Tourism Kelowna
Kelowna is one of the most desirable destinations to visit in all of British Columbia. As early as March, restaurants unfold their patio sets onto the wide, downtown streets and soak up the desert sun in preparation for the luscious summer months. Beach-goers and hikers take advantage of the extended hours of sunshine. Wakeboard boats begin to pop up across Okanagan Lake. Campers, fishers and golfers dust off their gear because the courses are open.
Every year, Kelowna’s live music, shopping, dining, and craft beer scenes seem to grow, giving visitors more and more reasons to come to Kelowna.
Here are 15 places and activities not to miss on your next trip to Kelowna:
Live Music
1. Minstrel Café
Tucked away in Kelowna’s Lower Mission, the Minstrel offers a lovely backyard patio, unique food, and warm, comfortable vibes. They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am, and host a variety of local and national music artists throughout the week.
Hours of Operation: 7 days a week, 11:00am – late.
Location: 4638 Lakeshore Rd.
Ph. Number: (250) 764-2301
Website: Click here.
2. The Habitat
A refreshing contrast to the nightclubs it's sandwiched between, the Habitat is a trendy venue for up-and-coming bands, art shows, Latin/salsa dancing and more. Offering both tea and hard liquor, the atmosphere at the Habitat allows visitors to either sit back and relax or get up and dance.
Hours of Operation: see event schedule online
Location: 248 Leon Ave
Ph. Number: 250-763-9674
Website: Click here.
3. Kelowna Actors Studio
Photo Courtesy of Kelowna Actors Studio and Tourism Kelowna
The Okanagan’s only licensed dinner theatre and performance arts school boasts an 11,000 square foot theatre that seats over 200 patrons.
Don’t miss the chance to see one of your favourites in this intimate and charming theatre house. Check out their vibrant, exciting presentations of some of the world’s most loved Broadway productions.
Hours of Operation: Varies – call ahead.
Location: 1379 Ellis Street
Ph. Number: 250-862-2867
Website: Click here.
Shopping
4. Georgie Girl
Georgie Girl Vintage
A conglomeration of vintage and consignment merchandise, Georgie Girl sells clothing, jewelry, and accessories dating from the 1920s to the present. Located in Kelowna’s Arts and Cultural District, this unique store brings a retro vibe to the community.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: 1331 Ellis Street
Ph. Number: 250-860-0307
Website: Click here.
5. Ginger Lily
This bohemian-inspired boutique carries clothing, gifts, accessories and home décor inspired by current trends around the world. Vibrant, playful, exotic styles make this store stand out in the Pandosy neighbourhood, within close proximity to Gyro Beach.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: #1-2925 Pandosy Street
Ph. Number: 778-484-4638
Website: Click here.
6. Alchemy
ME Photography
Alchemy carries a range of unique goods including home and personal accessories, original artwork, jewelry and—for your sudden, mid-shop sweet tooth—Sandrine chocolates. Looking for a decorative birdcage? Distinctive light fixtures? Patterned pillows? Alchemy is full of unique and extraordinary products.
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Location: 345 Bernard Ave
Ph. Number: 778-478-4111
Website: Click here.
Dining
7. Train Station Pub
A beautifully restored 1926 railway station is the setting for this Kelowna pub, known for its hearty, comforting food. The Train Station also offers a huge selection of local craft beers and Okanagan wines, as well as a weekend brunch. Swing by for an authentic and historical downtown Kelowna experience.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Wednesday 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Thursday 11:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. (Brunch: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Brunch: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
Location: 1177 Ellis St.
Ph. Number: (778) 484-5558.
Website: Click here.
8. The Jammery
Google Business Tours
Home-made jam, all-you-can-eat waffles with fresh four-berry syrup and some of the best ice cream in the Okanagan Valley are only a few of the delectable items on the menu at the Jammery. Located four minutes north of the airport, the view from the outdoor patio creates the perfect place to enjoy a late brunch. Stop by and find out why they were featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat!
Hours of Operation: Daily 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 8038 Highway 97 N
Ph. Number: 250-766-1139
Website: Click here.
9. The Bohemian Café
Bohemian Cafe & Catering Co.
Affectionately known as “the Boh,” this café was nominated for Best Breakfast in the Central Okanagan by Okanagan Life Magazine in 2013 and 2014. True to its family-run roots, the Boh serves local, fresh food with a twist. Try their handmade bread, jams and meats, or indulge in a Bohemian Benny.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: 524 Bernard Ave
Ph. Number: 250-862-3517
Website: Click here.
Craft Beer Scene
10. BNA Brewing Co & Eatery
BNA Brewing, Kelowna’s hippest new eatery, is establishing itself as a prominent brewery in the Okanagan Valley. Originally a building used to dry tobacco and roll cigars, BNA now serves craft beers alongside bottles of Olde English wrapped in paper bags. Liveliest after the sampling room closes, this is a great evening locale for a casual game of bocce or shuffleboard.
Hours of Operation: Tasting Room 1 – 6 pm Daily. Eatery 4 p.m. – late.
Location: 1250 Ellis Street
Ph. Number: 236-420-0025
Website: Click here.
11. Tree Brewing Beer Institute
Photo Courtesy of Tree Brewing Beer Institute and Tourism Kelowna
For the past twenty years, Tree Brewing has been serving a variety of home-brewed beers to its thirsty customers. Located next to Okanagan Lake, the Beer Institute is full of board games, beer-inspired foods and flights-and-bites to sample and share. Check out their Season Pass new release variety pack of Kelowna-inspired craft beer.
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Tuesday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: 1346 Water Street
Ph. Number: 778-484-0306
Website: Click here.
12. The Curious Café
Photo Courtesy of The Curious Café and Tourism Kelowna
Craft beers, warm food and wood-fired pizza combine to make the Curious a highly rated establishment in Kelowna’s beer and food scene. Quirky and casual, the recently opened restaurant pours 16 beers from their rotating taps and serves some of the best dishes around town.
Hours of Operation: Breakfast: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Dinner: 4:30 p.m. – late
Location: 1423 Ellis Street
Ph. Number: 778-484-0490
Website: Click here.
Wine Tours
13. Classic Car Tour
Photo Courtesy of Classic Car Tour and Tourism Kelowna
Go wine tasting in style with Tour 59’s Classic Car Tour. These customizable, privately guided tours are a unique way to explore the Okanagan Valley and sample some of the best liquid grapes around, all with a personal designated driver.
Hours of Operation: Flexible
Location: 5850 Upper Booth Road North
Ph. Number: (250) 807-7939
Website: Click here.
14. Helicopter Tour
The partnership between Valhalla Helicopters and Okanagan Wine Country Tours has created a twist on wine touring with their heli-wine tours. Perhaps the coolest mode of transportation to arrive at a winery, the view of the vineyards from the sky will be an unforgettable experience. There are half and full day options available.Don’t forget your camera!
Hours of Operation: Flexible
Location: 1100 Stevens Road, West Kelowna
Ph. Number: 250-769-1486
Website: Click here.
15. Self-Guided Wine Tour
Photo Courtesy of CedarCreek Estate and Tourism Kelowna
If you’d rather forge the Okanagan Wine Trail on your own, there are plenty of routes to choose from. Kelowna’s “Fab Five” includes House of Rose, The View, SpierHead, the Vibrant Vine, Camelot Vineyards and the close by tasting room of Sperling Vineyards. Just down the road, the “Lakeshore Wine Route” includes CedarCreek Estate, Summerhill Winery,St. Hubertus and Tantalus Vineyards. For more information on the other local wine trails and the abundance of wineries in the area, visit kelownawinetrails.com or the Tourism Kelowna Visitor Center for maps and more information.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 544 Harvey Ave
Ph. Number: 250-861-1515
Website: Click here.