Today I’m sharing a Quick Guide for exploring Kelowna British Columbia. This is one of my favorite destinations located in my birth country- Canada.

Kelowna is the largest of four communities located In the Central Okanagan Valley. It is a beautiful resort city, and is known for Cali type weather. Acutually Kelowna is known as ” Lil California.”

The area is due north on the Coquihalla highway from Hope BC. The drive through the Coquihalla Pass is an experience in itself. Make sure your camera is ready to go. A scenic haven of wildlife, and wilderness await you.

The Legend of the Ogo Pogo

The city sits at midway point of the Okanagan Lake. West Kelowna, Peachland, Westbank, and Penticton are other lake resorts nearby.

No visit to Kelowna would be complete, without hearing about it’s “slinky like” resident. A sea serpent that is said to live in the Okanagan Lake. I remember swimming with my cousins in the lake, while scaring each other about the Ogo Pogo.

The OGO POGO is large sea monster that was said to be sighted by First Nations people in the 19th century. Many have reported seeing the long snake in the water in recent years.

Kelowna’s Main Attractions

The Okanagan Lake

The options for water sports are endless: boating, sailing, chartered cruises, and water skiing to name a few. A popular lake sport, is kite boarding. It takes a lot of skill, and just the perfect wind conditions to do kite boarding.

Many summers of my childhood were spent swimming in the Okanagan Lake downtown Kelowna and on the shores of Westbank. My two aunts lived in Westbank for many years.

Wineries and Orchards

The Okanagan attracts thousands of tourists every year. Many of them come to experience the wineries, wine trails, and bike tours . This area is rich in agriculture and orchards. Some of the juiciest fruit you will ever eat, is picked and processed in Kelowna. There are several orchards where you can have fun picking your own.

I have fond memories as a kid of my aunt and unlce working the orchards in Kelowna and nearby cities of Penticton, Peachland and Summerland.

Downtown & City Park

Downtown Kelowna is very charming, fun and has lots to explore. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, shops and options for boat rentals and other water sports. All around are amazing views of the bridge, lake and mountains.

Where to Eat

My favorite place to eat was Cactus Club Café, the food was delicious. If you make it to Kelowna, you must try it! Earl’s is a short walk from Cactus Club and offers fantastic menu choices as well.

If you are a PIZZA LOVER, Fresh Slice is my GO TO! Grab a piece and enjoy the stunning lake views across the street. If you want to experience the best of local cuisine, a walking food tour would be a great experience.

Where to Stay

The Okanagan valley abounds with resorts, hotels and short term rentals . We often stayed at a friend’s house with an attached B n B. They no longer own the home, so it will be a hotel next time we visit.

A popular chain of resorts in Canada: Delta Hotels, has a location close to the lake, downtown Kelowna. I would highly recommend a stay here,

What to Wear

Style in Kelowna is very informal and casual. Since there are so many outdoor activities and water sports, pack for those activities. The summers are quite toasty, and temperatures can soar into the 90’s . The heat is dry, not much humidity to speak of. The winters are cold, but sunny and dry. Make sure to pack warm outfits if you decide to vist Big White Ski Resort.

If you live in the Northwest, Kelowna is a 6 hour drive from Seattle, and 4 hours from Vancouver. I hope you get the chance to visit Kelowna soon! If you need help planning your itinerary to KELOWNA; I now offer Trip Planning Services for a small fee.