Fall in love with ‘Lake Country’ – 10 things to do in Kelowna this summer

With so many iconic attractions in Kelowna, if you’re planning a summer trip, you might be wondering, “Where do I start?”

The answer will depend on your travel style and interests, but don’t worry, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, wine connoisseur, art lover or urban explorer, your vacation is sure to be ‘just peachy.’ (Sorry, we had to include at least one fruit joke).

Start with these top 10 Kelowna summer activities, and then see where the city takes you!

1. Stroll the waterfront promenade

Start your day with a walk along the waterfront promenade, offering a glimpse of all the beautiful city has to offer.

The two-kilometre promenade starts in City Park, where you just might catch some live music during Parks Alive!, running throughout July and August.

The path then takes you past Stuart Park and the Delta Grand Resort, before changing to a boardwalk and looping through Waterfront Park. Finish your stroll in the nature trails winding through Rotary Marsh Park.

2. Discover the Uptown Murals

For another fun stroll or bike ride, catch the No. 5, 10 or 11 bus from downtown Kelowna to the Rutland area of Eastern Kelowna, where you can explore the Uptown Mural Project.

The location of each mural has been strategically selected to create a short walking tour within the Rutland Business Improvement Area.

Book a guided walking tour, take a self-guided tour any time you’d like with their Mural Map, or sign up for a free Uptown Rutland Murals Pass for a fun scavenger hunt!

3. Take a breather at a brewery

After all that walking, why not take a break for a craft beer and some delicious food?

Although well known for its wineries, Kelowna also has its fair share of great breweries to try out. Starting at the corner of Clement Avenue and Richter Street you’ll find a cluster of eight different breweries all within a short walk.

Try out the new Sunday brunch menu at Vice & Virtue Brewing Co., or mix your beverage with bowling and arcade games at BNA Brewing Co. BC Ale Trail’s full list of Kelowna and West Kelowna breweries includes enough for five full days of tasting, so remember to pace yourself!

READ MORE: Kelowna Tasting Passport is your ticket to the city’s craft breweries

4. Harvest Okanagan fruit

Kelowna’s climate is perfect for growing fruit, and the agricultural roots in the region run deep. August is the heart of harvest season, with fruits like cherries, apricots, peaches and plums at full ripeness, and early apples and pears starting to hit market stands.

Try your hand at u-pick, visit a farm to take a tour and find great deals, or stop by one of the many local markets to get a sampling of the Okanagan’s bounty.

5. Fly over Okanagan Lake

Believe it or not, there’s more than one way to fly over Okanagan Lake. Sign up for a flyboarding lesson, where water shoots out from just under your feet like a rocket, and you can hover a few metres in the air! For a less physical adventure that’s no less thrilling, book a parasailing experience where you’re clipped to a parachute and flown high behind a speedboat. One last way to fly? Book a hot air balloon trip for extraordinary views of the entire valley.

6. Golfer’s paradise

The views are incredible and the weather is reliably dry, making Kelowna a golfer’s paradise. Just make sure to grab an early tee time in August to beat the heat! For prestige play, The Bear at Okanagan Golf Club was created by Nicklaus Design (yes, Jack Nicklaus), and there are 18 other courses to choose from.

Don’t forget about mini golf! There are courses at the Kelowna Driving Range and Scandia Golf and Games, suitable for the whole family.

READ MORE: Kid-friendly Kelowna in late autumn: An Okanagan adventure in shoulder season

7. Hike or bike at Big White

Hit the trails at Big White, either by mountain bike or on foot. Take a scenic ride on the chair lift (even your dog can come, as long as Fido’s on a leash!) and see the beauty of the mountain in the summer. Walk through the wildflowers in an alpine meadow, or cruise over berms on some glorious single track.

8. Rock the Lake

From Aug. 11 to 13, Kelowna is ready to rock. Rock the Lake is an annual festival at Prospera Place, and this year’s lineup includes big names like Collective Soul, Everlast, Burton Cummings, Big Wreck, Finger Eleven and Bran Van 3000. Other August events include the Kelowna International Fringe Festival, Imagine Pandosy Art Festival, Grease the Musical at Kelowna Community Theatre, Nest Fest at Red Bird Brewing and many more.

9. Ride the Kettle Valley Rail Trail through Myra Canyon

This multi-use trail makes for a half-day or multi-day adventure suitable for bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs, historians and nature enthusiasts. The Kettle Valley Railway has been adapted to an all-ages-and-abilities trail with thrilling trestle bridges, inspiring mountain views, and plenty of informative signage about the original railway construction and ongoing trail restoration.

10. Wine not?

Find more than 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive of Kelowna, and plenty of guided tours available so you don’t have to worry about a designated driver. Remember that most wineries require reservations for groups of six or more, so plan your visit in advance! If you’re keen for a high-class experience you’ll be sure to find it, but don’t be intimidated if you’re new to the wine world — there are plenty of casual and quirky vineyards too.

READ MORE: CNN names Tofino and Kelowna among the best places to visit post-pandemic

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