Guided Tours in Kelowna

Kelowna is the heart of Okanagan wine country, with over 40 wineries spread across five distinct wine trails. A guided tour is the best way to experience them, leaving the driving and planning to a local expert. Companies like Vivid Tours and Sip Happens offer curated trips to the most popular routes, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the tastings. Whether you're a couple or a large group, there's a tour vehicle and style to fit your day.

The Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna is arguably the most famous, boasting iconic wineries with stunning lake views and impressive architecture. Just a short drive from downtown, this area offers a mix of grand estates and charming boutique wineries. Tours often visit renowned spots like Mission Hill and Quails' Gate, providing a classic Okanagan wine experience.

North of the city, the Scenic Sip trail in Lake Country offers panoramic views over Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes. In East Kelowna, the Fab Five Wine Trail features a cluster of boutique wineries perfect for a more intimate tasting day. The Lakeshore Wine Route, close to the city centre, includes celebrated wineries like Cedar Creek and Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Each trail has a unique character, from bold reds to crisp whites.

Many tour operators, including Sip & Anchor and Uncorked Okanagan, offer half-day and full-day packages. These often include tasting fees, a knowledgeable guide, and convenient pick-up from your accommodation. Some, like Wicked Wine Tours, even offer sunset tours that conclude with a reservation at a beautiful winery restaurant. It's a seamless way to discover the valley's terroir.

Local tips

• Book your tour several weeks in advance, especially for summer weekends.
• Consider a private tour for a more flexible and personalized itinerary.
• Ask your guide for recommendations on which wines to purchase.
• Stay hydrated—most tour companies provide complimentary water.

Stretching 135 kilometres, Okanagan Lake is the centrepiece of our valley, and a boat tour is a must-do. From a relaxing afternoon cruise to a lively party on the water, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. Companies offer everything from one-hour excursions to full-day charters, departing from convenient spots like the Downtown Marina near City Park.

For a fun and casual outing, Tiki Time Tours offers unique tiki-themed boats that are perfect for groups looking to cruise and listen to music. If you're seeking a more traditional experience, Kelowna Cruises provides afternoon sightseeing trips that navigate past beautiful lakeside mansions and under the William R. Bennett Bridge. These tours often highlight viewpoints of famous wineries from the water.

Private charters offer the ultimate flexibility for families, celebrations, or romantic evenings. Kelowna Lake Tours and Kelownafornia Yacht Charter provide luxurious pontoon boats and yachts where you can customize your route, stop for a swim, or simply relax. Many operators, like Sip & Anchor, even combine lake life with wine by offering boat-and-winery tour packages.

Local tips

• Book a sunset cruise for spectacular photo opportunities.
• Confirm your pick-up and drop-off location, as many operators use multiple public docks.
• Ask if you can bring your own snacks and drinks aboard.
• Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket, as it can be cooler on the water.

For one of the most scenic adventures in the Okanagan, a trip to Myra Canyon is essential. Part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), this relatively flat trail takes you across 18 impressive trestle bridges and through two tunnels, offering spectacular views of the canyon below. A guided e-bike tour makes the 24-kilometre round-trip journey accessible and enjoyable for most fitness levels.

Companies like Vivid Tours offer all-inclusive guided e-bike tours of Myra Canyon. These packages typically include transportation from your Kelowna accommodation, your e-bike rental and safety gear, and a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the railway's history, the local wildlife, and the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire. It’s an interpretive experience that adds depth to the incredible scenery.

If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can rent bikes directly at the Myra Station parking lot from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours. They offer comfort bikes and e-bikes, with staff on-site to get you properly fitted. Some local operators, like après Tours, also combine a morning of biking the trestles with an afternoon of wine tasting for a perfect 'surf and turf' Okanagan day.

Local tips

• The weather in the canyon can be different from the city; check the forecast and dress in layers.
• Bring plenty of water, as there are no services on the trail.
• Allow at least 3-4 hours for the full self-guided experience.
• The trail is gravel, so a comfort or mountain bike is more suitable than a road bike.

Kelowna's culinary scene is deeply connected to its agricultural roots. A guided food tour is a fantastic way to taste the flavours of the valley and hear the stories behind the local food. These tours often take you through vibrant neighbourhoods like the Cultural District, stopping at several local favourites for curated tastings. A popular walking food tour includes seven food tastings and four drinks over three hours.

Beyond the downtown core, the surrounding area is rich with farms, orchards, and apiaries. Some tours offer unique agricultural experiences, like the Okanagan Bee Tour, which includes a visit to a honey farm followed by wine tasting and lunch. These experiences connect you directly with the producers and the sun-ripened fruit that make this region famous.

For a self-guided experience, you can explore the Westside Farm Loop, which connects various farms and orchards in West Kelowna. From May through October, you'll find fruit stands overflowing with cherries, peaches, and apples. Visiting the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market is another great way to meet local artisans and sample fresh, seasonal produce.

Local tips

• Come hungry! Food tours provide substantial tastings.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many tours are on foot.
• Let the tour operator know about any dietary restrictions in advance.
• Bring a reusable bag to carry any local goodies you purchase along the way.

Discover the stories hidden within Kelowna's streets on a guided walking tour. These excursions offer a deeper look into the city's history, culture, and even its paranormal side. Led by local experts, you'll explore key areas like the downtown Cultural District and the historic Bernard Avenue, learning about the city's transformation from a small agricultural outpost to a bustling urban centre.

For those intrigued by the supernatural, Kelowna Ghost Tours offers evening walks that delve into the city's haunted history. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll visit historic buildings and landmarks while hearing chilling tales of the spirits that are said to linger there. It's a unique and entertaining way to experience Kelowna's past after dark.

Historical walking tours provide context to the city you see today. You'll learn about the origins of the Ogopogo legend, the importance of the historic Laurel Packinghouse, and the people who shaped the community. These tours are perfect for history buffs and anyone curious about the stories behind the scenery, offering a ground-level perspective you can't get from a vehicle.

Local tips

• Tours run rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
• Ask your guide questions—they are a wealth of local knowledge.
• Check the tour's level of physical activity to ensure it's a good fit.
• Book in advance, as group sizes are often limited to ensure a good experience.

For a truly unforgettable perspective of the Okanagan Valley, take to the skies on a helicopter tour. From high above, you'll gain a breathtaking appreciation for the scale of Okanagan Lake, the patchwork of vineyards, and the dramatic canyons. Companies based in both Kelowna and West Kelowna offer a range of scenic flights, from short 20-minute city tours to extensive valley explorations.

Valhalla Helicopters, operating out of West Kelowna, offers popular tours like the "Simply Kelowna" and the more extensive "Jewels of the Okanagan" flight, which soars over Kalamalka Lake. Okanagan Mountain Helicopters and Graham Helicopters also provide scenic tours, each with experienced pilots who share insights on the landmarks below. These flights provide unparalleled photo opportunities of the lake, mountains, and the iconic trestle bridges of Myra Canyon.

Elevate your wine tour experience with a heli-wine tour. This premium adventure, offered by operators like Valhalla, flies you directly to some of the region's most exclusive wineries. You'll arrive in style for a private tasting before being whisked away to your next destination. It's a bucket-list experience that combines the thrill of flight with the celebrated flavours of the Okanagan.

Local tips

• Tours are often priced per helicopter, making it more cost-effective for a small group.
• Weight limits apply, so be sure to provide accurate passenger weights when booking.
• Flights are weather-dependent, so it's good to have some flexibility in your schedule.
• For an extra thrill, ask about a doors-off flight during the summer months.