Kelowna and
West Kelowna
This region's craft beer scene dates back 25 years, and a recent surge of new breweries and its own annual beer festival has given it fresh energy.
Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley and the third largest in British Columbia, rewards every type of traveller. This lakeside city is well known for its many beaches, golf courses, and restaurants, and of course, wine is a big deal here with more than 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive.
Craft beer lovers have many reasons to be excited, too. Historically, Tree Brewing was the trailblazer here (c. 1996), and while its original plant is gone now, the waterfront Kelowna Beer Institute grew out of the Tree brand. Plus, Tree’s legacy has led to a whole forest of new breweries sprouting in the North End Brewery District. Currently, there are seven breweries within walking distance there, along with the Welton Arms, a pub featuring British-style ales and food.
Like to bowl while sipping craft beer? There are actually two different breweries in Kelowna where you can try to bag a turkey (three strikes in a row): the recently renovated Freddy’s Brewpub and BNA Brewing, which is based in a gorgeous, historic building in the downtown Cultural District.
Kelowna’s craft beer revolution has spread far beyond the central city, including brewery bubbles in the northeast part of the city as you head towards the airport and down south along the lakeshore to the Mission District. You can also taste delicious beer at the only gluten-free brewery in the Okanagan: Grey Fox Brewing.
Check out the growing craft beer community across the floating bridge in West Kelowna. The newest brewery, Lakesider Brewing, is smack dab in the middle of wine country on Boucherie Bench overlooking Okanagan Lake, and here the focus is on crowd-pleasing classic craft beer styles.
West Kelowna has plenty of opportunities for hiking, beaches, swimming, golf, and even dog-friendly beaches along the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Day 1
Porter's is Kelowna's newest breakfast and brunch restaurant and a sister company of Copper Brewing.
A rugged layout with quick true greens and immaculate conditions. A favourite, award-winning destination for golfers from around the world.
Located mere metres from UBC Okanagan’s campus, this lively brewpub features a whopping 24 taps of craft beer along with sweeping views from its perch atop Academy Hill. A perfect location for lunch with an extensive menu to meet all appetites.
We're passionate about hand-crafted local beer, wine, and spirits. You'll find a curated selection of artisan spirits, Okanagan wines, and BC craft beers in addition to all of the classics. Our superstar team of liquor-enthusiasts will always help you find an old favourite or a new favourite!
Looking for limited release, one-of-a-kind barrel releases? This is the place to go, and now with their expanded taproom!
What craft beer would you pair with a strike, spare or split? Freddy’s offers a unique craft beer experience combined with bowling.
The Greenway is perfect for cycling, jogging, running, and walking. There are two phases of the trail. The first phase is the most used portion of the trail. While the second phase is great, there are portions of it that are not accessible by bike due to stairs, towards the end of the trail.
Copper Brewing has one goal - making genuinely good beer. Their taplist is always changing, offering both approachable and creative beers.
This dog-friendly craft brewery has marked its territory as the newest addition to Kelowna’s North End brewing district.
Ask one of our wine and beer specialists to track down a local product for you. Always here to help!
Located right off the Rail Trail with plenty of bike racks. Food Trucks are parked daily.
A relaxed hotel close to Okanagan Lake, outfitted with modern amenities.
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Looking for another tee time? Kelowna offers one of the longest, driest golf seasons in Canada. Vineyards, orchards, semi-desert terrain, rolling hills, and expansive lakes make the golf courses in the area some of the most picturesque in the country. Find a course that suits you at golfkelowna.com.
Biking is a great way to get around Kelowna — the Okanagan Rail Trail passes by several breweries.
Visit local farms and orchards. You want fresh? You’ve come to the right place! Kelowna is internationally renowned for its locally grown fruit and produce. Stop at a roadside fruit stand or visit a local farm or orchard.
Folks avoiding gluten or those who just want to try something different can visit Grey Fox Brewing in Lake Country on the north side of Kelowna — the only gluten-free brewery in the Okanagan.
Day 2
Pioneers of third wave coffee in Kelowna dedicated to selecting, roasting and preparing coffee that is exceptional. Enjoy goods from the in-house bakery, made from scratch everyday.
On-site bike rentals. Experience a part of the historical Kettle Valley Railway route built between 1912-1914. This well-established, interactive trail is over 18 trestles and through 2 tunnels, offering spectacular views of Myra Canyon and Okanagan Lake.
Housed in a lovingly restored heritage barn, Barn Owl is a unique rustic retreat, complete with a vaulted loft that oozes bucolic charm, featuring an impressive river rock fireplace, antique furniture, shuffleboard, board games, and plenty of seating.
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Head to this excellent location across from Gyro Beach—arguably the best beach in Kelowna—for lunch and beer. The menu serves a variety of artisan pizzas, salads and burgers.
A beautiful location to go for a short walk and enjoy the scenery of Okanagan Lake. The trail connects to the Rotary Marshes wildlife park where it is not uncommon to see a heron, beavers, or eagles flying overhead.
More than just a pretty space, BNA serves delicious beer and gourmet food and is a big part of the local community. Delicious snacks and yummy meals are available in their Tasting Room thanks to BoxcAr, like a food truck, but inside!
This waterfront brewery and tasting room is the ideal place to learn more about craft beer right at the source.
Smack dab downtown! Across the street from the lake, the park, the beaches, the boardwalk, the watersports & waterpark. Use their free rollerskates or bikes to explore the region.
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Are you a breakfast person? Visit Okanagan Street Food for some fresh and flavourful options using seasonal ingredients.
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday between April-October, be sure to stop by the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market on the corner of Dilworth and Springfield.
Take a cruise on beautiful Lake Okanagan with Kelowna Water Taxi & Cruises. Or just chill out on one of Kelowna’s gorgeous beaches.
Another excellent reason to visit Kelowna is the Great Okanagan Beer Festival, an annual waterfront celebration that brings together more than 2,500 beer lovers annually.
Day 3
Groovy, retro coffee house attached to a rare book and antique shop! Lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and americanos and an assortment of heavenly local baked goods.
Launch our get-on-'n'-go' non-motorized water toys from the sandy shores of beautiful Gyro Beach Park in Kelowna's Mission Area where we invite you to get your toes in the sand and your spirit on the water!
Smack dab in the middle of the North End craft beer district, this brewery has a sleek, open-concept tasting room, and specializes in food and beer pairings. And, if you are into smoked meats, this will be a must-stop for you!
This creative brewery is making a name for itself through experimentation and innovation.
Weird beer and classic pizza abound at this ultra-cool brewery with a heavy metal twist. Known for their pizzas almost as much as their beers! A great lunch option.
A 50min self-guided tour of the Cultural District, which includes galleries, theatres, and museums. There are also 18 pieces of public art on display created by local, national, and international artists.
This North End hotspot is always bumping thanks to cold beer, warm food and electrifying live music.
This family-friendly craft brewery and tasting room aims to bring the backyard campfire vibe to the heart of the city with its airy, high ceilings and expansive patio. A great place for a casual dinner (including vegan and vegetarian options).
Overlooking Okanagan Lake, this sprawling conference hotel with city, lake and mountain views is steps away from great beer and the Waterfront Boardwalk.
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Looking for a quiet space to unwind downtown? Take a step away from the hustle and bustle and into Kasugai Garden Park. Created in 1987, the park features traditional elements like stone lanterns, pine trees, waterfalls and a pond stocked with koi.
If you’re more of a night owl, explore Kelowna’s nightlife and events that are sure to make any visitor feel like a local. Live music, DJs. comedy, theatre, dance clubs & karaoke – the night scene in Kelowna is a thriving mix of ultra-hip discos, laid-back lounges, friendly neighbourhood pubs, sports bars and energetic live theatre and music venues.
Day 4
Indigenous Cuisine. A local favourite and was also featured on the Food Network on the television show "You Gotta Eat Here." The bannock is out of this world – traditional bannock as well as sweet bannock like a donut but only better. A great place to go for breakfast, lunch or a snack.
Play amongst towering pines with moderate elevation changes, it is a true test to golfers of all abilities. The signature 8th, a long risk/reward par 4, plays alongside beautiful Shannon Lake.
Kick up your feet and relax at this Okanagan craft brewery that’s all about #lakelife. A great stop for lunch — the menu features shared plates and small plates, street tacos, and thin-crust pizzas, with gluten-free and vegan choices available.
Dedicated to collecting, preserving, restoring and interpreting art and artefact collections that reflect the heritage and natural history of the syilx/Okanagan People.
Sanction mountain biking trails offer fast flowy descents with options for beginners and more technical routes for advanced riders.
Round up your friends, fill up the car, grab a map and discover the farms along this self-guided tour of family-owned farms in the area.
This upscale resort hotel overlooking Okanagan Lake is nestled among parks and farms, offering rustic luxury removed from the modern world.
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Wanna get in the water? West Kelowna has plenty of opportunities for hiking, beaches, swimming, and even dog-friendly beaches along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Check out Kalamoir Regional Park or Gellatly Bay Park for some lakeside fun.
For more hiking, explore Glen Canyon Regional Park and follow the trails to the pristine Powers Creek Waterfall. Or trek through Rose Valley Regional Park for nature hiking trails that lead you through Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Firs with views of Okanagan Lake.
Got more room in your day for a tee time? Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy features a spectacular lake-view with lush fairways.