Nestled on the western edge of Okanagan Lake, West Kelowna is much smaller and more relaxed than its more urban brother across the water. But despite its diminutive size, the town punches above its weight in terms of attractions and amenities. Boasting two museums, a multitude of shopping and dining experiences, a seemingly endless network of hiking and biking trails, countless wineries, and three craft breweries, there’s something for everyone here.

Fall is the perfect time to explore this corner of BC. By the end of September, the high summer Okanagan temperatures have given way to crisp mornings and gentle sunny afternoons, and the dry, warm climate means that outdoor activities can be enjoyed long into November. The throngs of tourists associated with the peak summer season have also melted away by the fall, leaving a peaceful serenity and allowing for undisturbed bird watching and deserted trails. It is the unique beauty of the light at this time of year, however, that is the highlight of an autumnal trip to West Kelowna. The fall sunshine glimmers on the lake, and the rusted hues of the trees and flora on the surrounding mountains are accentuated by the mellow, golden light, creating a magical experience for visitors.

Hit the Trails
With sweeping vistas across Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley, West Kelowna is a paradise for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. A network of trails caters to hikers and bikers of all ages and abilities, from gentle family-friendly paths to the more challenging trails for adrenaline junkies. Meanwhile, the 135km-long lake offers unique fishing and birding opportunities. The newly opened Westside Multi-Use Trail now connects West Kelowna to Peachland, offering a safe, car-free route for pedestrians and cyclists wishing to explore further afield.

Best foot forward
West Kelowna is overlooked by the imposing Mount Boucherie. This 60-million-year-old extinct volcano rises 758m and rewards those who hike the 6km round trip to the summit with spectacular panoramic views of the Okanagan. Thanks to its explosive past, the mountain features unique rock formations and streams of ancient, solidified lava rock, which can be seen from the well-maintained and sign-posted trails.
To the south of West Kelowna, Goat’s Peak Regional Park rises above Seclusion Bay, also providing hikers with terrific views of the valley below. This 63-hectare park ascends steeply from the shores of Okanagan Lake and offers a rocky trail through protected grasslands and a challenging climb up to the peak through open woodland. The Mountain Goat Trail to the summit is a 5.3km round trip with an elevation gain of 385m and rewards those who conquer it with awe-inspiring 360-degree views.
To the northeast of Goat’s Peak lies the 95-hectare Glen Canyon Regional Park. There, the trails meander under the forest canopy, following the babbling waters of Powers Creek, and culminate with impressive views of a 24m tumbling waterfall. Interpretive signs along the way highlight the canyon geology and syilx history, while shady resting spots offer glimpses of the many animals that call the park home. Though just minutes away from the city streets, these trails are a haven of tranquillity.
For those seeking a less strenuous excursion, the Waterfront Trail in Kalamoir Regional Park is an easy 1.5km beachfront trail. The easy access provided by the trail to beaches, an accessible dock, and two off-leash dog beaches makes it the perfect outing for families with young children or fur babies and for those with limited mobility.

Get on your bike!
Just a seven-minute drive from downtown West Kelowna lies a mountain biker’s utopia: the Smith Creek Trail Network. This hidden gem offers thrill-seekers challenging ascents, such as the Holy Pail Up Climb, and adrenaline-pumping, fast, flowing descents. The network has routes for all abilities, with colour-coded trails indicating the skill level required, and some sections providing ride-around options for tricky man-made features. The majority of the trails here cater to intermediate/advanced riders; however, it is in these more challenging routes that the park comes into its own. Those seeking the rush of a fast descent with berms, jumps, and technical features should check out the South Trail Descent, while those wanting to catch some air should head to the Smith Creek Jump Line. If you’re looking for a little company on the trails, Sovereign Cycle organizes group rides on Tuesday evenings throughout the fall. Check out their social media pages for more information on dates and times.

A bird’s eye view
Over 240 species of birds have been identified in the Greater Westside (West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation) by local birdwatchers, and October offers unique sightings of migratory birds, making this the ideal fall getaway destination for ‘twitchers’ and bird enthusiasts. The flocks of Sandhill Cranes passing overhead in early October are a spectacular sight, with their prehistoric-sounding cries being audible long before they are visible. Summer-visiting birds such as Western Tanagers, Orioles, Grosbeaks and most of the warblers migrate at this time, as do many of the ducks and grebes who move south a little later in October and November. But not all birds are leaving the Okanagan, and fall sees the return of Arctic birds such as Tundra and Trumpeter Swans, Snow Geese, Rough-Legged Hawks and Bohemian Waxwings. Birds can be spotted in all of West Kelowna’s regional parks, while the lakeshore offers fantastic opportunities for observing waterbirds. An excellent birding map and guide is available to help visitors locate and identify the many different species in the area.

Indigenous Experiences
West Kelowna is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people who have lived here since time immemorial. The Indigenous community on this land is the Westbank First Nation, a self-governing band that is one of the eight bands which comprise the Okanagan Nation Alliance. The Sncewips Heritage Museum in West Kelowna is owned and operated by the Westbank First Nation to provide a space for syilx voices. The name sncewips translates as “a conversation with an ancestor,” which perfectly captures the ethos behind the museum. Through its captivating displays, exhibits, artwork, and storytelling, the museum showcases the heritage and culture of the Okanagan People. Sncewips offers guided tours of the museum and outdoor tours of the Westbank First Nation community core, while the gift shop features authentic Indigenous products which honour the traditions and craftsmanship of the local Indigenous community. Museum docent Coralee Miller is an outstanding guide who brings the experience to life with a wealth of knowledge and fascinating stories. This exceptional museum is a must-do for any visit to West Kelowna, and after your visit, don’t forget to pop in to the Indigenous-owned and operated Kekuli Café for hot coffee and a mouthwatering traditional bannock.

Fall Nut Harvest at Gellatly Nut Farm
Fall is the peak time of year to visit West Kelowna’s historic Gellatly Nut Farm Park. Although this 117-year-old heritage site is open year-round, a visit to the park in September to mid-November coincides with the nut harvest, when visitors can pick their own nuts or purchase pre-picked bags of nuts such as chestnuts and hazelnuts at the on-site store. The Gellatly Nut Farm Society hosts a Harvest Festival in October to celebrate the nut harvest, with family entertainment, kids’ crafts, live music, tours of the historic grounds, and, of course, nut harvesting.

Quench your thirst
Traditionally a mecca for wine connoisseurs, in recent years, West Kelowna has been making a splash in the craft beer community, too. With three breweries opening within the last four years, West Kelowna is fast becoming a destination for beer enthusiasts, and with fall-inspired brews and events on the horizon, these tap rooms are not to be missed!
Lakesider Brewing Co.
Lakesider Brewing Co. emphasizes the easy-going Okanagan lifestyle with the comfortable lake house-style interior of their award-winning taproom, and their patio-perfect, flavourful beers. Here you can expect crisp lagers, fruity wheat beers, and flavour-packed ales all crafted for sipping in the sunshine. With outdoor living firmly in the limelight, it comes as no surprise that Lakesider boasts a family- and pet-friendly heated patio from which to enjoy a beverage and artisanal pizza from the taproom kitchen. Even as the mercury falls in the latter months of the year, guests can stay toasty warm around the cozy fireplace. Fall is celebrated at Lakesider with Oktoberfest festivities taking place at the brewery in early October, and a Halloween party happening at the end of the month. For beer aficionados, Lakesider offers an impressive lineup of rotating taproom brews, with mouthwatering new releases coming this fall. Look out for their light, citrusy Whitecap Witbier, velvety-smooth Midnight Swim nitro stout, Belgian Cherry Ale brewed with local cherries and packed with big Belgian flavours, and the fruity, aptly named, Fireside Winter Ale, all coming soon.
The Hatching Post
The Hatching Post is a brewery unlike any other! The brainchild of Jason Parkes Customs, the brewery appears to be straight out of a western movie and looks somewhat incongruous amongst the rather more genteel wineries of the Westside Wine Trail. But that is exactly the ethos of The Hatching Post – unlike anyone else, but inclusive to all. To step inside the custom-built brewery saloon is to step back in time to another world, where you can hitch up your horse, lay down your hat, and sling back a refreshing beer. The spacious patio caters not just to faithful steeds, but kids and dogs are welcome here too. The brews themselves, such as The Aristocrat Amber Ale and Parlour Tricks Hazy IPA, all represent characters and stories from The Wild Bunch. Expect traditional American-style craft beer from the core beers, augmented by some more unusual rotating seasonal taps. For those looking to refuel, the food at The Hatching Post is something to behold, with the Smokeshow BBQ serving vast helpings of tender Texas-style BBQ meat. Groups can opt to share one of the brewery’s signature platters, such as the “Meat Sweats” platter, an enormous banquet of smoked and slow-cooked meats. On Thursdays, the saloon hosts “Spaghetti Western Night” where adults can tuck into plates piled high with spaghetti, meat sauce and smoky meatballs for just $20, and kids under 10 eat for free. The fall months are action-packed at the Hatching Post: take the stress out of Thanksgiving dinner preparations and head to the saloon for their Thanksgiving feast; don your lederhosen and join in the Oktoberfest celebrations the following weekend; or get your spook on with Halloween cocktails, costume prizes and live music at the Haunted Saloon on October 31. Rumour also has it that the brewery is getting ready to launch a seasonal Cherry Stout, which will be available at Brewphoria on October 25
Connector Brewing
Having only just celebrated its first birthday, Connector Brewing is the newest brewery to the craft beer scene in West Kelowna. As the name suggests, Connector is all about the connections we make with other individuals, community to community, and with nature. The modern taproom has been created to reflect these ideals, with the fresh space designed in such a way that no matter where you are seated, you are connected to other elements, whether it be engaging with the natural surroundings by taking in the view of the lake, or joining in on an event from the mezzanine bar. Even the brewery production space is connected to the taproom, with large windows providing a link between guests and the production team. Although the brewery doesn’t currently have a patio (they are working on one for next summer, so watch this space…), the vast garage doors are opened on warm days to create an inside/outside vibe, and allow visitors to sip and bask in the autumn sunshine. Connector’s selection of core beers is approachable with an emphasis on easy-drinking, lower-alcohol patio sippers, such as the crushable Citrus Got Real Lime Lager and the refreshingly herbal Hunnie I Basiled the Kids Pale Ale. This fall, the brewery is releasing a series of small-batch beers which showcase the Okanagan fall harvest and take a fun and fresh play on their delicious lagers. Gerry’s Berry Splash features a blueberry and blackberry infusion, while the next batch, Say it Ain’t Sauv, will be a Kolsch celebrating the wine harvest. This homage to the fall continues with Connector’s second annual Fall Festival taking place at the start of October. If you miss that event, make sure to check out their weekly music bingo or the open mic Jazz Jam featuring a house band, which takes place on the first Friday of each month.
Hit the Hay
After a busy day of hiking, biking, eating and drinking, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head, and with a diverse selection of accommodation options, West Kelowna has you covered. The Cove Lakeside Resort is situated on the water’s edge, right next door to the Gellatly Nut Farm and within walking distance to two trailheads and birding locations. The spacious, private, 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom suites are tucked amongst beautiful gardens, and feature balconies or patios where guests can soak up the afternoon fall sunshine with views of either the lake or the surrounding mountains. There is an on-site spa to relax and rejuvenate the weariest of travellers, and visitors in early October can enjoy two outdoor heated pools, a private beach, and a selection of lawn games. Those staying later in the fall are able to warm up in the outdoor hot tub or get cozy next to one of the fire pits on the hotel grounds.
The brand-new Doubletree by Hilton opened earlier this year, close to the Glen Canyon Regional Park and a short hop to the Smith Creek Trails. The on-site restaurant, Turtle Jacks, has a lounge to relax in and enjoy watching your favourite sports team on large screen TVs. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness suite.
Conveniently located next to the Two Eagle Golf Course and a short walk to restaurants and shops, the Fairfield by Marriott has been recently renovated and offers comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. The indoor pool here is a firm favourite with families, as it features a kids’ splash zone and waterslide.
With its unparalleled position between the lake and mountains, picture-perfect panoramas, and such a vast array of activities on offer, West Kelowna is sure to be your new favourite fall escape. So pack your bags and get ready to take it all in on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.
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