The Okanagan is a must visit region when exploring BC. The wines are some of the BEST in the world, and I’m not exagerating. The climate creates the perfect recipe for growing grapes and producing the most flavourful wines I have ever tasted. The region is boasting with family run wineries, so if wine tasting makes you happy, Kelowna will not disappoint. I’ve put together a list of my top 5 things to in while visiting Kelowna.

1. Wine Tasting

You absolutely must go wine tasting in Kelowna! We’ve been wine tasting in Napa Valley and Niagara, and we must gloat, BC has the BEST wines in North America, hands down! Our goal is always to try at least 3 different wineries so we can compare and note our favourites. But also, three is usually the max when you’re driving, so if you can rent bikes, Uber, or join a wine tasting tour, that may be more ideal!

Our favourite wineries to date are:

+ Mission Hill Winery – the grounds are stunning!

+ Volcanic Winery – their rose is top notch!

+ Summerhill Pyramid Winery – go for the wine, stay for the charcuterie board!

2. Go for a Hike

The Okanagan has the most beautiful landscape and what is the best way to experience a beautiful place? Find a birds eye view of this stunning region! There are lots of hikes that lead to stunning vistas, but here are a few that we’ve done!

1. Knox Mountain – I have to admit, we didn’t hike the whole trail since it was slippery and icy during Winter, but we were able to snap some amazing pics of the city below.

2. Kuipers Peak

3. Rose Valley Regional Park

3. Ski Big White

I know Kelowna is a hot spot during summer, but have you ever been during the winter? It’s quieter, the wineries are still open, and Big White Ski Hill is the place to be! If you’re lucky enough to get a blue bird day during your stay, you’ll most likely be in bumper to bumper traffic winding your way up to the mountain. Sadly, that wasn’t the case for us. We learned why they call it “Big White Out” that day. The snow was falling and the powder was accumulating fast. Thankfully we had a Guide take us around the mountain – fun fact, most mountains have “snow hosts” that will help you navigate the mountain for free. I highly recommend checking it out when you visit a new mountain!

Affordable Accommodations

1. Fairfield Inn & Suites West Kelowna By Marriot – we’ve stayed here three times and it’s been perfect for what we needed each time. It was dog friendly when we were travelling with Griffin (it was the Best Western Plus at the time). It’s clean, modern, and the breakfast included was great! To be honest, we were rarely in our rooms, you’ll spend most of your time exploring the wineries and shops that you’ll just need a clean place to relax at the end of your day.

Splurge Accommodations

1. The Royal Kelowna By Bellstar Hotels – we haven’t stayed here, but we almost booked it! It’s located right on the Okanagan, which means it offers stunning lake views from your room! There’s also a roof top pool!

2. AirBnb – There was a time when AirBnB was affordable but it isn’t any more, especially with all the hidden fees. But if you have a large travel group, and AirBnB would work best!