Hello my Okanagan friends!! Today, I’m here to serve as your guide to the City of Kelowna – or as some like to call it, Kelowna-fornia. ☀ I’ve lived in Kelowna on-and-off for about four years, but I’ve also grown up in the Okanagan region for over 20 years. So, you’re getting all of this great advice from a local 😉 I’m sharing my favourite spots in the city, plus a sample weekend itinerary that you can steal for your next trip or weekend off! Read on for your Kelowna city guide.
Part 1: My Favourite Food + Drink Options
- Brunch: The Bohemian (The Boh, huge portion sizes) and Krafty Kitchen (their hip-hop brunch is next level) 🥐
- Lunch + Dinner Restaurants: Central for great eats and King Taps for great views 🍴
- Cafe: Bright Jenny – a Kelowna favourite ☕
- Sweets: Karat Chocolate for specialty chocolates and pastries 🍫
- Cocktails: Micro for an elevated tapas bar 🍸
- Brewery: BNA Brewing for local beers and bowling! 🍻
- Winery with a view: Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards – for expansive vine, lake, and mountain views in Peachland 🌅🏜
- Overall winery: Arrowleaf Cellars – delicious wine and stunning views in Lake Country 🍷
Part 2: My Favourite Activities + Entertainment
- Shopping: Downtown Kelowna along Bernard Ave. 👜
- Clothing store: Okanagan Lifestyle for comfy apparel with a focus on Okanagan pride 🌊
- Bookstore: Mosaic Books – the best local bookstore 📚
- Unique store: Funktional – the coolest spot for unique finds and gift shopping! 🎁
- Outdoor space: Knox Mountain for all of your hiking needs 🌄
- Arts and Culture: Rotary Centre featuring shows, artistic spaces, and events 🖼
- Fitness spot: Spinco Kelowna is my favourite spin studio of all time 🚲
- Event/Festival: any wine festival will do 🍷
- Experience: Candy Cane Lane in Rutland at Christmas is a must-see! 🎄
- Best time of year: any of the four are great, but summer is my personal fav ☀
Sample weekend itinerary:
I’ve compiled some of my favourites listed above into an easy, 2-day sample itinerary for you to enjoy a weekend in Kelowna. You’ll primarily be exploring the downtown area. Alternatively, you can always jet off for a day filled with wine touring! (Check out our previous blog posts here and here for more winery recommendations.) View the full itinerary below.
Day 1:
Start bright and early with a class at Spinco. Browse Okanagan Lifestyle next door, then head to Krafty Kitchen to treat yourself to hip-hop brunch. Explore the shops along Bernard Avenue with highlights like Mosaic Books, Funktional and Karat Chocolate. Take in a show at the Rotary Centre, and end the day with dinner at King Taps.
Day 2:
Get in that Knox Mountain hike in the morning, then reward yourself at Bright Jenny, the perfect cafe. Afterwards, continue exploring by sampling a range of cocktails at places like Micro, or swing by BNA to enjoy some bowling and brews. End the evening with dinner at Central to wrap up your weekend!
Feel free to steal the above itinerary for your next weekend exploring Kelowna! Enjoy your time in the sunny Okanagan. Tell me what you think in the comments and let me know if I missed any of YOUR favourite Kelowna spots! ♥