Kelowna, British Columbia

Situated in the stunning Okanagan Valley along the beautiful 135-km long shore of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is a charming Canadian city surrounded by picturesque pine forests, fruit-filled orchards and lush vineyards perfect for outdoor recreation. Boasting a burgeoning cultural and culinary scene, Kelowna is known for its award-winning wineries, a thriving agricultural and orchard community and an impressive range of outdoor activities thanks to the region’s unique microclimate.

With so much natural beauty, Kelowna beckons visitors to the outdoors. A walk along the Waterfront Boardwalk is ideal for taking in the exquisite surroundings, while Okanagan Lake offers rentals for nearly every water sport, from sailing and jet skiing to paddle boarding and kayaking. The lake’s shores boast pretty beaches for sunbathing and swimming, and a stop at either Boyce-Gyro Beach Park or Kelowna City Park is a must.

Inland, the city offers excellent hiking and biking trails for all levels no matter the time of year. Knox Mountain Park is easily accessible from the centre of Kelowna and features unparalleled views of the city and lake, while a short drive from downtown to Myra Canyon offers visitors a breath taking 12km trail along the former Kettle Valley Railway. Come winter, visitors will find no less than 119 downhill and cross country skiing trails at Big White Ski Resort just outside of the city.

While in Kelowna, a visit to one of the cities award-winning wineries is a must. Offering some of the best wines in British Columbia, and widely considered one of Canada’s top wine destinations, Kelowna’s verdant vineyards are renowned for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Ice Wine – and with stunning vistas and tasty food pairings to match, wine lovers will be spoiled for choice between historic estates like Mission Hill, organic producers like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and unpretentious laidback wineries like The Hatch, just to name a few.

End with Kelowna’s downtown – filled with excellent art galleries, interesting museums, cool bars, independent boutiques and great restaurants featuring the region’s exceptional local produce – culture lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from the Kelowna Art Gallery which highlights the work of Canadian artists to the Okanagan Heritage Museum which details the fascinating geographical history of the region and the culture of the local Syilx/Okanagan indigenous communities.