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Did you know that there is a great wine region in British Columbia, Canada to enjoy? Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, offer fantastic wine! So if you love wine and want to explore more of Canada, this is the ultimate weekend in Kelowna itinerary for you!
Recently, Chris and I were lucky enough to head to Kelowna for 2 days, and we were blown away. I’m sure Canadians are well aware of this gem they have, but we had never heard of this region’s wine or seen it in stores here in the US. So when there was an opportunity to visit and taste the wine for ourselves, we jumped at the chance!
And we were honestly really impressed! We came to taste the wine, but were also blown away by the stunning lake and epic mountain scenery!
This is why I knew I had to write a post all about the things to do in Kelowna in 2 days for the most epic weekend getaway!
Weekend in Kelowna Itinerary
Before we jump into the detailed itinerary including fun things to do in Kelowna, British Columbia, here is a quick reference guide. For more information, keep reading below!
Day 1: Explore Kelowna and Have Your First Sips of Wine
- Land and have brunch at Bohemian Cafe
- Explore the Okanagan Heritage Museum
- Go for your first tasting at Tantalus Vineyards
- Enjoy a free tasting at the hotel during your stay at Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
- Walk along Okanagan Lake around sunset
- Gather Kelowna for dinner
Day 2: Myra Canyon and East Kelowna
- Go for a small hike to see the trestles at Myra Canyon
- Rollingdale Winery tasting
- Lunch and tasting at Mt Boucherie Estate
- Quail’s Gate Winery tasting
- Dinner and sunset at Mission Hill Family Estate
What Makes Okanagan Valley Wines So Delicious?
I’ll be honest- when I first heard about Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley as a wine destination, I wasn’t expecting much. I knew that the Niagara region was known for more dessert and sweeter wines, and that is what I expected of Kelowna too as it is so far north.
However, while you may associate British Columbia with being overcast and rainy as in Vancouver, Kelowna actually gets quite a lot of sunshine, especially during the summer months.
It also gets quite warm here in the summertime, even reaching temperatures during the day of 80-90ºF+ (27-32ºC+). So while the growing season can be a bit short as winters here are cool, they have the benefit of a growing season with ample sunshine.
Plus, due to the Coastal Mountain Range blocking a lot of the rain, it is a drier climate. And because the climate varies quite a bit between the northern part of the region and the southern part, various kinds of grapes can be grown including Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Reisling, and more!
However, the Kelowna area is more known for lighter-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, Reisling, and Chardonnay versus the southern part of Okanagan Valley which can handle growing more robust varieties like Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Perfect Wine Lover’s Weekend in Kelowna Itinerary
Alright, now let’s break down the perfect Kelowna 2-day itinerary so you can discover the best things to do in Kelowna!
Day 1: Explore Kelowna and Have Your First Sips of Wine
Now I either recommend flying in early this day if you’re coming from somewhere like Vancouver or flying in the evening before if you’re coming from further away. This will make the first day of your weekend in Kelowna trip easier.
Either way, you’re going to want to start off this day exploring Kelowna. And to kick off your day is brunch at The Bohemian Cafe.
Here you can enjoy a leisurely meal with a cup of coffee and one of their tasty eggy dishes like Huevos Rancheros.
After brunch, I highly recommend walking over to the Okanagan Heritage Museum. This place is full of information including the history of this region, and the wildlife, and you can learn more about the Indigenous population here at the Indigenous gallery.
There is even a traditional qʷćiʔ winter home you can go inside, and there is an interactive display that teaches you traditional Syilx words.
The museum covers the history of the Okanagan Valley and Kelowna over the years, and it was really well done and interesting.
After spending your morning doing this, I recommend hopping in a Uride (Kelowna’s local ridesharing service) and going to your very first tasting at Tantalus Vineyards.
This is actually one of the oldest continuously growing wine-producing vineyards in British Columbia. I also love the bottles which include photos of art made by an Indigenous artist, Dempsey Bob.
Here you can book the Flagship Tasting Experience which includes their Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc Rose, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. This was such a delicious experience and right away you’ll be blown away by the quality of the wine as well as the view!
Just be sure to book your tasting in advance!
After your tasting, I recommend heading back over to downtown Kelowna. And if you’re staying at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, you can partake in their late afternoon free wine tasting in their cellar.
This is another great opportunity to taste some local wines from the Okanagan Valley.
Then, I recommend walking around the town, especially along Okanagan Lake. Here, you’ll see lovely beaches, and perhaps a seaplane or two taking off!
It is a beautiful sight, especially as you can see the mountains on the other side. This is the perfect place to catch a sunset before your dinner at Gather Kelowna.
This unique place is offering dishes that are inspired by both Korean and Italian cuisine. Plus, they have a great wine list, which also includes some local wines you can order by the glass or bottle!
After your delightful dinner, it is time to head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep before tomorrow’s adventures.
The Bohemian Cafe Address: 524 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC
The Bohemian Cafe Hours: Wednesday-Friday from 7:30 am-2:30 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am-2:30 pm, and Sunday from 8:30 am-2 pm.
Okanagan Heritage Museum Address: 470 Queensway Avenue, Kelowna, BC
Okanagan Heritage Museum Hours and Admission: Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am-4 pm. Admission is donation-based with a suggestion of $10 CAD per person or $25 CAD per family.
Tantalus Vineyards Address: 1670 DeHart Rd, Kelowna, BC
Tantalus Vineyards Hours and Tasting Fee: Open April until winter from 10 am-6 pm. Tastings from $10 CAD per person.
Gather Kelowna Address: 460 Doyle Ave #105, Kelowna, BC
Gather Kelowna Hours: Tuesday-Friday lunch from 11 am-3 pm and dinner from 5-9 pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 5-9 pm.
Day 2: Myra Canyon and East Kelowna
On this day, you’re going to want to begin your morning by exploring Myra Canyon. Drive to the canyon to see part of the Kettle Valley Railway that was built at the turn of the last century.
There are 2 tunnels and 18 trestle bridges here to admire, and during the summertime and fall, you can hike or bike along them. Regardless, you can walk to see them any time of year. If you want to bike the trestles, you can rent a bike at Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and Tours.
It is a long bike ride if you choose to do this. Or you can hike part of it. I recommend only spending an hour or two walking or biking along the trestles so that you can enjoy wine tasting afterward!
So once you’ve explored the stunning scenery and trestle brides at Myra Canyon, it is time to head to Rollingdale Winery to try out what a smaller winery has to offer!
The wineries you’re going to be going to today are all in West Kelowna.
This place is warm and welcoming, and here you can taste things like Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Rose, and Pinot Noir.
After a tasting at Rollingdale, I recommend heading to Mt Boucherie for lunch and another tasting. Grab lunch at the Modest Butcher where you can enjoy delicious plates like the pork belly and scallops, steak, or even a crispy chicken sandwich.
After lunch here, you can settle in for a tasting at the estate. I would recommend booking both lunch and the tasting in advance, especially if you’re spending a weekend in Kelowna during the summertime.
But during your tasting, you can enjoy their wines like the Estate Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend, a blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, and more!
Plus, the views from the estate are very beautiful!
After your tasting at Mt Boucherie, I recommend staying on this side of the lake to enjoy yet another tasting at Quails’ Gate.
Here you can enjoy sampling their Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and red blends. They also offer other tasting options including a wine and cheese tasting and a big red wine tasting.
Take your time enjoying the beauty of the Okanagan Valley and stunning lake views as you sip locally-produced wine together during your weekend in Kelowna.
And then, for dinnertime, you’re sticking to this side of the lake as you dine at Mission Hill Winery.
Here you can book a table to try their tasting menu which you can pair with their delightful wines.
This is also a great place to watch the sunset, as it is perched atop a hill overlooking Okanagan Lake!
So enjoy a lavish dinner with local ingredients and their own wines.
After this incredible day, you’ll wrap up your quick 2 days in Kelowna trip including the top activities in Kelowna: wine tasting!
Myra Canyon Parking Address: Naramata, BC V0H 1N0, Canada
Myra Canyon Hours: 24/7 year round.
Myra Canyon Bicycle Address: Myra Forest Service Rd, Central Okanagan I, BC
Myra Canyon Bicycle Hours: Open during the summer and fall daily from 9 am-5:30 pm.
Rollingdale Winery Address: 2306 Hayman Road West Kelowna, BC
Rollingdale Winery Hours and Tasting Price: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 12-5 pm. Tastings cost $10 CAD.
Mt Boucherie Address: 829 Douglas Road, West Kelowna, BC
Mt Boucherie Hours and Tasting Fee: Open daily 11:30 am-6 pm. Tastings are $10 CAD.
Quails’ Gate Address: 3303 Boucherie Rd, Kelowna, BC
Qualis’ Gate Hours and Tasting Fee: Daily 11 am-6 pm. Tastings start at $15 CAD.
Mission Hill Winery Address: 1730 Mission Hill Rd, West Kelowna, BC
Mission Hill Winery Hours and Tasting Menu Fee: Monday-Friday 12-6 pm, and Saturday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Restaurant open late. Book a table here! The menu starts at $65 CAD per person.
If You Have More Than a Kelowna 2 Day Itinerary
This certainly depends on the time of year that you’d like to visit, but if you’re here in the winter, there are places to go skiing and snowshoeing for an epic weekend in Kelowna.
If you’re here in the summer, you can also relax by the lake on one of the beaches, go golfing, enjoy local farmers markets, and more!
Of course, you could also spend more time wine tasting, as there are plenty of vineyards in the area. You could also spend a whole day exploring the southern part of Okanagan Valley and its more robust wines.
Head south to Penticton to taste wines at places like Three Sisters Winery, and Poplar Grove Winery, or even go further south toward Osoyoos to places like Phantom Creek Estate or Maverick Estate Winery.
Just note that it does take around 1.5-2 hours to get to the more southern Okanagan Valley wineries from Kelowna.
Where to Stay For Your Weekend in Kelowna Itinerary
Here are some great places to stay in Kelowna!
Budget: The Royal Anne Hotel
This is a comfortable place to stay with views of the city, mountains, or even the lake! There is also even complimentary breakfast and an airport shuttle.
Mid-Range: Delta Hotels By Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
This is where we stayed during our visit and loved it! Our room had a great view of the lake and the surrounding area. Plus, while there is a resort fee, it does cover things like the hotel wine tasting and a credit for food on the property.
Luxury: Mt Boucherie Estate Winery
Want to stay on a working wine estate? You can stay at Mt Boucherie at their guesthouse. Your stay includes a free reserve tasting, and you can have food from their restaurant delivered to enjoy at your guest house.
When to Visit Kelowna
This depends on what you’re coming for, but if you want to go wine tasting, I’d opt for between May and October when the wine estates are open and running for the most part. Many wineries tend to close during the winter or have reduced hours, so it helps to come when they’re open to enjoy!
Plus, the summer and autumn months are a lovely time to enjoy the lake, hiking, and scenery of Kelowna. Just note that summers can get pretty hot during the day!
But if you want to visit for skiing and snowshoeing, then Kelowna makes for a lovely winter getaway destination too!
Getting to Kelowna
You can drive from some nearby places like Vancouver. It is about a 4.5-hour drive from downtown Vancouver to Kelowna. From Banff, it is about 5-6 hours away.
You can also fly into Kelowna from places all over Canada including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, etc. with Air Canada and WestJet.
There are also seasonal flights from the US like from Seattle with Alaska Airlines or Las Vegas and Pheonix with WestJet.
Check flight prices on Skyscanner!
Getting Around Kelowna
Once you’re in Kelowna, you’ll likely need a car to get around the area.
You can use URide, their ridesharing app, to get around places around downtown Kelowna, West Kelowna, and nearby.
You can also rent a car. I like checking Skyscanner for the best prices. Just be sure to drink responsibly and have a DD if you choose to go this route while wine-tasting.
You can also take tours of the area if you prefer to have someone else do all the driving and figuring out wine tastings. Here are a few tour options:
- Sunset Wine Tour
- West Kelowna Afternoon Sightseeing and Wine Tour
- East Kelowna Wineries Tour and Lunch
- Lake Country Wineries Tour and Lunch
- Penticton Wineries Tour and Lunch
Is Kelowna Worth Visiting?
I certainly think so! I think it makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver! Between its stunning scenery, great hiking, and lovely wines, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley too.
This is the ultimate guide to visiting Kelowna on a weekend. If you’re a wine lover like us, you’re certainly going to enjoy this 2-day itinerary!
Would you visit Kelowna in 2 days?
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