Regardless of where you are in Kelowna, chances are you aren’t more than a stone’s throw from an awesome hiking trail. For those looking for trails to run, hike, or otherwise explore, hit the 17-kms of trails at the Mission Creek Greenway (www.greenway.kelowna.bc.ca). If you’re there during the autumn salmon run, you’ll see brightly coloured Kokanee fighting their way upstream to spawn. The onsite Mission Creek Interpretive Centre explains local ecology to young 'uns and has interactive displays they’ll love checking out, as well as a nearby playground.
Another hit is a self-guided tour of Father Pandosy Mission (www.okanaganhistoricalsociety.org/pandosy_mission.html). The first white settlement in the Okanagan, the mission was built in 1859. The settlement was restored and rebuilt in the 1960s by the Okanagan Historical Society. The deserted cabins and workshops can be a bit spooky, but plenty of fun to explore.
6. Downtown Kelowna
Check out the shops, cafes and galleries dotting downtown Kelowna. Yummy mums can stock up on their body-conscious athleisure wear at Lululemon (410 Bernard Ave), as well as the indie shop Blonde (293 Bernard Ave), which carries Itsus, French Kitty and Folkhero, as well as cute giftwares. Posh Gallery (1597 Pandosy St) offers jewelry and accessories in a fun, dog-friendly shopping environment.
Après shopping, be sure to hit Kasugai Japanese Garden (470 Queensway Avenue, behind Kelowna City Hall) , for some peace and quiet. Pea-gravel paths take you past manicured Zen gardens and a pond stocked with robust and colourful koi – the perfect spot to sip your chai, while the kids explore.
7. Country markets
Finally, any foodie worth their salt is going to want to come home with regional delicacies for their fridge and pantry. Kelowna won’t disappoint.
Be sure to visit Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan (www.carmelisgoatcheese.com) for organic goat cheese. Go on a tour and you’ll meet the goats, as well as the charming Israeli expats who founded the dairy and are earning accolades for the 19 types of cheese they produce on site. Carmelis’s Vintage cheese is a must-try, soaked for 5 days in local pinot noir before being aged for one year.
The Pioneer Country Market (www.pioneercountrymarket.com) offers a relaxing place to explore (plus an onsite museum). Enjoy some home-cooking and fresh baked pies. Don’t forget to stock up on regionally produced preserves or crafts.
The open-air Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market (www.kelownafarmersandcraftersmarket.com) brings you close to the region’s harvest-fresh produce, in addition to homemade pantry items and fresh munchies you can nosh on the spot. Artisans sell hand-turned wooden bowls and carved utensils, as well as such delicacies as locally grown smoked garlic. Yummy!
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