Please note: this blog post was originally published in March 2019
I can’t count the number of emails we get on a daily basis asking for suggestions on the best places to eat, sleep, and drink in Kelowna … soooo, I decided I might as well put ALL of my favourite spots in (and around!) Kelowna that I believe are “must-visits” and “must-do’s” when you’re in the Okanagan!
I’m going to lay them all out here by category so they are nice and easy to refer back to!! Let’s start with places to stay!!! I’ve said for years that I REALLY think Kelowna needs a cute little boutique hotel on the water and while we don’t necessarily have that … we do have some pretty amazing places to spend some time away from home and lay your head down!
Places to Stay
The Delta Grand
This hotel is RIGHT on the water and is located smack dab in downtown Kelowna so you can grab a great dinner at Cactus Club and take a stroll along the boardwalk!
Hotel Eldorado
Hotel Eldorado is probably the closest thing to a boutique hotel (in my opinion!) in Kelowna. It’s cute, quaint, and waterfront!
Quails’ Gate: The Lakehouse
The Lakehouse is owned by Quails’ Gate winery and it is STUNNING!!! It’s a beachfront HOUSE that sleeps 10 (4 bedrooms and a loft!) … it has so many beautiful features! We have had many team meetings there over the years, and none of us ever seem to want to leave! LOL!
Quails’ Gate: The Nest
Another beauty owned by Quails’ Gate! The Nest is a chalet-style beachfront cottage, and it sleeps 7!
Sparkling Hill
Sparkling Hill is located just outside of Kelowna (near Predator Ridge Resort!) … it has rooms that feature lake or mountain views, and the resort is littered with Swarovski crystal touches! Not to mention it has a spa, KurSpa, that is over 40,000 square feet!
La Casa Cottages
La Casa Cottages are SO ADORABLE, and they are very reasonably priced plus they are right on beautiful Okanagan Lake which is BEYOND stunning!!
Airbnb
Airbnb is ALWAYS a great place to explore if you’re looking for a place to stay – there are so many different options out there depending on what you’re looking for!
Things to Do
Smile Cycle Tours
Ride around with up to 15 of your buddies on a world-famous Dutch pedal bike!! You can choose to do their Craft Beer Crawl or their Grapes and Grains cruise through downtown Kelowna! We did this a couple of summers ago, and it was SO much fun!!
Wine Tours
I mean … if you’re going to visit the Okanagan you HAVE to do a wine tour!! There are so many amazing wineries peppered through the valley! Some of my favourites are Quails’ Gate, Summerhill, The Hatch, Mission Hill, Sandhill … the list could go on forever!! If you’re doing to do a wine tour, I would HIGHLY recommend doing it through a company like Beach Bum Tours that way you don’t have to worry about driving and EVERYONE can enjoy the vino!!
Go Boating
We have so many gorgeous lakes around here so it would be a shame not to get out on them!! You can actually rent a boat through Kelowna Boat Rentals!!
Kelowna Farmers Market
This is one of my absolute FAVOURITE things to do on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer!! There’s nothing like fresh, local fruit and veggies and exploring small local companies … plus … there is normally vegan CHEESE here too! DROOL!
Patio Eating & Drinking
There are quite a few spots in Kelowna that have awesome patios to hang out on in the summer months while eating and drinking your heart out! I’ve listed a few for you below that are GREAT under places to eat!
Shopping
We all know this girl loves to shop! LOL! Luckily, one thing that is great to do in downtown Kelowna is to walk around on a nice sunny day and pop into all of the awesome shops! I’ll share my list of faves below!
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
OMG if you haven’t been here before you HAVE to go!! They’re open daily from May – October and not only is it insanely pretty but they also have a really cute gift shop and lavender lemonade to die for!!
U-Pick Fruit Farms
What’s better than plucking FRESH JUICY Okanagan fruit right from the tree?!?! This is the perfect activity for the whole family, and there are so many farms to choose from around the Okanagan Valley! Take a look at all of the options, here!
Paynter’s Fruit Market
This is one of my favourite local markets to visit in the summer to grab fresh fruit and veggies!
Hike Knox Mountain
I used to hike Knox Mountain quite a bit and while I haven’t been there in a while … I still crave the beautiful lake views! Maybe this summer I’ll see ya there?!
McMillian Farms
While McMillian Farms is closed for the summer, this is a FANTASTIC place to take the kids in the fall as they have hayrides, corn mazes, and so many other fun activities for the little ones!
Parks & Beaches
Kelowna has over 200 parks and so many stunning beaches (check them all out here)! This is the perfect thing to do on a sunny Okanagan day!
Favourite Places to Shop
LakeHouse
Your one-stop shop for everything cooking and decor! Be warned though … you might need an entire afternoon here because there are so many goodies!
Alchemy
Loaded with beautiful home decor items and more! I mean … what more can a girl ask for?!
Man + Woman
Located in Orchard Park Mall, this is the BEST spot to get gorgeous clothing in Kelowna!
Olive & Elle
This is one of the cutest stores to snag anything and everything to cozy up your home! Plus, they’re located in an old brick building, it’s adorable!!
Scallywags
If you have kiddos tagging along with you, you’ll want to hit up Scallywags! It’s a children’s boutique that carries kids’ clothing, bath bombs (Leo’s faves! LOL!) and more!!
Boheme Collective
Boheme Collective is your stop for bohemian-inspired clothing, home decor, and accessories! Not only do they have popular international brands but they also have plenty of items from local Okanagan designers.
Birch Hill Studio
You may know the Birches from Birch Hill Studio from Instagram already, but this is the CUTEST place for Canadian-made products!! They’re located in Vernon, BC which is about 45 mins from Kelowna!
Places to Workout
SPINCO
Full body energizing spin class … we’re talking dark room, loud music … and a disco ball!
BARREROOM
Yoga, Pilates, dance and strength training all wrapped up into one workout! Not to mention, it’s one of the prettiest places to workout in Kelowna! Bright, white, airy, and fresh!
Pranify Yoga
If you’re in need of a good stretch … Pranify Yoga is where it’s at!
The Hot Box Yoga
Get your fill of yoga here and while you’re at it, make sure to try their Hip Hop yoga!!
Places to Eat
Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate
If you follow along with me over on Instagram you’ll know that whenever I go out to eat chances are I’ll end up at Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate 99.9% of the time! You really can’t beat their incredible menu, DELISH wine, and stunning view!!
Sprout
Sprout is fairly new to Kelowna and let me tell you, it’s frickin DELICIOUS!!! They make freshly baked bread every single morning, and it’s SO WORTH a visit … or multiple visits.
Bean Scene
Located right downtown Kelowna, Bean Scene is a great place to pop in and grab a coffee! Plus, they have outdoor seating UPSTAIRS!
BNA
If you’re looking for somewhere with great food and an even better atmosphere … you have to check out BNA. They recently put in a few BOWLING LANES upstairs too! How cool is that?!
Craft
This is another new hot spot in Kelowna – they just opened up last year, and they have over 100 beers on tap! They also have an insanely beautiful rooftop patio which is perfect for those summer evenings!
Central
Central is a little hidden gem! If you’re a burger and beer lover … this is your place! It’s quaint, but they also have a great outdoor patio!
Naked Cafe
This is your place for comfort food that is 100% plant-based! From burgers to poutine to perogies … and mac & cheese. etc.!!
Earls
You have to head to Earls for their great food and drinks … but more importantly, for their awesome rooftop patio which overlooks Okanagan Lake!
Cactus Club
There are a couple of Cactus Club restaurants in Kelowna, but my favourite is the one on Waterfront downtown Kelowna! It’s actually located at the Yacht Club which provides a beautiful view and open-air dining!
RauDZ
Want to get out for a romantic date? RauDZ is probably where you’ll want to go! It’s dark … cozy … and they have great cocktails!!
Micro
If you’re waiting for your dinner reso at RauDZ then Micro is where you’ll want to hang out and grab a pre-dinner cocktail and appetizer!
The Bohemian Cafe
If you’re looking for a cool spot for a great breakfast, The Bohemian Cafe (otherwise known as “The Bo”) is where you want to go! But, get there early because there’s almost always a wait!
Sunny’s
Another great (ALL DAY!) breakfast spot! Plus, they have Happy Hour from 7:30-8:30 am where you can snag your coffee for $2!
Waterfront Cafe
If brunch is more your jam … then you’ll want to hit up Waterfront Cafe!
There you have it!!! I’m probably missing a few more hidden gems so make sure to check out the comments section here too as I would LOVE for everyone to share their faves in the Okanagan as well!!!
xo
Jilly
This is perfect! I’m driving through the Okanagan this summer & Kelowna is one of the stops I’m most excited for! I can’t wait to check out some of these spots. Thanks Jillian!
Hi Jillian, I agree with everything you listed here.. I absolutely love Kelowna. I just wanted to add few of my favorite spots. The Cove resort is a beach front resort, with a nice restaurant they have awesome brunches on weekends. Right beside the resort is The Gellatly Nut farm which is a regional park it is a great place for a picnic and for a swin it’s right on the beach. And you got to try the Wood Fire Bakery…there is always a line up…but it is totally worthed 🙂 xoxo
Love this! Thank you for putting this together. Because if you, Kelowna is on my bucket list. We plan on visiting this summer from Seattle! I’m also planning a ski trip for 5 couples and children next winter and was wondering if you and/or Justin could write up something similar for Big White Ski Resort.
predatorridge.com. Awesome little community with great golfing!!
davisonorchards.ca. Awesome county orchards/ country village.
outbacklakeside.com. Great lakeside vacation homes.
Do you recommend wine tour with kids?. I’m doing a road trip through the Okanagan this summer but not sure if teenagers will be bored! Thanks in advance.
I’m soo happy you wrote this blog, we’re planning a trip to visit Alberta and BC in May and kelowna/okanagan valley is one of our stops. Thanks for the great recommendations ?
Thank you thank you for this!!!! I live in Calgary and have been to the Okanagan several times BUT I’m coming in July with my girls for my bachelorette party to do some wine tours and what not! This helps immensely for what to do during the day. We are staying at a beautiful air b n b in Peachland that over looks the lake! I can’t wait!!!!
Lots love
Victoria
Please consider and check out the ‘Wibit’ for great family summer waterfun activity! For all ages!!
It’s a floating bouncy water park located right in the water off of Kelowna city park! It’s placed in the water mid June- Check out the website at okanaganwibit.com
If you are looking for a great authentic Mexican breakfast or lunch check out ki’bok churros and coffee house right off of Pandosy in the mission
The Jammery cant go Kelowna without
Thank you so much for this lovely list, Jillian!
My husband and I are staying at the Delta Grand for a week this Sunday for his business convention so this is really helpful!
We also have a little boy about Leo’s age 🙂
Thank you so much for this list, Jillian!
My husband and I will be staying at the Delta Grand for a week this Sunday for his business convention, so this is definitely helpful!
We have a little boy around Leo’s age too. 🙂
There is the hidden gem Divine Inspired Gifts and Gallery on Kane Road in Glenmore, Glen Park Village. They show for over 25 local Artists and Artisans in the valley. A unique place filled with a sense of peace where customers come and browse and stay just because. With a Metaphysical twist for the New Age seeker there is tools to assist the journey. Stop by and Be Blessed.
Hey Jill!
This list is awesome. I’m going to take my mom out to Micro Bites and RauDZ tonight when we drive up from Penticton.
I’m wondering if you’ve found a spot with homemade nut mylk lattes or oat mylk lattes? I can’t seem to find anywhere in the Okanagan!
Thanks,
-Sam
Ahh I’m so excited that you finally have done a blog post about this! We are coming to Kelowna in April for a week, and I have been slowly making a list of places that I want to go based on places your mentioned or are at in your stories!! So this adds way more stops now!!
my two all-time favourite shops downtown Kelowna are Funktional (100% Canadian-made gifts & jewelry) and Frock & Fellow (amazing consignment shop!)
My two all-time favourite shops downtown Kelowna are Funktional (100% Canadian made gifts & jewelry) and Frock & Fellow (amazingly curated consignment shop!)
Tina Louise dress boutique in Oyama would definitely fit this list. It is an unexpected beach front boutique filled with dresses and more for all occasions! This beautiful little store opens in the spring until late fall. A definite gem that is worth the drive.
Contact Lavish Services for GORGEOUS condos in West Kelowna, that sleep up to 8! 5 minutes from Quails Gate! Private beach, beautiful pool & views!
Love all these recommendations! We visited The Jammery when we were out there last year and it was great food and a cute little gift shop!
The Fixx Cafe!! Fave place to eat.
Vibrant Vines! Fave Winery. ?
So I live out in Lake Country (10 min from Kelowna airport) and there are a few must visits out this way… we have some amazing wineries out this way as well. 50th Parallel has a new restaurant they opened last summer called Block One! The views and food are amazing! Intrigue winery is a fav! And O’Rourkes Peak Cellars is Lake Country’s newest winery, their Garden Bistro is delish! Arrow Leaf is also stunning they have great wine and picnic tables outside for you to enjoy some wine and snacks. Now for family fun! The kangaroo farm is an absolute must! You get to hold Joey kangaroos and you get to feed the adult ones. Thanks Jillyteam for this awesome list. I live here and need to visit a lot of places on your list this summer! Xo
Any recommendations for kid/toddler friendly activities in Kelowna? It’s my families favourite place to visit but we are always stumped what to do with our son! A lot of great recommendations on this list that my husband and I will be checking out next week!
Any favourite photographers in the Okanagan area for a couple on their Honeymoon?
I love going to Scandia Golf & Games for some feel-good fun, Memphis Blues Barbeque House & Catering Co. to eat, and of course Kangaroo Creek Farm to see the baby joeys!
Nothing beats looking for Ogo Pogo in the lake either. Thanks Jilly, love ya!
I would also love to hear your fave places to take toddlers/young kids in Kelowna, need some fresh ideas next time I visit! Xo