Fall in West Kelowna has plenty to fill a day beyond the vineyards.
Mention West Kelowna and wine might be the first thing that comes to mind. Fair enough, since this stretch of the Okanagan is home to some incredible vineyards and wineries, but they’re only part of the story.
Fall in West Kelowna has plenty to fill a day beyond the vineyards. Hit the trails while the weather is still warm, stop by a local farm or orchard, grab a bite to eat, and make time for the breweries on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail, and the local businesses along the way. Better yet, turn it into a weekend and give yourself time to enjoy West Kelowna at a more relaxed pace.
From outdoor adventures and local flavours to places worth pulling up a chair for a while, here’s how to spend fall in West Kelowna.
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 experience a new view.
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 complete 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 local favourite 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. The autumn nut harvest and sales run from approximately early September to late October by volunteers from the Gellatly Nut Farm Society.
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. brings the easy-going Okanagan lifestyle indoors with the comfortable lake house-inspired feel of its award-winning taproom. Outside, its family- and pet-friendly heated patio keeps patio season going well beyond summer. Gather around the fireplace as the temperatures cool and pair your visit with one of Lakesider’s artisanal pizzas.
Fall also brings a full calendar to the taproom. Lakesider’s popular Oktoberfest festivities take place in early October, followed by a Halloween party at the end of the month, giving visitors a couple of timely reasons to stop by during an autumn visit to West Kelowna.
Finally, for beer aficionados, Lakesider offers an impressive lineup, with mouthwatering new releases dropping every fall. Try their award winning Dockside Dunkel Lager, and the velvety-smooth coffee nitro stout. Or try one of the fall seasonals such as the popular Fireside Winter Ale (think dried fruit and toffee), or the new Blackberry Cream Ale.
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.
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.
Originally written by Hannah Irvine in 2025.
Updated by the BC Ale Trail team for accuracy and comprehensiveness in 2026.
Every Pint Tells a Story
