Beautiful British Columbia is a dream destination for many, and for good reason. While those living in nearby provinces can reach it, for others on Canada’s East Coast and beyond, it often remains a bucket list fantasy. Among BC’s most beloved regions is the Okanagan Valley, with Kelowna at its heart, famous for its sandy beaches, scenic vineyards, nature trails, and local farms. We’ve visited twice from Edmonton (a 1,300 km journey), and every time it’s been worth the effort. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, and Kelowna welcomes you with its charm in every season. It’s a destination that delights the senses from wine tasting in the sun to lakeside walks under golden autumn leaves.
When you walk along Kelowna’s waterfront, it feels like you’ve escaped to a coastal summer vacation town. The sight of yachts gently bobbing in the marina, the energy of people enjoying water activities, and the sparkle of the lake create a beach-town atmosphere in the heart of the Okanagan. The lakeside path is absolutely breathtaking, just strolling beside the water or driving over the bridge with panoramic views, it’s an instant dopamine boost. It’s the kind of place where just being there lifts your mood.
Myra Canyon Trestles
Myra Canyon Trestles is one of the most iconic and scenic attractions in Kelowna, offering a unique blend of history, engineering, and breathtaking landscapes. It forms part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), which was built in the early 1900s to connect the Kootenays with the British Columbia coast through some of the province’s most rugged mountain terrain.
Today, visitors can follow the former railway bed, now transformed into a well-maintained recreational trail. Since the route was originally designed for trains, it remains relatively flat, making it suitable for families, casual hikers, cyclists, and visitors of all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll cross impressive wooden trestle bridges and pass through hand-carved rock tunnels while enjoying spectacular views of Myra Canyon and the surrounding forest. The combination of fascinating railway history, remarkable engineering, and stunning scenery makes the Myra Canyon Trestles an unforgettable experience and one of Kelowna’s must-visit attractions.
Kettle Valley Railway Connection:
The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) was once a vital transportation corridor, carrying both passengers and freight across southern British Columbia. Stretching more than 600 kilometres, it played a crucial role in connecting remote communities and supporting the region’s mining, forestry, and agricultural industries. However, with the rise of road transportation and declining rail traffic, the railway was gradually decommissioned in the latter half of the 20th century.
Rather than being abandoned, many sections of the former railway were preserved and transformed into recreational trails. Today, the KVR Trail forms part of the Trans Canada Trail, one of the longest multi-use trail networks in the world. Myra Canyon is its most famous section, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to walk or cycle across its spectacular wooden trestle bridges, pass through historic tunnels, and admire the stunning canyon views. It is a perfect example of how an important piece of Canada’s railway heritage has been preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Kelowna's Vineyards
Kelowna is the heart of British Columbia’s wine country, and its vineyards are among the most picturesque in Canada. Nestled along the rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley, many wineries enjoy spectacular views over Okanagan Lake, creating the perfect setting for wine tasting, gourmet dining, and leisurely afternoons surrounded by vineyards.
The region’s warm, sunny climate and fertile soils make it one of Canada’s premier wine-producing areas, with more than 200 wineries throughout the Okanagan Valley. Visitors can sample everything from crisp whites and full-bodied reds to the region’s award-winning ice wines, which are produced from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. Many wineries also focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, making Kelowna a popular destination for eco-conscious travelers.
Joining a guided wine tour and
exploring Kelowna’s wineries is one of the region’s most memorable experiences and a highlight of any visit to the Okanagan Valley.
BC Fruits and Farms, A Taste of the Okanagan Valley
British Columbia’s fruits are famous across Canada, especially in Alberta where they’re a staple at farmers’ markets, often sold at premium prices simply because of their unbeatable taste and freshness. So when we visited Kelowna, we couldn’t miss the chance to go straight to the source. Visiting a local farm and hand-picking fruits and vegetables was a simple yet joyful experience. That was when we visited in summer, we picked tomatoes, peppers, and basil. But when we returned in the fall, the experience was even more magical. Apple season was in full swing, and picking our own apples straight from the tree was unforgettable. Those apples were so juicy and fresh, it felt like drinking water with every bite, nothing like those ones even BC apples we later bought in Edmonton. It’s not just about the produce, it’s about connecting with the land and experiencing a cherished part of Okanagan life.
Kelowna and the surrounding Okanagan Valley are renowned for their abundance of family-run farms and markets offering fresh, locally grown produce. Some examples are, Hillcrest Farm Market, Day’s Century Growers, Ogi’s Greenhouse, and Granpa’s Farm Store.
Lavender Farm
Another must-visit farm in Kelowna is the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, especially enchanting in July when the lavender fields burst into vibrant purple blooms. Even if you visit outside the peak bloom, as you did in the fall, the farm offers a delightful experience with its charming store and unique products.
During your fall visit, you likely enjoyed the farm’s boutique, which features a range of handcrafted items made from their homegrown herbs and flowers. A highlight for many visitors is their lavender ice cream, a refreshing treat infused with the farm’s own lavender essential oil.
Mission Creek Regional Park
Mission Creek Regional Park is a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of Kelowna, offering the perfect escape for families and nature lovers alike. Spanning more than 36 hectares, the park features a wide variety of family-friendly attractions and activities, including scenic walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, a large playground, Turtle Pond, Evelyn Island, the Children’s Fishing Pond, and peaceful creekside viewing areas.
The park is also an excellent place for wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot turtles, ducks, songbirds, and, during the spawning season, Kokanee salmon returning to Mission Creek. Interpretive signs along the trails provide insight into the area’s ecosystems and local wildlife, making it both an enjoyable and educational outing.
Kasugai Garden
Kasugai Gardens is a tranquil Japanese garden tucked away in the heart of downtown Kelowna. Opened in 1987, the garden was created to celebrate the enduring friendship between Kelowna and its sister city, Kasugai, Japan. Hidden behind traditional walls, it offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city and is considered one of Kelowna’s hidden gems.
Designed according to traditional Japanese landscaping principles, the garden features elegant stone lanterns, graceful pine trees, ornamental bridges, a serene waterfall, and a koi-filled pond. Every element has been carefully placed to create a sense of harmony, balance, and tranquility, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Museums
The Okanagan Valley isn’t just known for its stunning landscapes and world-class vineyards, it’s also rich in history and culture. Throughout Kelowna, Vernon, and the surrounding communities, you’ll find fascinating museums and historic sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s Indigenous heritage, pioneer settlements, agricultural roots, and the industries that helped shape the Okanagan into what it is today.
Some of the most notable attractions include the Kelowna Heritage Museum, BC Orchard Industry Museum, Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum, and Father Pandosy Mission in Kelowna. Just north of Vernon, the Historic O’Keefe Ranch provides an immersive look at ranch life in the late 19th century, while Vernon’s Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum showcases the area’s railway and transportation history.
Many of these museums feature interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, guided tours, and family-friendly activities, making them enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to better understand the Okanagan’s past, these attractions add another meaningful dimension to your visit beyond the region’s lakes, beaches, and wineries.
Top Tips for Visiting Kelowna
- Book in advance, Kelowna is a popular summer destination, accommodations can fill up quickly during this peak season, and prices tend to rise due to high demand.
- If accommodations in Kelowna are fully booked or exceed your budget, consider staying in Vernon, located approximately 50 km north of Kelowna. Vernon is beautiful and has its own attractions.
- Explore local farms and markets. In Kelowna, you can pick fresh fruits and vegetables during the harvest seasons. Don’t miss out on trying local specialties like fresh apple juice and homemade pies from farm stores such as Grandpa’s Farm Store.
- Visit the Lavender farm in July, it is the perfect time to visit the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm when the lavender fields are in full bloom, creating stunning purple landscapes and a fragrant atmosphere.
Kelowna offers numerous outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Walk or bike along the Myra Canyon Trestles, part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway, featuring wooden trestle bridges and tunnels. For family-friendly parks, Mission Creek Regional Park provides nature trails and opportunities to observe salmon spawning in the fall.
- Visit Arlo’s Honey Farm, it is renowned for its pure, unpasteurized honey and commitment to sustainable beekeeping practices. The farm produces award-winning honey that has been cherished as gifts internationally, Arlo’s Honey Farm.
- Discover local wineries, ake time to visit some of Kelowna’s world-renowned vineyards. Sip wine with views of rolling hills and the lake. Many wineries also serve delicious food.
- Visit the Japanese Garden, it is small but nice to visit.
- Visit local museums, choose the ones that suites you the most.
- Make the drive count, whether you’re coming from Alberta or elsewhere, the journey is scenic and part of the adventure. Stop along the way and enjoy the views, it’s worth the effort.
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