Go Here: Pair Outdoor Adventures with the Best Breweries and Wineries in Kelowna, BC
Found on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is surrounded by pine forest, parks, vineyards, orchards and mountains. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventure in one of Canada’s prettiest landscapes.
Bike fanatics will want to cruise trails such as the Myra Canon Trestles, with 18 trestle bridges, two tunnels and splendid city and lake views. Apex Trail at Knox Mountain just north of downtown offers hikers several trail options and south facing views. And, for water lovers, Okanagan Lake beckons paddle boarders and kayakers, or those who want to catch some big air wakeboarding, parasailing or hydro flying.
The gateway to the gorgeous Okanagan Valley is also well-known as a wine destination. Now, breweries are also making their mark on the city. Here are a few perfect pairings—adventure with a side of something to sip:
Cycle Knox Mountain, then take a break with a brew at Vice & Virtue or Kettle River Brewery
Mountain bike enthusiasts can easily access Knox Mountain Park from the city’s north end. Moderately rated, riders can pick from trails that fit their skill level from cross country and single track, to downhill action complete with berms and jumps. Consider peddling 20 minutes to Shale Trail and enjoy a short, fast two-kilometre trail descent from the top. After cruising, zip over to Vice & Virtue Brewing Co, three kilometres away, to cool off with the fruit filled beer, Love Potion Raspberry “Berliner Vice” or to nearby neighbourhood hot spot, Kettle River Brewing for one of their tasty brews, like Pineapple Gose.
Downtown offers soaring, SUP’ing and sipping at Ricco Bambino
One of the best things about Kelowna is that access to Okanagan Lake is easy, even from downtown. Consider a peaceful paddle to take in mountain views starting out from Hot Sands Beach. Or if you’re up for the adventure, crank it up several notches to skyrocket into mid-air and soar high above the lake with flyboarding! Either way, the perfect spot to chill after is at super hip urban winery, Ricco Bambino, where delish wines such as Sauvignon Blanc with hints of or the bubbles of Very Troubled Child (Rosé Brut), a blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, await.
Hikers are rewarded with views galore at Mount Boucherie and Quails’ Gate Estate Winery
Epic views and epic wines go hand and hand. Trek along Boucherie Rush Trail to the top of Mount Boucherie, a once active but now extinct volcano. Six kilometres round trip, the one-to-three-hour moderate to difficult hike pays off with incredible views of Okanagan Lake and the vineyards and orchards below. The beauty continues in West Kelowna when you head 4.8 kilometres to Quails’ Gate Estate Winery; a family-owned and operated winery with wines perfectly matched to the incredible grounds. Splurge on the Rerserve Chardonnay!
Wild Ambition makes a worthwhile detour while biking the Okanagan Rail Trail
Bike a portion of the super scenic Okanagan Rail Trail, a discontinued rail corridor starting out from Old Vernon Road (just past the airport), where you’ll likely see planes take off and land. Detour mid-ride (six kilometres in) and head to the city’s industrial area for a flight from one of the city’s newest breweries, Wild Ambition, quickly becoming known for sours and complex-crafted, yet great tasting beer like Spilled Ink. Then, hop back on for ten kilometres to finish your ride in downtown. Recommend: jump in Okanagan Lake to cool off!
Pins and Pints at BNA Brewing
Is there a better combo than beer and bowling? Though it’s an indoor activity, bowling can still be an adventure! Enjoy a round of ten pin bowling at BNA Brewing Co & Eatery, easily one of the most impressive brewery spaces in Kelowna. While there unwind, knock pins and drink great beer, like Big Mario, IPA, delivered right to your lane.
