Downtown Kelowna is growing in so many ways. With each passing year, the city’s core appears to collect a number of new, trendy restaurants and bars, interesting businesses, fun events and festivals and activities of all kinds.
Like most cities, there are a few places and activities in downtown Kelowna whose popularity have not waned over the years. We’ve put together a few of the classics — how many can you check off the list?
Knox Mountain is one of Kelowna’s most popular hiking spots, and with good reason — it’s conveniently located right downtown, has a variety of trails and offers amazing views of Kelowna and the lake.
A true Knox Mountain hike is only complete with an epic photo at the lookout, of course.
Has anyone else noticed that downtown Kelowna is becoming a hub for local breweries? Some of them are newer to the scene, but cool brews have always paired well with hot Okanagan summers.
If you want to do the full tour, don’t miss Tree Brewing, BNA, Red Bird, Kettle River and Vice & Virtue. Cheers!
Whether you fancy a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or maybe a boat, there’s no better place to enjoy a day on the water than the Okanagan Lake.
If you don’t have your own watercraft, you can always rent one! You can also check out the new 'boat sharing' program at Kelowna's Aqua Marine Valet. If boating isn’t your thing, find a nice spot at one of the many beaches in the downtown area and spend a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
There’s nothing like grabbing a fresh slice of ‘za the size of your head at 2:00 am. Do you go for ranch, honey or (dare we say) both?
Whether you’re all about the Bean Scene Americanos, Pulp Fiction cappuccinos, Giobean hot chocolates, Bliss Bakery Mayan Mochas or Naked Cafe vegan lattes, getting your caffeine fix is easy with the abundance of local coffee shops in downtown Kelowna.
And with such lovely latte art and quaint settings, it’s practically impossible to not take a picture.
Rockets games at Prospera Place are a great way to get out, have some fun and support the community, whether or not you’re an avid hockey fan.
Go Rockets Go!
Some of Kelowna’s most renowned restaurants, like RauDz and Waterfront Wines, can be found right in the heart of downtown Kelowna.
Enjoying a meal and glass of wine or cocktail at a restaurant that utilizes the Okanagan bounty in its dishes is so worth it.
From outdoor yoga, to the November Project, to the Okanagan Run Collective and more, there always seems to be some kind of inclusive, health-oriented activity going on in downtown Kelowna.
Get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors and meet like-minded people while you’re at it!
This one is a given. With so many awesome patios, downtown Kelowna is a prime spot to do some hoppin’ and sippin’.
Bonus points if you’ve enjoyed a shot platter from Kelly O’s, Avocado Margarita from Fernando’s, GLC from Doc’s and, of course, a Long Island Iced Tea from Rose’s (RIP).
That fresh-off-the-press waffle cone aroma at Moo-lix will get you every time, and Parlour Ice Cream's locally-sourced products are a must-try!
The downtown area is definitely Kelowna’s festival hub. From the Okanagan Beer Fest, to farmers and crafters markets, to COG, to the Fat Cat Festival, to pop-up concerts on the island stage, there always seems to be something fun going on.
There is even an outdoor satellite farmer's market on St. Paul Street on Sundays now, just around the corner from the new Brooklyn building.
Whether you’re in it for the music, the drinks, the shopping or the food, attending one of downtown Kelowna’s many events is a must. Bonus points for watching the Fireworks and eating a whole bag of mini donuts at the Canada Day Festival.
There’s no lack of great brunch spots in downtown Kelowna. Have you tried Hip Hop Brunch at Krafty Kitchen, or the many tasty creations at The Boh yet?
Convenient bike paths are popping up all over Kelowna. The paths along Cawston Avenue and Abbott Street have been around for awhile now, and they’re a great way to commute to or from downtown or simply enjoy a leisurely ride. The boardwalk downtown is also a great place to go for a ride and catch some views of the lake.
Bonus points if you’ve tried out one of the new Dropbikes that can now be found all over the downtown area and beyond.
Every winter, Stuart Park in downtown Kelowna is transformed into a picture-perfect skating rink. There’s nothing quite like a hot chocolate, twinkly lights, a warm fire pit and some time on the ice to get you in the holiday spirit.
This is just a short list of the amazing adventures in downtown Kelowna. The best way to really take advantage of all that this neighbourhood has to offer is, of course, to live right in the midst of it.
Brooklyn at Bernard Block is a new condominium by Mission Group coming to the heart of downtown Kelowna. If your ideal home includes living, working, eating and playing all within walking distance, Brooklyn could be the place for you! The public sales release will begin in September with competitive pricing starting in the mid $300,000’s for one-bedroom suites. Also available for purchase will be the one-bedroom plus den, two-bedrooms and a limited collection of sub-penthouses..
How many were you able to check off the list, and what are your favourite downtown Kelowna activities?
Brooklyn at Bernard Block is a new 25-storey concrete condominium tower right in the heart of vibrant downtown Kelowna, at 1471 St. Paul Street.
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