Spring has officially sprung in the Okanagan, and with the warmer weather comes plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the best of the Okanagan lifestyle (before all the summer tourists hit!) Here are 10 of our top things to do in Kelowna in the spring.
1. Go Wine Tasting
You can go wine tasting in any season, really. But spring is the best time to take in the stunning vineyard views from all of the local wineries before they become busy during summer. It’s also a great time to try some of the new spring releases from wineries – if you love aromatic white wines (like riesling, gewürztraminer and viognier) then this is the season for you! Stock up on your favourites before they sell out to enjoy on your patio throughout the rest of spring and summer. If you’re looking for a picturesque winery and great views, Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Mission Hill on the west side are two spots we highly recommend.
2. Hiking & Adventuring in Nature
There’s plenty of nature to enjoy in Kelowna and the surrounding areas. Spring is a great time to hit the trails and take in all of the fresh, new scenery after the winter. One of our favourites is Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, which offers over 100km of hiking trails at varying difficulties, as well as a historic railway trail offering hiking & biking over trestles & tunnels. Make sure you come prepared and be aware of wildlife you could encounter on your trip!
3. Shopping & Lunch Downtown
The main strip of Bernard Avenue in Kelowna is bustling in the summer, but it’s quite a bit calmer in the spring (and just as beautiful out). Take a peek in all of the little local businesses lining the picturesque street – home décor at Alchemy, specialty liqueurs at Okanagan Spirits, and new & used books at Mosaic Books.
Downtown Kelowna Shopping Guide
Shop ’til you drop, then head out for lunch at one of the many cozy spots. Salt & Brick features a Fresh Sheet Menu filled with well thought out share/small plates created daily. Raudz offers fresh, local ingredients from independent growers, vintners and craftspeople. If you’re looking for a table with a view, Earls offers incredible views and all-day sunshine on their rooftop patio.
Downtown Kelowna Restaurant Guide
4. Visit an Animal Farm
If you’re looking for something kid-friendly (or just love animals), there are a couple great farms to visit. Kangaroo Creek Farm has a variety of exotic animals to visit, including kangaroos, wallabies, sugar gliders, capybaras, and more. Another option is Arion Therapeutic Farm, an animal sanctuary offering a variety of interactive tours, educational programs, and events.
5. Pick Up Fresh Produce at a Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ Markets are one of our favourite ways to spend a day out on the weekend. The Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market opens mid-April and is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and offers a huge selection of local farm products, organic produce and handmade goods by local artisans. Or, there are plenty of other markets going on in the Okanagan if you’d prefer to try something new. Take a look at this list to find one near you.
6. Take a Stroll Along the Lake
It might not be hot enough to go for a swim just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the stunning views in a long walk along Okanagan Lake. Take a stroll starting from City Park downtown and ending in the estuary at Waterfront Park. On the west side, a great spot for a relaxing lakeside walk is at Gellatly Bay Park.
7. Enjoy Live Music Downtown
If you’re walking along Bernard Avenue anytime after 8pm on a Friday or Saturday night, you’ll likely hear the sounds of live music from many of the pubs along the street. Grab a drink, relax, and enjoy a variety of music genres from local musicians and bands. Take a look at some upcoming events here.
8. Learn about Kelowna’s Heritage
If you want to know more about Kelowna, there is a strip of three museums along Ellis Street that will tell you all you need to know! Start at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, which features exhibits about regional history, from ancient tools & fossils to the town’s oldest trading post. Next is the Okanagan Military Museum which focuses on the Okanagan’s military heritage, and how locals contributed to events on the world stage. Finally, the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum will give you a taste of how the booming Okanagan wine industry has diversified our landscape with stories of wine makers, entrepreneurs and local wineries.
9. Relax at the Kasugai Gardens or Lavender & Herb Farm
If you’re looking for a relaxing, zen experience, there are two stops you’ll want to make. The first is the Kasugai Gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown. The park integrates traditional elements notable in Japanese gardens, such as stone lanterns, pine trees, waterfalls and a pond stocked with Koi. Equally as tranquil and relaxing is the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, a small, family-run business offering guided garden visits and homemade products in their apothecary shop.
10. Play Games with Family & Friends
If you’re looking to have fun and play games for all ages like mini golf, go karts, batting cages, and arcade games, your destination should be Scandia Golf & Games. They have the largest arcade room in the Okanagan Valley, guaranteed to entertain you for hours on end. There are also a few great options for escape rooms in Kelowna, if you’re looking to challenge yourself with your friends and family in solving a puzzle together. Kelowna Escape Games, Impulse Escape Rooms & VR, and EXIT Kelowna are all ones to try!