Kelowna, an attractive city on the shore of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, has some of the warmest weather in Canada. Meanwhile, major sporting and music events here in 2025 and 2026 will significantly boost the city’s tourism. I visited as part of my trip across Canada. Here’s the perfect 3 day Kelowna itinerary combining the best food, wine, nature and adventure this stunning destination has to offer.
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Quick overview of the perfect 3 day Kelowna itinerary
- Best area to stay: Downtown Kelowna for easy access to attractions
- Must-do experiences: Wine tasting, Okanagan Lake activities and local food tours
- Getting around: Rent a car for wineries, use bikes for downtown
- Best time to visit: May to October for warmest weather and outdoor activities
- Ideal stay length: 3 days to experience the highlights
Where to stay in Kelowna
Where to base yourself in the city for your Kelowna itinerary is a crucial consideration. The best place to stay in Kelowna to access its main attractions and get around is downtown. Here are some of the best affordable hotels in Kelowna:
Situated in the heart of downtown, The Royal Anne Hotel is a good option. This hotel has comfy beds, free Wi-Fi and serves an excellent breakfast. For fans of retro-chic and stylish decor, Hotel Zed Kelowna is ideal. This lakeside hotel offers free bike rentals and has a cool rooftop patio. A short walk or drive from downtown is Accent Inns Kelowna. Guests like its cleanliness, casual vibe and welcoming atmosphere.
For more accommodation options and deals for your dates in Kelowna, explore the map below:
Planning your perfect 3 Day Kelowna Itinerary
This 3 day Kelowna itinerary combines the city’s awesome food and wine scene with outdoor adventures and natural beauty. I’ve designed it based on my own experiences exploring the city, so it includes my personal recommendations and tips.
Day 1: Discover the local food and spirits scene
Start day one with breakfast from the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market, where you can sample fresh produce, artisan goods and baked treats from local vendors. Try some locally made jams or pick up a fresh smoothie.
At 10am, book yourself on a three-hour guided food tour. A local guide will tell you all the city’s gastronomic tales, as you stroll through Kelowna’s picturesque waterfront cultural district. Along the way, you’ll indulge in seven tantalizing tastings and four drink visits at authentic and unique local businesses.
Later, visit Urban Distilleries & Winery to sample handcrafted spirits. Former engineer Mike Urban creates award-winning gin, vodka and whisky using locally grown grains and natural ingredients. We sampled everything from espresso-infused vodka to Okanagan lavender gin – the flavours were beautifully balanced and it’s clear why these spirits have won awards.
End your day by dining at Waterfront Wines Restaurant, a celebrated spot for fresh, seasonal fare. Pair your meal with a selection from their curated wine list. Alternatively, rent a tiki party yacht on Okanagan Lake and indulge in the on-board BBQ and bar.
Book your guided food tour of Kelowna, including 7 tastings and 4 drinks, here
Day 2: Explore the local orchards and wineries
The Okanagan Valley wine region has almost 10,000 acres of vineyards and orchards on its mountainsides, among the rich pine forests. On day two of your 3 day Kelowna itinerary, rent an e-bike and cycle through the Kelowna Fruit Loop.
Kelowna is known for its orchards and on our ride we passed by several. Apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums are all grown here. I tried a peach and it was wonderfully fleshy and juicy. There’s even a nearby town called Peachland, which sounds like somewhere out of a fairytale.
Enjoy lunch at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery with organic dishes and breathtaking vineyard views. We tried four of its wines at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery. It houses a striking pyramid-shaped cellar, lovingly and painstakingly created because of its sacred geometry and the belief that it aids the wines’ ageing.
Then why not enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing and more tastings on this guided tour of more Kelowna wineries before returning to downtown Kelowna.
End your day with dinner at Salt & Brick. This trendy downtown spot has an atmosphere that’s as lively as its daily menus are adventurous.
Discover the local honey and honey wines on a self-guided e-bike adventure in Kelowna – book here.
Day 3: Lake adventures and waterfront
Start your final day strolling along the Kelowna Waterfront Boardwalk and stop to admire the Bear Sculpture at Stuart Park. This iconic artwork is a symbol of Kelowna’s connection to nature and makes for a great photo spot.
Created by artist Brower Hatcher in 2010 it commemorates the city and its history. It’s a meaningful symbol as the name ‘Kelowna’ is derived from the indigenous people’s word for female grizzly bear.
Spend the afternoon with a jet ski rental or wakeboarding session on Okanagan Lake. The calm waters are perfect for adventure sports. Or why not try a thrilling parasailing experience on Okanagan Lake. Soar high above the water and enjoy unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For a slower pace, rent a speed boat to explore hidden coves along the lake.
Refuel at BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery, known for hearty meals and refreshing craft beer. Alternatively, head to Mission Creek Greenway for a gentle walk through beautiful wooded trails
Finally, relax with dinner or drinks at Hotel Zed’s rooftop patio, where you can share stories of the day’s adventures.
What to know when planning your 3 day Kelowna itinerary
My first impression of Kelowna was how huge it is – it’s a city after all, with a population of around 180,000. Part of me was expecting a sleepy lakeside town, but one thing about Canada is that everything here is BIG.
When we asked passers-by in Kelowna for directions, the places we wanted to go – even just the nearest supermarket – were often over a kilometre away. A long way when you’re on foot!
The city is located on Okanagan Lake, which is also massive – an impressive 135km long. As well as lakeside beaches, Kelowna has plenty of watersports, a huge yacht club and posh lakeside houses with their own private jetties and boats.
The grounds are so beautiful they look like something from a catalogue. New homes were mid-construction, being built almost entirely from wood. This is common in this country with its flourishing timber industry.
How to get around Kelowna
Kelowna is a bike-friendly city with dedicated cycling paths and scenic routes, including along the lakefront. Many hotels and hostels offer bike rentals, and there are rental shops throughout the city. It’s a great way to explore nearby wineries or enjoy the views.
The city’s affordable public bus system covers most of Kelowna and surrounding areas, including popular spots like Mission Creek Greenway or Orchard Park Shopping Centre.
If you plan to visit vineyards, hiking trails, or nearby towns, renting a car is the best option. There are several car rental companies in the city and at the airport.
For a unique way to explore Okanagan Lake, consider renting a boat or using water taxis. These options are popular for visiting lakefront attractions or simply enjoying a day on the water.
How to travel to Kelowna
In keeping with our backpacking budget, we travelled from Vancouver to Kelowna by overnight Greyhound bus.
Affordable bus services like this, as well as Ebus and Rider Express connect Kelowna to Vancouver and other major cities in British Columbia. The bus terminal is conveniently located near downtown Kelowna.
Kelowna is a scenic 4.5-hour drive east from Vancouver, while from Calgary, it’s an 8-hour journey. From Seattle in the US, the drive takes around 6.5 hours north through Washington state and across the Canadian border.
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is one of Canada’s busiest airports, located just 15 km from downtown. There are direct flights to Kelowna from major cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Seattle. From the airport, you can reach the city centre in about 20 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about Kelowna
Is Kelowna, Canada worth visiting?
Absolutely! We loved Kelowna. It combines stunning natural beauty with world-class wineries, outdoor adventures and warm weather that’s rare in Canada. The city perfectly balances relaxation with excitement, making it ideal for different kinds of travellers.
Is there anything to do in Kelowna?
Yes, there’s plenty to do in Kelowna. We explored the area by bike and talked to locals to get tips, but there are plenty of organised tours too. You can go wine tasting, enjoy food tours and enjoy a whole host of watersports on the large lake.
How many days do you need in Kelowna?
Three days allows you to experience Kelowna’s highlights without rushing. This gives enough time for wine tasting, lake activities and exploring the local food scene.
What’s the best time to visit Kelowna?
May until October has the warmest weather and best access to outdoor activities. July and August are peak season with highest temperatures but also largest crowds.
Can you visit Kelowna without a car?
Yes – we didn’t have a car. Though be aware that the city is huge. For the most part though, downtown is walkable and bikes are available to hire if you need to travel longer distances or explore the beautiful countryside like we did.
Final thoughts on planning your perfect 3 day Kelowna itinerary
Kelowna is one of those under-the-radar places that is truly picturesque and charming. It’s stunningly beautiful thanks to its vast lake. There’s also a thriving food and wine culture, along with plenty of outdoor and watersports adventures. We thoroughly enjoyed cycling through the orchards and tasting the local wines and spirits.
Three days in this city gives you the perfect balances of laid-back lakeside vibes with exciting activities and fine dining. So pack your bags and explore this amazing corner of British Columbia!
Next up, discover the best 3 week Canada itinerary here.
Ha! Very nicely written, descriptive and sweet post about my living city and the Okanagan valley. It was my pleasure sharing that fishing and wines day with you guys.
Cheers,
Carlos.
Lovely to hear from you Carlos! We had such a fantastic day with you – thank you so much. It was definitely a highlight of our Canada trip! Hope you’re really well and still enjoying life in your beautiful part of the world.
Claire