How to Spend One Day in Kelowna (2026)
Kelowna in British Columbia is known for its food scene and setting on Okanagan Lake. I stopped here for a short time as part of my Canada trip, while travelling between Vancouver and the Rockies. This itinerary shows how to spend a full day in Kelowna – enough time to enjoy the lake, visit one of its wineries and eat well.
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Quick overview of this one day Kelowna itinerary
- Start in downtown Kelowna, close to the waterfront and bike rentals
- Morning: A relaxed walk along Okanagan Lake and the central waterfront
- Midday: Cycle to Summerhill Pyramid Winery for a tasting and lunch
- Afternoon: Return to downtown and visit a gin distillery
- Evening: Dinner on the waterfront
- If you’re staying overnight, choose accommodation in downtown Kelowna
How to travel to 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.
In keeping with our backpacking budget, we travelled from Vancouver to Kelowna by overnight Greyhound bus (route now operated by Ebus). Affordable bus services like this 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 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.
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.
Otherwise, there are several car rental companies in the city and at the airport.
A one day Kelowna itinerary
This one day Kelowna itinerary combines the city’s 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.
Morning: Okanagan Lake & waterfront
Start your 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.
Late morning: Cycling to Summerhill Pyramid Winery
From downtown Kelowna, rent an e-bike and cycle 40 minutes south through the Kelowna Fruit Loop to the Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
Kelowna is known for its orchards and on our ride we passed by several on our bikes. 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.
Stop at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery for a wine tasting. It houses a striking pyramid-shaped cellar, created because of the owner’s belief that the shape aids the wines’ ageing.
Lunch: Sunset Organic Bistro
Take the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery with organic dishes and vineyard views.
Afternoon: Back downtown & visit a gin distillery
Cycle back to downtown Kelowna and return your bikes. Afterwards, visit Urban Distilleries 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.
Evening: Dinner
End your day back at the waterfront by dining at Waterfront Wines Restaurant.
This celebrated spot serves fresh, seasonal fare. Pair your meal with a selection from their curated wine list.
Where to stay in Kelowna
If you’re staying overnight after your Kelowna itinerary, you need to choose your base well. The easiest place to stay in Kelowna to access its main attractions and get around is downtown.
The Royal Anne Hotel is a highly-rated, affordable Kelowna hotel. Alternatively, try Hotel Zed Kelowna which offers free bike rentals and has a rooftop patio.
For the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Kelowna, explore the map below:
Final thoughts on this one day Kelowna itinerary
Kelowna works well as a one-day stop. The lake setting, food scene, and wine and spirits industry give you a clear sense of the place without needing to stay longer.
Spending a full day here lets you enjoy the waterfront, cycle out to a winery, and eat well – all at an unhurried pace and without a car. That balance is what makes this stop fit naturally into a longer journey across Canada.
If you’re travelling between Vancouver and the Rockies, one day in Kelowna is enough to enjoy what makes it distinctive before moving on.
