With a backdrop of breathtaking views, beautiful lakes, and sunny skies - it’s not hard to fall in love with living in the Okanagan, especially in the summer! There’s no shortage of fun to be had when you spend a summer in Kelowna. From days spent out on the water beating the heat, to afternoons spent wine touring and galavanting around local breweries - it’s really no wonder that this little valley has coined the nickname “Kelownafornia” over the years.
Kelowna certainly has gained a reputation for being a summer city, but let’s not dismiss all the beauty and adventure that the Fall season has to offer! When the leaves start to turn and the weather cools, this expansive little valley offers up a whole new vibe to take in. There’s a feeling of warmth, abundance, and renewed optimism that seems to fill the air. With new seasons also comes new adventures - and in Kelowna there is no shortage of things to do. If you’re looking for some fun things to get up to this Fall, read on to find out some of our favourites!
Head to the Farmer’s Market
The Okanagan is famous for its abundance of fresh, locally grown produce. Agriculture is no joke around here - meaning if you are looking for fresh fruits and veggies, you have come to the right place! Each season produces a beautiful bounty of produce to be celebrated and enjoyed. If you’re in Kelowna in the Fall, you simply must check out one of the local Farmer’s Markets! Fall is arguably the most ideal time to mosey around the market and take it all in. Not only will you likely come across some beautiful squash, but you’ll also love getting to take in all the beautiful arts and crafts created by some of the Okanagan’s most talented artisans. The Main Outdoor Market in Kelowna runs outdoors from April-October every Wednesday and Sunday. There’s also a winter market that starts November 1st and runs until March from 9am-1pm. There are plenty of options to get your local shop on!
Spend the Day Wine Tasting
Here’s a question: are you really a Kelowna local if you don’t go wine tasting?! There’s no question, the Okanagan boasts some of the best wines in the province and Kelowna is renowned for its orchards. With over 40 different wineries to visit in this city, there truly is something for just about everyone. Wine tasting is hands down one of the most fun things you can do in Kelowna, in any season! But the Fall months seem to offer up their own kind of magic. Since the summer tourism has died, it’s a wonderful time to enjoy a quieter afternoon taking in all those gorgeous views and of course, taking in all the delicious wine! Sandhill Winery and Mission Hill are a couple of our favourites, though there are many to choose from!
Hit the Boardwalk
Call us biased, but we like to believe the downtown experience of the boardwalk is up there with one of the best in Kelowna. Simply stop by and see us at Lakefront Sports where you can rent a bike for an hourly rate or even for the whole day! You’ll love cruising down the boardwalk where you’ll take in some beautiful views of Okanagan lake. You’ll also get to partake in some fun people-watching activities, as Waterfront park is known for its many outdoor entertainers, free events and concerts! As you venture further along, you can even stop by and say hello to us at our ice cream parlour. Grab a scoop or two of ice-cream, and finish your evening off with a sunset cruise.
Explore the Trestles
The Myra Canyon Trestles could arguably stand as one of Kelowna’s best kept secrets. Okay, maybe not exactly a secret but it’s definitely worthy of a Fall afternoon! The trestles at Myra Canyon are 4100 ft above the valley, making the views some of the best you’ll ever see. Lace up your hiking boots or bring your mountain bike and explore all the glory that this area has to offer.
In addition to the trestles, you’ll also be able to enjoy the Kettle Valley Railway trail - This mountainous trail extends over 80 km and makes for a pretty adventurous afternoon. If you’re feeling up for the challenge, you should most definitely treat yourself to our Kettle Valley Railway Trestle Bike Tour.
Our shuttle will take you right to your destination where you can ride across 18 of BC’s historic trestles and 2 mountain tunnels with your tour guide. Not only will you get to take in some of BC’s richest history, but you’ll also get a chance to take in some astounding views while you’re at it!
Enjoy the local Cideries
In addition to its abundant agriculture, stunning views and world-renowned wines - Kelowna is also home to some of the best microbreweries, cideries and distilleries around! If the season of Fall isn’t complete with the taste of a fresh cider, you won’t want to miss out on this experience.
The Okanagan is ripe with new breweries popping up all the time and many of them have sit-down tasting rooms where you can kick back, relax and enjoy a handcrafted, local brew. Many of them are also conveniently located in the downtown area, so you can finish off the evening by taking in the fresh air with a stroll down the waterfront.
Enjoy all that the Okanagan has to offer this Fall
As much as we are big advocates for the summer season around here, we are incredibly lucky to live in an area where we can thoroughly enjoy all four seasons. Take some time this Fall to take in some of Kelowna’s most iconic landscapes and fun filled activities! Lakefront Sports + Scoops is here to support you in all of your Okanagan adventures. Contact us today as we are still offering up rentals well into the Fall months. We are here to help put the fun back in your life
Molly
