5 Ways to Find Wellness in Kelowna’s Stunning Wine Country

Dusk and raindrops are falling and I’m descending a ladder into a small patch of the chilly Okanagan Lake for the third and final time this evening, wondering why I waited so long for this. Never one for contrast therapy’s cold circuit, I’m surprised to be bobbing in a bracing bath, popping up a minute later, wholly satisfied. “It’s almost like a Kelowna baptism,” chuckles Löyly Floating Sauna attendant Ally Benedet as I surface from the plunge pool in this tiny Finnish floating sauna attached to the dock of the Downtown Kelowna Marina.

We can all use more self-care these days. I’ve come to Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley’s biggest city—and birthplace of BC wine—intent on personal rejuvenation. With nearly 40 vineyards within 20 minutes, wine is central to Kelowna’s ethos, but it’s also blessed with stunning scenery, easy access to nature and excellent hiking, biking and unique adventures you didn’t know you needed.
Here are five ways to seek wellness in Kelowna wine country.
Take the Plunge

Löyly Floating Sauna, an adorable black building downtown on the docks, is located steps from my base at the all-suites hotel, The Royal Kelowna. The spa offers timed sunrise to sunset sessions in its signature eucalyptus and cedar-infused sauna. A floor-to-ceiling window gives sublime views of moored boats, the expansive lake and mountain ranges. Like a cat curled endlessly in a ray of sunshine, I’ve never been one for the cold. But lulled by Löyly’s strength-spirit-courage vibe, a lake temperature hovering tonight at a doable 13 C and simple curiosity, I made a game day decision to plunge in. The surprise? It’s a knee-knocking, teeth-chattering epiphany on the power of being alive. I’d absolutely do it again. The mental clarity is astounding.
Heart-Pumping High

For pure endorphin-fueled joy (and a chance to hike an extinct volcano,) start your morning trekking the popular Apex Trail up Knox Mountain. Walkable from downtown, the close to four-kilometre roundtrip trail gets your motor running with steep (but blessedly short) switchbacks up, culminating in commanding city, lake and mountain views. It’s an easy enough amble, but I did need to dig into my diaphragm to power the last steps up to the first wooden pavilion, a perfect vantage to catch your breath, bask in the bliss—and decide to continue on to the next viewpoint or loop back via the trail or access road for a welcome breakfast back in town.
Farm Strong

In 1919, Edwin Paynter planted a dream. Four generations later, at Paynter’s Fruit Market in West Kelowna, I almost expect angel song so astonishingly good is the plucked-from-the-tree Gala apple I’m devouring while following owner (and Paynter’s great-granddaughter) Jennay Oliver on a tour through the family-run orchards. Today, the 40-acre farm is fronted by a market brimming with its bounty. “It’s really wholesome to be able to grow food for people,” says Oliver, 40, who’s run Paynter’s for 17 years and employs a mostly female staff. Tours (fresh fruit included!) provide a meaningful connection to growers and farm life—from the constant pivot of unpredictable climate (last year, a devastating January cold snap destroyed their peach crop) to the excitement of crop diversification (her grandfather never could have imagined they’d grow kale!).
Into the Night

“A Great-horned owl was spotted earlier tonight. We’ll see if we can find it,” guide Kalin Ocaña says as we step into 17.9 hectare Bertram Creek Regional Park for a night of wonder exploring Kelowna’s evening beauty on a Regional District of the Central Okanagan nocturnal walk. Senses heightened, I happily meander paths lit only by stars and Ocaña’s flashlight, gaping at a deer seated in the darkness and looking for Kokanee salmon spawn, best seen from the rocky peninsula. While the owl remains elusive, Ocaña, a birder, interpreter and geography student, shares his extensive knowledge. “Visiting parks at night is exciting, different and can help people try something with a group they may not feel confident doing by themselves.” His favourite time to visit? Warm June nights, “watching the sunset and hearing the beautiful call of the poorwill from the hillsides and the hoot of Great-horned owls.”
Biking Bliss

As Canada’s unofficial cycling capital with over 300 kilometre of trails and a long season thanks to its mild climate, Kelowna is very bikeable whether your pleasure is pedaling in a park, along a lakeside path or testing your full-tilt mountain biking mettle. The Royal Kelowna has complimentary bikes for guests, and rental and guided tour options are available from local operators. Wanting to hit some wineries on an e-bike? I particularly enjoyed SpearHead Winery, a boutique vineyard in Southeast Kelowna, named Canada’s 2024 winery of the year and 2024 best performing small winery.
Where to Stay

Highlights of any stay at The Royal Kelowna include slipping into the outdoor hot tub and mood-boosting rooftop infinity pool (effortlessly blending into classic Okanagan mountain and lake background). One-to-three-bedroom suites feature full kitchens, a laundry and balconies, while the buzzy rooftop has a BBQ, fitness centre and space for self-guided yoga. Kelowna’s waterfront promenade, restaurants, shops and performing arts are only steps out the door.
Disclaimer: The writer was hosted as media by Bellstar Hotels.