The Best of Kelowna Guidebook by Keys to Kelowna
Sightseeing
The natural amenities make this park a landmark that is a highly desirable destination for residents and tourists alike. The park supports numerous activities like walking, running, hiking, pedal biking (road, cross country, and downhill), birding, nature appreciation, sightseeing, winter recreation, and dogs on leash. You can go for an hour and get a great workout in or enjoy a relaxing adventure on the wide trails.
9 locals recommend
Knox Mountain Drive
Knox Mountain DriveThe natural amenities make this park a landmark that is a highly desirable destination for residents and tourists alike. The park supports numerous activities like walking, running, hiking, pedal biking (road, cross country, and downhill), birding, nature appreciation, sightseeing, winter recreation, and dogs on leash. You can go for an hour and get a great workout in or enjoy a relaxing adventure on the wide trails.
Multiple locations see okanaganbeachrentals.com for details but the Gyro Beach location is ideal because it has sandy, shallow water. There is nothing like jumping on a paddleboard on the lake. You don't need balance to get on one, many people sit or kneel while paddling. Take in the stunning waterfront from the water. The ultimate Okanagan relaxation activity.
Okanagan Beach Rentals
Westside RoadMultiple locations see okanaganbeachrentals.com for details but the Gyro Beach location is ideal because it has sandy, shallow water. There is nothing like jumping on a paddleboard on the lake. You don't need balance to get on one, many people sit or kneel while paddling. Take in the stunning waterfront from the water. The ultimate Okanagan relaxation activity.
Start your walk at the foot of the waterfront walkway just past 1088 Sunset Drive and follow the waterfront all the way through city park, under the bridge to find yourself on Abbott Street where you can walk along a beautifully treed walking route and take in the heritage houses and turn around at the Kelowna General Hospital.
12 locals recommend
Abbott Street
Abbott StreetStart your walk at the foot of the waterfront walkway just past 1088 Sunset Drive and follow the waterfront all the way through city park, under the bridge to find yourself on Abbott Street where you can walk along a beautifully treed walking route and take in the heritage houses and turn around at the Kelowna General Hospital.
This place is a chic cocktail and natural wine bar and NOT a restaurant. Go here to try their natural wine portfolio and take a seat to enjoy wine by the glass, classic boozy cocktails, craft beer, or spitzers in an Instagram-worthy atmosphere. A must-see!
22 locals recommend
Ricco Bambino
1630 Pandosy StThis place is a chic cocktail and natural wine bar and NOT a restaurant. Go here to try their natural wine portfolio and take a seat to enjoy wine by the glass, classic boozy cocktails, craft beer, or spitzers in an Instagram-worthy atmosphere. A must-see!
They have a cozy tasting room and host to all levels of enthusiasts. Whether you want to enjoy delicious pint and snack on their patio or take in some local talent at one of their open mic nights, you're guaranteed to find something you like.
42 locals recommend
Kettle River Brewing Co
731 Baillie AveThey have a cozy tasting room and host to all levels of enthusiasts. Whether you want to enjoy delicious pint and snack on their patio or take in some local talent at one of their open mic nights, you're guaranteed to find something you like.
It's rugged and slightly downhill the whole way. You will find yourself in beautiful Naramata where you can continue biking the roads. Hire a service to drive you back to Kelowna.
242 locals recommend
Myra Canyon Trestles - Myra Station
Myra Forest Service RoadIt's rugged and slightly downhill the whole way. You will find yourself in beautiful Naramata where you can continue biking the roads. Hire a service to drive you back to Kelowna.
Self-guided electric bike tours across the Okanagan Valley. Maximum fun, minimum effort. E-bikes keep you going uphill around wineries and through the Okanagan's most breathtaking views.
E-Kruise
1195 Richter StSelf-guided electric bike tours across the Okanagan Valley. Maximum fun, minimum effort. E-bikes keep you going uphill around wineries and through the Okanagan's most breathtaking views.
A hobby farm that specializes in uncommon animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and sugar gliders. You may even have an opportunity to hold baby joey in a pouch.
260 locals recommend
Kangaroo Creek Farm
5932 Old Vernon RoadA hobby farm that specializes in uncommon animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and sugar gliders. You may even have an opportunity to hold baby joey in a pouch.
Large indoor pool that offers a wave pool, water slides, a surf simulator, splash park for the little ones and river run to casually float down. Great for those rainy days for the whole family.
105 locals recommend
H2O Fitness + Adventure Centre
4075 Gordon DrLarge indoor pool that offers a wave pool, water slides, a surf simulator, splash park for the little ones and river run to casually float down. Great for those rainy days for the whole family.
18-Hole Natural grass Putting Course and an 18-hole Carpet Mini-Golf Course for the little ones. Both offer endless amounts of family fun with an amazing view of Okanagan Lake.
27 locals recommend
19 Greens
2050 Campbell Rd18-Hole Natural grass Putting Course and an 18-hole Carpet Mini-Golf Course for the little ones. Both offer endless amounts of family fun with an amazing view of Okanagan Lake.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines a scenic helicopter tour around the Okanagan with stops at your choice of several participating wineries. Touring the Okanagan wineries is so much fun when you arrive in style and experience the magic of the valley from the air.
7 locals recommend
Valhalla Helicopters
1100 Stevens RdThis is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines a scenic helicopter tour around the Okanagan with stops at your choice of several participating wineries. Touring the Okanagan wineries is so much fun when you arrive in style and experience the magic of the valley from the air.
Tours curated by four passionate hospitality professionals who showcase the best of the Okanagan lifestyle with visitors. Winning Best in the Tourism industry, they're experts in tailoring the perfect itinerary providing the most exceptional experiences. You may get special treatment at the wineries when rolling with this professional operator. You'll be in good hands!
Kelowna Concierge
1310 Water StTours curated by four passionate hospitality professionals who showcase the best of the Okanagan lifestyle with visitors. Winning Best in the Tourism industry, they're experts in tailoring the perfect itinerary providing the most exceptional experiences. You may get special treatment at the wineries when rolling with this professional operator. You'll be in good hands!
Choose your own adrenaline rush, from kinda-tense to totally thrill-seeking! 27 zip lines, 58 aerial games, 40ft jump, 100ft giant swing. Just 30 minutes from downtown Kelowna.
21 locals recommend
WildPlay Element Parks Kelowna
5983 Hwy 33Choose your own adrenaline rush, from kinda-tense to totally thrill-seeking! 27 zip lines, 58 aerial games, 40ft jump, 100ft giant swing. Just 30 minutes from downtown Kelowna.
Traditional petting zoo complete with miniature horses, cows, regular horses, ponies, and goats that you can feed and pet. Pony rides for the younger kids and horse lessons for the older kids.
5850 Anderson Rd
5850 Anderson RoadTraditional petting zoo complete with miniature horses, cows, regular horses, ponies, and goats that you can feed and pet. Pony rides for the younger kids and horse lessons for the older kids.
Food scene
Salted Caramel is the flavour to try here. Not the dairy-free version though. Get it in a cup with a waffle cone on the side as it's hot here and your ice cream melts faster than you can eat it.
53 locals recommend
Parlour Ice Cream
1571 Abbott StSalted Caramel is the flavour to try here. Not the dairy-free version though. Get it in a cup with a waffle cone on the side as it's hot here and your ice cream melts faster than you can eat it.
If you're touring the Lakeshore Wine Route you have to make a stop at this artisanal goat cheese farm tasting bar. Goats live on-site and you can try every flavour of cheese and gelato!
53 locals recommend
Carmelis Alpine Goat Cheese Artisan
170 Timberline RdIf you're touring the Lakeshore Wine Route you have to make a stop at this artisanal goat cheese farm tasting bar. Goats live on-site and you can try every flavour of cheese and gelato!
Offer true artisan sourdough bread, baked treats, and a selection of locally made food products and local cheeses. People line up every day for their products. Check their website for the daily features. I LOVE the levain, pain au chocolate & the balsamic goat cheese spread.
13 locals recommend
Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads
2355 Gordon DrOffer true artisan sourdough bread, baked treats, and a selection of locally made food products and local cheeses. People line up every day for their products. Check their website for the daily features. I LOVE the levain, pain au chocolate & the balsamic goat cheese spread.
A fine cheese shop that carries 60-80 varieties of specially selected, handcrafted fine cheeses that are cut to order and fresh off the wheel to ensure each wedge you receive is at its freshest and most glorious ripeness. A little gem that is hidden in the brewery district.
6 locals recommend
Perseval & Young Cheesemongers
1046 Richter StA fine cheese shop that carries 60-80 varieties of specially selected, handcrafted fine cheeses that are cut to order and fresh off the wheel to ensure each wedge you receive is at its freshest and most glorious ripeness. A little gem that is hidden in the brewery district.
A full-service organic grocery store stocked with non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan options. You'll also find a full-service health & wellness section. Very popular deli with homemade, hearty salad and soups, sandwiches, and smoothie/juice bar. It's a local healthy hot spot.
23 locals recommend
Nature's Fare Markets Kelowna
1876 Cooper RdA full-service organic grocery store stocked with non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan options. You'll also find a full-service health & wellness section. Very popular deli with homemade, hearty salad and soups, sandwiches, and smoothie/juice bar. It's a local healthy hot spot.
A wide variety of natural and organic products with the largest gluten-free selection in the city.
28 locals recommend
Choices Markets
1937 Harvey AveA wide variety of natural and organic products with the largest gluten-free selection in the city.
Grab the mafioso olives and a selection of cheeses for a picnic & a slab of tiramisu to share! Molto bene!
15 locals recommend
Valoroso Foods
1467 Sutherland AveGrab the mafioso olives and a selection of cheeses for a picnic & a slab of tiramisu to share! Molto bene!
Down-to-earth trendy cafe in the Cultural District that makes naturally leavened/fermented bread. Sit and sip a coffee with some fun toast options, fresh sandwiches, and soup or salad.
48 locals recommend
Sprout Bread
1295 Cannery LnDown-to-earth trendy cafe in the Cultural District that makes naturally leavened/fermented bread. Sit and sip a coffee with some fun toast options, fresh sandwiches, and soup or salad.
This little gem is tucked away in downtown's industrial area but worth the trip. They have a large courtyard with plenty of seating and good tunes to enjoy while you sip your coffee.
42 locals recommend
Bright Jenny Coffee
984 Laurel AveThis little gem is tucked away in downtown's industrial area but worth the trip. They have a large courtyard with plenty of seating and good tunes to enjoy while you sip your coffee.
Excellent space. The brewery shares space with this "pop up" coffee shop in the mornings' space is filled with morning sun and offers tons of outdoor seating. It's also dog friendly
The Local Chemist Coffee Bar
3310 Appaloosa RoadExcellent space. The brewery shares space with this "pop up" coffee shop in the mornings' space is filled with morning sun and offers tons of outdoor seating. It's also dog friendly
A trendy coffee hangout on the downtown Bernard strip. Not the best coffee in my opinion but plenty of people love it. They have a fun rooftop patio and if you can score a seat on the sidewalk patio it's another great place to people watch to enjoy a little more action.
56 locals recommend
Bean Scene Coffee Works
371 Bernard AveA trendy coffee hangout on the downtown Bernard strip. Not the best coffee in my opinion but plenty of people love it. They have a fun rooftop patio and if you can score a seat on the sidewalk patio it's another great place to people watch to enjoy a little more action.
Awesome little tea shop using organically grown tea leaves, herbs, and spices from around the world. Great vibes and delicious teas and tea lattes. Find gorgeous local ceramics here too.
16 locals recommend
Chaibaba
1289 Ellis StAwesome little tea shop using organically grown tea leaves, herbs, and spices from around the world. Great vibes and delicious teas and tea lattes. Find gorgeous local ceramics here too.
A bustling European-style cafe with a patio great for watching people. This bar feels like a modern coffee bar from Italy and has its charm. You MUST try the raisin scones with butter, they're huge, and certainly treat yourself to affogato in the summertime!
Eurobean
1320 Water StA bustling European-style cafe with a patio great for watching people. This bar feels like a modern coffee bar from Italy and has its charm. You MUST try the raisin scones with butter, they're huge, and certainly treat yourself to affogato in the summertime!
This is a fresh and innovative take on diner fare and it's a member of the award-winning RauDZ Creative Concepts family of restaurants. No reservations and limited modifications are available beyond some GF and Vegetarian. Great patio on Bernard across from the Sails statue.
29 locals recommend
Sunny's A Modern Diner
235 Bernard AveThis is a fresh and innovative take on diner fare and it's a member of the award-winning RauDZ Creative Concepts family of restaurants. No reservations and limited modifications are available beyond some GF and Vegetarian. Great patio on Bernard across from the Sails statue.
Super popular breakfast spot with homemade breakfast items and fast service. They can accommodate larger groups with advanced reservations but usually, you can just put your name on the list and wait outside. Don't forget to grab a seasonal streusel fruit muffin to go!
146 locals recommend
Bohemian Café & Catering Co.
524 Bernard AveSuper popular breakfast spot with homemade breakfast items and fast service. They can accommodate larger groups with advanced reservations but usually, you can just put your name on the list and wait outside. Don't forget to grab a seasonal streusel fruit muffin to go!
Don't be surprised if there is a lineup to get in - especially for weekend brunch. Get on the waitlist, then enjoy a walk along the beach. Diner Deluxe offers "from-scratch comfort food" for breakfast in a beautiful space. It's worth the wait.
16 locals recommend
diner deluxe - The Shore
3477 Lakeshore RdDon't be surprised if there is a lineup to get in - especially for weekend brunch. Get on the waitlist, then enjoy a walk along the beach. Diner Deluxe offers "from-scratch comfort food" for breakfast in a beautiful space. It's worth the wait.
This casual eatery and bar serve a large brunch menu daily from 10:30 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays, they play your favourite 90s hip hop music.
49 locals recommend
KRAFTY kitchen + bar
281 Lawrence AveThis casual eatery and bar serve a large brunch menu daily from 10:30 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays, they play your favourite 90s hip hop music.
This is a sit-down restaurant but you can just have a coffee and pastry. They have a stunning espresso machine so ask to sit on the cafe side if you can just to take in this machine! The service can be hit or miss but I do enjoy their breakfast menus and cappuccinos.
58 locals recommend
Curious Cafe
1423 Ellis StThis is a sit-down restaurant but you can just have a coffee and pastry. They have a stunning espresso machine so ask to sit on the cafe side if you can just to take in this machine! The service can be hit or miss but I do enjoy their breakfast menus and cappuccinos.
A menu that celebrates all things local. Their goal is to continue to make plant-based eating tasty and inspiring for meat-eaters and vegetable aficionados alike.
41 locals recommend
Frankie We Salute You!
1717 Harvey AvenueA menu that celebrates all things local. Their goal is to continue to make plant-based eating tasty and inspiring for meat-eaters and vegetable aficionados alike.
It's a popular spot for any diet. 100% plant-based eatery serving vegan comfort food but they also offer whole-food, nutritious and gluten-free options.
42 locals recommend
Naked Cafe
571 Lawrence AveIt's a popular spot for any diet. 100% plant-based eatery serving vegan comfort food but they also offer whole-food, nutritious and gluten-free options.
A fast-casual cafe that uses organic and local ingredients. Offering breakfast, greens, bowls, smoothies, sweet treats, etc to take out or eat in their bright cafe with views of Gyro Beach.
Kb&co Kelowna
3477 Lakeshore RoadA fast-casual cafe that uses organic and local ingredients. Offering breakfast, greens, bowls, smoothies, sweet treats, etc to take out or eat in their bright cafe with views of Gyro Beach.
While the bistro menus aren't entirely vegan nearly half of the menu is. This winery offers a vegan cheese board, an awesome vegan calamari dish and most of their wines are vegan, organic and biodynamic as well.
266 locals recommend
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
4870 Chute Lake RdWhile the bistro menus aren't entirely vegan nearly half of the menu is. This winery offers a vegan cheese board, an awesome vegan calamari dish and most of their wines are vegan, organic and biodynamic as well.
Orchard Room is inspired by the flavours of the Yucatan. SUper cute casual farm-to-table eatery with a small menu and boutique cocktails.
6 locals recommend
Orchard Room
269 Lawrence AveOrchard Room is inspired by the flavours of the Yucatan. SUper cute casual farm-to-table eatery with a small menu and boutique cocktails.
One of the city's best restaurants. Offers a fine dining experience, local ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails & premium wines. It's all delicious! No children and best to make reservations.
84 locals recommend
Waterfront Wines Restaurant
1180 Sunset DrOne of the city's best restaurants. Offers a fine dining experience, local ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails & premium wines. It's all delicious! No children and best to make reservations.
Also one of the best. Great atmosphere, a ton of beautiful local food, and the fresh fruit cocktails are delicious! Great service but be prepared to wait as they don't take reservations.
195 locals recommend
Raudz Regional Table
1560 Water StAlso one of the best. Great atmosphere, a ton of beautiful local food, and the fresh fruit cocktails are delicious! Great service but be prepared to wait as they don't take reservations.
The best pizzeria! Authentic pizza with a delicious charred crust from the naturally leavened dough and baked in a wood-fired oven that was built in Naples. Try the Quattro Formaggi and ask them to serve one pizza at a time so you can enjoy each one hot.
32 locals recommend
Antico Pizza Napoletana
347 Bernard AveThe best pizzeria! Authentic pizza with a delicious charred crust from the naturally leavened dough and baked in a wood-fired oven that was built in Naples. Try the Quattro Formaggi and ask them to serve one pizza at a time so you can enjoy each one hot.
Incredible local dining spot with an excellent small/share plate menu. They focus on smaller wineries so your experience here will be unique. Great little spot.
65 locals recommend
Salt & Brick
243 Bernard AveIncredible local dining spot with an excellent small/share plate menu. They focus on smaller wineries so your experience here will be unique. Great little spot.
This quaint restaurant feels authentically Italian and family-run. They specialize in the art of handcrafted fresh pasta made daily and Italian food. The pesto lasagna is out of this world!
14 locals recommend
Mamma Rosa Restaurant
561 Lawrence AveThis quaint restaurant feels authentically Italian and family-run. They specialize in the art of handcrafted fresh pasta made daily and Italian food. The pesto lasagna is out of this world!
Newly renovated and wow is it beautiful. You have to eat here! Call ahead to make reservations for wine and culinary experiences for both lunch and dinner at HOME BLOCK their award-winning restaurant with stunning views and worth every penny!
137 locals recommend
CedarCreek Estate Winery
5445 Lakeshore RdNewly renovated and wow is it beautiful. You have to eat here! Call ahead to make reservations for wine and culinary experiences for both lunch and dinner at HOME BLOCK their award-winning restaurant with stunning views and worth every penny!
Another Instagram-worthy stop. The winery is located in the garage of a stunning estate home that is perched on the top of southeast Kelowna with a massive view of the city. A small wine portfolio but a great experience. They have a seating area to enjoy the wine from the lawn on this magical property.
34 locals recommend
Kitsch
3330 Neid RdAnother Instagram-worthy stop. The winery is located in the garage of a stunning estate home that is perched on the top of southeast Kelowna with a massive view of the city. A small wine portfolio but a great experience. They have a seating area to enjoy the wine from the lawn on this magical property.
This tasting bar is airy and beautiful, chic with panoramic lake views. They have fantastic single-vineyard wines. I particularly enjoy their rieslings. Many of the bottle feature gorgeous First Nation's art and the team behind the bar are very knowledgeable.
64 locals recommend
Tantalus Vineyards
1670 DeHart RdThis tasting bar is airy and beautiful, chic with panoramic lake views. They have fantastic single-vineyard wines. I particularly enjoy their rieslings. Many of the bottle feature gorgeous First Nation's art and the team behind the bar are very knowledgeable.
BNA is a beautiful pub! The great ambiance inside an awesome old brick building. Servers and staff are always friendly and helpful. A large selection of local beers and cocktails with a great variety of food. Minors are allowed until 10pm in the Eatery
270 locals recommend
BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery
1250 Ellis StBNA is a beautiful pub! The great ambiance inside an awesome old brick building. Servers and staff are always friendly and helpful. A large selection of local beers and cocktails with a great variety of food. Minors are allowed until 10pm in the Eatery
Brewed in-house using locally sourced grains from Gambrinus Malting in Armstrong and their casual yet delicious food is made in-house using quality produce from our local farms.
40 locals recommend
Vice & Virtue Brewing Co.
1033 Richter StBrewed in-house using locally sourced grains from Gambrinus Malting in Armstrong and their casual yet delicious food is made in-house using quality produce from our local farms.
This microbrewery has a great collection of beer & a perfectly cultivated atmosphere. It's obviously a passion project and the locals LOVE hanging out there. They have live music too!
78 locals recommend
Red Bird Brewing
1080 Richter StThis microbrewery has a great collection of beer & a perfectly cultivated atmosphere. It's obviously a passion project and the locals LOVE hanging out there. They have live music too!
Beautiful, spacious brewery with a hint of industrial design. Reeling in the good vibes with real craft beer.
45 locals recommend
Rustic Reel Brewing Company
760 Vaughan AveBeautiful, spacious brewery with a hint of industrial design. Reeling in the good vibes with real craft beer.
Enjoy a range of beer showcasing styles and flavours. They have seasonal offerings from their TANK TO TAP lineup, which is an experimental beer that's constantly rotating and served, unfiltered. They use the spent grains from the beer to make pizza crust & pretzels. Yum!
57 locals recommend
Tree Brewing Company
1346 Water StEnjoy a range of beer showcasing styles and flavours. They have seasonal offerings from their TANK TO TAP lineup, which is an experimental beer that's constantly rotating and served, unfiltered. They use the spent grains from the beer to make pizza crust & pretzels. Yum!