A- Overview:
Kelowna is the largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, which is located in the south central region of the province. The city is easily accessible by car, bus and air, and is located only 150 km. (90 miles) north of the United States border and 395 km. (247 miles) east of Vancouver.
Spectacular Okanagan Valley scenery in the cradle of the nearby mountain range, pristine pine-fringed lakes, blossom-filled gardens, abundant orchards and vineyards, sandy beaches, and first-class amenities, all combine in the beautiful city of Kelowna. Although relatively undiscovered, Kelowna is easily accessible and ready to host visitors from throughout the world. The Kelowna International Airport connects visitors and residents alike to many major North American cities. Kelowna is a quick 60-minute flight from Calgary or Vancouver and just 70 minutes from Seattle. Direct flights to Toronto are also available year-round. With a host of attractions, sites to see, numerous dining options, and events taking place year round; it’s a great choice for the vacationer.
Orchards and vineyards surround the city. Visitors can pick juicy peaches from trees, or spend a delightful day sampling the award-winning wares of the internationally acclaimed wineries. The Spring, Summer, and Fall Wine Festivals offer hundreds of activities focused on wine making, tasting, and touring. There are 12 wineries in and around the city, and some 65 throughout the Okanagan Valley. Kelowna, located in the center of the Okanagan Valley, is the perfect “base camp” for all Okanagan explorations.
When golfing in Kelowna, visitors find themselves meandering through an orchard, over desert terrain and rolling hills, or past expansive lakes and canyons. There are numerous courses located in the Kelowna area, providing golfers of all ages and abilities premium golf experiences.
Kelowna is a city of 100,000 people where the arts thrive. The Canadian Heritage Cultural Spaces Program named the Cultural District as the best in Canada. Those who enjoy the arts will feel at home in this vibrant District that covers a six-block area in the city’s centre. A concentration of galleries, museums, theatres, and artist studios co-exist with an eclectic mix of dining opportunities. Lady Luck is said to be found in the Cultural District at Lake City Casino. Kelowna has an outstanding symphony orchestra and blues, jazz, folk, country and rock bands play in a number of festivals and downtown venues.
Kelowna has miles of beautiful parkland, much of which is located along sandy beaches. Grassy picnic areas, playgrounds, washrooms and concession stands are standard facilities at the many beaches. The Okanagan Lake and surrounding mountains provide the scenic backdrop for a wide range of family attractions and outdoor activities including golf, downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, water-skiing, waterslides, cycling, hiking, camping, horseback riding, and fishing.
The Okanagan Valley also offers a comfortable climate year round. Summers are warm with hot days, boasting clear sunny skies and low humidity. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and bathing suits are the best bet during the summer season. Winters are generally much milder than other areas east of the Valley. Although snow is abundant at the surrounding ski resorts, it rarely stays for long on the Valley roadways. Sweaters, vests and fleece clothing are popular during our fall and winter seasons. Kelowna is sunny, and umbrellas are seldom required. Dressing in layers is recommended for optimum comfort, especially in the spring and fall seasons, as temperatures can fluctuate between cool mornings and hot daytimes but return to cool evenings.
Play paintball, take a boat tour, ride a horse, play golf, relax, or take advantage of a host of activities is this tranquil yet vibrant city: the choice is yours.
B- City Information:
Population: Approximately 100,000
Elevation: 344 meters (1,129 feet) above sea level
Land Area: 262 square kilometers (107 square miles)
Location: Kelowna is the largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, which is located in the south central region of the province. Easily accessible by car, bus and air, Kelowna is 150 km. (90 miles) north of the United States border and 395 km. (247 miles) east of Vancouver
Time Zone: Kelowna is in the Pacific Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is in effect from 0200 hr on the first Sunday in April until 0200 hr on the last Sunday in October
Average Monthly Temperatures
Month
High
Low
January
0 C /32 F
-7 C/19 F
February
3 C/37 F
-5 C/23 F
March
9 C/48 F
-2 C/28 F
April
15 C/59 F
1 C/34 F
May
20 C/68 F
5 C/41 F
June
24 C/75 F
8 C/46 F
July
28 C/82F
10 C/50 F
August
27 C/81 F
10 C/50 F
September
21 C/70 F
5 C/41 F
October
14 C/57 F
1 C/34 F
November
5 C/41 F
-2 C/28 F
December
0 C/32 F
-6 C/21
Climate:
Kelowna’s climate is mild and one of the reasons why so many of its visitors become residents. Warm summers are characterized by low humidity, along with relatively mild winters.
Local Seasons:
Kelowna is truly a city of four distinct seasons. Summers do tend to be the busiest time of year as visitors come to the area to experience the many sites and attractions, as well as the near perfect weather. Winter also brings tourists to the area for the abundant skiing. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, anytime of year is wonderful for a visit to this magnificent and picturesque city
How to Get There:
By Air
Kelowna International Airport Terminal
250-765-5125
Shell Aero Centre (Private Terminal)
250-765-8155
Air Canada Local Flight Information
250-765-8777
Central Mountain Air
888-865-8585
Westjet Flight Information
877-929-8646
Horizon Air Cargo Information
800-225-2752
Wildcat Helicopters Inc
877-768-2061
Carson Air Flight Centre
800-765-7779
Bus Lines
Greyhound Bus
800-661-8747
Kelowna Terminal
250-860-3835
Ground Transportation
Kelowna Airporter
877-235-6962
Kelowna Airporter (Local)
250-765-0182
Kelowna Transit System
250-860-8121
Taxi Services
Checkmate Cabs
250- 861-1111
Donchuck Ventures
250- 860-2663
Vehicle Rental Companies
Budget Car & Truck Rental
250-491-7368
Enterprise Rent A Car
250-979-0299
BC Ferries
Information
604-386-3431
Toll Free (BC Only)
888-223-3779
Canada Customs
For information contact:
Canada Customs
800-461-9999 within Canada or long distance at 204-983-3500 outside of Canada
How to Get Around:
With so many things to see and do both in the city as well as throughout the surrounding area, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day
January 1
Good Friday
March or April
Easter Monday
March or April
Victoria Day
May 24
Canada Day
July 1
BC Day
August 2
Labour Day
1st Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day
2nd Monday in October
Remembrance Day
November 11
Christmas Day
December 25
Boxing Day
December 26
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
19 Greens Putt and Play Zone
2050 Campbell Road
Kelowna, BC V1Z 3X7
250-769-0213
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
19 Greens Putt & Play Zone has long been one of Kelowna’s premier family attractions. Back-dropped by Lake Okanagan and the Floating Bridge, the renowned 18 hole Championship Natural Grass Putting Course, Cosmic Climbing Wall, X-Treme Trampoline Bounce and 18 hole Astro Mini Golf provide hours of fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Carmelis Alpine Goat Cheese Artisan Inc.
170 Timberline Road
Kelowna, BC V1W 4J6
250-764-9033
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Carmelis is a family dairy boutique. The dairy chose to specialize in rich complex and refined cheeses that render full justice to the quality of the milk and the art of cheese making. They are located on 170 Timberline Road, Kelowna, 12 km south of downtown Kelowna viewing the Okanagan Lake. In the goat cheese farm they have a beautiful cheese shop where visitors can taste the cheeses as well as purchase them.
Croc-Talk
700 Ace Road
Kelowna, BC V1X 4C5
250-860-6080
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Croc-Talk Show is an interactive, family-orientated journey into the world of Crocodilians. The base to this attraction is the live Crocs, large and small, as is the entertaining presentation on the biology and ecology of this ancient species.
The Jammery
8038 Hwy 97 North
Kelowna, BC V1X 6A6
250-766-1139
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Believed to be the world’s first and only Jammery.
Kelowna Grand Prix and Laser Tag
911 Stremel Road
Kelowna, BC V1X 5E6
250-765-1434
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Kelowna Springs Putting Course
480 Penno Road
Kelowna, BC V1X 6S3
250-765-7888
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
McCurdy Bowling Centre/Freddy’s Brew Pub
948 McCurdy Road
Kelowna, BC V1X 2P7
250-491-2695
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
McCurdy Bowling Centre is Kelowna’s state of the art facility with 24 – 10 pin lanes and 6 – 5 pin lanes. It is known for having a top of the line JBL sound system with a fantastic smoke and light show for cosmic bowling. Freddy’s features premium handcrafted beers from its own Mill Creek Brewery.
MV Fintry Queen
210 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 7N3
250-979-0223
Hours: Call for sailing times and additional information
Admission Charged
Cruise the lake and experience the beauty of the Okanagan Valley.
Safari Ridge Adventure Paintball
2220B Horizon Drive
Kelowna, BC V1W 3Y7
250-769-0239
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Join the fun and adventure of paintball.
Scandia Golf & Games
2220B Horizon Drive
Kelowna, BC V1W 3Y7
250-769-0239
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Fun for the entire family. Voted the number one fun place in the Okanagan.
Silver Lake Forest Education Society
347 Leon Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9H2
250-717-0033
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Welcome to an opportunity that could last a life time. Come to Silver Lake Forestry Centre to develop international friendships, learn and develop unique skills, and participate in fun, dynamic and rewarding experiences. Campers come from all over the world and many come back regularly. Staff are carefully selected and form a unique bond where priorities are safety, fun and nurturing. Visitors are welcome to come for an experience that is sure to open doors to new adventures.
Kelowna Fishing Charters
#46 – 3225 Shannon Lake Road
Westbank, BC V4T 2E2
250-878-6642
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
Fully equipped, world-class fly-fishing or deep lake fishing at a reasonable price, year round.
Go With the Wind Cruises
227 Crossridge Crescent
Kelowna, BC V1V 1S5
250-763-5204
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
Cruise by power and/or sail around Okanagan Lake and enjoy highlights such as Paul’s Tomb, the Westside, Okangan Lake Bridge and City Park. During the tour the captain will share his stories including tales of the ferry dock, the operation of our bridge, and local wildlife.
Kelowna Marina
6-2860 Woodsdale Road
Lake Country, BC V4V 2L2
250-862-6819
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Located on the Shores of Beautiful Lake Okanagan, just minutes away from busy downtown Kelowna is one of the oldest marinas in Kelowna, Kelowna Marina. Enjoy a vacation with brand new Larson boats ranging from 16 to 23 ft or try out a Seadoo. Also available are pontoon boats for 12 to 18 people.
MWS Adventures
Waterfront at the Grand
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6Y7
250-212-1554
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
MWS Adventures offers both water-ski & wakeboard lessons for all ages and abilities.
Okanagan Watertoyz Inc.
2053 Campbell Road
Kelowna, BC V1Z 1S9
250-769-5382
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
The rental facility is a seasonal operation and is open, weather permitting with accepts reservations. All renters must fill out a waiver and rental agreement; then will be given an orientation to familiarize them with the operation of the machine and will be instructed in water safety.
Scenic Boat Tours of the Okanagan
Kelowna, BC V1W 1T3
250-861-0691
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Scenic Boat Tours of the Okanagan offers relaxing, comfortable cruises. The boat is capable of being fully enclosed, so even on those “not so sunny” days, they offer a protected and comfortable atmosphere.
Lake Okanagan Resort Stables
2751 Westside Road
Kelowna, BC V1Z 3T1
250-769-2634
Hours: Open May – October, call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
Come take a ride on the Historic Okanaga Bridge Trail, swim with the horse in the water. Rides for children 3 and up. Introductory programs for all ages.
Mandy & Me Trail riding
174 Bear Creek Road
Kelowna, BC V1Z 3T6
250-769-5735
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
Mandy and Me Trail riding gives horseback tours overlooking the Okanagan Lake and city of Kelowna. The tours match the guest’s size and experience at riding so that both the visitor and their four-legged partner have a good experience.
Kelowna Parasail Adventures Ltd.
1310 Water Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3
250-868-4838
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
No experience necessary, the adventure begins right from the boat.
Mariners Reef Waterpark & Slides
2160 Old Okanagan Hwy.
Westbank, BC V4T 2H3
250-768-5141
Hours: Open seasonally, call for additional information
The park is one of Okanagan’s most popular attractions. There are thirteen slides, including two inner tube rides, twister slides, straight fast slides, intermediate and kiddie slides, paddling pool, two large swimming pools. They also have a gigantic hot tub, picnic areas, concessions, ice cream and gift shops, and much much more.
Windstar Recreation Ltd.
325 Phoebe Court
Kelowna, BC V1W 3Y9
250-212-2580
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
It’s the Year of the Windsurfer! New wide boards and super light sails make learning fun and easy for the whole family.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
19 Greens Kelowna Putt and Play Zone
2050 Campbell Road
Kelowna, BC V1Z 3X7
250-769-0213
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
19 Greens Putt & Play Zone has long been one of Kelowna’s premier family attractions. Back-dropped by Lake Okanagan and the Floating Bridge, the renowned 18 hole Championship Natural Grass Putting Course, Cosmic Climbing Wall, X-Treme Trampoline Bounce and 18 hole Astro Mini Golf provides hours of fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Kelowna Grand Prix and Laser Tag
911 Stremel Road
Kelowna, BC V1X 5E6
250-765-1434
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
MV Fintry Queen
210 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 7N3
250-979-0223
Hours: Call for sailing times and additional information
Admission Charged
Come cruise the lake and experience the beauty of the Okanagan Valley!
Safari Ridge Adventure Paintball
2220B Horizon Drive
Kelowna, BC V1W 3Y7
250-769-0239
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Enjoy some paintball fun and adventure.
Go With the Wind Cruises
227 Crossridge Crescent
Kelowna, BC V1V 1S5
250-763-5204
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
Cruise by power and/or sail around Okanagan Lake and enjoy highlights such as Paul’s Tomb, the Westside, Okangan Lake Bridge and City Park. During the tour the captain will share his stories including tales of the ferry dock, the operation of the bridge, and local wildlife.
MWS Adventures
Waterfront at the Grand
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6Y7
250-212-1554
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
MWS Adventures offers both water-ski & wakeboard lessons for all ages and abilities.
Mandy & Me Trail riding
174 Bear Creek Road
Kelowna, BC V1Z 3T6
250-769-5735
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
Mandy and Me Trail riding gives horseback tours overlooking the Okanagan Lake and city of Kelowna. The tours match the guest’s size and experience at riding so that both the visitor and their four-legged partner have a good experience.
Kelowna Parasail Adventures Ltd.
1310 Water Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3
250-868-4838
Hours: Call for reservations and additional information
Admission Charged
No experience necessary, the adventure begins right from the boat.
Mariners Reef Waterpark & Slides
2160 Old Okanagan Hwy.
Westbank, BC V4T 2H3
250-768-5141
Hours: Open seasonally, call for additional information
The park is one of Okanagan’s most popular attractions. There are thirteen slides, including two inner tube rides, twister slides, straight fast slides, intermediate and kiddie slides, paddling pool, two large swimming pools. They also have a gigantic hot tub, picnic areas, concessions, ice cream and gift shops, and much more.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment
January
Snowfest
Held in mid January
Location: Varies
250-862-3515
Call for additional information
Kelowna Home Show
Held in late January – early February
Location: Prospera Place
250-979-0888
Call for additional information
February
Kelowna Home Show
Held in late January – early February
Location: Prospera Place
250-979-0888
Call for additional information
Sweetheart Couples 5k Run
Held in mid February
Location: Waterfront Park
250-861-1515
Call for additional information
March
Sport & Adventure Show
Held in early March
Location: Prospera Place
250-979-0888
Call for additional information
June
Kelowna Gardens Tour
Held in mid June
Location: Varies throughout Kelowna
250-860-9389
Call for additional information
Jaycees 24 hours relay
Held in late June
Location: Varies
250-861-1515
Call for additional information
Running around the Apple Bowl for 24 hours.
July
Canada Day Celebration
Held in early July
Location: Island Stage, Waterfront Park
250-862-3515
Call for additional information
Live music and other family entertainment, a multicultural food fair, a children’s activity area, canoe rides, multicultural displays, arts & crafts, a citizenship ceremony, a huge birthday cake, and fireworks at 10:00pm in front of Tug Boat Bay.
Folk Fest
Held in early July
Location: Skyreach Place
250-763-9747
Call for additional information
Westside Daze
Held in early July
Location: Varies
250-768-3378
Call for additional information
Guisachan Garden Show
Held in early July
Location: Guisachan Heritage Park
250-861-7188
Call for additional information
Kelowna Regatta
Held in late July
Location: City Park
250-860-0529
Call for additional information
Antique & Classic Boat Show
Held in late July
Location: Grand Okanagan Lagoons
250-763-4500
Call for additional information
Cherry Fair
Held in late July
Location: Laurel Building
250-868-0441
Call for additional information
Fat Cat Children’s Festival
Held in late July
Location: City Park
250-763-3212
Call for additional information
Car Show
Held in late July
Location: Bernard Avenue
250-862-3515
Call for additional information
Heartland Music Festival
Held in late July – early August
Location: City Park
250-861-1515
Call for additional information
August
Heartland Music Festival
Held in late July – early August
Location: City Park
250-861-1515
Call for additional information
Okanagan Summer Wine Festival
Held in early August
Location: Silver Star Mountain Resort
250-861-6654
Call for additional information
Mardis Gras
Held in early August
Location: Downtown Kelowna
250-862-3515
Call for additional information
Blues Festival
Held in early August
Location: City Park
250-868-3307
Call for additional information
Annual Kelowna Apple Triathlon
Held in mid August
Location: City Park
250-861-1515
Call for additional information
September
Dragon Boat Festival
Held in mid September
Location: Waterfront Park
250-868-1136
Call for additional information
Field of Dreams
Held in mid September
Location: Kelowna City Park
250-769-7913
Call for additional information
Auction and car show.
Terry Fox Run
Held in mid September
Location: Parkinson Recreation Centre
250-860-5828
Call for additional information
East Kelowna Fall Fair
Held in late September
Location: Varies
250-860-8314
Call for additional information
Peak to Peak
Held in late September
Location: Mission Hill
250-860-5828
Call for additional information
Run from Mission Hill to Know Mountain
October
Okanagan Fall Wine Festival
Held in early October
Location: Various locations
250-861-6654
Call for additional information
The Fall Wine Festival runs for 10 days leading up to the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in early October each year.
Apple Fair
Held in late October
Location: Laurel Packing House
250-868-0441
Call for additional information
Halloween Howl
Held in late October
Location: Parkinson Recreation Centre
250-860-5828
Call for additional information
Okanagan International Marathon
Held in mid October
Location: City Park
250-860-5828
Call for additional information
November
Kelowna Christmas Craft Fair
Held in mid November
Location: Parkinson Recreation Centre
250-860-5015
Call for additional information
Tree of Hope Light Up
Held in mid – late November
Location: Landmark Square
250-763-2305
Call for additional information
Fall Craft Fair
Held in mid – late November
Location: St. Michaels & All Angels Hall
250-860-9159
Call for additional information
December
Christmas Light-Up
Held in early December
Location: Towne Centre to Kerry Park
250-862-3515
Christmas tree light up to start off the Christmas season.
Entertainment:
Kelowna Community Theatre
250-762-2471
Call for performance schedule and additional information
Bringing people together – there’s nothing like seeing it live!
Since opening its doors and raising the curtain in 1962, the theatre has been a vision of bringing people together from across the Okanagan and beyond to enjoy the performing arts from community groups to professional productions.
Mary Irwin Theatre
Located inside the Rotary Centre
250- 717-5304
Call for performance schedule and additional information
Located in beautiful Kelowna, BC the Rotary Centre for the Arts is designed as a multi-purpose venue providing enjoyment of a wide array of activities including special events, theatre, visual art, music, festivals and more.
Prospera Place
250-979-0888
Call for schedule of events and additional information
Prospera Place brings not only a state-of-the-art entertainment facility to the B.C. Interior, but brings a new level of exciting entertainment and a real focal point for sports, culture, business and community activity.
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra
250-763-7544
Call for performance schedule and additional information
Kelowna Community Concerts
250-762-9059
Call for performance schedule and additional information
Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club
4320 Gallaghers Drive West
Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z9
250-861-4240
Call for tee times and additional information
The Harvest Golf Club
2725 K.L.O. Road
Kelowna, BC V1W 4S1
250-862-3103
Call for tee times and additional information