Kelowna Vacation Rentals

The Oliver and District Heritage Society Museum in the town of Oliver is a good starting point to trace the region's history. Look out for rotating displays on mining, early pioneer days, and the natural history of Canada's deserts. The Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum chronicles the Okanagan Valley's transformation from cattle ranching to today's beautiful orchards and vineyards. There's lots of interesting displays highlighting local industries like fruit packing, picking, and processing.

Don't miss visiting the SS Sicamous Museum and Heritage Park in Penticton. Canada's largest surviving paddle wheeler was launched in 1914, and contains a fascinating shipboard museum. While here, check out the lower deck's original steam boiler, and model of the miniature trains. The upper decks are home to features like the captain's wheel, cabins, and dining room.

Close to Kelowna City Park, Hot Sands Beach makes for a fun day out with its swimming and sandcastle building opportunities. Rated as one of the best beaches in the Kelowna area, Gyro Beach is equally popular for its playgrounds, volleyball courts, and boating. Kelowna's largest park, Knox Mountain Park, offers a range of activities including disc golf, tennis, biking, and hiking. More fun is in store at Myra Canyon Adventure Park—there's a netted climbing course, zip lines, balance boards, and more. WildPlay Element Parks will challenge kids with giant swings and obstacle courses; adults can join in the fun too.

There's plenty of other fun activities in Kelowna to choose from. HydroFly is the hottest watersport activity in town that lets you fly over the water. For a fun parasailing experience over the lake, try Ogopogo Parasail. Safety harnesses for ages above four make this a safe family activity. Located at Myra Canyon under the Kettle Valley Railway Trestles, Kelowna Stables is a superb destination for horseback riding. Kids aged two and above can ride a horse with lead ropes, while older ones can ride solo.

Centred around Kelowna, the 135km-long Okanagan Lake is a popular summertime escape replete with options such as boating, fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, and sunbathing. The crystal-clear lake lies nestled between mountains, and is a photographer's paradise. Take some time to explore the surrounding countryside on horseback, bike, or by hiking the well-marked trails in the area. Set aside a day for the Myra Canyon Trestles trail, a part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway. The scenic drive there takes you past luscious orchards, vineyards, and golf courses.

Come winter, Kelowna opens itself up to snowshoeing, ice skating, and alpine and cross-country skiing pursuits. The spectacular Big White Ski Resort in the Okanagan Highland is known as a top-rated winter destination. Another recommended destination is the SilverStar Mountain Resort for its 760m vertical drop, and gorgeous Victorian architecture in a pedestrianized setting.

The Vaseux Lake Provincial Park, located between Oliver and Okanagan Lake, is a waterfowl sanctuary for migratory birds such as Canadian geese and trumpeter swans. Bighorn sheep, muskrats, beavers, and deer can also be spotted at this 4km-long lake. After a day in the outdoors, kick off your boots and relax at your comfortable Kelowna cabin rentals.

Whether it's seasonal craft fairs, sporting tournaments, or cooking festivals, Kelowna never runs out of events. Ring in the New Year at the New York New Years event, featuring free entertainment for all. The Canadian Culinary Championship in February brings together over 100 chefs who create their culinary delights in an intense competition. Summer brings National Indigenous People's Day, celebrated every June with a mini pow-wow and traditional food and cultural activities. Swimmers can try their luck each July at Across the Lake Swim Kelowna, Canada's largest and longest-running open water swim.

Kelowna shines with its holiday events. The Craft Culture Holiday Market brings together over 175 carefully chosen artisans who present their housewares, toys, and crafts. The annual Big White Winter Rally attracts many of North America's most seasoned motorsports professionals who test their limits on the snowy forest roads. The year ends on a magical note with the Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market and Light Up at Stuart Park. There's live music, ice skating, Santa, and plenty of good cheer to go around.