This is Why I Love Kelowna, British Columbia

I really expected nothing but a hotel stop in Kelowna on the way from Vancouver to Lake Louise. What I found there was amazing. This little-known city seems to have everything a city should have.

One of the places I have always wanted to visit was the Canadian Rockies. I put it off because I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains and thought that the Canadian Rockies would be similar enough that I might be bored…. Wrong!

Everyone I talked to who had visited the Canadian Rockies raved about it so I finally gave in and booked a tour. I had a choice of a train or bus between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountain Resorts of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.

I chose the bus and am so glad I did. We stopped in Kelowna for 2 nights and the time there was uniquely memorable. I never dreamed there could be such beauty and culture along that stretch of rural land in Canada but there it was, like an oasis in a desert.

Kelowna

Kelowna is a sunny, laid-back city set in British Columbia’s wine country. As a result, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. Along with its world-class vineyards, great weather, food scene, beaches, it even has a couple of ski hills. Consequently, almost two million people visit Kelowna each year.

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Trails

Kelowna is in the middle of a valley with a large variety of trails with many different levels of difficulty and sights. For this reason, it is perfect for people who enjoy hiking.

Wine

Kelowna wine tours are undoubtedly the main draw for Kelowna. Indeed, there are internationally recognized and award-winning vineyards and wineries throughout the area. 

Downtown Kelowna

Studios, galleries, theatres, museums, and international restaurants fill the streets of downtown Kelowna. I was able to spend plenty of time wandering the streets and popping in and out of different local shops and studios.

Kelowna City Park/Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is a green space with a beachfront public park on Okanagan Lake with many amenities. These include a long sandy beach, lawn bowling, children’s waterpark, aqua park playground, picnic area, mobile and static concession stands, skateboard park, running track, sports field and a change room and washroom facilities.

I spent quite a bit of time walking on this boardwalk taking in the beauty of the city.

Kelowna’s “Pianos in Parks” Program

Festivals Kelowna is the initiative that created “Pianos in Parks” in 2015 to animate and decorate public spaces through community interaction.

Decorated by local artists in a collaborative effort, the pianos showcase the artwork of many visual artists and members of the Festivals Kelowna staff team. Not only are the pianos functional but they add to the public art landscape. They are all unique and visually delightful.

Signs invite the public to play the piano, take a picture or video of themselves or their friends and share it on social media.

These pianos have been well-loved and heavily played for many years. Unfortunately, pianos don’t get better with age and they are usually destined to end up in landfills and recycling centers. They are getting a new life thanks to a private company that has generously donated them and offered to tune and transport them. Students and instructors from Gage Academy of Art give each instrument a makeover.

Kasugai Garden

Amazingly, this garden is located in the busy downtown area. However, once I entered, I felt as though I were a thousand miles away.

Kasugai Garden was completed in 1987 to demonstrate the friendship and union between Kelowna and its sister city in Kasugai, Japan. The park integrates traditional elements notable in Japanese gardens, such as stone lanterns, pine trees, waterfalls and a pond stocked with Koi. It is a beautiful integration of stone, pathways, plants and water.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery is a winery based in Kelowna. Established in 1986 by the Cipes family, it is the most visited winery in British Columbia. It was the first winery to be certified an Organic Winery by the Pacific Agricultural Certification Society of Vernon. The winery features a bistro that serves organic selections for lunch and dinner. 

The two things that stand out at Summerhill Pyramid Winery are the giant pyramid that sits at the entrance and the massive statute of a wine glass and pouring bottle. Both are great photo ops with views from the terrace making the perfect backdrop.

The Pyramid

The Summerhill Pyramid is second only to the Great Pyramid of Egypt for alignment and precision. The clarification of their wine in this True Pyramid is the final step in production.  Experiments have determined that there is a definite and profound effect on liquids placed in sacred geometry. The chamber seems to bring out flaws as well as exaggerating the qualities. According to the artist, “We humans are made mostly of liquid and seem to be affected by the chamber as well.  We can actually feel our own life force energy’ strengthen within the Pyramid!”

Carmelis Cheese Shop

We toured the Carmelis family-owned boutique dairy located near the Summer Hill Estate Winery in Kelowna. All of their cheeses consist of 100% goat milk.  The milk contains no additives or preservatives, and they make minimal use of machinery. 

The owners treat the goats on the farms with care and respect. They enjoy excellent living conditions along with natural food that includes a variety of grains and alfalfa, free of any hormones or food additives. 

I love goat cheese and always add it to my salads so I was anxious to try their goat gelato in their store. It is available in 24 flavors and did not disappoint!

Although the Camelis family gave us the tour when we visited, I have found that after 12 years, they have transferred ownership to the Burns family.  A recommendation from the owners: Before eating the cheeses, take them out of the fridge and keep them at room temperature for an hour or two. The remaining cheese should be well wrapped to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.

Kelowna Weather

It’s common knowledge that Kelowna has some of the best weather in Canada.

All four seasons are distinct, yet it’s not as cold or humid as other parts of Canada.

It’s one of the few inland cities in Canada where the high temperature is above freezing for every month of the year. In general, it is one of the warmest cities in Canada with a yearly average high temperature of 57.74F.

And Finally

Of course, you can always take the famous Rocky Mountaineer scenic train between Vancouver and Banff. It stops halfway there in Kamloops for a night in a hotel. 

Or you could take VIA Rail’s The Canadian and get rocked to sleep in your private accommodation. You will arrive the next day in Jasper.

The choice is yours but I am glad I chose the bus because I got to enjoy 2 wonderful days and nights in Kelowna.