiences from hikes to tastings.

This walk is where you’ll really feel Kelowna’s rhythm — calm, creative and always a little sun-kissed.

Grizzli Winery: Cozy Evenings & Ice Wine Tastings

Grizzli Winery, just minutes from downtown, specializes in Canada’s signature ice wine — a must-try for any wine enthusiast. The winery often hosts markets featuring local artisans, with fireplaces glowing and live music echoing through the halls.

It’s a perfect afternoon stop: sip wine, explore the grounds and photograph the sunset over the vineyards.

Kelowna’s Culinary Scene

Kelowna’s culinary landscape thrives on creativity, local ingredients and community pride — and few places capture that better than Kekuli Café.

Among the standout experiences of this trip, Kekuli Café holds a special place. It’s a thriving Indigenous-owned business with four locations across British Columbia, including one in Kelowna. Their signature bannock donut is legendary — warm, lightly sweet and best paired with a cup of hot chocolate or freshly roasted coffee. Every visit feels like coming home, with an atmosphere that blends culture, comfort and a true sense of belonging.

The name Kekuli has deep meaning. Founder Sharon Bond discovered it during her research — the word translates to “house” or “home” and refers to the traditional underground dwellings of the Thompson (Nlaka’pamux) people, built centuries ago. Inspired by this heritage, she opened the café to celebrate Indigenous cuisine and hospitality, turning every plate into a story of history, pride and connection.

“Don’t panic — we have bannock.”
— Kekuli Café motto

Highlights included:

• Craft 42 Roaster: expertly brewed coffee and pastries.
• Kelchilango: authentic Mexican flavours with heart.
• Kekuli Café: Indigenous-owned and home to the famous bannock donut — a taste of history and community in every bite.
• Oak + Cru: an unforgettable evening in a dome — a four-course dinner under the stars beside the Delta Grand Hotel.

Each stop offered more than food; it offered a story, a flavour and a reminder that Kelowna’s creativity runs deeper than its lakes.

Indulge in Unique Dining at Oak + Cru’s Evening in a Dome

For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, Oak + Cru at the Delta Grand Hotel offers an evening in a dome — a cozy, glass-enclosed dinner overlooking Okanagan Lake.

The four-course menu, priced under $100, exceeded expectations. Every plate was crafted with care, paired with cocktails that matched the mood perfectly. The service? Effortless. The atmosphere? Pure magic.

End the night by roasting s’mores by the firepit, taking in the crisp air and lake views — a fitting finish to an unforgettable Kelowna evening.

Morning at Knox Mountain

For panoramic city and lake views, Knox Mountain is unbeatable. A moderate climb leads to lookouts with full 360° scenery — the kind of place that reminds you why you pack a tripod.
The trail is dog-friendly and, in true Kelowna fashion, full of friendly hikers. One group even had a cat on a leash — proof that everyone’s welcome here.

Why I Love Kelowna

Kelowna feels balanced — sophisticated yet down-to-earth, adventurous yet peaceful. It’s where lakes meet vineyards, where the sunsets make you pause and where locals are proud to share what they’ve built. Every visit reminds me that this city doesn’t need noise to stand out — it just shines quietly.

Frequently asked questions about fall in Kelowna

About the Author

Written and photographed by Roland Bast, professional travel photographer and TMAC member. Roland captures Canada’s beauty through authentic storytelling and photography that connects travellers with the spirit of place.

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