Vacation Rentals
How to Host Luxury
Kelowna
STAY · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA
Your 2026 guide to legal Kelowna vacation rentals. Find licensed lake houses, condos and cottages, and understand BC's latest short-term rental rules.
13 vacation rentals · Updated September 2026Stay guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Jadranka Matic · How to Host Luxury via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Find your perfect Kelowna vacation rental, from a downtown condo to a lakeside cottage. New 2026 rules make it easier to book a legal, licensed stay in specific tourism zones without a host present. For other areas, the host must live on the property. Always check for a City of Kelowna business licence before you book your Okanagan getaway.
- Peak Season
- July to August
- Book Ahead
- 3-6 months
- Best Area
- Downtown (Condos)
- Licence Cost
- $345 annually
01STAY GUIDE
Local hosts & managers
Kelowna-run vacation rental companies and hosts.
Cabins & Cottages
Beaver Lake Resort
Lake Country
Cabins & Cottages
Oyama Lake Lodge
Lake Country
Cabins & Cottages
Postill Lake Lodge
Kelowna
Vacation Rentals
Stay Locations
Kelowna
Cabins & Cottages
Dee Lake Wilderness Resort
Lake Country
Vacation Rentals
Stay In the Okanagan
West Kelowna
Vacation Rentals
Sunset Waterfront Resort by kelownacondorentals
Kelowna
Cabins & Cottages
La Casa Resort Lake View Cottage
Kelowna
Vacation Rentals
Lifty Life Vacation Rentals
Kelowna
Vacation Rentals
Nomadics Short Term Rentals
Kelowna
Vacation Rentals
Keys to Kelowna
Kelowna
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•THE GUIDE
Kelowna Vacation Rentals: Where to Stay (2026)
Here’s how to find and book a legal, amazing vacation rental in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan for your 2026 trip.
The short answer
The best vacation rentals in Kelowna are licensed properties that match your trip style. For vibrant city life, choose a modern condo in the Cultural District. For a classic Okanagan summer, book a lake house in West Kelowna or a rustic cottage in Lake Country.
01The Lowdown
BC's New Rental Rules
British Columbia changed its short-term rental rules in 2024 with the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. The main rule for most of the province is the "principal residence requirement." This means hosts can only rent out the home they live in for most of the year. This was a big change for vacation-only properties.
However, the City of Kelowna received an exemption from this provincial rule, effective June 1, 2026. This was granted because of the city's successful housing policies and the need for tourist accommodation. This exemption doesn't apply everywhere. It's for specific properties that have been rezoned into a Short-Term Rental (STR) sub-zone.
For visitors, this means you can legally book two types of rentals in Kelowna. The first is a property in an approved STR sub-zone, which can be an investment property without the owner living there. The second is a traditional short-term rental where the host is renting out their own principal residence. Always check the rental's status before you book.
Local tips
- Rentals under 90 days are considered short-term.
- Areas like West Kelowna and the RDCO electoral areas have their own rules.
- Provincial rules exempt certain types of properties like strata hotels and timeshares.
- All legal operators must have a valid City of Kelowna business licence.
02Find Your Style
Condos, Lake Houses & Cottages
Kelowna’s downtown and South Pandosy neighbourhoods are condo hubs. Staying here puts you steps from Waterfront Park, amazing restaurants on Bernard Avenue, and the beach. Buildings like the Sunset Waterfront Resort offer resort-style amenities with stunning lake views. These are perfect if you want a walkable, urban vacation.
For a classic Okanagan experience, look for a lake house. The shores of West Kelowna and Peachland are dotted with properties offering private docks and incredible views of Okanagan Lake. These are ideal for families or groups who want to spend their days on the water. La Casa Resort offers individual cottages with access to pools, hot tubs, and beach areas.
If you're seeking a quieter, more rustic escape, the cabins and cottages around Lake Country are a perfect fit. Places like Beaver Lake Resort, Oyama Lake Lodge, and Dee Lake Wilderness Resort offer a true getaway feel. These spots are often focused on fishing, hiking, and disconnecting, providing a peaceful break from the city buzz.
Local tips
- Downtown condos are great for wine tours, as many shuttle services pick up from central locations.
- West Kelowna offers more space and privacy but is still a short drive to wineries and shops.
- Lake Country cabins can have limited services, so check for things like Wi-Fi and running water if they're important to you.
03Book with Confidence
How to Book a Legal Stay
The key to a legal booking is the business licence. Every short-term rental operator in the City of Kelowna must have one and renew it annually. The annual fee is $345. Operators should display their licence number on their online listing on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Before you book, do a quick check. Look for a City of Kelowna business licence number in the property description. If you don't see one, ask the host for it. Booking a licensed property ensures the operator is following local rules on safety and being a good neighbour. The City requires hosts to have fire evacuation plans and contact info for a responsible person available 24/7.
You can also book through a professional local property manager. These companies ensure the properties they manage are licensed and meet all local regulations. Using a manager can provide peace of mind, as they also handle cleaning, guest communication, and any issues that might come up during your stay.
Local tips
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it might be an unlicensed rental.
- Report any suspected unlicensed rentals to the City of Kelowna.
- Tenants can legally operate a short-term rental if it's their principal residence and they have the landlord's consent.
04The Professionals
Local Vacation Rental Managers
Booking through a local manager is a great way to ensure a smooth, professional experience. These companies live and work here, so they have deep knowledge of Kelowna's seasons and neighbourhoods. Companies like How to Host Luxury and Stay Locations manage a wide portfolio of properties, from downtown condos to larger family homes.
Managers handle everything from professional photography and cleaning to dynamic pricing that adjusts to local events. Lifty Life Vacation Rentals, for example, lists properties on multiple platforms to maximize visibility and ensures a 24/7 guest service for any needs that arise. This means you have a dedicated team to call if you have a problem, not just a remote owner.
Other trusted local managers include Simply Hosted Kelowna, Nomadics Short Term Rentals, and Keys to Kelowna. In West Kelowna, Stay In the Okanagan is a popular choice. These companies are accountable and pride themselves on providing a high-quality guest experience, which is reflected in their positive online reviews.
Local tips
- Managers often have their own direct booking websites, which can sometimes offer better rates.
- Check recent reviews for the management company, not just the individual property.
- A good manager will be very clear about the rules of the property and the local bylaws.
05Your Checklist
Check Before You Book
First, confirm the licence. As we've mentioned, a City of Kelowna business licence is non-negotiable for a legal stay. Next, read the reviews carefully. Look for recent comments about cleanliness, communication with the host, and the accuracy of the listing's photos and description. Consistent positive feedback is a great sign.
Understand the cancellation policy. Summer in Kelowna is peak season, and unforeseen events can happen. Make sure you know the deadlines for a full or partial refund. Also, check the house rules. Are you planning a quiet getaway or a family reunion? Ensure the property's rules on noise, events, and extra guests match your plans.
Finally, map the location. Kelowna is spread out, so check the property's address against the attractions you want to visit. Is it a short walk to the beach or a 20-minute drive? Knowing this ahead of time helps set the right expectations and ensures you're not spending your vacation stuck in traffic on the Bennett Bridge.
Local tips
- Verify parking availability, especially for downtown condos where it can be limited.
- If travelling with pets, confirm the pet policy and any associated fees in writing.
- Check for seasonal closures of amenities like pools or hot tubs, especially in the spring and fall.
06Summer & Winter
Peak Season Tips
Kelowna's peak season is July and August. The weather is hot, the lakes are warm, and the wineries are buzzing. To get the property you want, you need to book well in advance—ideally three to six months ahead, especially for long weekends. Prices will be at their highest, so booking early can sometimes lock in a better rate.
Don't forget about the winter peak season. When the snow falls at Big White Ski Resort, demand for rentals in the city also rises. Many visitors prefer to stay in Kelowna for better restaurant and shopping options, driving up to the mountain each day. If you're planning a ski trip between December and March, book your accommodation early.
Shoulder seasons—late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October)—are fantastic times to visit. The weather is still beautiful, the crowds are smaller, and rental prices are often lower. You'll have an easier time getting reservations at top restaurants and more space to yourself at the wineries. It's the perfect time for a more relaxed getaway.
Local tips
- Book activities like boat rentals and wine tours well in advance during peak season.
- Consider a mid-week stay in July or August for slightly lower demand and prices.
- Wildfire season (typically July-August) can impact air quality; check conditions before you travel.
How to Host Luxury✳Beaver Lake Resort✳Oyama Lake Lodge✳Postill Lake Lodge✳Stay Locations✳Dee Lake Wilderness Resort✳Stay In the Okanagan✳Sunset Waterfront Resort by kelownacondorentals✳La Casa Resort Lake View Cottage✳Lifty Life Vacation Rentals✳Nomadics Short Term Rentals✳Keys to Kelowna✳Simply Hosted Kelowna✳
•Insider Access
Let a local take you there.
Tours, rentals, shops and stays run by Kelowna locals, all bookable from their profiles.
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•THE FULL LIST
All 13 vacation rentals.
Search by name, narrow by type or community, and sort by the most-reviewed or highest-rated. Every card opens a full profile.
See them on the map13 places
Vacation RentalsHow to Host LuxuryService in Kelowna.★ 4.8 (409) · KelownaCabins & CottagesBeaver Lake ResortResort Hotel in Lake Country.★ 4.6 (369) · Lake CountryCabins & CottagesOyama Lake LodgeResort Hotel in Lake Country.★ 4.5 (246) · Lake CountryCabins & CottagesPostill Lake LodgeLodging in Kelowna.★ 4.5 (197) · KelownaVacation RentalsStay LocationsService in Kelowna.★ 4.7 (106) · KelownaCabins & CottagesDee Lake Wilderness ResortResort Hotel in Lake Country.★ 4.6 (71) · Lake CountryVacation RentalsStay In the OkanaganTravel Agency in West Kelowna.★ 4.2 (37) · West KelownaVacation RentalsSunset Waterfront Resort by kelownacondorentalsLodging in Kelowna.★ 4.7 (20) · KelownaCabins & CottagesLa Casa Resort Lake View CottageTravel Agency in Kelowna.★ 4.8 (19) · KelownaVacation RentalsLifty Life Vacation RentalsService in Kelowna.★ 4.9 (10) · KelownaVacation RentalsNomadics Short Term RentalsService in Kelowna.★ 5 (10) · KelownaVacation RentalsKeys to KelownaService in Kelowna.★ 5 (6) · Kelowna•STORIES
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•FAQ
Good to know
It's a provincial rule stating that short-term rentals (under 90 days) can only be offered in the host's primary home. However, the City of Kelowna has an exemption for certain licensed properties in designated zones, which do not need to be the owner's main home.
