Golf Courses
The Harvest Golf Club
Kelowna
THINGS TO DO · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA
Kelowna is where the wild meets the wonderful, a four-season playground of mountains, lakes, and trails waiting for you to explore.
80 outdoor adventures · Updated September 2026Outdoor guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Sanjiv Save · Shannon Lake Golf Course via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Kelowna offers year-round outdoor recreation, from summer days spent paddling on Okanagan Lake and cycling historic rail trails to winter adventures skiing at Big White Ski Resort. Hike scenic mountains like Knox Mountain Park, golf at championship courses like The Harvest Golf Club, or explore extensive mountain biking networks. Every season brings a new way to get outside and explore the Okanagan Valley.
- Okanagan Lake
- 135 km long
- Golf Season
- March to October
- Myra Canyon
- 18 Trestle Bridges
- Okanagan Rail Trail
- 50 km pathway
01OUTDOOR GUIDE
Golf with a view
Championship courses between the vineyards and the lake.
Golf Courses
The Okanagan Golf Club - Bear and Quail
Kelowna
Golf Courses
Black Mountain Golf Club
Kelowna
Golf Courses
Shannon Lake Golf Course
West Kelowna
Golf Courses
Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club
Kelowna
Golf Courses
Shadow Ridge Golf Club
Kelowna
Golf Courses
Kelowna Springs Golf Club
Kelowna
Golf Courses
Mission Creek Golf Club
Kelowna
Golf Courses
The Pinnacle Course at Gallagher's Canyon
Kelowna
Golf Courses
Two Eagles Golf Course & Academy
West Kelowna
Golf Courses
Kelowna Golf & Country Club
Kelowna
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•OUTDOOR GUIDE
Wheels & winter
Bike rentals, e-bike tours, trail shops and the ski hill.
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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Your Ultimate 2026 Outdoor Kelowna Guide
From sun-drenched vineyards to snow-covered peaks, Kelowna is an outdoor paradise for every season.
The short answer
The best outdoor adventures in Kelowna include skiing champagne powder at Big White Ski Resort, cycling across the historic trestles of Myra Canyon, and hiking the Apex Trail at Knox Mountain Park for incredible city and lake views. In summer, paddling or boating on the expansive Okanagan Lake is an essential experience.
01On Foot
Kelowna Hiking Trails
Kelowna’s hiking trails offer something for every fitness level, winding from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain summits. A local favourite, Knox Mountain Park, rises directly from the city's north end, offering rewarding views of the lake and downtown from the Apex Trail. For a family-friendly walk, the Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park provides a flat, accessible gravel path that follows the creek, perfect for spotting salmon in the fall.
Across the lake in West Kelowna, Rose Valley Regional Park features a network of trails with stunning viewpoints of the reservoir and Okanagan Lake. Bear Creek Provincial Park offers a popular loop trail that climbs a canyon alongside a creek, featuring a series of small waterfalls. For a more rugged adventure, the trails at Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park (Myra Canyon) extend beyond the famous trestles into forested terrain.
For an easy, beautiful walk along the water, head to Paul's Tomb at the base of Knox Mountain. In Peachland, just a short drive south, Hardy Falls Regional Park is a very easy, flat walk leading to a picturesque waterfall. Many trails are open year-round, though higher elevations may have snow in winter and early spring. Always carry water, especially during our hot, dry summers.
Local tips
- Start early in July and August to avoid the midday heat.
- Watch for trail signs indicating whether dogs can be off-leash.
- Check for ticks from spring through fall, especially in grassy areas.
- Some parks, like Bear Creek Provincial Park, may require a day-use pass in peak season.
02On Two Wheels
Cycling: Rail Trail & Trestles
Kelowna is home to two iconic cycling routes that are perfect for all ages and abilities. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a 50-km multi-use pathway that connects downtown Kelowna to Vernon, tracing the shores of Wood and Kalamalka Lakes. The grade is gentle, following the former CN Rail line, making it ideal for a leisurely ride, e-biking, or a family outing. Access points are plentiful, including one near Waterfront Park.
For a ride through history, head up to Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park (Myra Canyon). Here, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail features 18 restored wooden trestle bridges and two tunnels. The 24-km round-trip is nearly flat and offers breathtaking views of the canyon below. You can bring your own bike or rent one at the Myra Station parking lot from May to October.
Both trails feature hard-packed gravel surfaces suitable for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. The Okanagan Rail Trail is open year-round for activities like walking and fat biking, though some sections may have snow in winter. The Myra Canyon trail is also accessible in winter for snowshoeing and fat biking, offering a completely different and magical experience.
Local tips
- Book bike rentals for Myra Canyon in advance, especially on summer weekends.
- The road to Myra Canyon is a gravel forest service road; drive with care.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as there is limited shade on both trails.
- E-bikes are permitted on both the Okanagan Rail Trail and at Myra Canyon.
03The Thrill
Mountain Biking
The hills surrounding Kelowna are carved with hundreds of kilometres of singletrack, making it a premier mountain biking destination. The Crawford trails in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park offer the most extensive network, with everything from flowing cross-country to technical descents. Just minutes from downtown, Knox Mountain Park provides quick laps with challenging climbs and fun, fast descents overlooking the city.
In West Kelowna, the Smith Creek Trail System is a local favourite, known for its incredible views and fast, flowing downhill trails that cater primarily to intermediate and advanced riders. Nearby, Rose Valley Regional Park offers a mix of cross-country trails that wind through the unique, arid landscape. These networks are built and maintained by passionate local riders, so always ride within your limits and respect the trails.
For a different experience, the mountain biking at Crawford Falls leads you through forests to the top of a beautiful waterfall. The season typically runs from April to October, depending on snowmelt and rainfall. Local shops like Smith Creek Cycle can provide trail conditions and gear. For lift-accessed downhill biking, Big White Ski Resort opens its bike park in the summer months.
Local tips
- Check trail conditions on apps like Trailforks before you head out, especially after rain.
- Be aware of wildlife, including bears, on more remote trails.
- Uphill and downhill riders share many trails; be courteous and yield appropriately.
- Support local trail builders by considering a donation to MTBco (Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan).
04On the Water
Paddling & Boating
Life in Kelowna revolves around the water. Okanagan Lake, stretching 135 km, is the valley’s centerpiece and a playground for every kind of water sport. Calm mornings are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. You can launch from countless public beaches, including those at Waterfront Park, Cedar Creek Park, and Bertram Creek Regional Park.
For those looking for more power, boating, waterskiing, and wake-surfing are immensely popular. You can rent everything from speedboats to pontoons from numerous marinas and rental companies. The Kelowna Downtown Marina and Kelowna Yacht Club are central hubs for boating activity, offering easy access to the heart of the lake. Okanagan Lake Boat Rentals and Kelowna Boat Rentals provide a wide range of options.
Paddling offers a quieter way to explore the shoreline. The Kelowna Paddle Centre is a great resource for enthusiasts. Many local businesses, like Lakefront Sports Centre Ltd, offer hourly rentals right on the beach. Whether you're looking for a high-speed thrill or a peaceful sunrise paddle, the lake is the place to be from May through September.
Local tips
- The lake can get windy in the afternoons; check the forecast before heading out on a paddleboard or kayak.
- You need a Canadian boating license (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) to operate any motorized boat.
- Book boat rentals far in advance for long weekends in July and August.
- Explore the quieter beaches and bays south of the bridge for a more relaxed experience.
05On the Green
Kelowna Golf Courses
With one of the longest and driest golf seasons in Canada, Kelowna is a true golfer's destination. The season often stretches from March to late October, with dozens of courses to choose from. You’ll find everything from challenging championship layouts to relaxed, scenic tracks. Many courses are built into the hillsides, offering dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of the lake and city.
The Harvest Golf Club is set amidst a working orchard and offers a premier experience for all skill levels. The Okanagan Golf Club features two distinct 18-hole courses: the challenging, Nicklaus-designed Bear and the scenic Quail. In West Kelowna, Shannon Lake Golf Course is known for its signature 8th hole, played alongside the beautiful Shannon Lake.
Other notable courses include the Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club, a classic and challenging layout, and the Black Mountain Golf Club, which features a stunning island green. Whether you are planning a multi-day golf trip or just a quick round, the variety and quality of golf in Kelowna are exceptional.
Local tips
- Book tee times well in advance, especially for summer weekends.
- Twilight rates often offer the best value during peak season.
- Many clubhouses have excellent patios for a post-round meal or drink.
- The fall season (September-October) offers cooler temperatures and beautiful colours.
06In the Snow
Winter: Skiing & Snowshoeing
When the snow falls, Kelowna’s outdoor scene transforms. Just an hour's drive from downtown, Big White Ski Resort is a world-class destination known for its light, dry champagne powder and family-friendly atmosphere. With an average annual snowfall of 7.5 metres, it offers incredible skiing, snowboarding, and a host of other winter activities.
You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the winter. Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the quiet, snowy landscape. Many local hiking areas become popular snowshoeing spots. Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park (Myra Canyon) is a stunning destination, where you can traverse the trestle bridges covered in snow. The flat grade makes it accessible for everyone.
Closer to town, you can find dedicated, groomed snowshoe trails at Nordic clubs like Telemark in West Kelowna. Many regional parks, such as Rose Valley Regional Park, also have trails that are beautiful to explore with snowshoes after a fresh snowfall. It’s a peaceful way to experience the beauty of an Okanagan winter.
Local tips
- The road to Big White (Highway 33) requires winter tires by law from October 1 to April 30.
- Check the avalanche forecast if you plan to snowshoe in backcountry areas.
- Rent snowshoes from local sports shops before you head up the mountain.
- Dress in layers; even on cold days, you'll warm up quickly while snowshoeing.
Big White Ski Resort✳Knox Mountain Park✳Waterfront Park✳Mission Creek Regional Park✳Bear Creek Provincial Park✳Kelowna Downtown Marina✳Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park (Myra Canyon)✳Okanagan Lake Boat Rentals✳The Harvest Golf Club✳Kaloya Regional Park✳Kelowna Yacht Club✳Beasley Park✳Lakeside Eco-Sports✳Mill Creek Regional Park✳Cedar Creek Park✳The Okanagan Golf Club - Bear and Quail✳Black Mountain Golf Club✳Bertram Creek Regional Park✳Lakefront Sports Centre Ltd✳Kelowna Boat Rentals✳Pritchard Park✳Shannon Lake Golf Course✳Crawford Falls✳Scenic Canyon Regional Park✳
•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 80 outdoor adventures.
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 map80 places
Ski ResortsBig White Ski ResortSki Resort in Kelowna.★ 4.7 (5,080) · KelownaHiking TrailsKnox Mountain ParkKelowna's largest natural area park, offering extensive hiking and biking trails with sweeping panoramic views of the city and Okanagan Lake.★ 4.7 (2,976) · KelownaOutdoor & RecreationWaterfront ParkWaterfront Park is Kelowna's vibrant downtown oasis, offering panoramic lake views, a scenic boardwalk, and a hub for recreation and events.★ 4.7 (2,683) · Kelowna
Hiking TrailsMission Creek Regional ParkA nature-filled urban oasis with winding trails, a Kokanee salmon spawning channel, and an environmental education centre for all ages.★ 4.7 (2,027) · Kelowna
Outdoor & RecreationBear Creek Provincial ParkBear Creek Provincial Park is a popular basecamp for lakeside camping, sandy beaches, and hiking trails on Okanagan Lake's west shore.★ 4.6 (1,294) · KelownaBoat Rentals & MarinasKelowna Downtown MarinaKelowna Downtown Marina is your central hub for boat and jet ski rentals, moorage, and lakeside amenities, ideal for exploring Okanagan Lake from the heart of the city.★ 4.4 (979) · Kelowna
Hiking TrailsMyra-Bellevue Provincial Park (Myra Canyon)Experience the historic Myra Canyon Trestles, a breathtaking section of the Kettle Valley Railway, perfect for cycling and hiking with stunning views.★ 4.8 (938) · Kelowna
Boat Rentals & MarinasOkanagan Lake Boat RentalsOkanagan Lake Boat Rentals, operating from the Hotel Eldorado Marina, offers a diverse fleet for watersports and cruising, perfect for memorable lake adventures.★ 4.8 (858) · KelownaGolf CoursesThe Harvest Golf ClubGolf Course in Kelowna.★ 4.7 (791) · Kelowna
Outdoor & RecreationKaloya Regional ParkPark in Lake Country.★ 4.7 (764) · Lake Country
Boat Rentals & MarinasKelowna Yacht ClubKelowna Yacht Club, Canada's largest freshwater marina, offers premier moorage, upscale dining, and rentals for members, providing a vibrant lakeside lifestyle in downtown Kelowna.★ 4.5 (700) · Kelowna
Outdoor & RecreationBeasley ParkPark in Lake Country.★ 4.5 (641) · Lake Country•STORIES
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•FAQ
Good to know
Kelowna is a four-season destination. Summer (June-August) is perfect for lake activities, while fall (September-October) offers ideal temperatures for hiking, cycling, and wine touring. Winter (December-February) is for skiing at Big White, and spring (March-May) is great for golfing and watching the orchards bloom.
