Welcome to Kelowna
Welcome to Kelowna, a city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley known for its lakeside setting, surrounding vineyards, and four-season lifestyle—and proudly recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Here, sun-kissed vineyards meet shimmering lake views, and every moment invites adventure. In the heart of the valley, Kelowna is a place filled with flavour, energy, and warmth. Sip world‑class wines, stroll orchard-lined roads, hike to panoramic lookouts, or unwind on sandy lakeside beaches. Whether you are here for farm‑fresh cuisine, arts and culture, or outdoor exploration, Kelowna is where memories are made and stories begin.
In July 2026, Kelowna proudly welcomes athletes, families, volunteers, and fans from across British Columbia for the BC Summer Games, five days of sport, community, and celebration in one of the most beautiful settings in the country.
Learn more about the City of Kelowna here.
A Community Built for Sport
Sport and the outdoors are part of daily life in Kelowna. The surrounding mountains, valley trails, and open waters of Okanagan Lake have shaped generations of active, driven people, and the city’s athletic culture runs deep. Kelowna is home to competitive clubs, provincial-level training programs, and a community that shows up to support its athletes.
The 2026 BC Summer Games bring together more than 3,000 athletes from across British Columbia to compete across dozens of sport disciplines throughout Kelowna and the wider Okanagan region. It is one of the largest multi-sport events in BC, and this community is ready for it.
Kelowna Visitor Centre
The Tourism Kelowna Visitor Centre is the best place to start if you want local knowledge, printed maps, and recommendations tailored to your visit. The team there knows the city well and can help you find everything from the nearest coffee shop to the best viewpoint in the valley.
Address: 238 Queensway, Kelowna, BC
Phone Number: 250-861-1515
E-mail: info@tourismkelowna.com
Hours of Operation: Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Tourism Kelowna Visitor Centre page.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Okanagan
Kelowna earned its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy for good reason. The Okanagan is one of Canada’s premier wine regions, with more than 40 wineries within a short drive of the city, producing acclaimed varieties from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay and Riesling. Alongside the wineries, a lively craft brewing and cidery scene has taken root across Kelowna and West Kelowna, with local producers drawing on the same orchard and agricultural traditions that have defined the valley for generations.
The restaurant scene reflects all of it. From casual lakeside patios to chef-driven dining rooms, Kelowna’s food community leans into local, seasonal ingredients and Okanagan-grown flavours. Whether you are looking for a quick family-friendly meal between events or a longer sit-down dinner to celebrate the day, you will not be short on good options.
Explore Kelowna restaurants, wineries, breweries, and more through the Tourism Kelowna food and drink guide.
Things to Do in Kelowna This Summer
July in Kelowna is something special. The days are long, the lake is warm, and the city has a particular energy that builds through the summer season. When you have time away from the competition, there is plenty worth exploring.
Spend an afternoon at City Park or Boyce-Gyro Beach along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Walk or cycle the waterfront promenade. Take a morning to visit a local winery or farm stand in the surrounding hills. Hike up Knox Mountain for a view that puts the whole valley in perspective. Browse the art galleries and shops along Bernard Avenue in the heart of downtown.
Families travelling with younger athletes or children will find the waterfront especially welcoming, with parks, playgrounds, and open green space along the lake. The Okanagan is also home to some of BC’s best paddling, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available along the lakeshore.
See what else is on this month by visiting the July in Kelowna page, or see what events are happening through the Tourism Kelowna events calendar.
For more trip inspiration, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.
Getting Around Kelowna
Kelowna is a mid-sized city with venues and attractions spread across a broad area, so having access to a vehicle makes getting around easier, especially if you plan to move between multiple Games locations throughout the Okanagan region.
Once you arrive, Kelowna Regional Transit connects downtown with major attractions, shopping areas, and accommodations across the city. The downtown waterfront, City Park, and the Queensway corridor are all very walkable, and the city has invested steadily in cycling infrastructure. Bike rentals are available for those who want to explore at their own pace, or consider renting a Lime Scooter or Bike. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttles are readily available as well.
Venue-specific transportation and parking details will be available closer to the Games.
Getting to Kelowna
By Air
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is the second-busiest airport in British Columbia, with direct flights connecting Kelowna to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and other major Canadian cities. The airport sits approximately 15 minutes north of downtown Kelowna, making arrival and departure straightforward for out-of-town visitors.
By Road
Kelowna is roughly a four-hour drive from Metro Vancouver, following Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley before climbing the Coquihalla Highway and descending into the Okanagan through Merritt. From Calgary, the drive takes approximately six hours along the Trans-Canada Highway through Revelstoke and Sicamous. Visitors arriving from the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, or the BC Interior will find Kelowna well-positioned as a regional hub, with good highway connections from all directions.
Before you leave, take a moment to check DriveBC for the latest road conditions, construction updates, and any travel advisories along your route.
By Bus
Travelling by bus is a relaxed and scenic way to reach Kelowna, and several regional carriers connect the city with major centres across Western Canada. The route into the Okanagan takes you through mountain passes, past vineyard-covered hillsides, and along the shores of lakes that make this corner of BC worth the trip on their own.
Several carriers serve the Kelowna area:
- Ebus offers daily scheduled service between Kelowna, Vancouver, Kamloops, and Calgary.
- Rider Express runs routes connecting Kelowna with Vancouver and destinations across Alberta.
- Mountain Man Mike’s Bus Service provides service to select destinations, including stops at or near Kelowna International Airport (YLW).
- Silver City Stagelines operates seasonal regional routes between the West Kootenay and Kelowna.
Schedules and stops vary by carrier and season, so travellers are encouraged to check each provider’s website for current timetables and booking details before making plans.
Cover Image: Photo courtesy of Tourism Kelowna – Ken Hagen.