Discover Kelowna’s quintessential summer and winter activities
Kelowna’s mountainous landscapes, sprawling beaches, and consistently sunny skies make it one of the Western Canada’s most desirable places to live. With a variety of luxury developers building new homes in the area, it’s the ideal location for purchasing your dream home. Domeij & Associates has various listings to choose from to help make that dream a reality.
In addition to its natural bounty, the Okanagan has a rich history of culture, food, wine, and outdoor pursuits for all seasons. In this article, we offer a list of activities that appeal to many tastes and interests. Read on. You just might discover a new favourite pastime.
Tour the Westside Wine Trail
Starting on the east end of Boucherie Road, you’ll find the Westside Wine Trail. Among the neighbourhoods in the area, both established and new, there are 14 wineries, a cidery, and 6 restaurants. Wine tours have become synonymous with the Okanagan, and the iconic Westside Wine Trail is in a league of its own.
Along the trail you’ll find wineries offering unique tasting room experiences, with everything from rustic farmhouse-style wineries to award-winning, world-renowned estates. As you sip your way through the wine trail along Boucherie Road into West Kelowna, you’re treated to picturesque views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains. The wine trail hosts events throughout the year. Their Winter Sip Series offers a fantastic selection of vendors that remain open during the colder months when many wineries are typically closed.
Visitors are welcome to tour the vineyards on their own. However, reservations are recommended. There are also many local companies that offer tours of West Kelowna’s wineries. Leave the planning up to the tour company so you can relax and enjoy your day. Guided tours allow you to get expert wine recommendations and learn more about the area’s history and deep connection with the land. Try Sip Happens Wine Tours, Toast The Okanagan Wine Tours, and Cheers.
Take a Trip to The Myra Canyon Trestles
24 kms from downtown Kelowna you’ll find the Myra Canyon trestles, which consist of two tunnels and 18 trestle bridges. This impressive historical landmark was built in the early 1900s to transport minerals and lumber to various ports. While it is owned by the Kettle Valley Railway, this scenic treasure is available for all to enjoy.
Roughly 80 kilometres long, the trail takes you from Kelowna to Penticton. With the ability to choose smaller portions of the trail to ride, it makes for a wonderful family afternoon activity. No need to worry if you are bringing a friend or family member along that needs a bike. You can rent a bike from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours and pick it up in the parking lot right by the trail head.
Enjoy a Round of Golf With a View
Okanagan Golf Club is a luxurious par 72, 18-hole championship golf course. It’s been held in high regard since the Okanagan Golf Club introduced it in 1994. The course presents a desirable challenge even to the region’s best golfers. One renowned golf writer described the course as ever-evolving, saying “you could play the Quail Course every day for the rest of your life and never face the same series of shots.”
The course, measuring 6,762 yards, was created by Les Furber, the legendary Canadian golf course designer. His signature hard-to-achieve par threes are present throughout the course. After a game, stop by Sarazan’s Restaurant to enjoy meals made with locally-sourced ingredients alongside beloved Okanagan wines.
Indulge in a Curated Culinary Experience
Gastronomy enthusiasts will appreciate this tour of Kelowna’s restaurant and café scene. Food Tours Kelowna allows its participants to experience the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods through food. This includes neighbourhoods that often get overlooked by tourists. Tour options include the Landmark District, downtown’s north end, the downtown area, and a special early-riser farmers’ market tour.
Each tour, about two hours in length, is intimate and hosted by one of two sisters with extensive experience in hospitality. Participants have referred to their experience as unexpectedly brilliant. It features all the elements that have brought renown to the Okanagan’s food and beverage industry, including fruits, wine, and the local talent behind the culinary creations.
Reconnect With Nature on Kelowna’s Paddle Trail
Paddleboarders, kayakers, and canoers have access to a stunning 28 km-long aquatic trail. The trail allows its users to explore Okanagan Lake via a unique waterfront pathway that runs from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Park. Lined with 22 buoys, paddlers can relax without having to worry about getting off track.
An Active by Nature initiative, the Kelowna Paddle Trail was created in 2018 to celebrate active lifestyles and non-motorized activities. If this sounds like something you’d like to try, we recommend packing a lunch to enjoy at one of the many sandy beaches you’ll see along the way. For a healthy meal on-the-go that is sure to keep your energy up, try the lunch or salad options from BLK BOX. They are located conveniently on Clement. You can order online ahead of time, and pick your lunch up on your way out.
Discover Alpine Skiing at its Best
Consistently listed as one of Canada’s best family resorts, Big White is sought after by all types of ski and snowboard lovers. The mountain receives over 750 cms of light, fluffy powder annually and temperatures typically don’t drop below -5ºC.
Being Canada’s largest ski-in ski-out resort, you can find luxury weekend accommodations right in the area. Plan ahead to secure a private slopeside chalet equipped with a hot tub, fully stocked kitchen, and remarkable alpine views. They have you covered for apres-ski as well – Big White has a fantastic selection restaurants. Try Six Degrees Bistro, known for its extensive wine list and fine dining.
Unwind With Float Therapy
Known for providing an array of psychological benefits, floatation therapy has also been shown to relieve chronic pain. Floaters can expect to release stress, cleanse the body of free radicals, and improve their sleep patterns. Modern life is busy and many of us are experiencing sensory overload. Floatation therapy, aka sensory deprivation therapy, may be the antidote.
Float Space Kelowna is a sanctuary for recovery, relaxation, and self-regulation. They offer multiple float options, such as their single 90-minute float, couples float, and post-float ice baths. While you’re there, you can also enjoy the space’s infrared sauna and private gym.
Workout in a Winter Wonderland
Telemark Nordic Club located in West Kelowna offers Nordic skiers and snowshoers over 110 kms of perfectly groomed trails. Surrounded by untouched Ponderosa forests with beautiful Okanagan Valley views, Telemark is a must-see.
The club has beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs for both classic and skate skiers.
If you’re up for it, they host a masters program for adult skiers looking to improve their stride. You can also register for workshops, participare in friendly races, and send your children to classes. Newer skiers are welcome to rent equipment from the lodge.
Make The Most of Your Luxury Lifestyle
Kelowna is a wonderful place to own your dream home. It’s warm, picturesque, and it provides an array of fun and enriching activities. When looking for your next property, you need real estate experts on your side that know the luxury home market inside and out. Domeij & Associates have three generations of expertise and experience in the Okanagan’s luxury home market. Contact us today.
