Kelowna - A Summertime Paradise

Located in British Columbia's lush Okanagan Valley, the city of Kelowna is a summer playground for both kids and adults. Boasting near picture-perfect weather, with hot sunny days and warm evenings being the norm, and situated on the shores of the impressive Lake Okanagan, the city and surrounding area offer a mind-boggling array of exciting outdoor activities. Everything from sunbathing and water sports to wine tours and cheese tasting make the region one of Canada's most popular summer hot spots. Any holiday-maker who considers great weather, relaxation, good food and drink, friendly locals and, most importantly, the chance to have a lot of fun as a part of their vacation destination check-list should jump at the opportunity to while away the days in Kelowna.

The Pyramid Wine Cellar at Summerhill Winery1

GRAPES, APPLES AND MORE

The Okanagan Valley's long, warm summers make for ideal fruit-growing conditions, and many have taken advantage by starting private orchards and vineyards. The picturesque hills surrounding Kelowna are abundant with apple, cherry, peach and other fruit trees, as well as vines sprouting a variety of juicy green and red grapes. Visitors wanting to try some of this home-grown goodness can visit one of the many roadside fruit markets that dot the highways throughout the valley, or visit the outdoor Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market for produce, baking, crafts and more.

Oenophiles, both amateur and professional, will find the city to be a virtual paradise, as more than ten wineries are located in the city with many more situated in the surrounding towns. Everything from small and family-owned to huge estate wineries are represented, and some offer tours for those curious about the wine-making process. Nearly all offer tastings. These are usually complimentary or will cost a few dollars for three or four samples. Staff can recommend the perfect red or white based on each visitor's preference and will suggest ideal food pairings for each bottle. Those who have a sweet tooth should try a sample of ice wine, which is often served in an edible dark chocolate shot glass. In addition, many wineries feature gourmet restaurants overlooking the lake or vineyards.

Favourites include the province's original winery, Calona Vineyards, located downtown and offering public tours and tastings. The Summerhill Pyramid Winery is often recognized by its pyramid-shaped cellar, which is a replica eight per cent the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt. Tours are also offered, as are tastings, and guests may choose to dine at the winery's Sunset Bistro.

Arguably the most impressive winery in the region is the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Perched atop Mount Boucherie in Westbank, directly across the lake from Kelowna, the vineyard offers panoramic views of the valley, is beautifully landscaped and features a large wine and gift shop. There is also an outdoor amphitheatre onsite where local theatre groups perform while visitors enjoy a picnic with wine. The Quail's Gate Estate Winery is also located on Mount Boucherie and is smaller with an extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff. Tastings are free and the winery boasts some of the most flavourful vintages in the region.

	A Goat Stretches for a Treat at the Kelowna Land & Orchard Co. Ltd.2

Those who would like to try the delicious fruit grown in the area while keeping the kids entertained can make a trip to the Kelowna Land & Orchard Co. Ltd. This historic orchard features a petting zoo, wagon tours highlighting the types of fruit grown as well as the history of the estate, a teahouse restaurant and a gift shop with a variety of jams, jellies, juice, gifts and more.

ON THE GREEN

Kelowna is an ideal destination for a golf holiday, with more than 10 clubs, including a number of impressive championship courses, scattered throughout the city. With such variety, visitors will find courses appropriate for all skill levels. The most popular options include Gallagher's Canyon Golf and Country Club, located a mere 15 minutes from downtown. The club features a range of amenities such as onsite accommodation, a learning centre, a dining room, a bar and a pro shop, in addition to the 9-hole Pinnacle and 18-hole Canyon courses. The massive Okanagan Golf Club is a true resort boasting onsite accommodation, a full practice facility and a chic clubhouse. Golfers can choose between two 18-hole championship courses, each of which offers its own unique challenges, including The Bear, which was designed by pro-golf star Jack Nicklaus, and The Quail created by famed golf course architect Les Furber. The oldest course in the city is the centrally-located Kelowna Golf and Country Club. Established in 1920, the Country Club, as it is known by locals, is famed for its beauty and as such is a popular spot for weddings. Golfers will find a par 72, 18-hole course, and may take advantage of the driving range, pro shop and dining facilities.

Golf, Mini-Golf and Putt-Putt Courses are Plentiful in Kelowna3

If a challenging-18 holes in the sunshine isn't on the agenda, try something mellower with a round of mini-golf or putt-putt. Both activities are kid friendly and require less time and exertion than a full round of golf. 19 Greens Putt & Play features two 18-hole grass courses where patrons can practice their skills on natural greens. Night golf is also available so visitors can play while enjoying impressive night-time views of the lake, and there is also a mini-golf course and an X-Treme Bounce trampoline onsite. For the ultimate in Kelowna mini-golf check out Scandia Golf and Games, which offers two themed 18-hole courses. Cool off at the indoor Jungle Golf course or attempt to beat the competition at the Outdoor Course. Anyone who manages a hole-in-one on the 18th hole of either course receives the next round free. Visitors could spend an entire day at Scandia as the fun centre also includes batting cages, bumper cars and an arcade.

FUN ON THE WATER

Wineries, orchards and golf courses are all great spots to spend a day, but for water-lovers, Lake Okanagan is the real draw in Kelowna. The 135 km (84 mi) long lake is deep, and takes longer to heat up in the summer than some of the others in the area, but from May until September the 351 sq km (135 sq mi) surface is dotted with boats, jet-skis, wakeboards and more.

	Jet-Skiing is One of Many Popular Activities on Lake Okanagan4

Houseboating is traditionally one of the most popular holiday activities in the Okanagan Valley. Visitors can rent a boat for a few days, a week or more and live, sleep and party on the lake, making it an all-inclusive vacation. It is also possible to charter a houseboat for a tour, evening cruise or private party. Various other excursions on the lake are available, including a dinner cruise with live entertainment on the Fintry Queen Paddlewheeler, as well as sailboat and twilight cruises. Other companies providing lake adventures include those offering windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons as well as those that take guests on parasailing escapades. A number of local businesses provide rentals of a variety of water-sport equipment including speed boats, fishing boats, wakeboards, water-and jet-skis, tubes, canoes, kayaks and much more, for those with the skills and knowledge to venture out on their own,

FESTIVALS

The festival season in Kelowna and the surrounding area lasts throughout the year, with a range of fun and interesting events taking place each month. A range of events celebrating the best of what the Okanagan Valley has to offer occurs from May to September, and for many locals and visitors the festivities are as much a part of summer in the Okanagan as peaches, BBQs and sunshine.

One of the summer's hottest events occurs at the beginning of July. Wakefest is a big, three-day long party that sees professional wakeboarders from across Canada competing to score the best, most impressive ride. The party, which occurs at Waterfront Park, also includes a bikini contest, beer gardens, motocross races, a Texas Hold'em tournament, rock shows by some of the country's biggest bands and more.

Taking place at the Silver Star Mountain Resort just outside the town of Vernon, which is located 46 km (29 mi) north of Kelowna, the Summer Wine Festival celebrates one of the region's most important and popular exports. Wine is so popular in fact, there are also Spring and Fall wine festivals as well as an Ice Wine Festival, held in the winter. The summer festival occurs over the second weekend in August and guests can expect to enjoy tastings, specialty food pairings, world class meals and educational seminars among other activities.

Peachfest Celebrates Penticton's Peach Harvest5

Another fun August event that takes place just outside the city of Kelowna is Peachfest in Penticton, 68 km (42 mi) to the south. One of the region's oldest festivals, Peachfest began in 1947 and has occurred annually ever since. The five-day event celebrates the local peach harvest with fun and educational activities for the entire family. Events take place at various locations around town and include one the largest parades in British Columbia, an arts and crafts fair, live music, hypnotists, food vendors, a square dance festival, competitions and fireworks.

Heading back into Kelowna, visitors will find that the city's Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. One of a number of similar festivals that take place throughout Canada each summer, the event occurs at the beginning of September and is a celebration of Chinese cultural traditions. Thousands of spectators, both young and old, come to watch paddlers and drummers in dragon-shaped boats race for the top spot.

AFTER DARK

After a day of outdoor fun there are a number of places to find a cool, refreshing drink and show off a tan hard-earned after hours in the sun. Kelowna's nightlife is hopping and visitors will find most establishments range from being busy to heaving every night of the week from Victoria Day weekend in May to Labour Day weekend in September. Finding a spot on a patio, especially one overlooking the lake, can be a challenge but the lucky can spend the evening enjoying a warm breeze, sipping tasty beverages and people-watching. The city boasts fine-dining restaurants, casual and friendly pubs, live music venues and nightclubs playing music ranging from top 40 to R&B to country.

Visitors looking for an upscale but casual and friendly experience should pay a visit to the 'El' Bar at the Hotel Eldorado. Located along the lakeshore, the boutique hotel dates back to the 1920s and maintains a retro yet classy ambiance. The bar features a large outdoor terrace that stretches along almost the entire length of the hotel and offers panoramic views of the surrounding lake. Guests can have a pint of draught on tap or try one of the many tasty cocktails available, including the bar's spicy Caesar.

	The Promenade and Marina Outside Rose's Waterfront Pub6

Those wanting to spend the night on a patio overlooking the lake and hoping to hang out somewhere raucous can try Rose's Waterfront Pub. Attached to the impressive Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort, the pub, which is known to locals simply as Rose's, is situated along the promenade leading to the beach at City Park. This prime location ensures not only excellent views of the lake lights, but also fantastic people-watching opportunities as sun-kissed beach bodies parade past. Boasting drink specials, a tasty menu of pub favourites, pool tables, sports on a big screen and local live music, Rose's is easily one of the busiest and most popular night spots in the city with queues stretching well into the surrounding parking lot on special occasions. Those who want to get in need to get there early.

If a night of dancing is on the agenda then Flashbacks nightclub is the place to be. Established in 1989, the club has endured since and continues to be one of the hottest spots in the city. The place to be to see cool Canadian bands, Flashback's has hosted some of the country's biggest up-and-comers as well as established indie favourites including Nickelback, 54/40, Bif Naked, Sloan and more. Located downtown directly behind Prospera Place, the club features Ladies Night on Fridays and often hosts special event parties such as the Official Wakefest Afterparty. Most nights the masses hit the dance floor to the sounds of local DJs playing a mix of top 40, pop, rock and alternative music.

EXCITING EXTRAS

Even after exhausting all of these possible activities, visitors will still find more adventures in and around the city. Take a drive 97 km (60 mi) north of Kelowna to the small town of Armstrong to find cheese to go with all of local wines at The Village Cheese Co. Spot the company's billboards sporting the phrase "Good Times, Cheese and Ice Cream" along Highway 97 on the way to the shop. Samples of a number of flavoured cheeses including garlic, dill, jalapeno and much more are available as are ice creams, light snacks and a variety of artisan food products. On the way back stop in Enderby, a small town located 80 km (50 mi) north of Kelowna and the home of the Starlight Drive-In, which features the biggest drive-in screen in North America. Two films, including family-friendly movies, are screened here each night.

Just south of Kelowna in Westbank visitors will find the Mariner's Reef Waterslide Park, which features a variety of slides including some just for kids, as well as a river ride, a hot tub and a playground. Navigate the hairpin turns at Westside Go-Karts, which is located right next door and has single and double karts for adults as well as kiddie karts for the younger set. There is also a concession stand, a picnic area and arcade games onsite. Those who have had enough of the beach but are still looking to laze in the sunshine can head farther south to Penticton and try the Channel Float. The Penticton Channel connects Lake Okanagan to Skaha Lake, and from the starting point at Riverside Park to the pick-up point, the float takes approximately an hour and a half to two hours. Patrons pre-pay for a bus ride that returns them from the exit back to the point of origin, and can bring their own floatation devices or rent an inner tube for a small fee. Pack a cooler full of pop and water (but be sure to keep the channel clean by saving and recycling the empty bottles and cans) and join the masses on the slow ride down the water.

A View of Downtown Kelowna and Lake Okanagan7

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