Nestled in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a natural playground in all four seasons, with endless indoor and outdoor activities. You'll also find plenty of things to eat and drink, as Kelowna is the birthplace of wine in BC and has several dozen orchards and farms.

No matter the time of year, you'll see people out and about, taking full advantage of everything the city and surrounding area has to offer. From taking it easy during the sun-drenched summers to playing hard in the snow-blanketed winters, here are the top 5 activities for every season in Kelowna.

Top spring activities in kelowna

As the snow begins to melt and days get progressively longer, Kelowna comes alive with vibrant colours and renewed energy.

1) Hit Kelowna wine routes

Spring is the perfect time to explore Kelowna's 40+ wineries before the busy season starts. Be among the first to taste seasonal new releases (aromatic whites are especially good in spring), and enjoy the lack of crowds.

If beer is more your style, check out Kelowna’s craft beer scene. There are over 15 local breweries, many located within walking distance of The Royal.

2) Take a hike

Enjoy the mild weather and ever-melting snow on the nearly empty trails. Spring is also a fantastic time to spot wildlife, who are also out enjoying the nice weather – and fewer people. Take in the stunning vistas near downtown on Knox Mountain, or head out to Kettle Valley or Peachland, where you can look down on the lake from the Pincushion Mountain summit.

3) Bike along the Okanagan Rail Trail

Rent a bicycle (complimentary for guests at The Royal Kelowna) and pedal the Okanagan Rail Trail, which spans 50 kilometres and traverses much of the city and surrounding countryside. Do a section or two, stopping for a glass of vino or beer on the way. You earned it!

4) Smell The Flowers

Starting mid-April, the Okanagan Valley comes alive with colourful blooms. This includes the highly anticipated "bud break," when grape buds, dormant all winter, suddenly open for the season. In addition to the dozens of vineyards, find colourful blooms at valley orchards, parks, and the Kasugai Japanese Gardens.

5) Hang out with kangaroos

No need to go to Australia, in Kelowna you can visit kangaroos, wallabies and much more at Kangaroo Creek Farm. Pet a roo and hold a joey while learning more about these fascinating animals. We recommend you read through their website to ensure a safe visit.

Top summer activities

July and August are the driest months of the year in Kelowna, making summer the ideal time to enjoy the region's many outdoor activities.

1) Experience lake life in the Okanagan Valley

Everything centres around the lake, especially when it's warm and sunny – so it should come as no surprise that the top summer activities in Kelowna all involve water. Try sailing, rent kayaks or a SUP, go snorkelling, scuba diving, pedal around the lake in a pedal boat, or experience the thrill of flyboarding with Okanagan Flyboard.

2) Soak up the sun on the beach

Kelowna is widely considered one of Canada's best beach cities, with nearly 30 to choose from. Boyce Gyro and Hot Sands are two of the most popular city beaches, and Bear Creek Provincial Park even has a dog-friendly beach. Stop by the front desk at The Royal to borrow some beach gear, including umbrellas, chairs, and wagons.

3) Golf on world-class courses

With a whopping 2,000-plus hours of sunshine, Kelowna has one of the longest golf seasons in the country. Local courses also enjoy gorgeous scenery and exceptional dining and wine experiences.

4) Visit U-pick orchards

Get a literal taste of the season by visiting one of the local orchards that offer U-pick. In most years, cherries kick off the season in late June or early July, followed by apricots, peaches, and nectarines, and then grapes and apples closer to fall. Check with our concierge to find out what's in season and where to pick!

5) Browse local farmers' markets

Another way to sample the season's bounty is to wander through local farmers' markets. Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market is open year-round, with fresh produce, meats, artisan cheese, handmade crafts, baked goodies, and more. Other summer markets have pop-up locations around the city.

kelowna fall activities

Gorgeous, mild weather, beautiful scenery, and harvest season are the perfect ingredients to enjoy a little of everything Kelowna offers.

1) Enjoy grape harvest season

One of the top 5 activities in Kelowna year-round is sampling regional wines, and doing it during harvest season takes it up a notch. The grape harvest is in full swing from late August through early October, and wineries host several special pairings and events. This is the perfect time to go on a wine tour, and The Royal Kelowna guests enjoy 20% off with Kelowna Concierge.

2) Discover Larches

Every fall about mid-to-late October, the needles on these unique pine trees turn a gorgeous golden-yellow lighting up the forests. Take in the larches in and around Kelowna at The Boulderfields, Myra Canyon, and Oyama Lake.

3) Fall Favourites

Everyone get your mug of apple cider it’s time to tour pumpkin patches, enjoy hayrides, and get lost in a corn maze. Enjoy fresh seasonal produce from local farms including gourds and a selection of nuts. If you’re into the ghoulish side of things, there are events around Kelowna for Halloween lovers of all ages. Learn more with Tourism Kelowna.

4) The Salmon Run

During September and the early part of October, you have the unique opportunity to witness Kokanee salmon as they make their arduous journey upstream to spawn. For an up-close encounter with this remarkable spectacle, pay a visit to Hardy Falls Regional Park and Mission Creek Regional Park.

5) Visit a museum

When the weather prevents you from going outside, or you simply want a literal change of scenery, head indoors – to one of the city's excellent museums. Check out the Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum, Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, or the Okanagan Heritage Museum.

winter activities in kelowna

Kelowna's mild weather makes it more famous as a summer destination, but don't be so quick to discount it for a winter getaway.

1) Get your adrenaline pumping with winter sports

Just a short drive from Kelowna, Big White Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort offer epic skiing and snowboarding. Big White also has one of Canada's largest ski villages, with plenty of restaurants, apres ski bars, and shops. And if the slopes aren't necessarily your thing, you can also go tubing, sledding, or fat biking at either resort.

2) Play in the snow

*Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Big White Ski Resort*

If you're into snow play but want an alternative to flying down a mountain, Kelowna offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, too. The city has over 250 kilometres of groomed trails between the Telemark Nordic Club, Kelowna Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Club, and Big White.

3) Go ice skating

*Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Matt Ferguson Photography*

Every year, Stuart Park in Kelowna's downtown waterfront transforms into a public skating rink. The rink is typically open from December through February and has a fire pit, music, and skate rentals. Oh, and the best part? It's totally free!

4) Tour Kelowna from the air

Helicopter tours are one of the best activities for every season in Kelowna, but especially in the winter. There's nothing quite like seeing the glassy lake from above surrounded by snow-blanketed mountains! Valhalla Helicopters offers a variety of options for both half and full-day tours.

5) Holiday cheer

Get into the holiday spirit with The annual Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up in early December and the Craft Culture’s Holiday Market, the Okanagan’s largest holiday market with more than 180 vendors. Support BC Children’s Hospital with the Festival of Trees fundraiser at Mission Hill Winery and see specially decorated trees until early January. Ring in the new year with the annual New York New Years celebration and fireworks over the lake.

Enjoy 4-season Recreation at The Royal Kelowna

As you can see, Kelowna is truly a year-round destination, offering a diverse range of activities for every type of traveller in every month of the year. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a wine connoisseur or foodie, or simply seeking lakeside relaxation, The Royal Kelowna has something special for you. Our downtown location, condo-style suites, lake and lagoon views, and rooftop infinity pool make us the perfect basecamp to experience the city's beauty and enchantment.

Whenever you plan to come to Kelowna, start planning your trip today by booking your stay at The Royal. Before you do, be sure to check our special offers!