3 Day Kelowna Itinerary: How to Spend A Perfect Long Weekend

If you’re craving sunshine, local wine and a weekend that is the perfect balance between laid-back and adventure-filled, this 3 day Kelowna itinerary has you covered.

Kelowna is located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia and is known for having some of the warmest weather in Canada. So, this makes it an ideal year-round destination. But generally the best time to visit is between late spring and early fall.

If you’re planning a relaxed Okanagan weekend itinerary, a wine tour in Kelowna is definitely a must! Not only is the city the heart of one of Canada’s most celebrated wine producing regions, but is also full of local markets, lakeside restaurants and craft breweries.

I visited Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley in two separate occasions. The first was over a long weekend in Kelowna and the second as part of a West Coast road trip from Vancouver to Banff.

So I was able to map out the best places you should visit on your trip. From top things to do in Kelowna to the best wineries and how to make the most of your time in Kelowna wine country, this Okanagan itinerary has everything you need to know.

Snapshot: 3 Day Kelowna Itinerary

Where is Okanagan Valley and Where to Visit

The Okanagan valley is a region in southern British Columbia, mainly known for its excellent wineries and warm climate. Overall, the valley stretches for over 200 km from Vernon in the north to Osoyoos near the US border.

If you’re trying to plan a weekend in the Okanagan valley, there are 5 main cities and towns you can choose from. The largest city is Kelowna, which is the heart of the Okanagan wine country and home to some of the best wineries in Canada. This is followed by Penticton, a laid-back town located between two lakes where you can float from the Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. This lazy river is a must during the warm days!

Oliver is known as the wine capital of Canada and is a perfect destination both to relax and explore some of the cycling trails nearby. But, if you’re looking for one of the warmest lakes in Canada, then head to Osoyoos. On the opposite end, if you’d like to go skiing in winter or explore some outdoor activities, head to Vernon.

Overall, the Okanagan Valley is a perfect destination at any time of the year.

Scenic Stops from Vancouver to Kelowna

The drive from Vancouver to Kelowna takes about 4 to 5 hours without stops. But if you want to break up the drive, I recommend stopping at some (or all) of the places below.

👉 Check out my post on how to spend 3 days in Vancouver before heading to Kelowna!

• Fort Langley: is a historic village with great boutique shops and good coffee. You can simply wander along the main street to experience the history of the place. But you can also stop for lunch at Beatniks Bistro for delicious food.
• Chilliwack Area: has some of the best hiking trails in the Lower Mainland. From Cheam Peak to Flora Peak, Lindeman Lake and Greendrop Lake or Mount MacFarlane, there is so much to choose from.
• Cedar and Moss Coffee: is located along HWY 1 and is a perfect stop for a coffee on the go or a break from the drive.
• Bridal Veil Falls: a short and easy hike that takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Fraser Valley.
• Othello Tunnels: are old train tunnels carved through the cliffs and connected by bridges over rushing water. The park is usually open from spring to early fall, but check for the current conditions as closures for repairs are common.

If you have time for a detour, Manning Park is an amazing area for hiking. In fall, especially, you can find some of the most scenic fall hikes near Vancouver, such as Frosty Mountain and Heather Trail.

Best Time to Visit Kelowna and Okanagan Valley

Kelowna and Okanagan Valley are perfect destinations year-round. But the best time to visit is between May and October, when weather is warm and days are longer.

If you’re looking for a winter getaway though, Kelowna is also famous for the great slopes at Big White ski resort. So, if you’re looking into a ski holiday, that is way cheaper than Whistler, Kelowna is the ideal place.

Best Wineries near Kelowna for Wine Tasting

As you might have guessed already, wineries are one of the main attractions in the Okanagan Valley. With over 200 wineries in the region and more than 40 just in the Kelowna area, this is truly the heart of BC wine country.

Whether you’re up for a casual tasting flights, a guided wine tour or a multi-course menu with perfect wine pairing, Kelowna is the place for you.

Some of the most popular wineries in Kelowna are:

• Mission Hill Estate: visit for stunning hilltop location above Okanagan lake
• CedarCreek Estate Winery: offers a gorgeous setting south of Kelowna
• Quails Gate: elegant vibe that suits couples or small groups alike
• The Hatch: a quirky winery that uses funky labels and has very fun staff
• Kettle Valley Winery: just outside Kelowna and perfect if you’re on an Okanagan weekend itinerary to Penticton

When I spent a weekend in Kelowna, I found the amount of wineries overwhelming. There were so many great options but for obvious reasons I couldn’t visit them all. So, the wineries above are just the most popular in Kelowna. If you prefer to leave to someone else the planning, then I recommend booking a guided wine tour.

If you don’t have time to visit them all, I could not recommend more Mission Hill Estate or CedarCreek Estate Winery. The views from both places are unbeatable, as well as their multi-course menu selection. I tried them both personally and loved every single bit.

Best Things to do in Kelowna and Penticton

Kelowna and Penticton are great spots to be combined on a 3 day Kelowna itinerary. Not only can you relax and enjoy a glass of wine with lakeside views, but you can explore some of the nearby hiking trails and try some of the water activities.

Best Things to Do in Kelowna

• Relax at the beach and go for a swim in Okanagan Lake.
• Rent a paddleboard or kayak on Okanagan Lake.
• Go on a hike to Knox Mountain Park for stunning views over Kelowna and the lake.
• Enjoy a multi-course dinner paired with the perfect wine glass at one of the wineries.
• If you’re visiting Kelowna on a Saturday, check the Farmer’s and Crafters’ Market.
• Cycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail to Penticton. It’s ideal for all levels.
• Visit Kangaroo Creek Farm for a family-friendly activity.
• Try flyboarding or parasailing on Okanagan Lake for an adrenaline-packed afternoon.

Best Things to Do in Penticton

• Pick up fresh fruit from a farmer’s market on the way to Penticton.
• Go tubing in Penticton on the lazy river between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake.
• Explore the nearby wineries and vineyards, if you feel you’d like to visit more.
• Go fishing or boating on Skaha Lake.

3 Day Kelowna Itinerary from Vancouver

Day 1: Drive from Vancouver, visit Downtown Kelowna, wine tasting in the evening
Day 2: Drive to Penticton and go tubing on the lazy river
Day 3: Hike and drive back to Vancouver

Day 1: From Vancouver to Kelowna

If you’re driving from Vancouver, spend the first half of the day on the road to Kelowna. But if you have the time or some extra days consider stopping at some of the attractions along the way. Alternatively, if you decide to drive to Kelowna directly, account for about 4-5 hours.

Before you hit the road check the road conditions, as weather can sometimes be unpredictable and lead to road closures.

Once you reach Kelowna, spend the afternoon exploring Downtown. There are some great cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops. My favorite ice cream spot is Parlour (you’ll spot it by the amount of people lining outside).

In the evening check out one of the wineries at sunset. The first time we visited we opted for a multi-course menu paired with local wine at Mission Hill. On our second visit we checked out CedarCreek. In both cases, the food and wine were exceptional.

But if you’re only looking for one winery and it’s your first time in Kelowna, I’d recommend Mission Hill. The location and the stunning views are absolutely unbeatable!

Day 2: Drive from Kelowna to Penticton

In the morning, drive from Kelowna to Penticton and stop along the way at some of the farmer’s fruit stands. The local fruit is very good and makes for a perfect stop along the way.

Once you reach Penticton, decide whether to visit the small town first or go tubing on the lazy river between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. It’s a very fun experience to be enjoyed with friends. The good thing is also that at the end of the lazy river, there is a shuttle bus that will bring you back to Penticton.

Day 3: Hike in Kelowna and Drive Back to Vancouver

Before driving back to Vancouver, I recommend hiking in Knox Mountain Park. Here, there are multiple hikes you can choose from. We did the Apex Trail and enjoyed the great views over the lake.

If some of the activities in this 3-day Kelowna itinerary aren’t quite your style, feel free to mix and match or swap them out for others that suit you better. Also if Kelowna is just one stop on a bigger West Coast adventure, consider continuing your road trip toward Yoho National Park, Banff and the stunning Canadian Rockies.

Is it Worth Spending a Long Weekend in the Okanagan Valley?

Absolutely! A 3 day Kelowna itinerary or a weekend in Okanagan Valley is perfect for a bit of relaxation and wine tasting. Also, Kelowna is not too far from Vancouver, which makes it an ideal destination for a long weekend.

FAQ: 3 Day Kelowna Itinerary

1. Do I need a car to explore Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley?

Yes, a car is the best way to explore Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. Some wineries are spread out and most of the activities require a vehicle, so I would recommend renting a car, if you don’t own one.

2. How many wineries can I realistically visit in a day?

It depends on how long you want to spend at each winery and whether you’re booking a multi-course meal. If you’re doing wine tastings, then I would recommend visiting 3 to 5 wineries per day. You can also book a guided wine tour with transportation from Kelowna.

3. Can I swim in Okanagan Lake?

Yes. Kelowna has many accessible beaches where you can go for a swim, such as Gyro Beach, City Park and Boyce-Gyro Park.

4. What should I pack for a 3 day trip to Kelowna?

Differently to other parts of Canada, Kelowna can get very hot. So a hat and sunscreen is absolutely a must. But also remember to pack a light jacket when it gets cooler in the mornings and evenings.

5. Should I visit both Kelowna and Penticton?

Visiting Kelowna and Penticton gives you a full Okanagan experience. But if you’re short on time, here are some differences that may help you choose between the two. Kelowna is larger and has more winery options. But Penticton is smaller and laid-back. So it depends on whether you prefer a busier or a quieter experience.

6. Do I need to book winery tastings in advance?

Yes, especially if you’re visiting between June and September. If you are interested in seated tastings or the restaurant, I recommend booking in advance.

7. Are there any non-wine activities in Kelowna?

Yes, such as hiking Knox Mountain, cycling the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, paddleboarding, visiting Kangaroo Creek Farm or exploring the local Kelowna Farmers’ Market.