Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with your closest girlfriends? Look no further than Kelowna, British Columbia—a charming destination nestled in the renowned Okanagan Valley. Kelowna is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culinary scene with a focus on ultra-fresh, hyper-local ingredients, and world-class wineries. In fact, this is the birthplace of winemaking in BC, and there are more than 40 wineries to explore, all within a short drive of one another.
Between the incredible wine and food cultures, gorgeous scenery, and luxurious accommodations at The Royal Kelowna right downtown, Kelowna really is the perfect destination for a girlfriend getaway for all four seasons.
5 Reasons to Plan a Girlfriend Getaway to Kelowna
In addition to offering a wide array of experiences well-suited to a memorable girls' trip, Kelowna is also easily accessible. It's within reasonable driving distance from several major cities, including Vancouver (4.5 hours), Spokane, Washington (5 hours), and Seattle (5.5 hours), making it the perfect getaway for a long weekend.
Now, let's get into all the fun things to do in Kelowna during your trip.
Wine Tours
No girls' trip is complete without indulging in at least a glass or two of vino, and Kelowna's wine culture doesn't disappoint. As a major wine destination in the Okanagan Valley, the city has wineries dotting the lake with picturesque landscapes. Whether you prefer buttery Chardonnay, complex Pinot Noir, summery Rosé, or crisp sparkling wines, sampling the local offerings is one of the top Kelowna activities year-round.
Everyone in your group can choose a winery to visit or, better yet, book a guided wine tour. This option ensures you not only check out several of the best local wineries, but that you don't have to worry about the logistics or hassle of driving between them. Just show up with your gals, sit back, and literally enjoy the ride, and sample some of the Okanagan's best vintages at each stop!
As part of our Stay® | Well amenities program, guests of The Royal Kelowna can take advantage of discounted wine tours with Kelowna Concierge. This is a wonderful way to explore several vineyards without breaking the bank (more money for other activities on your girlfriend getaway!). Choose the wineries or part of town you'd like to visit, and you'll stop at either four (half-day) or five (full day) wineries. Full-day tours also include a lunch stop.
Proximity to the Lake and Beaches
Aside from wineries, one of the biggest Kelowna attractions—perhaps the biggest—is Okanagan Lake. Providing a picture-perfect backdrop, along with beautiful beaches and water recreation, the lake in its own right makes Kelowna a perfect getaway. Enjoy plenty of fun in the sun during your girls' weekend, whether you prefer swimming, or lounging on the sandy beach soaking up some rays.
The Royal Kelowna's ideal lakefront location offers some of the best water views and puts you literal steps from the beach. While there are dozens of fantastic beaches to choose from, one of the closest to The Royal is Tugboat Beach. Perfectly manicured gardens frame this stunning sandy beach, and it's adjacent to Waterfront Park and the boardwalk path. In the summer, you can rent paddle boats and catch live concerts at Waterfront Park Island Stage.
A Foodie's Paradise
Wine isn't the only thing you can treat your taste buds to in Kelowna. The city's vibrant culinary scene is top-tier, with everything from renowned farm-to-table restaurants to bustling cafes and hip brunch hot spots. Plan a girls' night out (or two!) around restaurant-hopping, indulging in gourmet goodies crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to sample some charcuterie—it's a huge thing in this farm-to-table city!
4-Season Outdoor Recreation
With fairly mild year-round weather, getting outside and enjoying some sunshine is one of the most fun things to do in Kelowna. Regardless of your group's interests, you'll find no shortage of outdoor adventures. In the summer and fall, hit the trails on foot or a bicycle, or take to the water. Charter a boat or rent kayaks or paddleboards for the day.
When the temperatures start to drop, plenty of snow activities keep you moving outside. Try snowshoeing some local trails, or head up to Big White Ski Resort to hit the slopes, go ice skating, fly down the hill in a tube, or check dog sledding off your bucket list.
Luxurious Waterfront Accommodation at The Royal Kelowna
There's no sugar-coating it: accommodation can make or break your entire vacation. Luckily, that's not something you have to concern yourself with at The Royal.
After a day of exploring everything Kelowna has to offer, retreat to the luxurious comfort of our all-suite, lakefront resort. Choose from 1–3 bedroom suites, including specialty suites such as loft and hot tub suites. Each one has a private balcony or patio, a fully-equipped kitchen, and in-suite laundry.
Other amenities that make The Royal a top Kelowna resort for a girlfriend getaway include the rooftop terrace with a heated pool, lake views, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, grills, and a fire pit, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the neighbouring Playtime Casino. In all seriousness, we know Kelowna has a ton to explore, but you may not want to leave the hotel!
Finally, we mentioned our Stay® | Well amenities earlier, offering you even more perks during your stay. These include complimentary rentals of beach gear, bicycles, yoga mats, snowshoes, sleds, and more, plus discounted rates with local partners.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream girls' trip to the Okanagan Valley and book your stay at The Royal Kelowna today!
