As Kelowna residents for nearly a decade, we’ve called Kelowna home for a while now. While it seems we’re still discovering new things all the time, we’ve had the chance to experience both the highs and the lows that this city has to offer.

From gorgeous sunny days checking out vineyards in the morning and paddle boarding on the lake in the afternoon to preparing a last minute go bag as the nearby wildfires got a bit too close to our home, we’ve experienced it all.

While living in the Okanagan Valley has tons of positives, like any place in the world it also has a few negatives. So, whether you’re one of the few true locals who was born here or one of the many nomads from around the world now calling Kelowna home like us, let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons of living in Kelowna as we give you a local’s guide to the city.

Pros of Living in Kelowna

Thinking of moving to Kelowna?

Kelowna has plenty of positives. From some of the nicest weather in Canada to some of the nicest lakes and mountains found anywhere in the world. With nature literally on most people’s doorsteps, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Kelowna also has a vibrant arts scene plus hundreds of wineries, cideries and orchards that to us beat any of its Canadian equivalents. If you’re looking to move here or just thinking about taking an extended work vacation to the valley, there are plenty of work opportunities plus tons of friendly locals to help you get situated.

Not yet convinced? Here are some of Kelowna’s biggest positives to help make you consider making Kelowna your forever home.

Natural Beauty of the Okanagan

With its stunning vistas of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains, Kelowna is a nature lover’s dream. From summer days on the beach to winter ski trips at nearby Big White (a 30 minute drive), there’s no shortage of outdoor activities here.

Whether you’re staying on one the many hills in town overlooking Okanagan Lake or staying in the valley with gorgeous views of the nearby hills, nature is a big draw for anyone living in this city. Truth be told, there’s not too many areas in the 140K populated metro that you can’t be away from people after a few minutes drive. If you’re sick of the crowds, there are tons of parks and local Kelowna hikes found throughout this city where you can at least feel like you’re getting away from it all.

Kelowna’s Wine Country

Known for its award-winning vineyards, Kelowna is the perfect spot for wine aficionados. The climate and soil combine to produce top-notch grapes. Spend your weekends touring local wineries, and don’t forget the wine festivals!

With over 300 wineries calling the Okanagan Valley home plus dozens of cideries, micro breweries and even small distilleries, you could go to a different place every day for a year and never hit the same place twice. That said, we have our own local favorites and always enjoy the chance to take visiting friends and family to a new place when the opportunity knocks. We’ve learnt that in Kelowna, your favorite place might just be down the street.

Kelowna’s Vibrant Arts and Musical Scene

Kelowna is a hub for culture, offering art galleries, theaters, and even a symphony. Whether you’re into visual arts or live performances, there’s always something happening in the cultural district.

Throughout the year, there are also dozens of festivals happening around town and it’s rare to have a weekend go by in summer without something major happening in the city. Between Kelowna and nearby Penticton, most large musical acts that hit Vancouver will also stop in town to perform as they head east. If an act or show doesn’t make it to the valley, Vancouver is only a 3 hour drive away with plenty of hotels to make your micro trip a fun one.

Moving to Kelowna? The Growing Job Market

With its booming tech industry and tourism sector, employment opportunities are on the rise in Kelowna. From startups to established companies, there’s a wide range of options for those looking to relocate here. While it didn’t make the list of best places for expats, it definitely isn’t a bad place to become an expat in Canada.

Nicknamed the little Silicon Valley of the North, Kelowna is well known for both its small startups as well as big tech companies who’ve chosen to call Kelowna home. While seasonal work brings in people from around the world, Kelowna also grew its fame as a nice retirement center for those in Canada who opted to stick around rather than head south in the winters. That original collection of young hospitality workers who helped put Kelowna on the map taking care of the retirees have now grown up and the city is booming on all fronts.

Friendly Communities in Kelowna

One thing you’ll notice is the warm and welcoming atmosphere in Kelowna. Community events, farmer’s markets, and neighborhood gatherings make it easy to meet people and feel part of the community. It seems there’s always something to do in Kelowna.

Since the vast majority of people now living in Kelowna have moved here from other locations in Canada and abroad, there is a welcoming feeling to the growing city. With a huge tourism industry, plenty of nature to explore and great weather, it’s easy to get out and meet new people.

Kelowna’s Mild Climate

Compared to other parts of Canada, Kelowna has a relatively mild climate and some of the nicest overall weather in Canada. If you hate wind, it’s also one of the least windy major cities in Canada. Though it experiences all four seasons, you definitely won’t have to deal with the harsh winters seen in other regions of Canada.

Long hot summers, mild winters (in comparison to most other Canadian Cities) and plenty of nice days in between means more opportunities to get out and explore the region. The best part is that with the mountains so close, there are tons of small micro climates you can experience depending on your location and elevation. It means that in spring you can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. Or, if you prefer, you can hike in the cool mornings and then bake on the beach in the afternoon all summer long.

Cons of Living in Kelowna

While it always hurts to gripe about things your city is lacking, the truth is that no city in the world is perfect on all fronts. High living costs, excessive tourism and Kelowna’s semi remote location (3.5 hours from Vancouver and 6 hours from Calgary) means that while things are relatively close in Canadian standards, the average traveler will find that Kelowna can be cut off from some of the larger centers. While that can be a huge plus for some people, others might not love it.

On that note, since we’ve already looked into some of Kelowna’s pros, let’s now dive into some of Kelowna’s cons.

Cost of Living in Kelowna

The truth of the matter is that Kelowna isn’t cheap to live in. Housing prices have soared in recent years, and day-to-day expenses like groceries and gas can also be high. Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock.

While this can be said for most places around the world these days, it’s more pronounced in Kelowna. Considered by many to be one of the most expensive cities to live in Canada, it means you can’t survive in this city if you’re only making minimum wage unless you are a large group all chipping in for the monthly rent.

Tourist Crowds in Kelowna

While tourism boosts the economy, it also means crowds, especially in the summer. This can lead to congestion, making it hard to enjoy some of the very attractions that drew you to Kelowna in the first place.

This can be easily seen when looking at traffic patterns over the course of the year. In summer, by far the busiest tourist season in Kelowna, any trip around town can easily be doubled and parking downtown or by one of the many beaches can be hard to come by. Bonus to Kelowna is that parking downtown is only around $1 an hour any time of the year with plenty of free parking outside of Monday 9 to 5 so there is that bright side.

Kelowna’s Limited Public Transport

Public transport options are limited in Kelowna, especially compared to larger cities in the country. Owning a car is almost a necessity if you plan on getting around without hassle. While plenty of University of BC students as well as Okanagan College students get to school daily via public transport buses, getting from one area of the city to another can be tough if you’re not planning on going through downtown first.

Though Uber and Uride are now available in the city, both ride sharing platforms have been slow to arrive in the city and are still lacking so you’ll often need to order a cab during the busiest times of the day if you can’t find a bus. You can also find both ebike and scooter rentals throughout the city however those aren’t ideal in the cooler winter months.

Seasonal Employment in Kelowna

While there are plenty of job opportunities, some industries in Kelowna are highly seasonal. This means job security can be a concern if you’re working in sectors like tourism. While late spring, summer and early fall can be busy, unless you’re heading to Big White for winter work, it might be harder to find something that pays the bills. That said, anyone working in the trades or for minimum wage should have zero problems finding something as jobs in those areas are always in demand here.

Kelowna’s Distance from Major Cities

Though it has plenty to offer including an international airport, a decent collection of large stores, a large shopping mall, a well ranked hockey team in the WHL, plus a thriving art scene, Kelowna is somewhat isolated from major cities like Vancouver or Calgary.

The drive to Vancouver takes around 3.5 hours and Calgary is pushing 6.5 hours provided the highways are open and clear. That’s something that isn’t always the case in the winter as both directions take you over some of Canada’s highest routes that are prone to crazy amounts of snow and even in the warmer months there are occasional rockslides to contend with. Either can severely hamper your ability to get to your farther destination easily or quickly.

Wildfires in Kelowna

In the last decade, the dry, hot summers come with a higher risk of wildfires, which can be a real concern. Smoke from nearby fires can also affect air quality during the summer months and ruin an otherwise perfect summer day in the city.

While July and August have always been Kelowna’s best months in terms of weather (with the highs in the lower 30’s every single day and not a cloud in sight), the changing climate landscape has made what were once idyllic summer days into an unknown quantity these last few years. We’ve gotten to a point where we now travel away more often in August just because there’s a good chance it will be smoky in the city.

Conclusion

Living in Kelowna offers a unique blend of natural beauty, a growing job market, and a vibrant community. However, it does come with its own set of challenges, like the high cost of living and seasonal crowds. Whether or not Kelowna is right for you will depend on what you’re looking for in a home base.

That said, we’ve loved our time in the city and both ourselves and our children have made friends here that will last our entire lives. There’s no denying that this Canadian gem has plenty to offer and if you can get past it’ negatives, it’s still a great place to live and work.

Our family of four has made Kelowna, British Columbia, our home town for the past eight years. Giving us plenty of time to check out the local breakfast and brunch scene.

From farm-to-table spots to cozy cafes and trendy downtown diners, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Imagine indulging in locally-sourced ingredients, expertly prepared and plated with care, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a leisurely brunch, Kelowna has it all.

Of course, one person’s list of the best breakfast places in Kelowna is going to be different than another person’s.

For the most part, we focus on places to eat that are open early for breakfast, but we do have a section at the end of the article that goes into the best brunch in Kelowna. Generally, we think of brunch and breakfast as the same thing, but brunch usually starts later, at around 10 or so, and is often an little more fancy (though not always).

We’ll go back and add to this list as we try new brunch and breakfast restaurants that open, and remove ones that close.

Best Breakfast in Kelowna

Breakfast is one of the many fun things to do in Kelowna with the family! Grab your friends, family, significant other, or enjoy a solo break, and head out to explore the many breakfast spots in Kelowna. From classic Canadian fare to international cuisine, you’re sure to find your new favorite spot.

Best Breakfast Places in Kelowna

Do I need breakfast reservations in Kelowna? Yes, you’ll sometimes need to make a reservation, depending on the restaurant, the time of year and whether it’s a Saturday or Sunday (with weekends usually much busier than weekdays). Many of the more popular brunch and breakfast places are also quite busy during the summer tourist season, with July to August especially so.

I use OpenTable Kelowna to make my reservations, as it’s the biggest restaurant reservation booking service in the city. I’ve tried it before to get reservations at busy Vancouver restaurants, and booking was smooth and easy in Kelowna as well.

Porter’s Kelowna

Porter’s is a fairly new, and welcome, addition to Kelowna’s breakfast scene. It’s located next to the Landmark District, in the old MTL building.

There’s a solid breakfast and brunch menu here, packed with classics like fried chicken and waffles, eggs benny, and more. There are also some more adventurous items, like the Japanese style soufflé pancakes, and several vegetarian options.

Charles tried the soufflé pancakes. They’re Japanese style soufflé pancakes, served with vanilla sweet cream, seasonal fruit compote, streusel, and your choice of maple, nut brown syrup or black currant sour syrup.

Charles couldn’t quite decide, so our helpful server brought us four syrups to try which also included a salted maple syrup. Three of those syrups are made in house at the next door Copper Brewing Company however the Black Currant Sour syrup won out as his favorite in the end!

I tried the yogurt bowl, which was delicious with creamy Greek yogurt, house made granola, seeds, seasonal fruit compote (made in house as well), and fresh fruit.

My latte was perfect, made from coffee beans from fair trade local roaster, Craft 42 Roasters.

The Jammery Kelowna

The original The Jammery location was featured on The Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here! The original location is in Lake Country, and just over 20 minutes from Kelowna’s downtown.

They’ve opened a new location in Kelowna proper. While the new Kelowna location (at 2463 Highway 97), has the same great food as the original, the atmosphere couldn’t be more different.

The rambling original Jammery location has a quaint, rustic farmhouse feel, with a large giftshop. The giftshop is overseen by a large, stuffed bear (which children adore!), and has an abundance of jams (made in house), and local foods and gifts.

The new location in Kelowna is modern, with a tiny gift area, so it just doesn’t have that kitschy charm of the Lake Country location however the food’s as good as the original Jammery. That said, for me, it’s worth a few more minutes drive to get to the Lake Country location.

My favorite dish at the Jammery is the All You Can Eat waffles, with their house made topping made from Okanagan fruit. They have six kinds of eggs benedict on the menu, omelets, plus French toast, crepes, a breakfast paella, and traditional breakfasts. There’s even a vegan breakfast hash.

Cora

While Cora is technically a Canada-wide franchise, it has enough personality and originality in the décor and menu that it feels a lot more like a local spot. Cora started in Quebec in 1987, and has since expanded to 125 franchises across Canada.

If you like fruit, Cora is your place.

While there are plenty of traditional omelets, skillets, and egg dishes, there are also crepes, pancakes, and French toast absolutely smothered in fresh fruit.

There’s even a fresh fruit section of the menu (which I order from every time). The Samira wake up is a huge plate of beautifully cut fresh fruit, served with toast, and there’s also a tasty kale-mango smoothie bowl, and a fruit yogurt harvest crunch.

My favorite is The Ode to Oatmeal, with fresh fruit, harvest crunch granola, English cream, maple syrup, and fresh fruit.

The kids always go with a fruit crepe, which is a single gigantic crepe stuffed with your choice for fruit, and either custard or a cocoa-hazelnut spread.

Charles goes for the classic French toast, which comes with your choice of bacon, sausages, turkey sausages, ham, or fresh fruit.

I’ve tried to get a photo of one of the kids’ fruit smoothies on our last three visits to Cora, but it’s inevitably half guzzled down before I can bring out my camera.

The Train Station Pub

Charles and I often end up at the Train Station Pub if we’re looking for something that’s just a little bit more upscale, with good food, but still casual and fun.

True to its name, the Train Station Pub is built inside a historic (now defunct) train station in Kelowna’s Downtown.

The brunch menu has everything from traditional chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and strawberry French toast, to more adventurous items like the Pakora benny (with curry spice), breakfast poutine, or Boom Toast (with avocado, pear, and butternut squash).

Brunch at the Train Station Pub is served until 2 pm every day.

My Neighbourhood Restaurant

We stop by My Neighbourhood Restaurant at least once a year. It’s the kind of place that delivers solid portions, reasonable prices, and good food. It’s not necessarily the most upscale place on our list, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s reliable and good.

Every time we’ve visited, service has been friendly, casual, quick, and helpful.

We come here when we’re craving breakfast later in the day, since it’s an all day breakfast place. There’s a nice selection of benedicts, if that’s your thing, including a crab cake benny, veggie delight benny, pulled pork benny, and a traditional benny, among others.

There’s a tasty sounding banana stuffed French toast, an apple crisp stuffed French toast, as well as huevos rancheros, and a slow cooked pulled pork burrito.

Charles’ to-go here is the French toast, which is dipped in a vanilla and egg batter and finished with icing sugar. Hash browns here are good, crispy and hot, but they’re the cubed style that feels like a chopped up steak fry. Don’t get me wrong, they’re delicious, but both Charles and I prefer shredded or finely chopped hash browns.

They also serve lunch. I’m a huge fan of the portabello burger (no meat, only the portabello mushroom), which comes stacked to the ceiling with marinated and grilled portabello mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and a tasty Dijon mustard.

OEB Kelowna

If Coras is the place for fruit lovers, then OEB is the place for those who love eggs. Like Coras, OEB is a franchise, with locations in Arizona, California, and a few Canadian cities.

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As expected, the menu leans toward farm fresh eggs, omelets, and eggs benedict. There are also sweet treats, like banana cream pie French toast, Belgian waffles and crepes, as well as nine different breakfast poutines.

There are vegetarian and vegan options as well.

We haven’t tried it (yet), but the mimosa flight (with four different mimosas) gets great reviews.

Gulfstream

We haven’t had a chance to try this one personally yet, but Gulfstream (in the Four Points by Sheraton by the Kelowna Airport) gets pretty good reviews and was recommended by friends so it’s made our to try soon list.

The breakfast menu is pretty solid and traditional, with classic eggs/bacon/hash brown/toast on offer, as well as omelets, traditional eggs benedict, a bacon hash and a pulled pork breakfast poutine. There’s a vegan bowl with coconut yogurt, banana, and an Okanagan Greek yogurt bowl with Okanagan dried cherries and apricots.

Diner Deluxe – The Shore

We haven’t tried Diner Deluxe – it’s just a little too far of a drive for us, given all the great options that are closer. That said, it gets great buzz, so we’ve included it.

Diner Deluxe has three locations in Calgary, and the one location in Kelowna, on Lakeshore Boulevard. It’s open 8am to 3pm.

The menu constantly changes, but it offers a big selection, with standards like avocado toast (with eggs), poached eggs and salmon, and a vegan faux egg wrap, as well as breakfast poutine and a big cinnamon bun.

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There are also several eggs benedict variations on offer, breakfast bowls, omelets and frittatas, pancakes, French toast, and classic breakfast. There’s also a lunch menu, and a kids lunch and breakfast menu.

There are plenty of vegan egg and vegan meat options as well.

Best Affordable Breakfast in Kelowna

Are you a foodie on a budget, looking for delicious and satisfying breakfast options in Kelowna that won’t break the bank? Look no further!

Kelowna has many hidden gems that offer mouth-watering breakfast dishes at affordable prices.

Join us as we explore some of the best cheap eats for breakfast in Kelowna, and discover a whole new world of breakfast delights that are easy on the budget.

Specialty Bakery & Bistro

Specialty Bakery has a few locations in Kelowna, but most are bakery only, and don’t offer breakfast.

To get your breakfast fix, make sure you go to the Specialty Bakery location on Finns Rd, in the industrial section of Kelowna.

We were introduced to Specialty Bakery by Charles’ 80 year old uncle, so that tells you it’s definitely a Kelowna fixture.

The food here is fresh, not fussy, and filling.

On offer are classic breakfasts of bacon and eggs, omelets and eggs benedict, or you can buy something from the attached bakery and eat it in the bistro.

I’m a big fan of the cinnamon buns, and black forest donut.

Don’t come here expecting a cappuccino – the coffee bar has five blends of freshly brewed Van Houtte coffee. There are also soups, sandwiches, and burgers on offer for lunch.

I don’t think there’s anything on the menu that’s specifically designed for vegans, but vegetarians should be able to sort something out.

The Kelowna Farmer’s Market

Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market is a great place to browse, and grab a simple, affordable breakfast.

The summer Market is open April to October, from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays and Wednesdays at the corner of Dilworth and Springfield.

There’s a winter market on Saturdays in the Parkinson Rec Center, but food options are a lot more limited.

One of my favorites at the summer Farmer’s Market is the Crepe Bistro, which has a fantastic variety of delicious crepes, including the zesty lemon and sugar, and banana chocolate.

There are always several fresh squeezed lemonade stalls to wash down your crepe.

All four of us are huge fans of the spiral potatoes on a stick – a must try!

There are also several outstanding coffee places in the market, including Anarchy Coffee.

Dosa Crepe Café

Dosa Crepe Café doesn’t open until 11 am, but I’ve included it here in case you’re running a bit late and looking for something really unusual.

They opened just before the pandemic started, but we’re thrilled to say they’re thriving, and have opened a second location downtown. We’ve only been to the original Rutland location, but the menu’s similar at both locations, and the downtown location gets great feedback too.

Dosa Crepe Café offers two kids of crepes: French crepes, or south Indian dosa. An Indian dosa is a thin pancake made of a fermented batter of rice and ground black lentils. The dosa itself is vegan.

The Indian dosas are tasty, with a slight savory tang, and a delicious crispy edges. It’s served with your choice of curries, with vegetable, paneer, chicken or beef curries available.

If their giant savory dosas aren’t your thing, you can try their French crepes, served plain, or with banana chocolate, mixed berry, or mango maple, and topped with a scoop of ice cream.

Our kids always go for the sweet crepes, while Charles and I get a dosa. Both are fantastic – it’s just a matter of choice. The kids also like to load up on a milkshake or lassi.

Dosa Crepe Cafe also offers biriyani (veg, chicken or beef), and kothu roti (veg, chicken or beef), appetizers, and a couple of soup options.

Bliss Bakery

There are plenty of great bakeries in Kelowna, but I included Bliss because 1) it’s fantastic, and 2) it has seating so you can sit down and enjoy your breakfast.

Kelowna’s Bliss Bakery has one location in Kelowna proper, on Ellis Street in the Downtown Arts and Culture District.

The bakery has a funky, industrial feel that somehow manages to be warm and inviting.

In addition to all of the delicious home baked goods, there’s a small all day breakfast menu, with breakfast wraps, a spinach and feta quiche, a Bennywich, and a chipotle sausage biscuit. You can also get lunchtime sandwiches (including a vegan grilled cheese), soups, wraps, and salads.

Every baked item I’ve tried here has been fantastic. There’s a reason that Bliss keeps winning the best bakery in Kelowna award with local publications. My current favorites are the almond croissants, and my son adores their individual-sized lemon merengue pies.

I’d come here just for the food, but it’s an added bonus that their coffee is made from my very favorite organic locally roasted Cherry Hill coffee beans.

The Bread Company

The Bread Company has two downtown locations – one on Pandosy and one on Bernard. I’ve been to both, and I think I slightly favor the Bernard location, if just for the downtown vibe.

It’s a busy place, with a lot of small tables, and I’ve always been able to find seating. They have plenty of pastries on offer, plus traditional breakfasts, frittatas, huevos rancheros, pancakes, plus sandwiches, salads, and soups for breakfast.

My daughter loves their chocolate filled croissant, and I’m a fan of the pesto spinach croissant.

Try the fresh squeezed orange juice!

Best Vegan Breakfast and Best Vegetarian Breakfast in Kelowna

Are you a vegetarian or vegan looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast in Kelowna? Look no further!

Kelowna is home to a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly breakfast spots, where you can enjoy a range of plant-based dishes. From hearty vegan breakfast burritos to gluten-free avocado toast, these restaurants have something for everyone.

Join us as we explore some of the best vegetarian and vegan breakfast restaurants in Kelowna, and get ready to start your day off on a healthy and tasty note!

Naked Café

The Naked Café is an unfussy place, with café style décor, and wooden benches for some seating.

It’s an affordable vegan breakfast option located downtown on Lawrence Avenue.

There’s a wide selection of vegan breakfasts here, with vegan versions of an English breakfast, a vegan bacon benny, a breakfast sandwich and a couple of vegan Just Egg hash options. The food is colorful, tasty, and comes in good portion sizes.

They’re also open for lunch and early suppers, serving vegan bowls, sandwiches and burgers.

Frankie We Salute You

Well rated Frankie’s offers both vegetarian and vegan options. Menu items are clearly marked as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free.

I asked to go to Frankie’s for my birthday dinner last year, and was impressed with the food.

This is a local restaurant, owned by Chef Brian Skinner and Christina Skinner, located in the Landmark District.

There’s an industrial vibe here, but it still manages to feel comfortable and welcoming.

The menu is fun and inventive, and they have plenty of interesting cocktails and desserts. There’s also a good kids menu, and we had several families, with well-behaved kids, sharing the restaurant.

Weekend brunch is on Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 3. It’s pretty popular, so a reservation is a good idea. The brunch menu offers a fairly small selection, with items like a Florentine benny bowl, cinnamon toast waffles, and a plant based chorizo ranchera bowl. There are also fun brunch cocktails like a rum and fig leaf mimosa, or a Pimm’s punch.

Chain Breakfast Places in Kelowna

I’m not going into too much detail for chain breakfast restaurants here, other than to list a few. For the most part, a Denny’s in Kelowna is going to be the same as a Denny’s anywhere else.

Here are a few serviceable chain options:

• iHOP
• Dennys
• The White Spot

The White Spot

Of all the chain breakfast places in the city (Cora’s not counting), The White Spot is probably our favorite. It’s kid friendly, has a nice relaxed vibe and the food is consistently decent.

Best Brunch in Kelowna

Of course, you can visit any breakfast place from our list above for brunch however, if you’re looking for a fancy, more upscale brunch, try one of these options below.

You’ll need to make the drive over the bridge to visit our first two picks: Old Vines Restaurant and Terrace Restaurant.

Quails Gate Old Vines Sunday Brunch

Located in West Kelowna, Old Vines Restaurant is nestled on the edge of the Quails Gate Winery. The restaurant faces Okanagan Lake, with stunning views over a gently sloping vineyard to the water below.

Quails Gate family owned winery is one of my personal favorites in Kelowna, and regarded as one of Kelowna’s best wineries.

Given the view and the menu, Quails Gate’s Old Vines brunch is fairly well priced. Sure, it’s a pricier choice than many, with higher end appetizers like oysters on the half shell, and mains like croque Madame. Prices change regularly, but in early 2023, the eggs benny was $24, the brioche French toast was $18, and the artisan charcuterie ran $26. Not a fortune, but the bill can go up significantly with wine, as you may want to try the wine pairings suggested by your server.

Make reservations in advance, since it’s a busy place, especially in summer, and brunch hours are short, running every Sunday 11 am to 2:30 pm.

Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Winery

Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill has one of the best restaurant views in Kelowna. It’s definitely a show stopper, and a fantastic place to bring someone you want to impress.

However, since it’s an outdoor restaurant, it’s only open seasonally from May to October.

This is a farm-to-table experience with produce grown in the estate garden, or locally sourced from farming partners.

Prices can be a bit steep, but this is one of Kelowna’s best restaurants, with excellent service and panoramic views to boot.

We’ve only eaten here once, at lunch, and it was a fantastic experience, with wines paired perfectly to the food. Charles still raves over the duck fat fries three years later!

We’ve never had a issue, but we have heard from a few people that they found the atmosphere at Mission Hill to be a bit cold and exclusive. Our personal experience with everyone, including sommeliers, servers and gift shop personnel has been excellent – they’ve been friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Lakeside Dining Room at the el Dorado Hotel

The food is good here, and service is solid, but sometimes slow, however, the real draw is the location. Located directly on the waterfront, it offers a stunning view of the lake. If you go in the summer, try to get a patio seat for an even more amazing view.

The buffet brunch is only available on select Sundays. Breakfast is available Monday to Sunday, early.

The breakfast menu is fairly small, with favorites like a traditional breakfast, fruit salad, eggs benny, avocado toast, waffles, omelets, and oatmeal.

Krafty Kitchen + Bar

I hesitate to call anything hip or cool (my teenagers would immediately cringe and reflexively mock me), but there’s no getting around it: Krafty Kitchen + Bar is a pretty hip place.

I mean, they have a Hip Hop Brunch every Friday to Sunday, with items like benedicts named Tupac, Baller Mushroom, and Easy-E. They also offer a Notorious BLT, and a Drop it Like it’s Hotcake.

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This is a local place, run by Chef Chris Shaften. It’s a fun, funky, casual farm-to-table restaurant located beside the historic firehall in Downtown Kelowna.

Brunch is only on Saturday and Sunday 9 to 2, but regular hours are Monday to Friday noon to late.
There’s also a Fondue Sunday.

The Curious Café and Bar Norcino

The Curious Café is another cool downtown eatery, but with limited hours.

If you’re looking for brunch, it’s closed Sundays and statutory holidays however it’s open Friday and Saturday at 11 am.

The brunch menu includes vegan field mushrooms on toast, chick and waffles, a breakfast sandwich, eggs benny, French toast, and a veggie power bowl.

There’s also a brunch party that serves four, with classic eggs benny, French toast, bacon, fruit, and coffee.

As someone who loves a good breakfast, I can honestly say that Kelowna does not disappoint when it comes to morning dining. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Canadian breakfast fare or something more innovative and international, Kelowna has plenty of options to load up before hitting one of the best hikes in Kelowna or taking off on one of the best road trips in British Columbia.

Do you have a breakfast spot in Kelowna that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

We’ve lived in BC for over a decade now, and while we haven’t driven every highway in the province, we’ve definitely taken our share of drives around our beautiful province.

British Columbia is Canada’s most western province. It borders Alberta, and is known for its vast size and natural beauty. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC is world famous for its mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers, as well as rocky beaches, ski resorts and natural beauty.

There are numerous highways and scenic drives in British Columbia that make for some genuinely spectacular road excursions no matter the season, with thousands of valley lakes, mountains, and a largely unknown north.

The best road trips in British Columbia will not only take you through some of the most scenic areas in the province but also in Canada. You can visit the Okanagan Valley and see world class vineyards or drive along the west coast and hang out on beautiful beaches.

If you’re quickly looking for snow-capped mountains, head north from cosmopolitan Vancouver up to Whistler where you can ski or snowboard during winter months or go downhill biking in the summer.

Want to see salmon spawning or visit the Rocky Mountains in its rawest form? British Columbia has both.

Dreaming of warm mountain lakes in summer, natural hot pools year round and great hiking? BC has that in droves.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family on a road trip, or you just want to explore some beautiful sights with your friends, there’s something in BC for everyone.

So whether you’re a local wanting to broaden your range, on vacation traveling with family or friends, or just want to get away from it all, here are some of our favourite drives in BC that will take you off the beaten path and into nature’s playground.

The best road trips in British Columbia, Canada

Whether you have your own car or are looking to rent a vehicle, these are the best road trips in British Columbia to take in the beautiful scenery of this Canadian province.

If you’re in the mood for a guided tour, BC has plenty of bus tours available and if you want to see the province unfettered, traveling the province by motorcycle is an amazing experience. Whether you’re looking for the best motorcycle insurance or want to check out the best things to see and do from Vancouver to Banff, this post has you covered.

The Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Highway

Vancouver to Powell River - 170km (105mi) - 4h 20m (2 Ferry crossings)

The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of the most popular hikes in BC, and for good reason. It’s located just north of Vancouver on the coast, and offers a variety of different options for hiking. This includes a section that goes right along the water with stunning views of mountains and ocean alike.

What does this have to do with road trips? Well, not only can you stop and hike the trail, but getting there is also a beautiful drive with tons of great coastal views and mountainous backdrops along the way.

A few highlights along this route include the 2 ferry crossings (the first at Horseshoe Bay and the second at Earl’s Cove) with possibilities to see everything from whales to dolphins and even killer whales right from your vehicle. The majority of the drive is 2 paved lanes and large animal sightings are common so keep your eyes open for any fauna in the area including moose, deer, bears, mountain goats and cougars.

If you want to continue your drive once you reach Powell Bay, you can take a ferry over to Vancouver Island where you’ll start your island adventure near Comox.

The Okanagan Valley – Highway 97

Vernon to Osoyoos - 173km (107mi) - 2h 25m

The Okanagan Valley is home to some amazing wineries and fruit orchards that have been around before BC was even a province!

Starting up around Vernon and continuing south down to Osoyoos you’ll see some of BC’s prettiest lakes starting with Kalamalka Lake that, depending on the season, can range from cyan to indigo.

As you drive south from Vernon on Highway 97 through Lake Country and get into Kelowna, the heart of BC’s interior, there’s tons of things to do with the family including hanging out along the boardwalk of the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake (one of the few lakes in Canada to never freeze in the winter) and grab an ice cream before heading to the beach.

As you continue through West Kelowna (home to great vineyards like Mission Hill and Quails Gate) you’ll soon find yourself driving through towns named Peachland and Summerland (great names right!) before arriving in Penticton. Make sure to walk the boardwalk in town before continuing your drive south down to Osoyoos, the warmest city in Canada!

If you love vineyards and cideries, there are literally hundreds in the Okanagan Valley with many just off the highway so pick up a winery guide available nearly everywhere in the valley before you start your Okanagan BC roadtrip.

The Coquihalla Highway – Highway 5N

Hope to Kamloops - 203km (126mi) - 2h 15m

The stretch of highway from Hope to Kamloops has 2 things in abundance, beautiful scenery and infamous notoriety. The Coquihalla features gorgeous mountain rivers and some beautiful mountain vistas however it’s also the star in a show called Highway Thru Hell, depicting the sometimes hazardous conditions that can occur during the winter months. Since it is a high mountain highway through some unforgiving terrain, there is some merit to the legends but if in doubt, check out the Drive BC website and just pay attention to the weather.

That said, the Coq was originally built as a connector to speed up the route that the Trans Canada highway originally took as it made its way west. While the drive is indeed faster via the Coquihalla, the beauty of the drive is also unmistakable.

If you’re feeling the urge for a hot soak, veer off the highway near Bridal Falls to check out Harrison Hot Springs.

As you leave Hope via Highway 3 East (make sure your tank is full since the next gas station in Merritt is 120km or just over an hour away), you’ll quickly jump onto Highway 5 heading to Merritt and Kamloops. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the Othello Tunnels just past Hope are worth a hike

As you pull into Merritt itself (most of the town is to the north of the highway), you can now choose to continue northeast on Highway 5 to Kamloops or head southeast down Highway 97C to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley.

If you’re planning to drive right through either cities as you continue east, the drive south toward Kelowna will add half an hour to your journey however it is a prettier drive by far and takes you through several small towns and cities.

The Island Drive – Highway 1 and Highway 19

Victoria to Qualicum Beach (Vancouver Island)- 158km (98mi) - 2h 25mins

Though not officially called The Island Drive, navigating this section of Vancouver Island definitely fits the bill. As you leave Victoria, the Victorian architecture filled capital of British Columbia, and head north on Highway 1, you’ll pass quaint villages, pretty murals and get the occasional sweeping views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.

There are hundreds of places to stop along the way to grab a bite to eat, hike or shop however there are a few wineries and cideries around Cobble Hill that are worth checking out. If you want a quick hike, it’s also worth checking the Kinsol Trestle just before Cobble Hill. It’s one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures in the world and is amazing to see. It’s part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and is a popular hiking area.

Nanaimo is the next major city on the way north. It’s not a bad place to stock up supplies for your Qualicum Beach stay (if you’re planning a short vacay) and is also the other major ferry terminal if you want to hitch a ferry back to the mainland.

As you continue north you’ll eventually reach picturesque Nanoose Bay and then Parksville, another major waterside destination in its own right though the long sandy beaches along Qualicum Beach are usually what attract the crowds.

While in the region, make sure to check out the Goats on the Roof (literally) at the Old Country Market as well as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Both are great places to take the kids and hang out for a few hours.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway – Highway 99

Vancouver to Whistler - 121km (75mi) - 1h 25mins

Not many people who visit Vancouver, often ranked as one of the best cities on earth, don’t take a day or two to make their way up to Whistler, BC’s premiere ski destination. The hour and a half roadtrip north up Highway 99 is filled with gorgeous ocean and mountain views and passes through Squamish, an outdoor lovers playground.

With everything from rock climbing to Bald Eagle viewing tours in the winter (it held the largest eagle viewing count in the world at 3769 with around 1300 spotted most given years), if you like the outdoors then likely Squamish has something for you. Squamish is also home to the wonderful Sea to Sky Gondola, a year round engineering marvel that zips you to the top in comfort with plenty of trails on either landings.

As you drive into Whistler, it’s quickly evident why it’s touted as an adventurers destination with a myriad of activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. After hitting the slopes, make sure to check out the town centre (known as The Village) with great shopping, restaurants and pubs open year round. Though we often think of Whistler as a winter destination, there are plenty of activities there happening year round.

Visiting in the summer? Check out Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a popular scuba diving destination with artificial shipwrecks and reefs supporting a huge variety of marine life, such as octopus, lingcod and starfish just minutes north of Horseshoe Bay. Don’t know how to dive? Take a course or explore the rocky beaches and go swimming in the ocean for a nice break from your road trip.

The Glacier Drive – Highway 5 and Highway 16

Kamloops to Jasper - 441km (274mi) - 4h 45mins

While Jasper isn’t technically in BC (it’s 20km from the BC/Alberta border), the vast majority of this drive is in British Columbia and it’s a beautiful road trip through valleys and mountains, with a few great sites along the way.

As you head up Highway 5 north from Kamloops, a great little city fronting the beautiful Thompson River and home to the BC Wildlife Park, you’ll pass wide open valleys that soon turns into winding mountain passes. The nicest part about this Kamloops to Jasper road trip is that the highway follows along the North Thompson River for a sizable portion of the drive, which makes for a great backdrop and gorgeous views.

Along the way, you can check out some amazing waterfalls or go whitewater rafting around Clearwater. If you don’t have time to check them out but want to stretch your legs, check out either North Thompson River Provincial Park right before Clearwater or the Blue River Provincial Park. Both are right along the highway and are easy to pull off into.

As you turn right (North) onto Highway 16 (known as the Yellowhead Highway) you’ll have another few places to stop with Rearguard Falls Provincial Park just on the right and then the Mount Robson visitor centre with Mt. Robson (the tallest mountain in the Rockies) as a nice backdrop. If you’re an avid hiker, the Berg Lake Trail (23km) is often considered one of the top 5 best hikes in Canada with plenty of gorgeous scenery and wildlife spotting.

Pulling into Jasper, it’s easy to see why it’s touted as one of the best destinations in Canada. From the stunning water colors of the Athabasca River and surrounding lakes, to its proximity to glaciers and icefields to the Sky Tram and Marmot Basin ski resort it has plenty to see and do including Canada’s best Dark Sky festival.

If you have the time, there are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada less than an hour from Clearwater. Helmcken Falls, the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, in gorgeous Wells Gray Park is just one of them. You can also check out both Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls while on the way. Total time to Helmcken Falls is around 45 minutes (44km) one way.

The Cathedral Drive – Highway 4

Parksville to Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) – 50km (31mi) – 44mins

We only discovered this route a few years ago when visiting Port Alberni for the first time but it’s a quick, gorgeous drive through old growth forests and one of the prettiest walkways you’ll find on Vancouver Island.

Just as you pass picturesque Cameron Lake, past the halfway point of your journey, lies Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This trail leads to the most accessible giant Douglas fir tree stands on Vancouver Island. You can walk the short number of trails under the shadow of giant Douglas-fir trees with some more than 800 years old.

Due to some severe windstorms over the years, some of the ancient trees have fallen and the park and trails are continually being monitored and repaired. Make sure you check to make sure it’s open if you decide to make the trip out there.

The Rocky Mountain Pass – Highway 1

Revelstoke to Lake Louise - 227km (141mi) - 3hours

The Rocky Mountains are a some of the most mountainous terrain in the world however the drive through them is often a very pleasant experience. Similar to Jasper, Lake Louise is only 10km from the BC/Alberta border so the majority of this road trip takes place in British Columbia.

Along the way, you’ll drive over Canada’s highest mountain pass, see a few hot pools, look up at the second tallest waterfall in Canada, traverse the premiere whitewater rafting river in the country plus witness some of the best scenery Canada has to offer.

Leaving east down Highway 1 from Revelstoke, a former train station hub and home to the great Revelstoke Mountain resort and Pipe Mountain Coaster, a 1.4km all downhill rollercoaster that barrels your way down a mountain, you’ll soon hit a series of boardwalks and trails. The one you don’t want to miss is Giant Cedars Boardwalk, a quick 20 minute walk through some extremely large cedar trees.

Right after that you have Canyon Hot Springs resort with a nice set of hot pools and soon after that you’ll be climbing through Roger’s Pass, the highest point along Canada’s 8000+km TransCanada highway.

As you arrive into Golden, Canada’s whitewater rafting capital, there are a myriad of adventures you can partake in like whitewater rafting or checking out the Golden SkyBridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge and zipline site. After Golden you have Field, a cute mountain town with nearby access to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s 2nd highest waterfall and around 10 minutes off the highway.

Once you arrive in Lake Louise, you’ll want to check out the gorgeous turquoise lake the town is famous next to stunning Chateau Lake Louise. There are some great hikes around the area and if you happen to be there in winter, Lake Louise Resort is considered one of the best ski resorts in Alberta.

If you want to read about more things to do along British Columbia’s TransCanada Highway, check out our ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip guide.

The Pacific Rim – Highway 4

Port Alberni to Tofino (Vancouver Island) - 126km (78mi) - 1h 50mins

Traveling on Highway 4 west from Port Alberni to the coastal side of Vancouver Island is a leisurely affair with some beautiful coastal roads, some old growth forests and plenty of sights along the way.

As you leave Port Alberni, a small city on the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest ocean inlet, you’ll quickly pass Sproat Lake, a 4 season area with lakeside cabins and camping sites popular with fishermen and boaters alike. Next, you have Wally Creek. Right beside the highway with parking spaces, this is a perfect spot to jump in and cool off in the cristal clear blue water.

Continuing on you finally arrive at the coast. If you want to explore some of the natural beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park, now’s a great time to stop and grab a pass at the Pacific Rim Visitor centre. If you want a small detour, feel free to head south down to Ucluelet while first stopping off for a short walk around the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail.

To the north and towards our final destination of Tofino, another great walk is the Rainforest Trail that is a wood boardwalk & gravel trail through a veritable forest of cedar & hemlock trees covered in moss.

Next you have the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with a tiny tourist town (Long Beach) on the edge of a nature lovers coastal retreat. Near endless stretches of beach attract surfers year-round however most visit simply to watch the waves and walk the miles of sand.

Soon you’ll be at the end of your road trip and driving into Tofino proper. This cozy town on the edge of the world is popular with surfers, nature lovers, whale watchers and hikers. In summer the population swells but it’s also a popular area year round with some great chefs and restaurants calling the town home.

Another popular surfing and beach spot in the area is Chesterman Beach on the southern outskirts of Tofino. There are plenty of inns and hotels in the area if you plan to stay for a few days.

The Kootenays – Highway 6, 31A, 31 and 3A

Nakusp to Creston via Balfour - 218km (135mi) - 3h 15mins (1 Ferry crossing)

Unfettered nature is the best way to describe this road trip through British Columbia’s fabled Kootenays. Gorgeous lakes, relaxing hot springs, swaths of forests and a ferry ride are all highlights of this drive.

We first start in Nakusp, a nice beach village on the edge of the rather long Upper Arrow Lake. The Nakusp region is always busy in summer and has a gorgeous beach with clear water. As you head southeast out of town on Highway 6, you’ll soon be driving parallel to picturesque Slocan Lake. As you arrive into New Denver, a quaint village along the lake bank, you’ll soon be heading due east on Highway 31A.

As you drive over the Kokanee Glacier ranges, you’ll eventually reach Kaslo, a village on the west shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenay region. If you want to stretch your legs, a quick walk along the Kaslo River Trail in town is a nice diversion and there’s a few good restaurants here as well. Further south of Kaslo, Fletcher Falls makes a great short pit stop with some nice little falls just off the highway.

Next we have Ainsworth Hot Springs, a favorite place of ours with some really nice hot springs and a heated hot springs cave. There’s also a delicious restaurant on site as well and if you stay in the hotel, the hot springs are included. Otherwise, they offer day passes for visitors.

After a lovely drive south along along Kootenay Lake we arrive in Belfour where it’s time to jump on a ferry over to Kootenay Bay as we continue down Highway 3A. The highway itself follows Kootenay Lake all the way towards Creston so don’t worry about getting lost now. Creston itself is a valley town with a variety of amenities, hotels and restaurants plus a few wineries and the Columbia Brewery (home of Kokanee beer) that gives brewery tours. If you’re there in summer, make sure to check out the wetlands at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre.

To get to Nakusp, you can either head due south from Revelstoke on Highway 23 or head east from Vernon on highway 6. Either roads are great however the additional cable ferry ride from Needle to Fauquier is a great bonus when driving in from Vernon and there are some great views and awesome lakes, namely Mable Lake, Sugar Lake and Echo Lake just off Highway 6 that are worth checking out as well if you have time.

Bonus Road Trip – The Island Highway – Highway 19N

Comox to Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) - 290km (180mi) - 3 hours (1 Ferry crossing)

Since no list is ever complete, we’ve decided to throw this last BC road trip in as a bonus. It starts in picturesque Comox.

In Comox you can check out the fisherman’s wharf or one of the numerous beaches such as Goose Spit Park. Kite surfing is a popular pastime here as well you’ll likely see some kites flashing by as you walk the many beaches.

Heading north up Highway 19, you’ll soon be arriving in Campbell River. The city is a very popular whale watching center as well as famously hosting grizzly bear tours. Either tour can be booked well in advance with several companies and some even guarantee a sighting or your next tour is on them. Another popular activity here is heading to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge with it’s large suspension bridge and waterfall as well as checking out the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, one of the largest salmon hatcheries in Canada.

Continuing past Campbell River (make sure you fill up before leaving) you have a lot of land to cover that includes a few rivers plus a lake before getting back to the coast. Soon you’ll be pulling in to Port Hardy and able to check out the many beaches and marinas plus a plethora of day trips to places like God’s Pocket Marine Preserve to view sea lions. Taking a guided kayak tour is a definite must if the weather is nice.

You can get to Comox from the mainland via a BC ferry from Powell River so if you’ve done the road trip there then this route is a natural progression of it. You can also take a ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. If you plan to do this 16 hour ferry, renting a room on board is a great way to relax and see everything along the way.

Final notes on the best road trips in BC

After having our home base in BC for over a decade, we’ve had the opportunity to see a large portion of it and can never get enough of the beautiful scenery, the friendly people and the wild beauty. While this list isn’t exhaustive, we hope it gives you a few ideas of some of the best road trips in British Columbia and inspires you to visit and see the province for yourself.

Think we missed a hidden gem? We’d love to hear about it below. Safe travels.

First you’ll start your trip in a metropolitan paradise then along the way you’ll see more waterfalls, lakes and hot springs than you can remember, a number of resort style lake towns you won’t soon forget then drive through some of Canada’s highest mountain peaks and finally arrive in one of the most famous mountain resort towns in North America.

A quick note on Canadian Geography and Distances

While being from Canada means we’re often immune to it’s many charms, we do know that a visit to Canada is on many peoples travel bucket list. Covering a huge portion of land between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and as far north as the North Pole, the terrain and people you’ll meet in Canada are as varied as anyplace you’ll find on Earth.

Starting on the west coast you have gorgeous coastal areas leading into the majestic Rocky Mountains followed by miles of grassy rolling hills that lead to seemingly never ending prairies in the center of Canada. From there you hit the many small lakes and hills of the rock covered Canadian Shield before finally arriving at the Great Lakes themselves which then leads you the Appalachian Uplands and back down to the Atlantic ocean. And that’s only if you travel in a straight line!

Over the years we’ve met numerous travelers who’ve asked if they can land in Toronto and drive to Vancouver in a few days. Well, to be blunt, that’s a 40+ hour straight drive with no stops through 5 provinces and is over 4,200 km or 2600 miles in distance.

If you actually wanted to drive Canada from side to side you’re looking at over 80 hours of driving (7100 km or 4400 miles) and that doesn’t include ferry time to Vancouver Island.

Needless to say, visiting Canada from Coast by vehicle is way more than you’re going to manage in a weekend or even a few weeks if you actually want to experience any of our varied country. It’s also why Canadians tend to measure our distances in hours rather than kilometers and you’ll see that happening right across the country. Finally, if you’re renting a car for your travels, make sure to get car insurance now.

The Ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

One popular driving route that we do often recommend to visitors is the Vancouver to Banff road trip. It’s a beautiful 10 hour drive through the Rocky Mountains that has plenty of things to offer no matter what time of year you get here. Of course, stopping and checking out the sites isn’t included in that 10 hour time frame so choose when and where to stop as you see fit.

So, sit back and enjoy the ride as we present to you the ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip with a few possible stops and things to see along the way.

This list is by no means all encompassing but we will include a few notes on things to check out if time or the season permits. Also, while you can easily drive this distance in a day, we recommend taking a few days to get there to stop and enjoy a few of the regions highlights along the way.

Plenty of places to stop along the way

We start our journey in British Colombia’s largest center and Canada’s third largest city (after Toronto and Montreal). Sitting just north of Seattle, Vancouver is a great blend of nature and urban living with mile high skyscrapers overlooking dozens of beautiful parks and even more beautiful coastal waterways. The entire city is nestled in a large valley with ocean on one side and mountains on the other.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Whether you’re jogging along the miles and miles of paved paths on the famous Vancouver Seawall, relaxing on the clean sands at Kitsilano Beach, checking out the restaurants and pubs in cobblestoned Gastown, ordering a microbrew on Granville Island or checking out Canada’s largest urban park (the famed Stanley Park), Vancouver likely has something for you to enjoy.

Some of the other great things to see and do in Vancouver include visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, touring the Granville Island Public Market, viewing the Museum of Anthropology on the sprawling grounds of the University of British Columbia, checking out the Orpheum Theatre for it’s world renowned sympathy orchestra, going high end shopping along Robson Street, riding the Aquabus along False Creek From Hornby to Granville to The Village, climbing up grueling Grouse Mountain, visiting the Capilano Salmon Hatchery and taking the kids to the always impressive Science World.

Vancouver is considered a foodie’s dream come true with dozens of foods and flavor’s calling the city home. With tons of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants ranging from world class street food to some of North America’s finest dining, Vancouver is also home to Canada’s largest Chinatown.

It’s over a century old and also third in size in North America only to New York’s and San Francisco’s. Vancouver’s Chinatown is overflowing with oriental foods and delicacies as well as many exotic spices and goods.

If you get tired of the urban life, not far from Vancouver’s city center you can head north to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and cross some breathtakingly high ravines or have a treetop walk in a true coastal rainforest. We actually prefer going a bit farther north to Lynn Canyon Park where the prices are cheaper but either place will be worth bringing your cameras if you value suspension bridges, waterfalls, deep ravines, gigantic trees and being completely surrounded in nature.

If you crave nightlife, the Granville Entertainment District is the place to be Vancouver (especially Friday and Saturday nights) with a long strip of nightclubs and enough neon lights to make Vegas proud. Gastown has tons of late night eats with more than a few pubs and micro breweries thrown in for good measure, Yaletown has some higher end bars, Kitsilano has some of the best sportsbars in the city and if you’re looking for alternative lifestyles, then Davie Village is the place to be.

After you’ve had your fill of Vancouver, it’s time to head east down Canada’s only transcontinental highway, Highway 1.

Coquitlam, Surrey and Abbottsford, British Columbia

The Greater Vancouver area encompasses several communities however it’s hard to discern where one area ends and another begins as you leave the city. Soon you’ll be passing through Burnaby, home to the Simon Fraser University and the 3 storied juggernaut, Metrotown, BC’s largest mall. If you have some shopping you want to do, pretty sure you’ll find it at Metrotown.

Next areas on the list you have Port Moody and Coquitlam to your north (home to Mundy Park, a large urban park with great walking trails and 2 small lakes) and New Westminster to your south (famous for trendy pubs and it’s cool Quayside Park where you can watch big boats moving up and down the waterways).

Next you’ll cross the iconic Port Mann Bridge (make sure to have your camera ready) sitting over the mighty Fraser River, British Columbia’s longest river and renowned for it’s excellent fishing. The Fraser River also contains many of BC’s larger hydro electric dams to the north and meets the ocean not too far from here so large boats can be seen on either side of the bridge at all hours of the day.

Soon you will be arriving in Surrey and if you love old electric trams then you can check out the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway where you get to ride an old streetcar and learn about Vancouvers electric train history. If it’s a hot day, White Rock is a very popular beach and if you want to miss the crowds then Crescent Beach is also popular but often less crowded.

The next city on the list is Abbottsford. Well known for it’s excellent blueberries in late summer (make sure to stop off the highway and buy a basket of them for your Vancouver to Banff road trip), it also houses Clayburn Village with a great little old style candy shop and tea house that’s worth a peruse.

Chilliwack, British Columbia

As you leave Abbottsford, you have some decisions to make depending on the time of year and what you value most. Chilliwack is a good sized working city but it’s greatest attractions lie to the south and the east of the city proper. Essentially, if it’s summer time, you can head south for a fun day at Cultus Lake Adventure Park, a huge sprawling waterpark with rides and amusements for the whole family. It’s a guaranteed fun day and we have friends that make the pilgrimage out there every summer with their kids.

If you want to get out and see nature (and have some beautiful pictures), make sure you check out Bridal Veil Falls Waterfall to the east of Chilliwack. The falls are beautiful to see the majority of the year and there’s some great hiking in the area. The falls are a vertical 10 minute hike so make sure you’re up for it but most people have no problem hiking up to see them.

Agassiz and Hope, British Columbia

On the other side of Chilliwack, you’ll be driving into Agassiz. It’s a sleepy little community however now you have a choice of continuing on to Hope or to driving up to Harrison Hot Springs. We love staying in Harrison Hot Springs however it’s not as much as a quick stop as it is a destination in it’s own right. Nestled along the shores of picturesque Harrison Lake lies Harrison Hot Springs Resort (and for which the neighboring town is named for).

With five spring fed hot mineral pools on site, it’s easy to lounge the day (and night away). While the once opulent hotel has seen better days, it’s the only place in town to fully soak in the natural pools. While pool use is included with your stay, they sometimes allow day passes. Please check before you go though just to be sure.

Regardless of whether you stop in Harrison Hot Springs, make sure you fill up your car in Hope. It’s well over an hour until you’ll see the next gas station in Merritt.

From Hope you’ll be getting off the Trans Canada Highway #1 and taking highway #5, the Coquihalla Highway. Not only will it speed up your travels, this newer highway takes you past the unforgettable Othello Tunnels.

The Othello Tunnels were first built back in 1914 as part of the Kettle Valley Railroad and include a series of five large tunnels originally built for railway access but were closed down in the 60’s and are now part of the Trans Canada Trail system (a walkable trail that spans the length of Canada). Constructed through a mountain of native granite and connected by trestles over the 300m high Coquihalla Gorge, the Othello Tunnels aren’t something that should be missed.

As you leave the trestles, enjoy the scenery as you cruise along Canada’s famed Highway Through Hell, as seen on the Discovery Channel. Don’t worry, unless you happen to be driving through a snowstorm you’ll be fine (and even then just slow down and you’ll be fine). In the summer it’s a nice drive as you arrive into Merritt.

Merritt, British Columbia

Merritt is famous for it’s yearly country music festival, the Rockin River Music Fest that it holds towards the end of July every year. Famous country singers from Willie Nelson to Toby Keith to Travis Tritt to Keith Urban to Tim McGraw have graced its stage and hung out in their huge campground.

As you leave Merritt, you’re going to want to leave Highway 5 and head south down Highway 5A towards Kelowna. If you didn’t fill up in Hope then definitely fill up before you leave Merritt since it’s another hour and 20 minutes before you get into Kelowna and see your first gas station. Highway 5A will change into the Okanagan Connector at one point so just stay on Highway 97 towards Kelowna and you’ll be fine.

Kelowna, British Columbia

Now we might be biased (since we’re currently based out of Kelowna) however Kelowna and the Okanagan have a ton to offer people. From award winning wineries to beautiful beaches and gorgeous parks, the Okanagan Valley in BC is a great place to be and one of the warmest areas in Canada. The main highlight is the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake that ties the valley together (also one of the only lakes in Canada that never freezes).

With over 182 licenced wineries in the valley, if you’re a wine lover you can spend days just hopping from one vineyard to another. If you prefer cider there are dozens of cideries plus tons of microbrewers as well in Kelowna proper.

While of course we can’t list them all, if you only have time for a few wineries then these are some of our favorites with the most ambience (though not necessarily our favorite wines) and the ones we’ll often bring new visitors to see:

West Kelowna:

• Mission Hill Family Estate Winery – Fabulous architecture high on the hill and gorgeously manicured grounds, this place is considered royalty in the valley.
• Quails Gate Winery – As well as having a delicious restaurant, they let you wander around the rows of vines and also offer an affordable tour (when available) to show behind the scenes of a working vineyard.

Kelowna:

• Summerhill Pyramid Winery – Known for their white pyramid and nice views across the lake on the opposite side of Mission and Quails Gate they also have a popular restaurant.
• Soma Craft Cidery – Nestled in the woods in a park like setting on the east side of Kelowna, this place has delicious cider, a Farm Inn you can stay at and llamas you can feed.
• BC Tree Fruits Cider Co – This place is part of a fruit packing plant in the industrial section of Kelowna so isn’t pretty like the others on this list however the cider is tasty (and they have a large selection) plus you can walk next door to their market where they have a dozen different local apples you can buy year round to enjoy on your roadtrip.

Lake Country:

• Grey Monk Estate Winery – Scenic drive and tasty port (try it with chocolate!) on the way towards Vernon. It’s worth the drive plus there are 2 other trendy vineyards (Ex Nihilio and ArrowLeaf that are only a few blocks away) that have great food in season (make sure to book first if you’re wanting to eat at either place in the summer though.)

If you love fruit, there are orchards everywhere in the valley with fruit stands everywhere selling everything from 50 different apple varieties (September to October with some available at BC Tree Fruits near year round) to some of the best peaches you’ll find anywhere on earth (mid July to early September). Cherries are in season the beginning of July and there are plenty of u-pick centers if you’ve never had the good fortune of picking them straight off a tree (just try not to eat them all so you have some to take with you on the rest of your roadtrip).

We’ve written several guides on fun things to do in Kelowna so I won’t rewrite it all here but you have the lake and dozens of beaches in the summer and Big White, an internationally acclaimed ski resort just 30 minutes south of Kelowna in the winter that will rival any ski hill on earth. For the rest of the year you have tons of great trails, hikes, pubs, restaurants and activities to make your time here fly by.

As you leave Kelowna east on Highway 97 towards Vernon, make sure to pay attention to the lakes on the right. The high on the hill view of green tinged mineral Kalamalka Lake is always impressive and soon you’ll be in Vernon which also happens to be about the midpoint of your trip from Vancouver to Banff. Congrats for making it this far!

Vernon, British Colombia

Vernon has tons to offer including another well loved ski hill, Silverstar Mountain. If you’re here in the winter and enjoy downhill skiing then it’s another great option after Big White.

Vernon also has multiple beach areas (some on Kalamalka and some on Okanagan Lake) and is also home to Splashdown Vernon, a small but fun outdoor waterpark. Vernon is also full of restaurants and has a popular brewery (OK Brewery) right in town that gives tours.

Vernon is also home to Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery and if you like whisky and gin or fruit infused spirits then definitely swing by and taste their liqueurs and grab a bottle to take home with you.

As you continue out of Vernon on Highway 97A North, you’ll soon pass through Armstrong.

Armstrong, British Columbia

Armstrong, known throughout Canada for their Armstrong Cheese and specifically their squeaky cheese, the company unfortunately no longer offers tours at their factory. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, feel free to stop at The Village Cheese Company for some artisan cheese samples and small tour. They even have their own brand of squeaky cheese if you’ve never had it!

If you love kitschy highway stops, then make sure to stop at the Log Barn 1912 before you reach Enderby. Don’t worry about spotting it, there are a dozen signs pointing to it and if the large dinosaurs, dragons and sculptures sitting outside don’t catch your attention then you really shouldn’t be driving! There’s a shop inside with ice cream, candy and wacky souvenirs as well as a quick walk around the grounds gives you a minute to stretch your legs.

Enderby, British Columbia

Enderby is a cute little town but it’s major claim to fame is the Starlight Drive-In. The 6,000 square foot screen to the south of town is the biggest drive-in movie screen in North America and one of the last in Canada. Operating from June until September, it makes a great night out with the family. If you happen to make it then and decide to catch a movie, Salmon Arm is only 20 minutes away and has more hotels than Enderby does.

If you don’t need a place to sleep, then continue up Highway 97A towards Sicamous. This is a gorgeous drive right along the edge of Mara Lake and while you’ll likely lose 10 minutes rather than going up through Salmon Arm I promise you’ll enjoy it.

Sicamous, British Columbia

As you arrive into Sicamous proper, you’ll need to take a right onto Highway 1 heading east. Don’t worry, you’ll stay on Highway 1 for the rest of your ultimate Vancouver to Banff roadtrip so don’t worry about maps for a while. Just go east wayward traveler.

When we pass through Sicamous we often fill up our gas tank. Soon we’ll be crossing into the Rockies and gas prices go up 10 cents a liter once you hit Revelstoke. Weirdly, Golden is always cheaper than Revelstoke and is another option if you can easily make it another 220 km on your current tank.

If you enjoy dairy farms and ice cream, then D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous is a must stop. Fresh homemade ice cream and the ability to walk through a real working dairy farm with cows and a small menagerie of animals out back. They also have a great little fruit and veggie stand (the last real one on your journey) right across the street from June to September. Follow the signs as you turn onto Highway 1 and it will be on your right.

We now continue our road trip towards Revelstoke however first we have 2 interesting stops you might want to check out. First up is Crazy Creek Hot Pools, about 20 minutes east of Sicamous. This little 4 season roadside resort offers hot spring to it’s weary travelers from 9am to 9pm 365 days a year. Best part is that no reservations are required so if you’re up for a hot dip then nothing is stopping you.

5 Minutes further down the road from the hot springs you have the sister attractions of The Enchanted Forest and SkyTrek Adventure Park. Both are open from June to September. The Enchanted Forest is a nature walk through a magical land of castles, miniature houses and a giant treehouse while SkyTrek is an aerial adventure park that will have you climbing, jumping and zip lining from one treetop platform to another.

10 minutes east of the adventure park you’ll find Three Valley Gap where you’ll catch a glimpse of history as this old ghost town harkens back to the 1800’s and pioneer days of a British Columbia western town. The distinct Three Valley Lake Chateau on the banks of the lake also makes a great picture spot before you keep heading east to Revelstoke.

Revelstoke, British Columbia

Revelstoke is an old train town with plenty of ties to the railroad. We always enjoy walking along the raging Columbia River as we pull into town to stretch our legs a bit. If you turn right immediately as you cross the bridge there is a small park next to the road. Leave your car in the parking lot then follow the pathway left under the train bridge.

If you love trains than the Revelstoke train museum shouldn’t be missed and if you’re there when it’s open, a quick 30 minute guided tour of the Revelstoke Hydro Dam makes for an interesting diversion.

Another popular attraction in Revelstoke is Revelstoke Mountain Resort. In the summer they have downhill biking and the Pipe Mountain Coaster, which features 1.4 kilometres of twists and turns as you hurtle down a mountain on a small rollercoaster while travelling at speeds of up to 42 kph. In the winter the park receives 30 to 40 feet of snow and the ski hill features a descent of 1,713 vertical meters (5,620 feet) – the most in North America.

Heading east down Highway 1, we’re now on our way to Golden, BC.

Glacier and Rogers Pass, British Columbia

As we leave Revelstoke, we soon reach Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail and Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail. Both are greatly named and fun little hikes. The one you don’t want to miss though is Giant Cedars Boardwalk. It’s a quick 20 minute walk along a well signed wooden boardwalk through some of the largest cedar trees you’re ever likely to find.

Only a few minutes farther up the highway you’ll find Alberta Canyon and the Canyon Hot Springs Resort. Unlike Crazy Creek, these hot pools are only open from May to September and they also offer cabins and campsites if you’re making the trip pulling a camper of RV.

From Revelstoke to Golden you’re going to be climbing like crazy with the peak just between Glacier and Rogers Pass. This is the highest point of the Trans-Canada highway so be proud. You made it to the top and now it’s just smooth sailing from here on out. If you need a bit of a stretch make sure you check out the Rogers Pass National Historic Site. If it’s the middle of winter, just take a picture of those 20 foot tall snowbanks to each side of your car as you continue east to Golden.

Right before you get to Golden, you’ll reach the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre. It’s a wolf habitat and interpretive center that’s open to tours year round (no reservations required) and gets you up close and personal with some real North American wolves.

Golden, British Columbia

Golden is a great mountain town that always surprises us with the new things we find to do there. One thing to do is you can check out the Golden SkyBridge. Open from June to October, Canada’s highest suspension bridge traverses 426 feet above an wide canyon and features a zipline, climbing ropes and a canyon swing if you can handle your heights.

If you love water and adrenaline, Golden is Canada’s whitewater rafting capital with several white water rafting companies operating in town. Rafting excursions run along the fast flowing Kicking Horse River all summer long and most rafting companies have offices either in Golden or just east of the city.

If you want to stretch your legs, there is a beautiful covered pedestrian bridge spanning a portion of the river next to the Porcelain Garden park close to downtown. There are several restaurants and pubs nearby as well if you want to grab a bite to eat.

As we leave Golden, we’ll soon find ourselves in a different province and a different time zone so get ready to set your clocks an hour forward!

Before that though, you might want to pull over in a few areas (like Faeder Lake, Finn Creek or Natural Bridge) and take some pictures. From Golden to Lake Louise the rivers and lakes start taking on a turquoise glow due to their high clarity and mineral content that is hard to resist photographing. From little waterfalls here and there to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery, your head will be whipping side to side never knowing which side of the car you should be looking.

If you’re lucky you’ll spot a giant grizzly or maybe a giant moose. Bighorn sheep and large elk are also often spotted along the highways and if you see a bunch of cars pulled over or clumped together there’s a good chance there’s an animal nearby.

Field, British Columbia

One thing you’ll need as you drive towards Banff and Lake Louise is a National Park Pass. Park passes can be bought ahead of time or from certain vendors. Visitors arriving from Calgary and the west can easily purchase their passes as they pass into the Banff National Park however visitors coming from the east don’t have access to a kiosk. It’s suggested for you to either pre-purchase one online here or at one of the approved locations like the Yoho National Park Visitor Center just off Highway 1 in Field.

The good news is that if you purchase a National Park pass for the year, they are good across the country and this pass also gives you access to breathtaking Takakkaw Falls on the other side of Field. So does a day pass so don’t fret, you just get more time to explore this cool region.

Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park is accessible June to October and can be reached by a 10 minute drive along Yoho Valley Road just off Highway 1 a few minutes past Field. There is a nice park at the end and a short 10 minute walk (1.3km) that will bring you within sight of Takakkaw Falls. With a total height of 373 metres (1,224 ft) and a single drop of 254 metres (833 ft), this glacier fed body of water makes them the second tallest waterfall in Canada.

As we head east and finally cross into Alberta, set your clocks ahead 1 hour…. Now!

Lake Louise, Alberta

Beautiful turquoise lake? Check. Beautiful chateau? Check. World class skiing? Double check.

What Lake Louise lacks in amenities, it makes up for with unrivalled beauty. If you can ignore the hordes of people, walking around the cloudy turquoise waters of Lake Louise can be magical.

Whether you rent a canoe and explore the lake from above the water or decide to grab your walking shoes and head to the right past Chateau Lake Louise along Lakeshore Trail is up to you. Walking to the end of the trail or just stopping on one of the many benches and just enjoying the relative quiet compared to the main area, now is a perfect time to take a picture. If you can get one with one of the red canoes framed just right you might even decide to frame it.

If you happen to be here in the winter, while you won’t be able to see that turquoise glow, you might be lucky enough to strap on some skates and skate over it. Nicely groomed for most of the winter, you can rent skates right by the water or in town. Feel free to check out some other nearby lakes for skating as well.

While Lake Louise gets all the attention, Moirane Lake is equally as pretty and some even think it’s prettier. Regardless, it’s definitely less busy and has some more challenging hikes if you’re so inclined to take them.

Another great hike people enjoy is the hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. While it’s not a crazy far, the 7.2km round trip hike does play on you if you’re not accustomed to hiking at this elevation.

Skiing and snow boarding are of course the other half of Lake Louise’s appeal. When the ground starts to freeze and the snows come thick, Lake Louise becomes one the best ski hills in the country. On nice winter days, it’s not uncommon to see a steady line of cars driving in from Calgary and the highway looks more like a living being rather than pavement.

If you happen to be staying in Lake Louise itself, Chateau Lake Louise is a gorgeous option however there are more options in town plus some great fireside pubs to cozy up to anytime of the year.

Finally, even if it’s the middle of summer, take a gondola ride up the ski hill. You’re almost guaranteed to see some wildlife and the view from the top makes the gondola ride so worth it. If it’s winter, grab you board and enjoy!

As we take our final leg east towards Banff, it’s time to congratulate yourself. You’ve just made it through some of the worst passages in the world and lived to tell the tale. Now just imagine those brave men and women who first crossed those mountains and tamed that wilderness to get us where we are now. 2 months travels in under 9 hours of driving. Love it!

If you have a little more time (roughly an extra 20 minutes) and want to see some more gorgeous country with a better chance to get up close with animals and nature, jumping off of Highway 1 in Lake Louise and heading to Banff along Highway 1A (the Bow Valley Parkway) is a solid choice (just ensure the roads are fully open first). Castle Cliff, Silverton Falls, Johnston Canyon, Backswamp and Bow Valley Parkway are all picturesque diversions.

If you’re here to ski or snowboard, Sunshine Mountain is another great ski hill and is often the first hill to open every year. With some epic snowfall, it’s always a favorite with locals.

Banff, Alberta

As we finally pull into Canada’s premier mountain town, the urge to party all night can be strong. Don’t give in, even though the party never stops in Banff, you’ve just had a long day and it’s time for a rest.

In the morning you can check out some of Banff’s best sites and activities. From skiing nearby Mount Norquay in the winter to riding up Sulphur mountain on the Gondola in summer there’s plenty to do. (If you’re up for climbing the hill yourself they give you a free lift down! Budget 2 solid hours.)

You can hike or bike down to beautiful Bow Falls, drive up Tunnel Mountain looking for elk (they’re everywhere up there) or check out the sulfuric delights of the Banff Cave and Basin National Historic Site. There are horseback tours, biking tours, boating tours and even canyon and rappelling tours.

Of course you’ll want to check out the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory and eat at some top class restaurants while you’re here. Whether you stay at the Banff Fairmont Springs or not, you definitely need to drive up there and walk around the place as well. The hotel exudes old world charm and is definitely worth checking out.

After all that driving, you’ll likely want to soak your troubles away in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Open year round these, the naturally fed hot springs are a great way to unwind after a few hard days behind the wheel.

With that, we’re at the end. We hope you enjoyed your ultimate Vancouver to Banff roadtrip and hope you get to continue to explore more of Canada during your trip.

Getting back to Calgary and other notes

While there are no commercial airports in Banff, many people choose to land or leave Banff through Calgary since it’s a major city and less than an hour from Banff by car or bus shuttle. If you’re flying in from Toronto, the east coast of Canada or some other country, just reverse this list and start at the bottom and you’ll be fine.

Let us know if we forgot anything that should be on this list. Safe travels and welcome to Canada!

We’ve made our home base in Kelowna, BC, for over six years now. It’s amazing how time flies.

In that time, we’ve been fortunate enough to spend plenty of time exploring the sunny Okanagan Valley, with its deep, clear lakes, mountains, wineries, and abundant orchards. 

One of our favorite trips is to head south from Kelowna to Okanagan Falls. It’s a beautiful drive, passing through West Kelowna, Summerland, Peachland, and Penticton, along the shores of Okanagan Lake.

Okanagan Falls (also called OK Falls) itself is a smaller town, with a population of only around 2,500 residents. The town of Okanagan Falls is located on the southern tip of Skaha Lake.

The town of Okanagan Falls itself is… how do I say this? Well, the town itself could use a little bit of beautification. We still enjoy heading there, and the surrounding area is absolutely stunningly beautiful (especially the wineries and lake), but the town itself is beginning to look a bit tired. That said, we still adore Okanagan Falls, and love visiting every time.

Things to do in Okanagan Falls, BC

If you’re wondering what to do in Okanagan Falls, here are some of our favorite picks, from wineries to waterfalls.

What are the top attractions to visit in Okanagan Falls, Canada?

Because Okanagan Falls is a smaller town, there aren’t a lot of tourist attractions like amusement parks or water slides. That said, the lack of tourist traps is part of the charm in a town where the biggest attraction is an ice cream parlor called Tickleberries.

Tickleberries

Tickleberries ice cream shop is an absolute must stop in Okanagan Falls.

It’s a family owned business started back in 1990. There’s a lot that’s great here, but with 72 different kinds of ice cream in stock, we usually start with a delicious ice cream cone. If ice cream isn’t your thing, Tickleberry’s makes it’s own chocolates, fudge, candies and kettle corn and has an interesting collection of items for sale.

Christie Park

Christie Memorial Provincial Park has the longest beach park in OK Falls. It’s right in town, on 7th Avenue on the south shore of Skaha Lake.

There’s more to do here than hang out on the well maintained beach, with beach volleyball courts, wide grassy areas, and plenty of benches and picnic tables. Christie Park has washrooms and change areas.

If you’re here with your canine companion, there’s also a dog beach.

Okanagan Falls KVR Kettle Bridge

The OK Falls KVR (Kettle Valley Railway) Bridge is a short walk from the town of Okanagan Falls, and right next to Christie Park. You’ll find the bridge at the South end of Skaha Lake, just as Skaha Lake empties into the five km long channel that connects it to Vaseux Lake.

The bridge itself isn’t very long, but it connects to the Kettle Valley Railway Trail on the North end, which runs along the West shore of Skaha Lake. It’s a great place for a walk, and there’s a good chance you’ll see plenty of waterfowl and wildlife.

More excitingly, during OK Falls hot summer, you’ll see locals and tourists of all ages jumping off the bridge into the clear water below.

Okanagan Falls Wineries

There are 15 wineries around Okanagan Falls. Of these, the most well known are arguably Liquidity Winery, See Ya Later Ranch, and Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars.

Like the rest of the Okanagan Valley, OK Falls is well suited for wine production, with long, dry and sunny summer days, low risk of autumn frost, and rich soil.

The Wineries at OK Falls include: Black Market Wine Co, Blasted Church, Bonamici Cellars, Crescent Hill Winery, Echo Bay Vineyard, Skaha Vineyard, Liquidity, Meyer Family Vineyard, Nighthawk, Noble Ridge Vineyard, Pentage Winery, Play Estate Winery, See Ya Later Ranch, Stag’s Hollow and Wild Goose Vineyards.

What are the best outdoor activities in Okanagan Falls?

Okanagan Falls is all about the outdoors. The town is nestled at the southern tip of Skaha Lake, with mountains all around.

The warm climate is perfect for wineries, while the lake and mountains mean there are plenty of opportunities for watersports, hikes and outdoor activities too.

Okanagan Falls Waterfalls

If you’re wondering, ” Are there falls in Okanagan Falls?”, the answer is well… not really.

Unfortunately, the natural waterfalls the town is named after no longer exist. The town was named after small twin waterfalls at the end of Skaha Lake, where it emptied into the Okanagan River. In the 1950s, the falls were lost when a flood control dam was built to control the level of water flowing south into the Okanagan River.

Depending on the time of year, the dam on Green Lake Road, just north of Highway 97, can run fairly strong, creating a fast current and rapids.

Okanagan Falls Camping

The most popular Okanagan Falls campground is the provincial park, aptly named Okanagan Falls Provincial Park. You’ll also see signage for sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ, which is the name for Okanagan Falls in the local indigenous Sylix language. In fact, it’s now now officially named sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Provincial Park.

sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ is pronounced s-wuh-wuneet-kw, means “little falls”.

The park is managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB). Make camping reservations through Discover Camping with the BC government.

Indian Head and Peach Cliff

Indian Head’s ragged cliffs to the southwest of Okanagan Falls are some of the most unusual rock formations in the Okanagan with huge dark ancient volcanic rock as well as a bunch of hiking trails.

Peach Cliff is just east of Okanagan Falls, with Balancing Rock perched at the top. Mule deer and California bighorn sheep make this their home, so it’s great area for wildlife viewing.

Skaha Lake in British Columbia

Skaha Lake is one of the warmest lakes in Canada. It’s the perfect place to fish, swim, water ski, wake board, sail, paddleboard or just go for a swim.

Visit a Local Okanagan Orchard

With it’s warm summers, Okanagan Falls is home to many roadside fruit stands and u-pick farms. One of our favorite things to do in the Okanagan Valley is take a drive around the countryside, stopping at orchards and fruit stands to enjoy home grown fruits and veggies.

Climb Skaha Bluffs

There are plenty of routes to chose from, but climbing walls include Red Tail, Doctors Wall, Fortress, The Great White Wall and The Grand Canyon, and are mostly under 30 meters tall.

Love the outdoors? Check out our best hikes in Kelowna British Columbia.

Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory

The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) is located at Kaleden, British Columbia, Canada, about a 13 minute drive from the town of Okanagan Falls.

It’s an active observatory, known internationally for science and technology research and development into telescopes as well as satellite receivers and electronics. Comprising astrophysicists, astronomers, engineers and technologists, the observatory is well known around the world.

The observatory was closed in 2021 to both self-guided and guided tours because of the pandemic, however during normal times, it’s open for self guided tours Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and special guided tours are available upon request.

Ski or Snowboard at Apex Mountain Resort

Apex Mountain is a 50 minute drive from Okanagan Falls to Hedley, BC, and west of Penticton.

It averages 600 cm (or 20 feet) of snow a year, with groomed and back country trails available. There’s also a skating rink, and nearby Nickel Plate Nordic Centre has snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

It’s smaller than other resorts in the Okanagan, like Big White or Sun Peaks, but the cozy atmosphere is part of the charm here.

Baldy Mountain Resort

In the complete opposite direction of Apex, approximately 55 minutes southwest of Okanagan Falls, lies the Baldy Mountain Ski Resort.

Baldy Mountain is the 3rd highest elevation ski resort in British Columbia and is one of the most affordable skiing and snowboarding resorts in BC, Canada. Activities at Baldy Mountain include skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. There’s even an 18 hole winter disc golf course complete with disc rentals for something a little different.

Okanagan Falls Accommodation

Because it’s a smaller town, there are only a few options for accommodation in OK Falls.

There are only a few options in the town proper of Okanagan Falls itself: La Villa Motel, Okanagan Paradise Resorts, Twilight Motel, and Holiday Beach Resorts.

La Villa Motel. La Villa is a small family motel in the heart of Okanagan Falls. Most rooms have a kitchenette, fridge and air conditioning. See prices and availability here.

Okanagan Paradise Resorts. Okanagan Paradise Resorts is a condo and vacation rental unit beside Skaha Lake. Prices here.

Holiday Beach Resort Motel. Holiday Beach Motel is in the heart of OK Falls, across from Christie Park. Suites have kitchenettes, and there’s outdoor space and barbeques available. See prices at the Holiday Beach Motel.

Twilight Motel. The Twilight Motel is a small motel with only six rooms. Rooms have a sitting area, microwave, a fridge and toaster. See more.

The Chauffeur’s Quarters. The Chauffeur’s Quarters is a short 4 minute drive south of OK Falls, close to Liquidity Wines. See prices an availability.

Bighorn Ridge Resort. Bighorn Ridge Resort Guest House Bed and Breakfast is about a six minute drive south of Okanagan Falls. Prices here.

Accommodations in Kaladen, BC

St. Andrews By The Lake. St. Andrews’ accommodation is part of a nine hole golf course. See availability here.

Casa Colina. Casa Colina is a bed and breakfast just 15 minutes south of Penticton. It’s set on a hilltop with nine acres, great views and plenty of space, and even a heated outdoor pool. There are three suites and a cottage available. See prices.

Ponderosa Point Resort. Ponderosa Resort in Kaleden has 26 privately owned lakeshore cabins on Skaha Lake itself. It’s a gorgeous setting, and popular with nature lovers that want to get away from it all. The resort itself has plenty of activities, with everything from bocce ball to tennis to kayaking.

Airbnb in Okanagan Falls

AT this time there are 22 Airbnbs in Okanagan Falls, with everything from single room stays to condos to entire houses set in vineyards.

Looking for a great deal on your next Airbnb? Click here to get a $35 USD credit on a new account!

Accomodations at Vaseux Lake, BC

Vaseux Lakeside Resort. Vaseux Lakeside Resort is a four townhouse complex on the shores of Vaseux Lake. See prices.

Okanagan Falls Restaurants

Kettle Valley Pizza and Donair. In Okanagan Falls town itself, this pizza joint offers thin or thick crust, chicken wings, smoothies and shakes.

Falls Restaurant. Falls Restaurant has Chinese food for dinner and a Western breakfast. It’s well rated, and a local favorite for the good sized portions.

Bullies Pizza. Bullies Pizza offers up pizza with homemade sauce and fresh toppings, as well as pasta.

KJ Coffee Bar. KJ is a locally owned café with a French Canadian twist. The coffee is fresh, the bread is homemade, and locals and tourist alike rave about this place.

Smoke & Oak Bistro. Smoke & Oak is a few kilometers south of town.

Okanagan Falls History

Syilx language speaker and Traditional Ecological Knowledge keeper Richard Armstrong shares the Syilx name, meaning, history and cultural significance behind the area known today as OK Falls.

How far is Okanagan Falls from Kelowna?

It’s a 81 km (50 miles) drive from downtown Kelowna to Okanagan Falls. The drive takes just over 1 hour.

From the Kelowna Airport, it’s a 1 hr and 20 minute drive of about 95 km (59 miles).

How far is it from Penticton to Okanagan Falls?

It’s a short 19 minute, 21 km (13 miles) drive from Penticton to Okanagan Falls.

Kelowna’s reputation as one of Canada’s most scenic and beautiful places is well deserved. The city lies along the deep, clear 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake, and is bordered by mountains and forest.

In our seven years of living in Kelowna, we’ve had the pleasure of hiking most of Kelowna’s great trails.

The Best Hikes in Kelowna, BC

We usually hike with our kids, so many of these Kelowna trails are family friendly, and are included in some of the top family things to do in Kelowna. Of course, since Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley is a mountainous area, there are a few trails here that are more difficult, and suitable for experienced hikers only.

Apex Trail on Knox Mountain

We take most of our out of town guests to Knox Mountain for a moderate to easy hike. It’s on the outskirts of downtown, making it easily accessible, and it also offers gorgeous views of downtown Kelowna and Okanagan Lake.

The downside here is that Apex Trail is one of Kelowna’s most popular hikes, meaning the trails can be fairly busy during peak times, like summer weekends.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can start Apex Trail at the bottom of Knox Mountain, and hike all the way up to the top. If you’re looking for an easier hike, you can drive on Knox Mountain Drive to the parking lot about half way up, and walk the rest. It’s also possible to drive all the way to the top of Knox for a peek at the view.

Knox Mountain Drive is seasonally closed to traffic during the coldest months of the winter and can be closed in the summer if the danger of forest fires is too high in the region.

2022 Update: To assist with social distancing measures during the pandemic, Knox Mountain drive is currently closed to vehicle traffic.

There are over a dozen other trails on Knox Mountain, if you’d like to explore further. One of our family favorites is the Paul’s Tomb trail, which we talk about below.

If you’re a fan of the water, you can also access Okanagan Lake’s Kelowna Paddle Trail at the base of Knox Mountain.

The Kelowna Paddle Trail is a 27-kilometre water only trail on Okanagan Lake from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Regional Park. It passes along bird sanctuaries, 20 beaches and parks, three waterfront resorts, and two bird sanctuaries. It’s a great place to take out that paddleboard or kayak you’ve found.

Dogs are allowed on Apex Trail if they’re on leash, on trail, and licensed. There’s an off leash dog beach nearby, at 589 Poplar Point Dr, near the Apex Trail Parking lot.

Length: 2.0 km one way (4 km return).

Difficulty: Moderate. Potentially slippery sections with an incline.

Google Maps location

Paul’s Tomb

Paul’s Tomb, on Knox Mountain is probably the hike we’ve walked the most since we moved to Kelowna. It’s one of our favorite easy hiking trails Kelowna.

It’s a lovely hike that follows along the shore of Okanagan Lake, with stunning views of the lake at the top. The trail ends at a small, pebble-covered swimming beach, where you’ll find local families like ours taking a swim in the lake and enjoying picnic lunches.

The hike does lead to the tomb of Rembler Paul, one of Kelowna’s earlier pioneers. There’s not much to see at the tomb itself, as the door has long been sealed with rock and gravel.

To access Paul’s Tomb, it’s easiest to drive up Knox Mountain Drive to the midlevel parking lot. When Knox Mountain Drive is closed, you can park at the parking lot at the base of Knox Mountain, or drive up to the end of Poplar Point Drive, where there’s extremely limited parking on the road in a residential area.

Dogs are allowed on leash, on trail and if they’re licensed. There’s an off leash dog beach nearby, at 589 Poplar Point Dr, near the Apex Trail Parking lot.

Length: 2.5 km (1.5 miles)

Difficulty: Easy, with some moderate sections.

Location of Paul’s Tomb on Google Maps

Myra Canyon Trestles

Myra Canyon is a popular, well maintained and scenic portion of the former Kettle Valley Railway. It’s a stunningly scenic hike, with 18 giant trestle bridges and two tunnels, and features some amazing views over the lake.

Stretching just over 12 kilometers one way, you can walk the popular portions of the trestles, however, it’s more common to bike the whole way.

If you chose to bike rather than hike, you can rent a bicycle in Myra Canyon’s parking lot all summer if you need one. You can also join a tour that will explain the over 100 year long history of this historic railway stretch and the rebuilding of the trestles after the major fires in the area in 2003.

The trail head is about a 35 minute drive from Downtown Kelowna, with the last 5 or 10 minutes of the drive on a bumpy gravel road, with switchbacks. If conditions are snowy, icy or slick, you may need a 4×4.

You can access the trail via the Myra Station parking lot or the June Springs parking lot. We always choose to start at the Myra Station lot, because there are six trestles in the first few kilometers, making for a simple and interesting hike for the family.

Distance: 24 km (14 miles) return

Difficulty: Easy, but multiple steep drop offs.

Location: Myra Station Parking Lot on Myra Forest Service Road. Location on Google Maps.

Kelowna Waterfront Trail

This trail is more of a city walk than our other Kelowna hikes, but it’s well worth the time if you’d like to see Kelowna’s downtown and lakefront. The hike starts at the parking lot at City Park (it’s now a paid lot), winds its way along the downtown lakefront, and ends at Rotary Marsh.

Along the way, you’ll pass Hot Sands beach, which is the summer beach to see and be seen. For some of the best ice cream in Kelowna, stop at Moo Lix ice cream shop on Bernard St., and enjoy your ice cream along a lovely boardwalk by the manicured Waterfront Park. Waterfront Park is home to plenty of activities and festivals, including the always fun Great Okanagan Beer Festival.

Most people stop at Tugboat beach, by the Delta Grand Hotel, but if you follow the lakefront a little further, there’s an interesting little walk through Rotary Marsh walk.

Distance: 2.1 km (1.3 miles) one way

Difficulty: Easy

Location: 1600 Abbott St, Kelowna.

Google maps location

Mill Creek

Mill Creek is an easy 10 minute drive from downtown Kelowna, and just a few minutes drive from the Kelowna airport.

Because Mill Creek was hit by flooding a couple of years ago, a large portion of the initial section of this hike was reconstructed, with new footbridges, and a wider path.

The initial section of the hike (Waterfall Trail) is a little less than 1 km (0.6 miles) long. It’s wide and relatively flat, and a good choice for younger kids.

After the short walk at the initial section, you’ll end up at a small waterfall. It’s one of the closest waterfalls in Kelowna.

Just before you reach the waterfall, there’s an informal trail that’s much narrower and steeper that winds up along a ridge overlooking the waterfall. It diverges just North of the main trail, and loops back into the main trail after less than 1 km.

This is a pretty, easy hike along a smooth, wide path, mostly under cover. It’s our hike of choice on hot summer days when we want to walk under the trees.

Dogs are allowed on leash. There’s a small parking lot, and hours differ, depending on the season. It’s open 6:00 am to 11:00 pm in peak summer hours.

Difficulty: Easy (main Waterfall trail). Moderate (informal trail).

Length: 1 km (0.6 miles) one way (approximate)

More info: Mill Creek Regional Park.

Location on Google Maps.

Mission Creek Greenway

This long, winding pathway is one of Kelowna’s less talked about gems. We’re fortunate to live nearby, so we’ve walked almost every kilometer of the trail.

The Greenway follows along Mission Creek, which may technically be a creek, but what most people would consider as a smaller, fast flowing river. During spring, if runoff is high, Mission Creek can be extremely fast moving and potentially very dangerous.

Portions of the greenway are still under construction, but when completed, it will span 26 kilometers (16 miles) from the shore of Okanagan Lake to Mission Creek Falls.

Because it’s such a long trail system, most people only hike sections of the trail, so we’ve broken the Greenway down into the two most common hikes: Mission Creek Regional Park, and the downtown section from Lakeshore Drive to KLO road

Mission Creek Regional Park

Mission Creek Regional Park is likely the most familiar spot along the Mission Creek Greenway. It’s home to a honeycomb of great family hiking trails, a playground, washrooms, picnic facilities, and the EECO Center (Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan). The EECO runs environmental education programs year round – we especially love the education they provide on spawning salmon in Mission Creek.

Mission Creek Greenway proper is a wide, flat pathway that runs parallel to Mission Creek, connecting Mission Creek Regional Park to the downtown area and Scenic Canyon Regional Park to the East. Many smaller, well marked hiking trails fan out from the Greenway that take you through Kelowna’s ever-present Ponderosa Pines, by a Children’s Fishing Pond, and past Turtle Ponds. You can also see Kokanee Salmon spawning in early fall.

This is one of our favorite winter hikes in Kelowna. The main Mission Creek Greenway trail is quite wide and flat, so it’s often less icy that other hikes with steep inclines.

Dogs are allowed on leash.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (stairs)

Location: 2363 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 7N7

Locate on Google Maps

Mission Creek Greenway – downtown section from Lakeshore to KLO Road

You can access this section of the path from the Lakeshore Road and Truswell Road parking area or across the river from the Creekside Pub & Grill.

To the West in this section, Mission Creek flows into the 135 km long Okanagan Lake. Sandbars often form as the creek enters the lake in the spring, attracting birds.

If you walk to the East along the trail, you’ll find Michael Brook Marsh, for more bird watching. After a few kilometers, you’ll pass Father Pandosy Historic Site and eventually meet up with Mission Creek Regional Park after KLO Road.

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 4 km (estimated)

Dogs are allowed on leash.

Location: Corner of Lakeshore Rd and Truswell.

Locate on Google Maps

Scenic Canyon Regional Park

Entering the Scenic Canyon Regional Park from the parking lot off 2014 Hollywood Rd S (known as The Greenery on Google Maps), the trail first dips down into a marshy area, full of ducks, turtles, and greenery, and past a series of small boardwalks. There are also a couple of bridges that cross over Mission Creek.

The Mission Creek Greenway officially runs through Scenic Canyon Regional Park to its terminal point at Mission Creek Falls.

If you hit Saskatoon berry season just right (usually early summer around the end of June), this section of the trail has some of the ripest, juiciest Saskatoon berries we’ve ever found.

Further along, there are some interesting geological features along the way, including views of Layer Cake Mountain, once you’re past the KLO Creek bridge. There’s even a more challenging Rock Ovens Trail.

Currently, sections of the trail above the KLO creek bridge (on the East side) are closed due to washouts and bank instability.

Length: Section off of Hollywood Rd South (about 2 km, loop). Section off Field Road (about 5 km, total)

Difficulty: The first few kilometers off the parking lot at 2014 Hollywood Rd S are easy. Difficult sections with steep and narrow climbs are accessed from the parking lot at 3965 Field Rd.

Dogs are allowed on leash.

Location: 2014 Hollywood Rd S, Kelowna, BC

Locate on Google Maps

Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park – Coyote Ridge East Trailhead to Light Blue Lake

This is a pretty hike with nice views of Okanagan Lake on one side and Glenmore Valley on the other side. I personally really love the views here, but they’re subjectively less stunning than others you can find on Kelowna hiking trails. You may also have some highway or airplane noise depending on the time of day.

If you’re looking for over-the-top stunning scenery, do the hike at Mount Boucherie, Myra Canyon, or Knox Mountain.

There are plenty of trails here, leading among wetlands and largely untouched habitat. There’s a good chance of seeing wildlife like coyotes and marmots.

There’s not much signage here, and the lake is small and not recommended for swimming.

Dogs are allowed on leash.

Length: 1.6 km (1 mile) one way, or 3.2 km (2 miles) return

Difficulty: Easy to moderate with some steep sections. Not well marked.

Location: 2345 Werger Rd East Trailhead.

Location on Google maps.

Boucherie Rush Trail on Mount Boucherie

The Mount Boucherie hike rewards you with gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake and wineries below. You’ll navigate a series of switchbacks and a steep incline, but the view at the end is gorgeous.

There are three trails at the Mount Boucherie parking lot, but it’s the Boucherie Rush trail that will lake you to the top of Mount Boucherie at 758 meters elevation.

The trail itself is well maintained, with wooden railings and gravel surface. Since Mount Boucherie is an extinct volcano, you may see ancient solidified lava rock on your route.

Tip! The north east face of the mountain is much more difficult, and we recommend it only for very experienced hikers. We consistently hear reports on the local news of hikers stranded on the north face that require search and rescue assistance.

Distance: 3 km (1.8 miles) one way

Difficulty: Moderate, with steep sections and incline

Location: Parking lot at E Boundary Road.

Google maps location.

Black Mountain Viewpoint

We don’t hear a lot of people mention the Black Mountain Viewpoint trail, but it’s one of my favorite short hikes in Kelowna.

It’s a short trail (1.6 km round trip, or 1.0 mile). Start at the base of Black Mountain, and it’s a fairly steep hike along some switchbacks straight up to the viewpoint. It’s not a long hike, but it definitely gets the blood pumping.

You can be done and dusted on this hike in about half an hour, if you move quickly. With kids, we’re slower, so it takes us about 50 minutes.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 1.6 km (1.0 mile) round trip

Location: Park along Black Mountain Drive.

Google location here.

Crawford Falls hike

Crawford Falls is a great option if you’re looking for waterfalls near Kelowna. It’s likely the best known of the waterfall hikes in Kelowna. The hike has two options that lead to scenic waterfalls in the forest. It’s a short, steep hike to the falls on Bellevue Creek.

From the trailhead, it takes about 20 minutes to the first of the two falls. The first set of falls are about 20 feet high, and a difficult, steep hike. The second set of falls are another 10 minutes down the trail, and much taller, at about 40 feet high.

You’ll need to scramble over a few boulders, but the hike is less steep was revamped by the City of Kelowna in the mid-2010’s, and no longer has extremely steep sections with ropes.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Length:

Location: 1856 Canyon Falls Ct, Kelowna, BC. Location on Google maps.

What kind of weather can I expect on my hike in Kelowna?

Depending on the season, temperatures in Kelowna can range from summer daytime highs of plus 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) to winter overnight lows of -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit). Kelowna is generally considered one of the warmest cities in Canada and most days outside of the coolest days of the year around January and February and the hottest days (around July and August) hiking in Kelowna is a joy.

If you’re looking for some more fun things to do in the Okanagan Valley, see our articles on the best things to do in Penticton, BC as well as our post of fun things to do in Kelowna with kids.

Do you have any favorite hikes around Kelowna that we’ve missed? Put them down in the comments below!

Since setting up a home base in BC’s mountainous interior a few years back, we’ve had ample opportunity to check out our hometown of Kelowna. We’ve also had the pleasure of exploring the majority of the beautiful Okanagan Valley that contains both Kelowna and nearby Penticton.

As we continue exploring this section of Canada, we’re constantly finding new things to do here and enjoy spending both summer and winter days driving around the 200 plus kilometers that make up the Okanagan Valley.

After discovering so many fun things things to do with the family in Kelowna, we’ve decided to go a little farther south and see what nearby Penticton offers. Only 40 minutes away from Kelowna proper, we’ve discovered that there are many family fun things to do in Penticton as well, no matter what your age.

We still have a few Penticton activities to check out ourselves, but summer isn’t officially over quite yet and we know there’s a good chance we’ll be back in Penticton again soon.

The Best Things to Do in Penticton British Columbia, Canada

So, if you’re looking for what to do in Penticton, check out our fun options below.

Kayaking with HooDoo Adventures in Penticton

Whether you’re setting out for a day of paddling on Okanagan Lake or taking one of their paddle and wine tasting tours, you’re still in for a great day.

Less than a block to the water, HooDoo Adventures even lets you rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and check out Okanagan Lake on your own. For a guaranteed good time, take a tour with the owners Mike or Lindi to learn more about the history of Penticton and the surrounding area. They truly are a fountain of information and are both avid outdoor adventurists.

On our tour, the kids loved kayaking under the boardwalk and stopping off at the faraway beach for a quick snack and to explore the water. With or without the kids, you’re guaranteed a great day on the water and we look forward to one day taking their famous Kayak and Wine tour.

Tubing on the Penticton Channel

A classic Okanagan event, floating on a tube or raft down the 7km (4 mile) Penticton Channel (also known as the Okanagan River Channel) that runs from Skaha Lake down to Okanagan Lake is an annual event for many families that live in the area. I first went over 15 years ago and had a great time with a bunch of friends. This year we plan on going with the kids and enjoying a nice barbecue after the trip.

You can do it on your own or you can jump on the Coyote Cruises bus and rent one of their tubes or rafts (Approx $6 for a tube and $6 for a bus ride.) Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and something to drink because the full tube ride takes between 3 to 4 hours. If renting a tube from Coyote Cruises, they’ll only drop you off at the halfway point. Just be mindful of their hours since they don’t allow anyone past the halfway point past 4:30 PM.

If you’re going tubing in Penticton on your own and want to save some cash, it’s a good idea to have two vehicles, so you can easily get back to your car or get 1 person to hop on the bus from Coyote Cruises to go pick up your car while everyone waits at the beach. You can pack some clothes and towels in a dry bag and tie it to your tube for an added convenience.

If you’re going on your own, all you need is a flotation device (anything from an inner tube to a cheap lounger will do) and a way to get to one of the two drop off points. You can either jump on your tubes at the beginning of the channel at Skaha Lake or stop off at the corner of Green Mountain Road/Fairview Road and Highway 97, behind the Super Save gas station). Parking is limited at the halfway point and there’s a Tim Hortons just across the bridge if you’re hungry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Play at the Loco Landing Adventure Park in Penticton

With everything from mini golf to high level ropes, including speedy go karts and ridiculously fun and a little wet bumper boats, Loco Landing Adventure Park is every child’s dream come true. This family run operation allows you to pay as you go for each activity or you can opt for a one time do it all pass that has no expiry and can be used by multiple people. We ended up buying two cards for the kids and bought separate go kart, mini golf and bumper boats passes for ourselves.

Loco Landing in Penticton also has an Aeroball court (2 player versus trampoline basketball) and the Big Baller with it’s WipeOut style fun. They also have a blow up American Ninja style course for the kids and trampolines complete with harnesses for safe back flips. There’s also an outdoor climbing wall and a small restaurant/canteen where you can grab a bite to eat or something to drink.

The Loco Landing Adventure Park started in Penticton over 10 years ago as a family run park and every year they add another activity. To be honest, the place just keeps getting better year after year and the kids had a blast.

Hang at the beach at either Okanagan or Skaha Lake

With not one but two lakes in Penticton proper, you can always be guaranteed a spot on the beach. Whether you’re hanging out on Okanagan Lake in the north of town or the equally beautiful Skaha Lake in the south end of town, both the beaches and activities are endless. With spray parks, playgrounds, volleyball and tennis courts, concession stands and picnic areas in both places, you can easily spend the whole day in either location without having to leave.

You can also rent stand up paddle boards and boats at both places and there’s washrooms a plenty. You can also opt in to float down the Penticton Channel starting from Skaha Lake or ending up in Okanagan Lake.

Go kart racing at Top Gear Karting in Penticton

Perfect for the older kids (and that includes parents), Top Gear Racing has go karts to suit the speed demon in anyone. With a banked corner and a winding track nearly a kilometer long, this course will tax even the hardiest of racers.

Timed laps go up on the daily leaderboard and you can race up to 8 people at a time or work towards breaking your own lap record. They also offer courses for younger drivers and double karts for parents with younger children.

Indoor climbing with HooDoo Adventures in Penticton

The only indoor climbing gym in Penticton, there’s no doubt the climbing walls at HooDoo Adventures will get your blood pumping. Especially great for adults practicing their bouldering skills, kids will also love the top rope climbing walls. As we found out the day we went there, it’s also a great place to have a birthday party.

Hoodoo Adventures in Penticton also rents out everything from kayaks to stand up paddle boards to bicycles and even snowshoes for those cooler winter months. They also offer some of the best tours in all of the Okanagan Valley.

Coffee and playgrounds at Jumping Beans Play Cafe

If you feel like having a coffee and snack while your little ones run around and play, then Jumping Beans Cafe might be the place you’ve been looking for. With inside wooden play structures and interactive games, the younger kids can work off some steam while you enjoy a decent latte.

It’s a win win for everyone and great for those cooler winter days or even in the height of the areas incredibly hot summers.

Ride the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Penticton

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is 20 minutes north of Penticton but is definitely worth the trip. Whether you’re just going for a ride or taking part in the Great Train Robbery and barbecue, you’ll be transported back in time 100 years as you climb aboard the 1912 steam locomotive lovingly named the 3716.

The 90 minute, ten mile journey of the Kettle Valley Steam Railway takes you by beautiful vineyards, large fruit orchards and through breathtaking vistas before getting a great view of the lake 238 feet above the canyon floor while crossing Trout Creek Bridge. Whether you love old steam trains or just riding in comfort as you take in the beautiful scenery of the Kettle Valley, this train ride shouldn’t be missed.

Hike or Climb at Skaha Bluffs

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, just south of Penticton, is world famous for rock climbing, and one of the best places for climbing in Canada.

There are also well maintained trails, if you’re not the hiking type. There’s a lot of wildlife: You may even catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep, fringed and small-footed myotis bats, night snakes, or a Western screech owl.

Shop at Penticton Farmers Market and the Downtown Community Market

What happens when you close the majority of downtown Penticton every Saturday morning for a few hours to host a market? Usually good things.

The award winning Penticton Farmers Market coupled with the Penticton Downtown Community Market together form one of the biggest markets in the province. With hundreds of vendors selling everything under the sun you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy.

You’ll find everything from eggs & honey to fresh veggies & fruits straight from the farm including fresh baking, handmade crafts and delicious preserves. The best thing about it is everything at the Farmers Market in Penticton is either grown or produced in the South Okanagan valley. They also offer an ever changing selection of local liquor vendors every week so you’ll also get the chance to sample some of the regions best wines and spirits all in one place.

The Penticton Downtown Community Market runs every Saturday from May to October from 8:30 to 1:30 pm.

Bike the Kettle Valley Trail

Towards Naramata, on the east side of Okanagan Lake leaving Penticton, lies the old Kettle Valley Railroad line. This section of the railway is no longer in use and you can bike the Kettle Valley Trail all the way to Kelowna. Overlooking the lake with wide, flat terrain, the trail is easy to bike and the views overlooking Okanagan Lake are gorgeous with beautifully restored classic wooden train trestles found all along the route.

If you don’t have your own bike you can rent one from a few places in town including HooDoo Adventures or take their well reviewed bike tour.

Head to the Penticton Pump Track or the Penticton Skateboard Park

A new free activity added to Penticton last year is the amazingly popular Penticton Pump Track. This paved oval track has dozens of mini hills and crests that will keep the kids (or the parents) busy for hours. It’s a great course for budding mountain bikers, BMX’ers and experienced riders as well. Located on Naramata Road at the Poplar Grove Parking lot, near the entrance to the Kettle Valley Trail it makes a great start or finish to a day of riding the trails.

Have a rebellious teen or a budding Tony Hawk in your group? Don’t worry, there’s a large skatepark in Penticton right next to Loco Landing that will have the kids grinding the rails and doing massive grabs, flips, ollies and slides in no time.

Walk the plank in Penticton

While there are no wooden planks left, there are miles of paved boardwalks that circle the city. If you start at the skatepark besides Loco Landing Adventure Park and continue past the SS Sicamous (the largest surviving stern wheeler in western Canada and a nice museum as well) you can follow Okanagan Lake all the way past the Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre through Okanagan Lake Park and the Penticton Japanese Gardens all the way to the Penticton Yacht Club and Marina with all it’s sailboats and powerboats.

With the lake and the Penticton beaches on one side and restaurants, hotels and shops on the other, the Penticton boardwalk makes for a great stroll whether your a jogger, a power walker or just a family taking a stroll through town.

SS Sicamous

History buffs will love the visiting the SS Sicamous stern wheeler. It’s one of the most famous Penticton attractions and points of interest. The SS Sicamous launched in 1915, and was used to transport passengers and cargo to locations all along the shores of Okanagan lake. It was known as a beautiful, luxurious voyage, and it’s well worth a look. The SS Sicamous took its last run in 1951. Today, it’s preserved as a museum that’s open to the public.

Take the plunge in Penticton

If you happen to be in Penticton during their crazy hot summers, love water activities and have already tubed the channel, the Penticton WiBit might be for you. This floating outside watercourse comprises dozens of huge air filled obstacles that will not only get your adrenaline up but give your kids the workout they so desperately need. With water trampolines, climbing walls, obstacle courses and splash pads, if you’re not having fun then you must be doing something wrong.

Situated just down the beach from Loco Landing and the SS Sicamous stern wheeler on the west end of Okanagan Lake, this floating waterpark is open from 10 am to 8 pm every day of the summer beginning in June. Just note that kids aged from 5 – 7  require a parent to go with them (parents are free with kids 5 – 7) and they have reduced prices for evenings so if you’re feeling a little cheap this might be the best time to go.

Eat your fill in Penticton

With over 100 restaurants in and around Penticton there’s something for every palate. From simple but tasty burgers and fries at Burger 55 to world class fare at the Bistro at Hillside Winery there’s also something for every budget.

While restaurants are scattered around town, you’ll find the greatest concentration of them near the downtown core and along Lakeshore Drive West.

If you’re wanting a real treat and you’re in Penticton during the summer, grab a bag, or even better, a bucket of mini donuts for the family. The mini donuts in Penticton are freshly made to order right off the beach at Our Little Donut Factory and they’re delicious. After that you can grab a bench or picnic table across the road along the boardwalk and watch the birds vie for your attention as they strut their stuff at the beach. It was a highlight of our last trip down there.

Wet your whistle in Penticton

With over 80 wineries within a 20 minute car ride of downtown Penticton, as well as 5 craft breweries and 2 distilleries, you might have wished you left your kids home for this trip.

All joking aside, the Okanagan Valley itself is home to over 300 wineries and Penticton is home to a good portion of them. With everything from wine tasting to cellar tours to even stomping the grapes yourself you can find a winery in Penticton that appeals to both you and even your kids. Most offer grape tasting for wee ones as well so the kids can feel like part of the action.

Some of the more popular wineries around Penticton include Bench 1775, La Frenz, Pentage Winery, Red Rooster, Ruby Blues and Lake Breeze. In terms of craft breweries, you have Highway 97, Barley Mill, Bad Tattoo Brewing, Tin Whistle Brewing and Cannery Brewing. Maple Leaf Distillery is the largest of the local distilleries.

Note: Some of the best restaurants in the Okanagan Valley are at the wineries, so bring an appetite and your wallet. Wines directly from the wineries might be a dollar or two cheaper than the stores but falling in love with a local wine and buying it by the case can get expensive quickly.

Not wanting to risk the road after hitting a few of the wineries? Go on a winery tour with Hoodoo Adventures and let them drop you off at your hotel when you get home.

Check out wine tours in Pentiction here.

Get Your Farmer on at Covert Farms Estate Winery

Technically, Covert Farms Estate Winery is 35 minutes south of Penticton in the town of Oliver. There’s a working farm here, as well as a working winery, and a highly rated farm tour. A few years ago Covert Farms hosted the Amazing Race Canada. Every year in September, Covert Farms hosts the Freak’n Farmer obstacle race.

Visit the Penticton Visitor Centre

If you’re just coming into Penticton, it’s probably worth your while to grab a map of the local wineries and attractions from the excellent Penticton Visitor Centre located at 888 Westminster Ave. (It’s right beside the ever popular Penticton Convention Centre.) They can also help you with finding some of the more hidden gems in the area, direct you to special events that are on the horizon and can answer any questions you might have regarding Penticton and the rest of the Okanagan Valley here in BC, Canada.

The Best Tours in Penticton

Viator offers some great tours and experiences in Penticton and throughout the Okanagan Valley.

You’ll find everything from boat rentals to bubble suits to winery and foodie tours and more.

Check out all of Viator’s Penticton tours here.

Since we also have family and friends all over the country, we always have a place to stay. It’s wonderful to have that sense of community wherever we go. Having an affordable place to hang our hats for the night doesn’t hurt either.

For visitors to our beautiful country, it’s not always so easy. Canada can be a terribly expensive place to visit. Because it’s such a big country, with relatively few people, flights are pricey. Plus, long distance bus service is limited here, especially in Western Canada with the coming closure of all Greyhound bus routes in the Western provinces.

To top that off, accommodation costs are high, especially in larger cities like Vancouver or Toronto, where most visitors start or end their visit.

Canadians in general are a pretty friendly bunch, but it’s always a challenge to feel like part of a community while staying in a hotel.

So, how can you save money traveling in Canada, and tap into the wonderful community we have here?

One fantastic way is to dip your toes into house sitting in Canada.

Housesitting in Canada

Canada is a great place to house sit. Since accommodation is pretty expensive, making house sitting a great value. Plus, there are quite a few listings, especially from homeowners with pets that need love and attention while their owners are on vacation.

How do you get started house sitting in Canada?

We’d recommend signing up for a house sitting website that connects potential sitters and homeowners.

The Nomador house sitting website is a great place to start. They’re relatively new to the house sitting world, but they’re already making a big dent, and quickly.

Nomador is becoming so incredibly popular, in part, because of their free Discovery option. The Discovery option lets you apply for your first three assignments at no charge. Homeowners can get a similar deal for their first listings.

Click here to check out Nomador’s free discovery option.

After your first three assignments, there’s a membership fee to join. It’s the same rate for housesitters and home owners, and the website has listings all over the world.

What’s really cool about Nomador is the Stopover concept, which connects travelers and hosts around the world.

The Stopover lets home owners register to offer up a spare bedroom for members in between house sits. This lets members stay for a night or two as they travel in another country, or maybe even to fill a gap between house-sits. The culture of Nomador is based on community and the sharing economy, and we think they’ve really succeeded here!

Find out more about Nomador Stopovers now.

Do I need to have references and experience to house sit in Canada?

It’s not a bad idea to have some references on hand, such as reference from a rental apartment or work.

That said, on Nomador you can’t add external references to your profile. Any references must be left by other members of the Nomador community. You can mention in your Additional Information area that you have other references and that you’re happy to send them to the homeowner.

A lot of housesitters in Canada get started building their references by doing a couple of short house sits close to home to build up their Nomador references.

Why do people get house sitters in Canada?

Many homeowners are looking for someone to help take care of their pets while they’re away. Getting a house sitter lets dogs and cats stay in their own home and keep their familiar routine, which can be a lot less stressful than sending a dog to the kennel.

Other homeowners just want someone to take care of their property to ensure it stays in good condition while they’re away or to bring in the mail and water their plants.

How do you find a good housesit in Canada?

Patience is the key to your first good gig as a house sitter in Canada. Take some time to fill out your profile, apply to several house sitting gigs, and even consider doing a short, local, trial run house sit to build up your references.

Can you get long term house sitting in Canada?

The length of a house sit varies quite a bit, from a few days to months on end. Plenty of homeowners go away on extended trips, take a year abroad, study overseas, or take a leave of absence from work, making their home available for longer periods.

There are hundreds of house sits available on Nomador, so the best thing to do is check out the listings and see what’s available for long term sits.

See all the house sits available now.

Where should I get a house sit in Canada?

Canada is huge, and expensive to fly in, so getting a house to sit in the right area is important.

As Canadians, I can’t tell you how many times we’ve run across a traveler who hadn’t done their research and ended up overwhelmed by the big distances and cost to travel between cities within Canada.

Let’s put it this way – it’s a 20 hour drive (at 100+ km/h, or 62 miles/hour) with no stops from our home city of Kelowna to Charles’ family in Winnipeg. That’s less than a third of the drive coast to coast across Canada!

Because Canada is so big, and most cities are spread out, if you’re house sitting in an area outside of reliable public transit, you’ll need a car while you’re here. Distances in Canada are large, and most of our population who are outside the largest centers get around by automobile.

Note: If you’re thinking of using Uber or Lyft, realize that Uber won’t be available in the province of BC or Vancouver until the fall of 2019 and it’s no longer offered in Quebec. Lyft has just entered the Canadian market and won’t be available much outside of Toronto at the moment.

House sitting in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest, and most beautiful cities. It’s perched on the Pacific Ocean, and even in the heart of the city you’re likely never more than half an hour away from nature.

Most of Vancouver’s attractions are in the city center, so housesits in areas like downtown, Kitsilano, UBC, Gastown, trendy Yaletown, and the West End are pretty desirable.

In terms of best areas to house sit in Vancouver, don’t discount suburban areas like Richmond (which has a fantastic night market) or New Westminster either. Public transit in Vancouver is reliable and clean, especially if you can score a Vancouver house sit near the SkyTrain route.

Check out our fun things to do in Vancouver with kids.

House sitting in Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and it’s a busy, bustling place with plenty of diversity and a whole lot to see and do.

We spent a few days in Mississauga (a Toronto suburb) at a conference a few years ago, and I can say from personal experience that highway traffic can get incredibly congested and slow outside the core. The city’s actually known for having some of the worst traffic jams in the USA and Canada.

So, that said, a Toronto house sit that’s close to downtown, or on the Toronto Transit Commission subway line, would be ideal.

Good neighborhoods to house sit in Toronto’s downtown core are the Distillery District, Liberty Village, the Toronto Harbourfront, and Cabbagetown (don’t let the name scare you off).

House sitting in Victoria, BC

Despite being the provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria is a small city with just about 85,000 residents. There’s no subway, so if you’re relying on public transit, you’ll need to take the bus.

Honestly, any neighborhood in Victoria is good to house sit in – don’t expect any ghettos.

As far as best neighborhoods to house sit in Victoria, Beacon Hill is one of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, Gordon Head is middle class and suburban, while downtown is a good choice if you’re looking for lots to do and good restaurants.

While you’re in Victoria, be sure to check out the stunning Butchart Gardens.

House sitting in Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is a booming Canadian city on the footsteps of the Rocky Mountains with the gorgeous Bow River winding through the city. It’s also less than an hour drive from Banff National Park and only 30 minutes from one of our favorite Albertan mountain towns, Canmore.

The Calgary Zoo, located just outside the heart of the Calgary core, is one of the best zoo’s in North America and with warm Chinook winds, it’s not uncommon for Calgary to occasionally hit the high teens (Celsius) in the middle of winter (which isn’t so common in Canada). Calgary is also home to the Calgary Stampede, one of the largest rodeos in the world.

The CTrain runs throughout Calgary and makes it easy and fairly quick to get around. Calgary’s downtown, especially the Eau Claire district, makes a great place to stay with easy access to shops in all directions.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Calgary to house sit in relation to shops, amenities and transit outside the downtown core are Beltline, Arbour Lake, Sunnyside, Signal Hill, Westside, Bridge Line and McKenzie Town.

House sitting in Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is known for delicious food and lively entertainment. The city is as famous for poutine, smoked meat, tourtière and, oddly enough, delicious bagels as it is for cinema and culture.

Montreal is also the home to dozens of festivals, including the Montreal Jazz Festival and the always funny Just For Laughs Festival. Montreal is also the home city of Cirque Du Soleil.

Though Montreal is the second largest french city in the world (second only to Paris), most of its population is bilingual You’ll find the largest concentration of English speakers centered around the downtown core and towards the western side of the city.

There are 68 metro stations across Montreal (called the STM) and good enough transit that you can house sit just about anywhere in the city.

Some of the best neighborhoods to house sit in Montreal include Ville Marie (effectively the downtown area), Old Montreal (known locally as Vieux Montreal with its old architecture and picturesque streets), Griffintown (Irish descent and foodie paradise), Plateau-Mont-Royal (largest concentration of artists per capita in Canada) and The Village (very LGBT friendly).

Looking at house sitting in Quebec or other French Canadian areas?

Nomador has a great resource that talks about the differences (and similarities) between Anglophone (English) and Francophone (French) Canadian culture, and some special tips for applying for house sits in Quebec. Check it out here. 

House sitters in Kelowna, BC

This is our home city, so there’s a lot to say. It’s a stunning small city (nudging 125,000 people), that’s perched on deep blue Okanagan lake and surrounded by mountains and wineries.

It pains me to say it, but Kelowna’s public transit is definitely lacking. There’s no subway, so you’ll need to rely on the buses, which take a fair bit of flak from residents for being less than reliable. That said, some routes are served well, especially the route from Kelowna proper to UBC Okanagan (near the airport).

If you get a house sit in Kelowna, try to get a car, or find a central location like downtown where you won’t need to commute much.

Kelowna’s roughly made of two cities, West Kelowna and Kelowna proper, which includes downtown, Rutland (which has an undeservedly bad reputation, honestly, and some great hole in the wall restaurants – try Latin Fiesta and Dosa Crepe Cafe), Lower and Upper Mission, Glenmore and several other nice neighborhoods. Kelowna is also only 30 minutes away from Big White, a huge international ski and snowboard hill.

West Kelowna is home to the stunning Mission Hill winery, and you’ll find that you’re pretty close to Okanagan Lake anywhere in the city if you love the water as much as we do. However, the real action in Kelowna, as well as most restaurants and attractions, are in the downtown area. If you’re looking to house sit in Kelowna and don’t have a vehicle, downtown is your best best.

Tip! We’ve had some terrible wildfires here during the summer months over the last few years, so make sure you chat with the homeowner about that if you’re staying on the outskirts of the city during the summer.

A few last notes on housesitting in Canada

No matter where you want to house sit in Canada, you’ll likely meet friendly and welcoming people who will make your stay memorable and enjoyable.

From the Pacific to the Atlantic, you’ll find varied cultures, unforgettable landscapes and everything from majestic mountains to wind swept prairies to rocky peaks. Each place has its own charms and its own people.

Have you ever tried home sitting in Canada? Let us know your tips! We’d love to hear from you.

The Great Okanagan Beer Festival is that kind of party.

As I walked onto the grounds, the early summer sunshine warmed my shoulders, and a cooling breeze swept across the lake.

The kegs were tapped, the band was playing, and the smokies were sizzling on the grill. Charles and I had left the kids at home, and it was time to enjoy ourselves.

As I looked around at the hundreds of smiling faces around me, I was instantly at home. This was going to be a great day. It was our first year at the GOBF, and I was excited to take in all the fun (plus all that tasty food, beer and cider!).

Great Okanagan Beer Festival (GOBF)

Every year, the Great Okanagan Beer Festival puts on a heck of a great party in our beautiful home city of Kelowna, BC, Canada.

The GOBF takes place in early May. It’s hosted by the fun folks at Gibbons Whistler, founders of the insanely popular Whistler Village Beer Festival.

The GOBF features 70 breweries with over 120 varieties of craft beer and cider. No matter which way you calculate it, that’s a lot of delicious suds.

You’ll find some of our favorite local breweries and restaurants at the Okanagan Beer Festival, like the Train Station Pub, Grimm’s Fine Foods, BNA Brewing, Tree Brewing, Freddy’s Brewpub, Okanagan Spring, Boundary Brewing Company, BC Tree Fruits Cider Co. and Wards Hard Cider, plus plenty of other great craft beer and cider brewers from all across Canada.

Plus, there’s great food with food trucks and vendors galore.

If you’re looking for something fun to do, there’s plenty of entertainment on site, including live bands up on the main stage. This year, there were four live bands for the main event, plus a DJ to keep the crowd going between sets.

Depending on the year you go, the lineup will be different, but we enjoyed Red Chair, Lucky Monkey, The Hip Replacements (a Tragically Hip tribute band), and Hot Knox.

In among the beer and cider tents, we found that a lot of local businesses had also shown up. All of them had something fun to do and many offered everything from free meals at local restaurants to hats, shirts and Frisbees. The games ranged from blackjack, to beanbag toss games, to axe throwing.

Yep, you read that right… axe throwing. We had a blast trying a free round of axe throwing with Axe Monkeys, though I think we’re both going to need some coaching before we become axe throwing masters!

All that axe throwing gave us an appetite, so we wandered over to the food trucks.

Given that this is a Canadian Festival, you’d better bet there’s a poutine truck (Smoke’s Poutinerie), and a lot more too, including The Keg Steakhouse, The Grub Truck, Surfside California (with tacos!) and Thai on the Fly.

Grimm’s Fine Foods BBQ made an especially tasty appearance, with mouthwatering smokies on a bun and ice cold drinks.

GOBF fun around town

There’s a lot going on in the days and weeks leading up to the GOBF, with everything from yoga to bowling to Kelowna Craft Brewery tours.

Pregame Brunch at the Train Station Pub with Grimm’s Fine Foods

We were lucky enough to get a spot at one of our very favorite local pubs, the Train Station Pub for a Pregame Brunch presented by Grimm’s Fine Foods.

The Train Station Pub is in a restored 1926 railway station, and is just a hop, skip, and jump from Waterfront Park where the GOBF main event is held. As well as great food, the Train Station Pub features their own craft beer as well as rotating favorite brews from around the area.

Where’s the GOBF held?

Every year, the Great Okanagan Beer Festival takes place at Waterfront Park on the shores of Okanagan Lake. There’s plenty of lush green grass, meandering paved pathways, a beautiful wooden boardwalk along the lake, and big trees scattered about for shade.

Should you get General Admission or VIP Tickets to the Great Okanagan Beer Fest?

What’s included in the GOBF General Admission ticket:

• Official 4 ounce GOBF sampling mug
• 3 beer or cider tokens
• Live music
• Access to 70 breweries and 140 craft beers/cider
• Access to food vendors and exhibitors
• A fun time with thousands of festival-goers on the beautiful Okanagan Lake

What’s included in the GOBF VIP ticket:

• Official 4 ounce GOBF sampling mug
• 10 beer or cider tokens
• VIP fast access express entry. We had VIP tickets and loved this feature, as it let us speed by the regular security entry line (shown below).
• Live music
• Access to 70 breweries and 140 craft beers/cider
• Access to food vendors and exhibitors
• A fun time with thousands of festival-goers on the beautiful Okanagan Lake
• GOBF swag bag
• Lunch from Grimm’s Fine Foods
• Vouchers for savings around town

Love beer, cider, great food and awesome music? If you don’t have tickets, you can grab them here! 

Click here to see ticket prices and details.

Looking for a Great Okanagan Beer Festival promo code? Check out the Gibbons Whistler Facebook page – you may get lucky!

About Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

Kelowna is a small city perched on the shores of Okanagan Lake, with a population of just under 200,000 very lucky people.

It is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley, which is a 200 kilometer (125 mile) valley surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, and with the deep, clear Okanagan Lake as its center.

Kelowna (and the Okanagan Valley) is becoming rapidly known for it’s 300+ world class wineries with hundreds of fun things to do around town. The past few years there’s been a boom of local craft breweries (thus the GOBF) and locally made spirits as well.

In the summer, the valley is home to apple, pear, peach and other fruit orchards, and sees an influx of tourists from Canada and all over the world.

To get here, you can fly directly into the Kelowna International Airport, but many visitors prefer the scenic four hour drive from Vancouver.

Looking for someplace to stay?

Check out these Kelowna rentals on Airbnb.

Sign up using this link, and get $35 in Airbnb credits the first time you use them.

Looking for something to do?

Check out these fun experiences in Kelowna.

Does gazing up at endless starry skies and watching the dance of the northern lights sound enticing? How about viewing stunning mountain scenery and seeing wildlife, like elk and moose, every day?

Now what would you say if I said you can do all that while eating at fantastic local restaurants and staying in world class accommodations?

The Jasper Dark Sky Festival delivers all of that and much, much more.

The Jasper Dark Sky Festival – What is it?

Every year, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes place in Jasper, Alberta, Canada.

Jasper is nestled in the rugged heart of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. It’s a small town that’s managed to keep it’s unique character, despite being a major tourist attraction. Bighorn sheep and elk are regularly spotted in town, and the town site and surrounding area are home to some of the most stunning views of alpine lakes and mountains you’ll ever see.

The Dark Sky Festival takes place over two weekends in October that are packed with events, speakers and activities that feature science, space and conservation.

There’s even a little bit of geeky celebrity magic that happens here: past speakers have included George Takei (best known as Sulu from the original Star Trek TV series), Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield (check out his informative and entertaining Facebook account here), plus Kari Byron, Grant Imahara, and Tory Belleci (former co-hosts of Discovery Channel’s hit show Mythbusters).

So when Tourism Jasper reached out to invite me to experience the Jasper Dark Sky Festival firsthand, I jumped at the chance.

Jasper Dark Sky Preserve

The Dark Sky festival is held in Jasper National Park, home to one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves.

A Dark-Sky Preserve is an area in which no artificial lighting is visible and active measures are in place to educate and promote the reduction of light pollution to the public and nearby municipalities. Sky glow from beyond the borders of the Preserve will be of comparable intensity, or less, to that of natural sky glow. – Royal Astronomical
Society of Canada

In Jasper, the city and park have taken extra steps, like replacing older street lights with lights that point to the ground, rather than up, and cast less light. The result is stunning, clear views of the night sky – perfect for catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis or Milky Way.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit The Jasper Dark Sky Festival

There’s so much to enjoy at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, from world class talks, to taking in the night sky, to enjoying delicious meals that it’s hard to narrow it down to 10 reasons! That said, here are my top 10 reasons you should check out the Jasper Dark Sky Festival for yourself.

Stargazing and taking in the northern lights

There are plenty of opportunities to take in the stars at the festival, but don’t miss the Beyond the Stars event at Lake Annette.

There’s plenty to do at this night time event, with expert guidance from the Telus World of Science – Edmonton, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Edmonton Centre, Dark Sky photographers, Parks Canada interpreters and other special guests.

For those of us who aren’t fond of cold weather, or those who just love their java, there’s a Tim Horton’s truck parked conveniently nearby, offering up free hot chocolate and lattes! There’s also a free shuttle from the Visitor Information Centre.

It’s an other worldly experience to stand in the middle of the starlit sky, gazing up as the northern lights glow, and change shape, over Lake Annette.

There’s a lot to see here, but one of my favorite activities was to stop by the telescopes set up and manned by knowledgeable volunteers. Each telescope was trained on a celestial object, from far away galaxies to planets. It’s an amazing experience to see these with your own eyes!

Tip! A good stargazing app can make your experience so much more enjoyable! Try out Sky Map for Android (free) or StarWalk 2 for iPhone or iPad.

The Scenery

Ever seen a photo of an impossibly perfect, clear emerald green lake in the Canadian Rockies? It was probably taken in Jasper.

You can catch Jasper’s scenery pretty much, well, everywhere around town. Tourism Jasper has an excellent list of highlights here.

For a gorgeous, birds-eye view, be sure to take the Jasper SkyTram‘s fully enclosed tram for some stunning views. Dogs are welcome!

If you’ve ever been on Instagram, you’re sure to have seen an image of the beautiful Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. In warmer weather, the lake is a stunning green.

Science

You don’t need to be a nerd to love the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, but it doesn’t hurt.

There’s plenty here for science nerds like me, from chances to chat with world class astronomers to hands on chances to view the stars. Be sure to check out events like Stargazing and Observe the Sun with RASC Royal Astonomical Society of Canada, which get stellar Jasper Dark Sky Festival reviews. Events vary each year, but there’s always plenty to do and see.

The Wildlife

Jasper’s relatively untouched location in the Canadian Rockies means that it’s a great place to see wildlife.

The park is home to elk, moose, caribou, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears and wolves, plus smaller animals like the adorable pika and marmots, plus many bird species.

Tip! Keep your distance, as these are wild animals, and their behavior is unpredictable, no matter how accustomed they are to humans. It’s illegal and dangerous to touch or feed wildlife – both for you and the animals!

The Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers for the Jasper Dark Sky vary by year, but they’re sure to be informative and entertaining. They’re sure to delve into interesting questions like these. What is dark matter anyway? Why does space exploration matter? Will we ever colonize Mars?

During my visit, the keynote speakers were UK Professor Brian Cox and Phil Plait, of Bad Astronomer fame.

The talks were interesting and lively, and I was incredibly impressed with how gracious and engaged both men were with audience members, young and old alike, during the question and answer period.

The Kids

There’s plenty for kids to do at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, from having fun at the planetarium (more on that later!) to hands on fun at the Big Bang Expo.

Big Bang Expo, presented by TELUS World of Science at the Jasper Elementary School, is chock full of real life experiments and experiences for kids and adults alike.

There’s a lot of fun building and flying model rockets, and plenty of science-related activities indoors.

The Food

For a small town in the mountains, Jasper has a surprisingly excellent selection of top notch restaurants. You’ll find everything from gourmet to casual. Here are the restaurants I had a chance to try during my visit.

Orso Trattoria

One word – Yum! The elegant but relaxed Orso Trattoria is located inside the gorgeous Jasper Park Lodge. It also has an enviable ground level spot with stunning mountain and lake views.

The menu’s full of farm to table goodness, with interesting dishes like breakfast poutine (with hash browns), croque madame, and, of course, avocado toast (delicious!). Breakfast is served all week, but dinner is only served Saturday and Sunday.

Evil Dave’s Grill

Locally owned, Evil Dave’s Grill is a casual, fun place with great food.

Dishes like Malevolent Meatloaf, Fiendish Falafel and Karma Curry all have a diabolical twist. I tried the Karma Curry, and it was spicy, flavorful, fresh and darn tasty. Be sure to try the Beautiful Brie, a wheel of almond and panko crusted deep fried brie, on chilled pear puree, with toasted baguette. Delicious!

Coco’s Cafe

Of all the restaurants I tried in Jasper, funky and fun Coco’s Cafe was my favorite.

Everything I tried here was perfect, from coffee to a bagged lunch with a spicy, flavor packed vegetarian burrito.

It’s a locally owned joint that specializes in vegetarian, vegan and celiac friendly fare.

Jasper Brewing Company

The Jasper Brewing Company is a bustling place packed with locals and tourists alike. The menu has a great range, from confit duck tacos, to delicious warm buttered soft pretzels, to veggie burgers and pan roasted Ora King salmon. The beer’s pretty darn good, too!

Emerald Lounge

I got a chance to try the Emerald Lounge, located just off the lobby to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. After a long delay with my shuttle, the Emerald Lounge’s roaring fireplaces and comfy chairs were a welcome sight. It’s open all day until late, with gorgeous views and a welcoming vibe.

The Planetarium

Don’t miss a stop at the Jasper Planetarium. The inflatable dome planetarium is a 360 degree astronomical immersive experience that’s fun in any kind of weather, even if the skies are cloudy. It’s well worth a visit, with interesting and informative narration.

See the Jasper Planetarium website for more info and ticket prices.

SPACEtalks panel

In addition to the fantastic keynote speakers, each year the Jasper Dark Sky Festival hosts a Spacetalks Panel.

It’s hosted by knowledgeable and entertaining science journalist Natalie Panek, and features different scientists each year.

This year, the panel was moderated by CBC Radio’s Bob MacDonald, with presenters including astrophysicist Rob Thacker, Scientific American Contributing Editor John Rennie, and Rocket Scientist and Explorer Natalie Panek.

There’s a lot to love at the Dark Sky Festival, but SPACEtalks was one of my favorite parts, as it was fun, casual, and just so interesting!

Niki Wilson

The SPACEtalks panel and other events are hosted by Dark Sky Festival favorite Niki Wilson. She’s a knowledgeable and interesting science journalist, published in the likes of like BBCEarth, Motherboard, Canadian Wildlife Magazine, Natural History Magazine and Canadian Geographic.

The hotels – Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

Jasper’s home to plenty of great accommodation, but I was lucky enough to stay at the iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

This is a stunning 700 acre year-round luxury mountain resort that’s located on the shores of Beauvert Lake. There’s a heated outdoor pool (enjoyable even in winter) located in a gorgeous setting, and plenty of luxury touches around the entire hotel.

This is an unusual hotel in that it’s rooms are a village of heritage log cabins all interconnected by picturesque paths. There are also luxurious Signature Cabins.

Bonus reason! The Community

Despite being known worldwide, Jasper, Canada is still a small town, and it feels like it. There are only about 4,500 residents in the town, so you’re almost guaranteed to be bumping into people you recognize from earlier in your trip. It makes for a welcoming experience.

What you need to know

You can get all of the Festival details as well as learn where to get Jasper Dark Sky Festival tickets on the Jasper Dark Sky Festival Website.

You can learn more about Jasper activities, accommodation and places to eat from Tourism Jasper’s excellent website right here.

Jasper is located 362 kilometres (225 mi) west of Edmonton, Alberta, and 290 kilometres (180 mi) north of popular Banff, Alberta via the Icefields Parkway.

The Icefields Parkway is a beautiful stretch of highway with cascading waterfalls, ancient glaciers that you can walk upon and clear emerald lakes set in gorgeous valleys of thick pine forests.

You can also get there from Kamloops, BC in about 4 1/2 hours or from Calgary, Alberta in about the same amount of time.

Temperature: During October, Jasper’s surprisingly warm for a town high in the Canadian Rockies, with daily highs averaging 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), and lows averaging 30 Fahrenheit (-1 Celsius). When I was there, there was little to no snow in the town site, but higher elevations like Maligne Lake already had some heavy snow.

What to bring: Because this is Canada, and it’s October in the mountains, be sure to bring a warm coat, warm shoes or boots, mittens and a touque (warm hat, for the non-Canadians out there). Since you’ll be outside at night watching the stars and northern lights, make sure you dress for the forecasted lows.

How to get there

The closest airports to Jasper are Edmonton International airport (390 km) or Calgary International Airport (430 km). There is an airport in Jasper itself, however there’s no direct commercial flights offered, as it’s used mostly for diversions and delivieries use.

From Edmonton or Calgary, you can self drive, or take a shuttle. SunDog Tours operates shuttles from both Calgary and Edmonton.

If you’re not used to driving in snow and ice, I’d advise taking a shuttle during the winter for safety.

I was hosted at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival by the kind folks at Tourism Jasper.