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The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Kelowna to Chase the Sun and Unlock New Adventures!

Clever Canadian Written By: September 2025

When in Kelowna, it’s natural to hear nature calling your name. With breathtaking vistas, mountainous terrains, and lakeside beaches, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences that will make you fall in love with the outdoors.

We’ve traversed the lands, discovered new adventures, and set off again to our favourite places. And we’re not keeping this a secret because everyone deserves to experience the beauty of this city.

Grab your friends, take the kids, or finally make that solo trip! We’re sharing our favourite outdoor activities in Kelowna that are totally bucket list-worthy! Adventure awaits!

Catch the waves at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park

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Address: 3400 Lakeshore Rd
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Best For: Families, couples, and travellers seeking to unwind in a lakeside paradise
Website

While exploring Kelowna, one must take a dip at the beach. One of the most popular lakeside escapes is Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, where you can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or sunbathe.

Bring the whole fam—the kids, gran, and gramps! This family-friendly water spot offers activities for everyone, including a playground, a short zip line from the sandy shore to the water, and a sand volleyball court.

Better yet, go beach-hopping in Kelowna, home to over 30 beaches! There’s no shortage of fun under the sun, where you can make a splash or get those glowing tan lines, even if you’re a visitor looking to unwind.

Pro Tip:

Hop over to the rental shop for water sports equipment. Oh, and avoid weekends or peak hours if you want to grab a shaded spot under the trees.

Go on a hiking adventure at Knox Mountain Park

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Address: 450 Knox Mountain Dr
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 10 pm
Best For: Adventurers looking for easy hikes
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Spanning 385 hectares, Knox Mountain Park is the largest natural area park in the city with sweeping views of downtown and Okanagan Lake. But that doesn’t make it tough to crack, making it an ideal hiking spot for families, even for Fido!

There are loads of marked trails, but the most popular ones are the Apex Trail and Paul’s Tomb. Both are moderately challenging (or easy for seasoned hikers) with well-maintained paths and stunning views.

The trails at the mountain are leg burners, but not too difficult to complete. Expect some decent elevation gain, but also anticipate a slightly challenging descent. There are benches for small breaks in between.

Most of the trail isn’t shaded, so bring water and wear something to protect your skin and eyes.

Pro Tips:

Arrive early to avoid the flock of people. This is a popular hiking spot close to the downtown area, so you’ll likely encounter locals and tourists on the trails.

Take note of the operating hours. Make sure you have more than enough time to descend before the gate closes.

Ride the bike on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

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Starting Points: Myra Station, Ruth Station 
Opening Season: Year-round
Best For: Wanderers ready to bike the long trail along the Okanagan Valley

The historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail, part of the Okanagan Rail Trail, is a must when you’re in the outdoors in Kelowna. A popular section is the Myra Canyon Trestles, which used to be a railway route.

Every part is stunning, as it’ll take you on a breathtaking bicycle trip with views of the Okanagan Valley. The route will carry you along wooden bridges and rock tunnels, taking approximately two to three hours for a complete bike ride.

As a multi-use area, you can also walk along the path for four hours or more. But make sure you come prepared, with water and snacks, because most of it isn’t shaded and you’ll need to take breaks.

Pro Tip:

The trail is mostly crowded from May to October, so stick to weekdays if you can. Avoid summer vacation months when all the kids aren’t in school, because it’ll mostly be crowded.

Okanagan Adventure Park

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Address: 5983 Hwy 33
Contact: 1-587-926-1176, [email protected]
Hours: Spring to end of October, Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Best For: Thrill seekers searching for nature-inspired high-adrenaline adventures
Website

Daredevils must swing by Okanagan Adventure Park, a place that offers exciting outdoor activities in Kelowna that will surely get your blood pumping! The exhilarating experiences will take you on high-speed challenges and treetop adventures!

It’s safe to say that the zipline is the easiest, which will take you flying high surrounded by tall trees! For explorers, the adventure course is a must, but only if your knees don’t tremble during challenging activities atop the trees.

If you still have courage left, we suggest the spine-tingling canyon swing. It’s literally what it says, as it’ll launch you up in the air to a 100km/hr ride!

Pro Tip:

Before driving off to the adventure park, have a quick look at the weight and height requirements for each ride. If you do not meet these regulations, your drive will be a total waste.

Bask in the beauty of Kelowna at Waterfront Park

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Address: 1200 Water St
Hours: 24/7
Best For: Families, couples, and solo adventurers who prefer slow days at the park

Located in downtown Kelowna, Waterfront Park is a green space for anyone who wants to savour the moment and take in the beauty of the city. It’s along the Okanagan Lake, offering incredible views and a peaceful spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s the kind of place where you can stop and smell the roses. But it’s also for outdoor activities, as the lakeside path is open for walking and cycling, perfect for quick morning workouts.

Just a couple of feet away from the dolphin statue at Rhapsody Plaza is Tugboat Bay Beach for easy access to the water. Hop on a paddleboard and enjoy the calm waves of the lake.

Don’t forget to bring your pup for a morning jog. Do note that they must be kept on a leash.

Pro Tip:

Look out for announcements because the outdoor amphitheatre hosts events in the summer.

Watch live events with Parks Alive!

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Address: Various parks in Kelowna
When: July – August, Tuesday – Saturday
Best For: Locals and tourists on the hunt for free music performances
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Every July and August, Parks Alive! hosts various live events (there are 50, actually) in Kelowna, performed by exceptional artists. This family-friendly event is free, held at various public spaces around the city, providing easy access no matter where you are!

The shows consist of different genres, with performances held from Tuesday to Saturday. But why do we consider this one of the top outdoor activities in Kelowna?

It’s because the community spirit radiates at every event. There’s a sense of togetherness, where neighbours who haven’t spoken in a while will find something to talk about here. And even if you aren’t a local, you can enjoy the neighbourhood vibe.

Pro Tip:

Check the website for updates on when and where the performances will be held. They’ll be all around parks in Kelowna.

Sip wine at CedarCreek Estate Winery

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Address: 5445 Lakeshore Rd
Contact: 778-738-1020, [email protected]
Hours:

  • Winery: Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
  • Restaurant: 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5 pm – 9:30 pm

Best For: Wine lovers looking to sample BC’s bottled bliss
Website

It feels like a requirement to visit a winery in BC, especially when in the Okanagan Valley. So, when you’re in Kelowna and want to enjoy the outdoors without too many wild experiences, a visit to CedarCreek Estate Winery is a must.

Wine tastings at the modern farmhouse are exceptional with every sip, especially when you book the platinum-tiered bottles for an extra special experience. The selection perfectly captures the refined taste of BC and the natural beauty of the Okanagan.

Make your wine tasting tour truly unforgettable by booking it with a guided tour of the vineyard. Sipping wines from an award-winning winery paired with the breathtaking scenery of the valley is surely one of the best outdoor activities in Kelowna, no?

Pro Tip:

When booking the vineyard tour, wear comfortable clothing. Avoid heels or sandals, and stick to footwear that will allow you to walk through the vineyard even if the ground is wet and muddy.

Fly high with Okanagan Parasail

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Address: 1356 Water St
Contact: 250-300-7245, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 7 pm
Best For: Adrenaline junkies who want to brave the skies above the lake
Website

If you’re searching for a way to fly high but aren’t quite ready to jump down from a plane, parasailing is a sure way to get that adrenaline! At Okanagan Parasail, a boat will drag you all over the lake while you’re up high.

The best part of it all? This outdoor activity is family-friendly, so kids as young as four can still join! You’ll be gliding up to 200 to 300 feet in the air, even with zero experience in parasailing!

We recommend you ask the Captain to dip you in the lake for an additional thrilling experience, although you don’t have to if you don’t want to get wet.

Pro Tip:

Want to save a tenner? Grab a friend or two and purchase the early bird special to pay $10 less than the original price. Note that this experience is for morning parasailing only.

Conquer the slopes of Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club

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Address: McCulloch Rd
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Season: Winter months
Best For: Winter adventurers who want to hit the slopes
Website

The moment Kelowna turns into a snowy wonderland, skiing is an activity you wouldn’t want to miss! Call your best mates and head over to the mountains to slide down for an exciting time on the slopes!

Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club has several ski routes, and some allow dogs—if you have a husky, this is the time to see them thrive in the snow! If you aren’t used to skiing yet, leave the pup at home and join a lesson at the club.

You don’t need a membership, by the way. Guests can purchase day passes for snowshoe and ski days.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget to bring your own ski or snowshoe equipment because there are no rentals available on-site.

Take on the rough terrains with Kelowna ATV Tours

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Address: 2156 Chilcotin Crescent
Contact: 905-409-6602, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Best For: Families, couples, and groups craving for adrenaline riding
Website

For those craving a sense of adventure, a ride with Kelowna ATV Tours will do the trick. You’ll hop on an all-terrain vehicle and drive through the dirt trails of the mountains, which will take you to muddy paths and streams, ending in picturesque vistas.

You don’t need to be a pro to conquer the trails. Guided tours for beginners are available, which is a good start to the off-road lifestyle. Non-beginner tours do require a bit of off-roading experience, though.

Pro Tip:

Wear proper clothing for safety. Closed-toe shoes are required, and rock on your least favourite pants that you don’t mind getting dirty!

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