Kelowna consistently ranks as one of the most desirable destinations in British Columbia, but its appeal extends far beyond the Canadian border. For American travelers, this lakeside city offers a compelling blend of outdoor adventure, agricultural richness, and laid-back sophistication that feels worlds away from the typical urban getaway.
Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna enjoys a mild climate, over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, and a setting that combines rolling vineyards with the deep blue waters of Okanagan Lake. Many visitors are surprised by how much the region packs into a relatively compact area.
You can spend the morning hiking a mountain trail, the afternoon tasting wine at a boutique estate, and the evening dining on farm-to-table cuisine overlooking the lake. Unlike destinations that demand weeks to appreciate, Kelowna rewards travelers who want variety without spending hours in a car.
The city’s infrastructure is designed for leisure, with a scenic downtown boardwalk, accessible parks, and well-marked routes for cycling and driving. For those planning a first visit, understanding the geography helps. Kelowna stretches along the eastern shore of the 84-mile-long Okanagan Lake, with the William R. Bennett Bridge connecting the west side to the downtown core.
The surrounding hillsides are dotted with orchards, lavender farms, and more than 40 wineries within a short drive. This unique mix of water, agriculture, and mountain terrain creates a recreational playground that appeals to couples, families, and solo adventurers alike.
The local culture reflects a deep connection to the land. Indigenous peoples, including the Syilx Okanagan Nation, have stewarded this valley for thousands of years, and their influence remains present in local art, food, and community events. European settlement brought orchards and vineyards, while recent decades have seen a boom in culinary tourism and craft beverage production. Today, Kelowna feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.
Seasonality matters when planning a trip. Summer brings hot days perfect for swimming and boating, while fall ushers in the grape harvest and vibrant foliage. Winter offers quieter trails and cozy tasting rooms, and spring explodes with blossoms and fresh produce. No matter when you arrive, having a shortlist of must-see attractions ensures you make the most of your time in this dynamic region.
Below is a curated selection of experiences that capture the essence of Kelowna. These are not simply the most famous landmarks, but places that offer genuine insight into why this corner of Canada has become such a beloved escape for American visitors seeking both relaxation and discovery.
Waterfront Park
| Address | 1200 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R7, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (250) 469-8500 |
This is a really beautiful place, like a portrait. The roads and walkways are designed beautifully that you can enjoy the nature flawlessly. You can do lots of activities, like walking, biking, boating, etc. Swimming is not allowed in this area, I believe. You will be amazed after visiting this site. Parking is paid and sometimes hard to find a suitable spot.
Small sand area, not too crowded. You can walk to the west Kelowna bridge via the harbour and park paths, about 40 minutes without rushing. Many restaurants and play options. The pathway is wide but be careful with bikes and skateboards as it is shared, kids need more attention walking both ways. Well maintained, there is a public water park and a large playground near the bridge, a roller skate area in the middle that converts to ice skating in winter, and a floating paid park in a section of the Okanagan lake. Beautiful natural landscape.
Truly amazing place to explore. Lots of shops on the waterfront. Great places to grab a coffee and enjoy the views. Appears to have lots of entertainment going on. Beautiful flowers and we'll maintained gardens. You can rent water skis and if you feel like some adventure parasailing. Only down side, there is lots of homeless people wondering around. But never felt threaten or was harassed. There was an abundance of wild life to see. If you are in the area totally worth the trip. Grab a great local coffee and and enjoy the views.
Really beautiful place to hang out. Especially in the warm evenings after dinner.
Every time we are out there the waterfront park area is a visit. Really clean, really friendly and just a wonderful place.
Highly recommend the area. You won’t be disappointed.
The entire waterfront and park area is a great spot to visit. Plenty of green space to enjoy the sun and amazing water view as well.
The water near this specific spot near the fountain stinks a little bit since it's probably not circulated or cleaned regularly.
Plenty of cheap parking nearby, so that's a plus too.
Kasugai Gardens
| Address | 1435 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6S7, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (250) 717-2757 |
Please visit this free for entry garden when in downtown Kelowna! It felt like we stepped foot in Japan and it is truly so peaceful.
The garden is well maintained although hard to access due to ongoing construction. I absolutely loved this and am so glad we visited! The koi fish are stunning and the sound of water moving along with the tiny creatures that inhabit this garden makes it worthwhile to visit!
A Peaceful Downtown Gem! A quiet, beautiful, and peaceful gem right in the heart of downtown Kelowna. While it will be absolutely stunning when the flowers are in full bloom, even now you can't help but feel perfectly harmonized with its incredibly chill and serene vibe. It's the perfect little escape!
I love this friendship garden. It has many Zen vibes. The memory of my mom is there in every bush, tree and in the koi fish pond.
Kasugain gardens was small but beautiful. The Koi fish looked big & healthy, and the Japanese garden was well maintained. The water, however, was a bit foamy/frothy. It's a nice place & peaceful to stop by and take a break.
A Very small and Well maintained park in the downtown. An example of how downtown centres should be beautiful and relaxing.
Knox Mountain Park
| Address | 450 Knox Mountain Dr, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (250) 469-8500 |
Knox mountain park in Kelowna is a great place to take a nice hike, or bike, on a lovely, sunny day in the Okanagan. It’s the areas largest natural park. We would take friends and family here for a stroll in the rolling hill trails, with its switch backs winding up the mountain. It has a quaint, winding, wooden fences and steps to help you get to the top for spectacular views. You can see the city, lake Okanagan and the bridge that divides eastern and western Kelowna. There is also a wooden lookout tower that is a fun spot to take photos from.
Take lots of water on a sunny day if you are going in the summer, as Kelowna can be scorching hot at times. A hat and sunglasses are a must! It is a moderate hike that kids can do for lovely views of the Okanagan. Dogs should be on leashes, but there is a dog park here as well. It’s open 6 am to 10 pm.
A great place for hikes and different levels of activity. You can mountain bike, hike straight up to the viewpoint, walk up a paved road or take trails that aren’t as steep. The different viewpoints of the lake and Kelowna are spectacular! Great photo ops!
Wonderful panoramic views! There are two points scenic points for pictures, the first one (below) it's easy to arrive but the second one (up) needs a hike of 30 minutes or bike cause the road for cars is closed. Our hike to the second point of view was really tired since that day was very hot (32 degrees) but worth it because the photos are incredible.
The view point is terrific. The vehicle was allowed till the first view point and after that had to trek to the other view points. The view of Kelowna city is amazing. Would love to visit there once more. Even though it was scorching hot, the breeze near the view points made it very cool. Gates close by 8pm. Would appreciate if the timings are extended during summer as this a very beautiful place to view sunset across the Okanagan Valley.
Peaceful place for hiking. Walking and Bicycle both Hike are awesome. The view from the top of the mountain is just eye pleasing. It's worth climbing after reaching the till the peak. If take apex trail and then follow the ogopogo trail that's breathtaking experience. There are also washrooms 🚻 in middle of trails and dustbins are available in same way.
Kelowna City Park
| Address | 1600 Abbott St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1B7, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (250) 717-2757 |
The scenery here is absolutely beautiful, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the waterfront. During the summer, there’s a lively night market with plenty of food vendors, local stalls, and small businesses selling unique items. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of energy, especially in the evenings when the weather is pleasant. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack, browse the market, and soak in the local vibe. After dinner, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or walking your dog along the waterfront while enjoying the beautiful views and refreshing breeze. Whether you’re visiting during the day or at sunset, this area offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both locals and tourists.
The city park is so beautifully designed to encourage people to spend time outdoors. From bike trails to walking, sitting on the grass, benches and picnic tables to massive beaches along the Lake. One can never be out of places to be in. Amazing
As a loca, born and raised this park has had MAJOR upgrades.
The boardwalk, right off the sails is now complete.
The dog park is straight out of NYC central park.
The basketball and volleyball ball courts are lakeside.
The washrooms have been upgraded.
The landscaping is meticulously kept up.
This park has been rejuvenated and feels safe, clean and green.
Kelowna City Park is an absolute gem! It's perfectly situated right on the lake, offering beautiful sandy beaches, a great playground for kids, and lots of green space for picnics. The walk along the water is fantastic, and it’s always clean and well-maintained. A perfect place to spend a sunny Okanagan afternoon!
This is a great park. These photos are from when Ribfest was there. I find this park to be clean and the grass is well-maintained. Great for walking around in, or relaxing and, or playing some lawn games with friends. It's close to downtown so you can easily Popeye some local businesses to grab a coffee or a snack
Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure
| Address | 3443 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M5, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (778) 214-8282 |
We had such a wonderful time at Don-O-Ray Farm! It’s the perfect family outing, especially with young children. The animals are friendly and well cared for, and there are so many fun activities to keep little ones entertained. My child absolutely loved feeding the goats and visiting all the different animals, and getting the spray on tattoos included with admissions. My husband loved the archery beside the pony. And the staff were welcoming and friendly, and the whole farm has a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. The grounds are clean, well maintained, and full of charming touches that make the experience feel special. We also enjoyed browsing the market and picking up some fresh local products.
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable, and memorable family adventure in the Okanagan, I highly recommend Don-O-Ray Farm. We ended up getting the seasons pass and go every weekend.
We visited the farm with my three year old son on our recent trip to Kelowna and it was well worth the visit! The farm is small but it is so clean and the animals are very clearly happy and well cared for, which is the number one thing for me when visiting an animal focussed attraction. The other activities were all fun and over all it was the perfect choice to spend a couple hours on an overcast afternoon!
Such an awesome place! Staff so friendly and easy to talk to! There was this one girl that was in tattoos at the time, I believe her name was Ema, and she gave my daughter such a beautiful butterfly. My daughter was not sure about the tattoos at first and was a bit hesitant to get one, and this very nice girl made her feel so comfortable. I’ve never seen such a change in her mood like I did that day. After that I had a lovely conversation with her, and I learned a lot about animals! Such a lovely place to visit
We had a birthday party for my son. The kids had a blast with so much space to run and play, and a great variety of animals and activities to keep them entertained. The staff members were very friendly and helpful and the party area was spacious and covered. We’ve done birthday parties at many of the popular indoor venues in town but Don-o-Ray has been our favourite. It excellent value and very affordable for bigger groups at only $10 per person.
So fun, we liked the ducks 😊 the mini golf was also fun and archery. Definitely recommend if you have children who like animals, or you like animals 😊
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park
| Address | 3400 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 3S9, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | (250) 717-2757 |
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park is a lively, busy beach in Kelowna, BC. It is set on Okanagan lake, and is extremely shallow, as it is only about waist deep. It’s a great spot to take kids and we met visiting friends and their kids here. There is a playground, and even zip lines on the sand and into the water. Shady trees and sand volleyball courts line the beach. There is a store and rentals for inflatables and water sports. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
Parking is pay parking and as it is a very popular park in Kelowna, it can be hard to find an open spot. Lots of tourists here in the summer months, but it is quiet in the offseason, or come early. Lovely spot to watch the sun rise or set and walk along and enjoy the beautiful Kelowna weather.
Must visit this beach!! I love it! Visited from Vancouver for the 5th time in years and have absolutely adored it as always.
Perfect place for swimming, the water is absolutely clear, clean, no rocks in the water to hurt your feet, only sand, and the water only comes to your waist even if you go way, way beyond the shoreline (literally went to the middle and could still touch the bottom with my feet).
Perfect atmosphere, sand is very nice, grass area, picnic tables etc
I just love swimming here!
It's perfect! There are a lot of things to do here. They offered different activities for kids and adults. They have kids park, small zip line, rental boats, paddles, etc. We can stay on the shade under the big trees sorrounding the whole area.The comfort room is clean, well, because we are quite early there, but it really gets crowded as the time passed by. But that's understandable we just need to distance ourselves to others.
Nice large beach minutes south of downtown Kelowna. Pay parking is available and a bit small but we always managed to get a space. Sanded or grassed areas to sit. Public washrooms, sand-rinsing taps, picnic tables are available. There is a concession shaped like an apple which sells chips, ice creams and drinks. Ample playground structures for kids to enjoy, including 2 ziplines - one over water and one over the sand. Water is shallow for a long distance in from the shoreline so good for young kids and non-swimmers. Really lovely, tidy and well-appointed beach.
Beautiful beach and park. Great jungle gym for kids with mini zipping, over sand and into the water.
Rentable chairs with umbrella dor a 15$ charge for 4 hours.
Nice bathrooms, juice vendor.
The water goes out for ages, not deep. Gorgeous view, shoppers drugmart just up the street if you forget your sunscreen.
I suggest getting to the beach early and get your spot 8:00 amish if you can it fills up quickly. Popular tourist spot.
Ogopogo Statue
| Address | Downtown, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6N2, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The statue is beautifully represents the legendary Ogopogo (Okanagan Lakes, famous lake monster) and it adds a unique cultural touch to the area.
Every time I walk by, I see family taking photos, kids climbing around it and visitors learning about the legendary Ogopogo, our very own Lake monster.
As a part of my Sperm Donation World Tour of Canada, After a previous tour in Scotland where I went on a search for the Lochness monster, I came to Kelowna looking for it's distant cousin and glad I was able to capture it on camera.
The Ogopogo Statue is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the waterfront in Kelowna.
It represents Ogopogo, the legendary lake creature said to live in Okanagan Lake.
To me, this is the iconic symbol of Kelowna. Our first family trip was to Kelowna, and I remember taking a photo with my cousin on this statue. That was 1992. It's amazing that the statue is still around, making happy memories for all those we stopped by.
I had my kids take pictures on it like I did. Hopefully, they, too, will recall these happy memories one day like I did.
It is something you just have to stop to take a picture of when you are in Kelowna. Aside from the Ogopogo statue, downtown Kelowna is a very cute and an up and coming town with beautiful mountains as a backdrop. Though the waterfront is small, it is clean and offers a beautiful view of the sun setting. Many restaurants are just a few blocks away.
Downtown Kelowna
| Address | 262 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6N4, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Lively place. We were lucky that we visited on a Thursday, when there is a night market in the summer. Very relaxed atmosphere with families and couples. After 10pm some intoxicated guys walking around but all in good spirit. Lots of paid parking but very cheap to what I am used in Europe. CAD 1,50 per hour directly in front of marina
A Must-Visit Gem in British Columbia!
Downtown Kelowna is truly a slice of heaven nestled between the lake and mountains — bursting with vibrant colors, lively energy, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. In summer, the entire area transforms into a beautiful and bustling hub, flicked with tourists from all over Canada and the world. 🌍✈️
What I love the most is the walkable waterfront, the scenic parks, and the friendly, artsy vibe that flows through every street. From art galleries and local shops to live performers and festivals, there’s always something happening.
Downtown is a food lover’s paradise! You’ll find a fantastic range of restaurants serving everything from gourmet meals to casual eats. The cozy cafes are perfect for morning coffee with a view, and the ice cream parlours (especially on a sunny day) are a true delight — loved by kids and adults alike. 🍦☕🍽️
Whether you’re exploring the boardwalk, enjoying a patio lunch, shopping local, or simply soaking in the lakeside beauty, Downtown Kelowna is an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended for tourists, locals, families, couples — everyone! Come for the views, stay for the vibes! 💛🌞⛰️
Beautiful waterfront. Nice walk along the lake. The Night Market was super fun. The Caravan of Curiosities were great.
The staff person at the visitor centre was very helpful in suggesting a tour along the pretty waterfront to the north. Some homeless hanging around in the parks and by the bus depot.
They're doing a lot of work to try and clean things up, but when down there with a child you are actively keeping an eye out to make sure there's no needles on the grass/beach, and that the kids don't see people shooting up in storefronts, and that they don't notice the homeless passed out under a tree right beside the walkway. Or start asking questions like why a homeless guy is riding a bike while carrying 3 other bike tires and is pulling a really nice bike trailer while wearing name brand clothes, and everything he has is much more expensive than everyone in my neighborhood has.
The visitor info, outdoor pianos, the ogopogo statue, Bernard closed down, etc. All of these are good concepts, and are catered towards tourists who don't know better. But if the locals are not comfortable going downtown, then the tourists are not going to come back more than once.
Guisachan Heritage Park
| Address | 1060 Cameron Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8V3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (250) 862-9368 |
It’s such a pleasure to visit this beautiful garden in the summer months. I’d like to say a big thank-you to the head gardener there, a lovely lady who is always kind to us in our little group when we go. We always feel welcome and it’s such a beautiful place.
My son and daughter in law were married there September 9, 2023.
Guest list was over 100 and while it was close quarters it was not cramped!! The venue itself for an outdoor wedding ceremony was spectacular. The inside venue was cut up for into smaller rooms based on the fact it is a “heritage” building and unchangeable”.
Food 10/10. Incredible choice of soup, salad, chicken or salmon and delectable desert.
Staff constantly on the go! Everyone was served within 5-10 minutes of head table!! They were never idle. Cleaning glasses, dishes and venue pristine all evening!!!
Amazing 💒💗amazing and more AMAZING 💒💗
Beautiful location and a nice quiet place to visit. Gardens are well maintained and showcase a wide variety of plants and flowers. Lots of shade from trees. Also seems to have a couple heritage buildings on site, but the gardens are the best part.
Pretty and quaint neighborhood park to just relax, take photos, have a picnic or hold a special event.
Awesome place! Very quiet, few people, beautiful view, spend your afternoon time there!
Waterfront Boardwalk
| Address | 1350 Water Street Westside, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (800) 663-4345 |
Best thing to do in Kelowna, the walk is short but great and scenic with a good look at lake Okanagan. Highly recommended. There are boad and air tours, paddle boats, nice sand beach. Kids had lot of fun and we came to this place for early morning walks on all our days of stay at Kelowna. Very well maintained.
Beautiful walk along the lake and through the waterfront nice pubs coffee shop yacht club tourist information and skating rink in winter.
Absolutely Gorgeous with ALL the amenities nearby. Just over 4km out & back.
Stunning scenery, specifically in colorful autumn to register your romantic or individual photos and walking along side okangan lake.
Really nice walkway, a must if visiting Kelowna
Crawford Falls
| Address | Southwest Mission, Kelowna, BC V1W 4P1, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful peaceful waterfalls , swimming pool underneath... go xheck it out, easy short hike down from roadway. There were signs warning loose rocks. A bit of courage and careful footing will take you there and back no problem. Well worn trail 👣 enjoy nature!
This place is closed to the public and is risky but if you have been there before you can still enter at your own risk, you should exercise to proceed with caution, I took my kids with my husband several times and it requires safety measures to ensure that no one falls or slips. The waterfall is beautiful but rocky at the bottom so be sure to either wear shoes if you are not experienced in swimming over sharp rocks, beautiful spot for everyone, just remember safety first
Sadly wasn’t able to get down to the falls due to the snow. The stairs down to the falls are closed so you have to off road it down steep unmanned mountain edge. It’s definitely doable but wear good hiking boots but wouldn’t recommend going with young kids. Was able to stand at the top of the second falls but couldn’t see any viable route to get down. Beautiful views of the mountains though so would still recommend parking up.
I went to Crawford Falls in a Monday. Sadly most of the walls where closed and normally you couldn’t even reach a place where you can see the falls good. But I went down anyway and got a nice view and a good feeling for the power of the water that is running down there. At the moment (mid may) it was a lot of water coming from the mountains.
10 out of 10 would recommend! This hike I pretty tough but my 11 year old son was able to do with me. It gets pretty steep but it is a short hike to the falls. Definitely wear hiking boots or really good trail shoes
Kelowna Art Gallery
| Address | 1315 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (250) 762-2226 |
Such a fun place for kids and adults alike! We went to see the Sugar Rush exhibit and it was so colourful and interactive, my little one had a blast and so did we. After your done looking around theres a self lead painting/art lab where you can sit down and get creative, which was honestly one of our favourite parts.
They also have Family Sunday art labs for only $6, which is such a great deal, and general admission is only $10. It’s hard to find something thats affordable and fun for the whole family these days. If your looking for something different to do in Kelowna, I definitely reccomend checking this place out. We’ll for sure be coming back!
The exhibits were very interesting! I spent about 45 minutes touring the three rooms, and spent a few minutes in the craft room at the end. I appreciated the small handout for the main exhibit, and the artist videos. There's an original art vending machine!
What a beautiful experience. My family was here for the viewing of sculptures made entirely of Lego by artist Ekow Nimako...Simply spectacular! We also just so happen to be there to see very impressive artwork by some very talented high school students. Small museum, great exhibits and very accommodating staff.
Thank you for a wonderful experience 🙏🏽
Drove up from Calgary a couple weeks ago and made sure to squeeze in a visit to the Kelowna Art Gallery, and I am so glad I did. The rotating exhibition they had on featured some incredible local BC artists I had never heard of before, and the curation made the whole space feel really thoughtful and intentional. Staff were genuinely welcoming and took the time to chat about a few of the pieces without being pushy or hovering. If you are passing through Kelowna for any reason, this is absolutely worth a stop, even just for an hour.
I appreciate their efforts in bringing a wide variety of artwork to Kelowna. I visit whenever possible, because entry is very reasonable! Small enough to finish a walkthrough in ~1 hr.
Insider Tips for Exploring Kelowna Like a Local
A little preparation goes a long way in a city that balances popular attractions with hidden gems. Understanding how locals navigate the area, when to visit certain spots, and what to expect from the landscape can transform a good trip into an exceptional one. These practical suggestions will help you avoid common pitfalls and discover the side of Kelowna that many tourists miss.
First, consider renting a car or bringing your own vehicle if you plan to explore beyond downtown. While the city center is walkable, many of the best wineries, hiking trails, and viewpoints are spread across the valley. Public transit exists but is limited for rural routes, and ride-sharing services can be sparse outside peak hours. Having your own transportation gives you the freedom to chase sunsets, stop at roadside fruit stands, and adjust your itinerary based on weather.
Second, book wine tastings in advance, especially between June and September. Many smaller estates have limited capacity and popular time slots fill quickly. Booking ahead also allows you to ask about food pairings, reserve patio seating, or arrange a tour of the production facility. If you are traveling with a group of six or more, reservations are often required rather than recommended.
Third, pack for variable conditions even in summer. Mornings can be cool near the lake, afternoons hot and dry, and evenings breezy on the water. Bring layers, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to hike, check trail reports for conditions, as some higher-elevation paths remain muddy or snow-covered well into spring.
Fourth, respect the lake and its rules. Okanagan Lake is beautiful but can be cold and unpredictable. If you are renting a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, always wear a life jacket and pay attention to wind warnings. Swimming areas are generally safe near designated beaches, but currents and boat traffic require caution further out.
Fifth, explore beyond the tourist corridor. While the downtown waterfront is lovely, neighborhoods like the Cultural District, Pandosy Village, and the North End offer independent shops, local coffee roasters, and restaurants frequented by residents. Taking a short walk away from the main promenade often reveals the authentic character of the city.
Finally, be flexible with your schedule. Kelowna’s best moments are often unplanned, such as stumbling upon a farmers market, catching live music at a waterfront park, or discovering a family-run cidery with no signage on the main road. Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity, and do not hesitate to ask locals for recommendations. The people here are proud of their home and genuinely happy to share it with curious travelers.
Kelowna rewards those who slow down enough to appreciate its rhythms. Whether you come for the wine, the water, or the wide-open landscapes, the city has a way of making you feel like you have found something special.
The combination of natural beauty, agricultural abundance, and welcoming hospitality creates an experience that lingers long after you leave. For American visitors seeking a destination that feels international yet approachable, Kelowna offers the perfect balance. It is close enough for a long weekend, rich enough for a week of exploration, and memorable enough to inspire a return trip.
Once you have watched the sun set over Okanagan Lake with a glass of local wine in hand, you will understand why so many people consider this valley one of North America’s true hidden treasures.
