#exploreKelownalocal
How lucky are we to call Kelowna home?
With BC residents encouraged to stay local and support local, Kelowna is yours and now is the time to explore our stunning four-season playground.
To help you find new experiences, KelownaNow and Tourism Kelowna have teamed up to provide you with the many ways you can #exploreKelownalocal this winter.
With this list of things to do, you can support local and enjoy some truly Okanagan experiences, staycations, and local retail spaces.
While you're out, use the hashtag #exploreKelownalocal and tag both @TourismKelowna and @KelownaNow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, so we can share and repost. This will also help your fellow community members see these unique experiences through your eyes.
Enjoy Kelowna, it's yours.
Snowy activities
There’s something magical about Kelowna in the winter.
The air is crisp and pure, and on a clear day, you can see the surrounding snow-dusted mountains reflected on Okanagan Lake’s glassy surface. The city has a reputation as a summer destination, but locals know that Kelowna's mild enjoyable winter climate shines, too.
For many who love that Kelowna lifestyle, Big White Ski Resort has multiple winter activities! There's world class skiing and snowboarding, dining, fat bike rentals with KELOWNA E RIDE and more! And for little shredders, they get to enjoy some more space on the hills this season while they develop their ability.
Along with downhill, the area has multiple cross-country options too.
To fully enjoy our short winter, go try something new at these snowy destinations.
For more information on seasonal activities, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Staycations
Take a break from the everyday and enjoy all the amenities local accommodations have to offer. Whether it’s a chance to unwind, treat the family, or to simply take in the views, there are plenty of places to #exploreKelownalocal.
These local staycations will pamper and please you, so have a look at what they offer.
- Cove Lakeside Resort
- Borgata Lodge at Quail Ridge Resort
- A View to Remember Bed and Breakfast
- Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Eldorado Resort
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kelowna
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
For more places to have a staycation, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Indoor activities
Let's begin with indoor water sports!
At the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, which is proudly operated by the YMCA of Okanagan, there's a pool, waterslides, a smaller wave pool, fitness classes and the fan favourite, FlowRider wave surfer, which this little surfer here makes it look a lot easier than it is.
Other indoor swimming opportunities are at the Comfort Suites and Kanata - which have the added benefit of being your staycation destination!
But that's not all for indoor fun!
Each of these indoor activity zones will all add a smile to your face. And remember, if you're at these places and sharing photos, use the hashtag #exploreKelownaLocal and tag both @TourismKelowna and @KelownaNow so we can share your fun with our community.
If you're looking for more fun indoors, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Sip some Okanagan brewed favourites
One way to feel warm in the winter is to #exploreKelownalocal coffee shops.
These little roasteries are placed all throughout the Okanagan and many of them have their own special treats to try, too.
And you know we've got #exploreKelownalocal craft beer, cider and spirits, too. Check these local and tourist favourites.
If you'd like to learn about these Kelowna breweries, cideries and distilleries, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Free stuff!
Satisfy your sweet tooth
With all these exciting options on your #exploreKelownalocal itinerary, we definitely needed to showcase some of the Okanagan's sweet and savoury saviours too.
First up is QB Gelato & Café who like to announce that they make more than ‘just’ gelato. You've got to stop in for some made-from-scratch desserts, bakery items, easy meals-to-go and to see what's on their ever-changing seasonal menu.
Of the others, which we'd be remiss if they miss this list!
Try them all and tell your friends by using the hashtag #exploreKelownalocal, they'll be glad you did.
If you'd like to tickle your tastebuds with some more tasty sweets from the Okanagan, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Kelowna’s Arts & Culture Scene
Unique dining
If you'd like to create your own Okanagan dining experience, you can start by shopping at Start Fresh Kitchen, the many Farmers' Markets, Cod Father's Seafood Market and Okanagan Grocery.
Of course you can order take-out too, but if you wish to safely dine at a restaurant why not try out one of the dome dining experiences? You can dine lakeside at Frind Estate Winery in West Kelowna. Here at the first beach winery in North America, you can enjoy dinner, Sunday Brunch, or High Tea in a bubble.
Known for the cool vibe inside, The Curious Café has built an outdoor patio bubble experience that serves craft beer and casual comfortable eats. Seriously, it's a treat!
At OAK +CRU, enjoy an outdoor culinary experience in the heart of downtown Kelowna. Sip icy crafted cocktails and indulge in a special menu inspired by OAK + CRU’s signature fire deck oven.
Add these intimate, private dinners to your personal #exploreKelownalocal list of things to do!
Being in the Okanagan also provides many more exciting dining experiences, including amazing brunch, vegan options, and farm-to-table meals. And, if you’re looking for a special dining experience add these restaurants to your list.
- Salt & Brick
- Home Block at CedarCreek
- The Modest Butcher
- Old Vines at Quails' Gate
- Raudz
- Waterfront Wines
To get more information on these unique dining experiences, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Shop local
As the center of commerce in the Okanagan, Kelowna offers great shopping excursions for those that need some retail therapy.
Choose from unique local shops like these:
- Boheme Collective
- Stone Fox Clothing
- Strut Footwear
- Love for Kelowna & Kelowna Vibes at the Visitor Centre
For more shopping ideas and a list of things to do, visit the Tourism Kelowna website by clicking here.
Be well
Along with all of these exciting activities listed within your #exploreKelownalocal itinerary, is the opportunity to be well and pamper yourself while supporting local.
Give these Okanagan wellness activities a chance to make you feel your best this season
If you wish to see more wellness options in your area, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Kelowna is yours
As you explore this winter, share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #exploreKelownalocal and tagging both @TourismKelowna and @KelownaNow.