The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kelowna, British Columbia Now
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Situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx/Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial, Kelowna, British Columbia is blooming with orchards, wildflower-studded parks and well-tended community gardens—making the city a pretty and fragrant affair. Explore scenic vineyards, culinary delights, active adventures, and sunny days exploring nature. These are the top five reasons why Kelowna, British Columbia should be on your bucket list.
Source: Tourism Kelowna
1. THE SHOPPING
As the bustling center in the Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia offers amazing shopping excursions for those that love to shop. Choose from unique local shops to your favorite retail chains. Kelowna is home to a number of shopping centers as well as an abundance of small, leading and speciality stores. Here, you can stroll, shop and relax.
Explore trendy Bernard Avenue as well as Ellis, Pandosy and Tutt street all lined with quaint shops, popular brands, and funky boutiques. Just steps from the beach and City Park, Kelowna's downtown shopping core has a blend of retail shops, galleries and charming one-of-a-kind boutiques. You'll know you've reached the end of Downtown Kelowna when you reach Okanagan Lake and the beach.
2. THE ART
Kelowna's thriving arts scene includes many lively artist studios and stunning art galleries. Take in the colors and brush strokes on vibrant canvases in Kelowna's galleries and meet artists at work in their studio environments. It's an inspirational side of Kelowna that is sure to liven up your getaway. Located in the heart of Kelowna's Cultural District, the Kelowna Art Gallery offers visitors four different exhibition spaces to explore.
Source: Tourism Kelowna
Most works in the permanent collection, over 800 works of art, are by contemporary Canadian Artists, with a focus on British Columbia and Okanagan artists. Explore changing exhibitions of both historical and contemporary Canadian art in our four gallery spaces, including an outdoor courtyard area.
Source: Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens
Featuring over 350 artworks, sculptures, paintings, and one of the largest collections of bronze sculptures in Canada—Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world to the frequently changing exhibitions.
3. THE CUISINE & WINE
With a wine-first philosophy, Chef Neil Taylor draws inspiration for his menu from the wine, creating rustic, memorable dishes available only at Home Block Restaurant. To truly enjoy a taste of British Columbia’s wine country, we recommend trying the CedarCreek Platinum Sparkling Rosé—fresh, vibrant and crisp, this springtime wine and flavor profile robustly reflects the energy and life that comes with a new growing season.
Chef Neil Taylor prepares his menu like you are his personal guest, embracing the bounty of the Okanagan Valley. The ingredients are sourced from their own gardens, local farmers, foragers, and ranchers. The wood-fired grill is the perfect complement to the terroir-to-table approach of Home Block Restaurant. Enjoy wine-paired cuisine, served with impeccable service in a sophisticated, yet casual environment. Favorite dishes include Wood Grilled Heritage Pork Chop with salt baked onion, apples and sag, and Halibut ala Plancha with smoked black cod and ‘nduja brandade and gremolata.
Take the time to indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy one of many decadent desserts such as Sticky Toffee Pudding with sponge, citrus granita, and tarragon—as well as Red Wine Poached Pear, crème fraiche, whey caramel and pecan.
4. THE GARDENS
Nestled in the hills of South Kelowna against a backdrop inspired by the beauty of Canada's Okanagan Valley—complete with sweeping lake and valley views lies Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, a working family farm. Eighteen different aromatic herbs and plants, including over sixty varieties of lavender, are grown, harvested, dried and distilled on-site for use in the hand-crafted botanical products that fill the farm boutique.
Launched as the Okanagan’s first Economusee site, visitors to Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm are invited to discover the traditional craft of essential oil and hydrosol distillation done on the farm.
5. THE WINERIES
Kelowna, British Columbia is all about perfect pairings. With over 40 wineries you’ll be pleasantly surprised as you travel through vineyards, orchards, and farms—all just minutes from Downtown Kelona. A few favorites include St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Vineyards, Ancient Hill Estate Winery and CedarCreek Estate Winery—a WineAlign National Wine Award “Winery of the Year Winner.”
CedarCreek Estate Winery in Kelowna, British Columbia
Whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, expect to be enchanted as knowledgeable proprietors, dedicated hosts, and award-winning winemakers pour their wines and share their stories. While in Kelowna don't forget to visit the British Columbia Wine Museum and learn about the inside scoop on the staff's favorite local wines.
WHERE TO STAY IN KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Immerse yourself in lakeside ambiance in the midst of British Columbia's Wine Country at Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort. Set on Okanagan Lake and surrounded by picturesque mountains, our urban resort offers stylish hotel rooms and suites with deluxe amenities. Take a dip in the sparkling indoor and outdoor pools or spend a relaxing afternoon in the spa, a true sanctuary.
