Kelowna travel Guide

Kelowna travel guide

National Airports

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is the main airport serving Kelowna and the surrounding area in British Columbia, Canada. It is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of downtown Kelowna. YLW is a busy airport with regular flights from major Canadian cities, such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, as well as seasonal flights from international destinations, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Trains in Kelowna

There are no passenger train services in Kelowna. The nearest train station is located in Kamloops, approximately 160 kilometers to the northeast of Kelowna. From Kamloops, you can take the Rocky Mountaineer, which is a popular scenic train ride that travels through the beautiful Canadian Rockies to destinations such as Vancouver, Banff, and Jasper. Alternatively, you can take Via Rail, which operates passenger trains across Canada, with connections in Kamloops to other destinations. However, you would need to arrange transportation from Kelowna to Kamloops to take advantage of these services.

Buses in Kelowna

Kelowna Regional Transit System operates a network of buses that serve the city and the surrounding area. The system has over 25 routes and operates seven days a week, with frequent service during peak hours and less frequent service during evenings and weekends.

The fares for Kelowna Regional Transit are based on zones, and prices vary depending on the distance traveled. You can purchase tickets and passes online, at ticket vending machines located at transit exchanges, or from the bus driver. The system also offers a smart card, which allows you to pre-load fares and use them for multiple trips.

Additionally, there are several private bus companies that provide services from Kelowna to other destinations, such as Vancouver, Calgary, and other cities in British Columbia and Alberta. These services include Greyhound Canada, Ebus, and Big White Ski Resort Shuttle.

How to get to Kelowna

There are several ways to get to Kelowna, depending on your starting location:

By Air: Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is the main airport serving Kelowna and the surrounding area. It has regular flights from major Canadian cities, such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, as well as seasonal flights from international destinations, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.

By Car: Kelowna is located on Highway 97, which runs north-south through the Okanagan Valley. If you are coming from Vancouver, you can take Highway 1 to Hope, then take Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway) to Merritt, and finally take Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) to Kelowna. If you are coming from Calgary, you can take Highway 1 to Banff, then take Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) to Jasper, and finally take Highway 97 south to Kelowna.

By Bus: Greyhound Canada, Ebus, and other private bus companies provide services from Kelowna to other destinations, such as Vancouver, Calgary, and other cities in British Columbia and Alberta.

By Train: There are no passenger train services in Kelowna, but you can take Via Rail or Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops, which is located approximately 160 kilometers to the northeast of Kelowna, and then arrange transportation from Kamloops to Kelowna.

By Bike or Foot: Kelowna is connected to several multi-use trails, including the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and the Okanagan Rail Trail, which provide scenic and safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians.

What is the best time to travel to Kelowna

The best time to travel to Kelowna depends on your preferences and interests.

If you are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports, the best time to visit Kelowna is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the lakes and beaches are open for swimming and other water activities.

If you are interested in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, the best time to visit Kelowna is during the winter months of December to March, when the nearby ski resorts such as Big White and SilverStar are open for skiing and snowboarding.

If you prefer cooler temperatures and quieter crowds, you may want to consider visiting Kelowna during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (October to November), when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

It’s also worth noting that Kelowna is known for its wine industry, and many wineries and vineyards offer tours and tastings throughout the year. The fall harvest season, from late August to early October, is a particularly popular time for wine touring and tasting.

How to get around Kelowna

There are several ways to get around Kelowna:

Public Transit: Kelowna Regional Transit System operates a network of buses that serve the city and the surrounding area. The system has over 25 routes and operates seven days a week, with frequent service during peak hours and less frequent service during evenings and weekends. The fares for Kelowna Regional Transit are based on zones, and prices vary depending on the distance traveled.

Car: Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. There are several car rental agencies located at the Kelowna International Airport, as well as in the downtown area. Parking is generally available throughout the city, and there are several paid parking lots in the downtown area.

Bike: Kelowna has an extensive network of bike paths and lanes, making cycling a popular way to get around the city. There are several bike rental shops located in the downtown area, and the city also offers a bike-share program called Dropbike.

Walking: Kelowna is a walkable city, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops located within walking distance of each other. The downtown area is particularly pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and several parks and green spaces.

Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Kelowna, although they can be more expensive than other transportation options.

Accommodations in Kelowna

Kelowna has a wide variety of accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. Some popular options include:

Hotels and Resorts: There are several hotels and resorts located throughout Kelowna, ranging from mid-range to luxury. Many of these properties are located on or near the lake and offer amenities such as pools, spas, and restaurants.

Vacation Rentals: Kelowna has a large selection of vacation rental properties, including condos, apartments, and houses. These properties can be rented on a short-term basis and are often a good option for families or larger groups.

Bed and Breakfasts: Kelowna has several charming bed and breakfasts located throughout the city and the surrounding area. These properties offer a more personal and intimate experience than hotels or resorts.

Hostels and Budget Accommodations: Kelowna has a few hostels and budget-friendly accommodations for travelers on a tight budget. These properties offer shared accommodations and basic amenities at a lower cost.

Campgrounds and RV Parks: Kelowna has several campgrounds and RV parks located in and around the city, offering a range of amenities and facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.