Places to Stay in Kelowna

Downtown Kelowna is the vibrant heart of the city, ideal for first-time visitors. Staying here puts you steps from the waterfront promenade, City Park, and the lively restaurants and craft breweries of the Cultural District. It's the most walkable neighbourhood, with easy access to shops and entertainment.

The Lower Mission and Pandosy Village area offers a relaxed, beach-town vibe south of downtown. It's a top choice for families, with sandy spots like Gyro Beach, parks, and casual cafés. This area provides a great balance of lakeside living and convenient amenities.

West Kelowna, just across the William R. Bennett Bridge, is the epicentre of local wine culture. Home to the famous Westside Wine Trail, it's perfect for a wine-focused getaway, offering accommodations with stunning vineyard and lake views. It's quieter than downtown but requires a car to explore properly.

For a true escape, consider the communities of Lake Country to the north or Peachland to the south. Lake Country is defined by its orchards, rolling hills, and access to Wood and Kalamalka Lakes. Peachland offers small-town charm with a beautiful, walkable waterfront along Beach Avenue.

Local tips

• For nightlife and walkability, choose Downtown.
• For a family beach holiday, look in the Lower Mission.
• For a dedicated wine tour trip, stay in West Kelowna.
• For a quieter, more rural feel, head to Lake Country or Peachland.

Kelowna and the surrounding area offer a wide range of hotels, from full-service resorts to reliable roadside inns. Downtown, you’ll find premium options like the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort right on the water. Along the Highway 97 corridor, trusted brands like the Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites and the Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna offer convenient access and amenities like pools and conference facilities.

Lakefront resorts are a signature Okanagan experience. Places like Manteo at Eldorado Resort in the Mission or The Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna provide suites with kitchens, pools, and direct water access, making them a destination in themselves. These are excellent choices for families or anyone looking to settle in and relax.

For those on a tighter budget, motels provide practical and affordable lodging, often with kitchenettes and pools. Look for options like the Super 8 by Wyndham Kelowna BC or Oasis Inn Kelowna along Highway 97. At the most affordable end, the Kelowna Okanagan Lake Hostel offers a central location for backpackers and solo travellers.

Bed & Breakfasts offer a more personal touch. You can find charming B&Bs tucked into residential neighbourhoods and scenic rural areas, such as A View to Remember B&B in West Kelowna, known for its hospitality and stunning views.

Vacation rentals, from downtown condos to lakeside houses, are popular in Kelowna. However, British Columbia's Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act has significantly changed the rules. For stays under 90 days in most of Kelowna, rentals are restricted to the host's principal residence plus one secondary suite on the same property. This means many investment properties are no longer available for short-term stays.

When booking on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, look for a valid provincial registration number on the listing. This ensures the property is compliant. Online platforms are required to remove listings that don't have a valid registration number. These rules apply to Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country, as their populations are over 10,000.

Some properties may be exempt from the principal residence rule, but it's crucial to verify. Kelowna has specific tourism-zoned areas where the rule may not apply. For peace of mind, consider booking with professional vacation rental management companies like How to Host Luxury or Stay Locations, which manage compliant properties.

These regulations do not apply to hotels, motels, or B&Bs. Stays of 90 consecutive days or more are also exempt and are governed by the Residential Tenancy Act.

Local tips

• Always check for a provincial registration number on listings.
• Book with established property management companies for guaranteed compliance.
• Understand that the rules aim to increase long-term housing supply.

Camping is a classic way to experience the Okanagan’s natural beauty. The region has numerous private campgrounds and RV parks, as public provincial park sites are limited and book up instantly. Options range from full-service RV resorts to more rustic lakeside spots. Many are located in scenic areas of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland.

In Lake Country, Wood Lake RV Park and Marina offers a prime location right on the water, perfect for boaters and families. Peachland RV Park and Todd's Lakeside RV provide stunning lake views and easy access to the town's charming waterfront. These spots are ideal for those who want a classic lakeside camping experience.

Closer to Kelowna, you'll find parks with more amenities. Holiday Park RV & Condo Resort is a large, well-equipped option with pools and activities. For a more rural feel, consider options like Canyon Farms RV Park or Kelowna Urban Farm and RV Park, which offer a quieter setting while still being close to city attractions.

For a unique experience, look for rustic cabins and cottages. Places like Beaver Lake Resort and Postill Lake Lodge offer a chance to disconnect in a beautiful, natural setting, often with access to fishing lakes and hiking trails.

Local tips

• Book campsites far in advance, especially for July and August long weekends.
• Check amenities carefully; some parks are full-service resorts while others are more basic.
• Be aware of summer campfire bans, which are common during dry conditions.

For a wine-tasting trip, West Kelowna is the undisputed champion. Staying at a hotel like TownePlace Suites by Marriott West Kelowna or a resort like The Cove Lakeside Resort puts you minutes from the Westside Wine Trail's iconic wineries, including Mission Hill and Quails' Gate. The Lake Country "Scenic Sip" route is another fantastic option, with accommodations nearby.

Families should look for properties with kid-friendly amenities and easy access to beaches and parks. The Lower Mission is a top choice, with resorts like Siesta Suites Kelowna and Playa Del Sol Resort close to Gyro Beach. Many hotels along Highway 97, such as the Comfort Suites Kelowna, feature pools and waterslides.

If you have an early flight or are renting a car at YLW, staying near the airport is very convenient. The Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Kelowna Airport are both located right by the terminal, offering modern comfort and eliminating travel stress.

For a romantic getaway, consider the charm of a Bed & Breakfast in West Kelowna like Salish Bed & Breakfast and Spa, or a luxurious downtown resort with lake views like The Royal Kelowna by Bellstar Hotels. The quieter, scenic settings of Peachland or the Mission also provide a perfect backdrop for a couples' trip.

The best time to visit Kelowna for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September. This is peak season, with hot, sunny days perfect for the lake. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time. For fewer crowds and pleasant weather ideal for wine touring, consider May, June, September, or October.

Accommodation should be booked well in advance, especially for summer. For a July or August trip, it's wise to book three to six months ahead to secure your preferred spot and a better price. Even in the shoulder seasons, booking ahead for weekends is recommended.

While having a car is the easiest way to explore the wider region, you can get around the core of Kelowna without one. The downtown area is very walkable. BC Transit operates a reliable bus service connecting major hubs like downtown, the airport, and West Kelowna. The #97 RapidBus is particularly useful for visitors.

For shorter trips, Kelowna has a shared e-scooter and e-bike program. You can rent them via apps like Lime to easily explore areas like the downtown waterfront and the Okanagan Rail Trail. Ride-sharing services and local taxis are also available throughout the area.

Local tips

• A DayPASS for BC Transit offers unlimited travel for a low price.
• Use the Transit App for real-time bus tracking.
• Always wear a helmet when using e-scooters and e-bikes.