Kelowna Tourist Places to Visit in Kelowna, Canada, America
Kelowna is one of the cities in the Canadian province of British Columbia located about 380 km from the largest city of the province Vancouver and 470 km from provincial capital Victoria. It is the twenty second largest metropolitan area in Canada. Kelowna features a semi-arid climate with dry summers and cold winters. The major sectors of Kelowna are Central City, Rutland, McKinley, Southeast Kelowna, South Pandosy and Glenmore.
Geography of Kelowna:
Kelowna is situated on Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley at the coordinates of 49.8801° N 119.4436° W, surrounded by West Kelowna to the west, Vernon on the north, Summerland towards south and Peachland in the southwest. Kelowna Metro is spread over an area of 2,904.86 sq. km. located 344 meters above the sea level.
Etymology and History of Kelowna:
The literal meaning of Kelowna in Okanagan language is ‘grizzly bear’. The first European to settle in Kelowna was French missionary Father Charles M. Pandosy in 1859. The municipal corporation of Kelowna was formed on May 4, 1905.
Connectivity to Kelowna:
Kelowna houses an international airport well connected with major cities of the country like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Victoria and Los Angeles in USA.
Kelowna city is catered by Kelowna Regional Transit System with general and luxury buses. Train services are available for only selected cities.
The major car rental providers in Kelowna are:
- Avis Car Rental
- Budget Car Rentals
- Discount Car and Truck Rentals
- Vespa and Scooter Rentals
Culture, Food and Shopping in Kelowna:
Center of Gravity is a sport and music festival celebrated at City Park in Kelowna for three days of every year attracting tourists from all around the world.
The major restaurants in Kelowna are:
- Sub City Donair
- Cabana Bar & Grill
- Chop Steakhouse & Bar
- La Bussola Restaurant
Tourists can visit Orchard Park shopping centre to enjoy best shopping experience.
Things to do in Kelowna:
- The Fintry Estate
- Mission Hill Winery
- Bike the Kettle Valley Railway Trestles
- H20 Adventure and Fitness Center
- Cycle riding
Places to see in Kelowna:
Kelowna Art Gallery:
Kelowna Art Gallery was established in 1976 which boasts different galleries like Reynolds Gallery, Treadgold Bullock Gallery and the outdoor Rotary Courtyard. It exhibits more than 700 different artifacts related to Canadian history and culture.
Okanagan Lake:
Okanagan Lake is a beautiful lake located few kilometers out of the city. It measures a length of 135 km, width of 5 km and surface area of 351 km².
Rotary Centre for the Arts:
Rotary Centre for the Arts has a seating capacity of 326 persons. This multidisciplinary visual centre houses class dance and painting studios and other art studios as well.
Other places of interest near Kelowna include:
- Knox Mountain
- Kelowna Hydrofest
- Apple Bowl
- Prospera Place
- Kasugai Gardens
- Waterfront Park
- Kettle Valley Railway
- Local wineries
- Mission Creek Greenway
- Kelowna Rockets hockey
Best time to visit Kelowna:
Throughout the year is best, especially the month of September is ideal to travel Kelowna.
Accommodation Options in Kelowna:
Kelowna hosts numerous world class hotels and resorts with upgraded facilities like airport shuttle, spa, doctor on call, 24 hour service and help desk, swimming pool and recreation centre. The prominent hotels in Kelowna are listed below:
Budget:
- Kelowna Okanagan Lake Hostel
- Samesun Backpacker’s Lodge
- Kelowna International Hostel
Mid-range:
- Days Inn Kelowna
- Best Western Inn Kelowna
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
- Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
- The Hopeless Romantic Bed and Breakfast
- Siesta Suites
- Super 8 Kelowna
- Kelowna Inn & Suites
Top-end:
- Silver Star Ski Resort
- Apex Mountain
- Crystal Mountain
- Big White Ski Resort
- Holiday Inn Express Kelowna