Tag You’re It! B & K after lunch, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, West Kelowna, British Columbia………………
Kelowna holds a special place in our hearts – not only have we vacationed there for more than 40 decades and watched it grow into a world class destination, we live in both Kelowna and Calgary, AB.
The Pandemic changed some of our summer routines, especially summer #1, but we were challenged to explore the city and surrounding area in different ways…..outside and meeting only with the most careful of bubble friends.
There are so many things to do year-round it would be hard to list them all. Most of our company comes during the hot sunny summer months so let’s start there.
The Okanagan Lake is about 135 km long and home to the famous and legendary Ogopogo Lake Monster. We are forever on the lookout for it, whether it’s a quiet picnic at the local beach or dipping in the water on our brand-new inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards, which by the way; child and adult alike loved!
City Park, Waterfront Park, Rotary and Gyro-Boyce are filled with families and there is nearly any kind of water sports equipment for rent.
Boardwalks can be found to walk along the water downtown and near “The Hotel Eldorado”. If you want a more serious hike, try heading up Knox Mountain for some spectacular views or The Kettle Valley Rail Trail has 650 km of trails for hiking and biking. Myra Canyon is probably one of the most stunning parts of the trail.
For us, a really close by, picturesque bike ride is up Lakeshore Road past Bertram Park towards Okanagan Lake Provincial Park. You will pass Summerhill Pyramid Winery, St Hubertus and Oak Bay Estate Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Winery and if you want a bit more hill head up to Carmeli’s Goat Cheese for a cheese tasting or goat gelato.
Or head east towards Swamp Road and pass Tantalus Vineyards as you make your way to the Okanagan Herb and Lavender Farm and Arlo’s Honey Farm. Forbidden Spirits is tucked up in these hills as well, where picture perfect views of the lake can be admired.
Because of the pandemic, many restaurants created set menus and wine pairings; and reservations are required for nearly everything. Some business’ shortened hours or have limited days open.
Kelowna is fast becoming a hub for craft breweries so be sure not to miss those in addition to wine tasting and culinary experiences. Some of the best pub food can be found at breweries.
On the west side, across the Bennett Bridge lie some wonderful fine dining wineries including Quail’s Gate Winery, Mt Boucherie and Mission Hill. The Hatch Winery is fun and more hippy dippy with no food but a great little outdoor picnic area, same with Ciao Bella.
Gellatly Heritage Nut Farm makes its home in West Kelowna, and it’s a beautiful place to walk around huge walnut trees. There are a number of great beaches in West Kelowna, including a Kids Spray Park, and Ziplining and Pier Jumping; all in the Gellatly Bay Area. visitwestside.com
If you keep travelling west to Penticton the options are too many to count through the Naramata Bench (article coming next summer). Penticton has 2 incredible beaches and a fun walk around downtown and the beach area.
Poplar Grove Winery is not the same place as Poplar Grove Cheese, I found this out one very enjoyable afternoon.
The Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country (east of Kelowna) is always a hit, but very busy – just be aware. Other child related experiences include Okanagan Adventure Park, Scandia Golf and Games, Splash BC Water Park (really busy on weekends), and H2O Adventure and Fitness with indoor waterslides.
Of course, there is golf galore for adults, and the past 2 summers, the city has closed Bernard Road so that tourists and locals can wander the street with lots of elbow room and shopping choices.
Kelowna is an active city, and many people come out in the cool of the evening to walk down to the beach or along the Boardwalks. We do; when we aren’t’ enjoying the calm on the deck thinking about the day and what we will do tomorrow.
