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Your official guide to October in Kelowna

Ahh, fall is in the air! The leaves are changing colours, the air is crisp and cool and sunsets dawn us in golden light a little bit earlier each day. Autumn in Kelowna is almost as good as it gets! Countless businesses are offering seasonal goods and activities as well as places to explore during this season! It is the perfect time to get out and #ExploreKelownaToday.

That is why we have partnered with Tourism Kelowna to compile an October Guide so you can make the most of this beautiful season in this amazing city, right now! Not to mention, there will be weekly Instagram contests announced on KelownaNow every Wednesday for the next three months so you can get out and discover something new in your very own backyard. Stick with us to the end to find out about the first few wicked prizes!

Now that we’ve officially established that now is one of the best times to be in this lovely city, why not invite your friends and family for a visit! We made a list of our favourite activities so that together, you can #ExploreKelownaToday! These activities are sure to please locals and visitors alike!

#1. Enjoy an intimate meal at one of Kelowna’s world-class winery restaurants.

<who> Photo courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - CedarCreek Estate Winery </who>There are so many amazing restaurants in the Central Okanagan but to be located inside a winey is a major bonus! During autumn, we suggest treating yourself to a meal prepared by some of the best chefs in the province with some of the freshest local ingredients while you still have the chance.

If you’re looking for a delectable wine-paired tasting menu, Home Block at Cedar Creek is the place for you. Letting the land dictate the menu, Chef Neil keeps guests engaged with new dishes supplied by what’s in season.

BLOCK ONE at 50th Parallel has unparalleled views and an impressive space. Visit this winery restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal made from the seasonal produce grown in their very own culinary garden.

For more local winery and farm-to-table restaurants, click here.

#2. Sip on a seasonal latte at one of our many amazing local coffee shops.

This time of year, anything pumpkin flavoured is a win in our books. There are so many great local cafes in Kelowna to keep you fully caffeinated on all your adventures. So buckle up and grab your mugs and sip your way through the city.

Try Bright Jenny’s Cedar Spice latte or The Local Chemist’s classic PSL for your pumpkin fix. If you’re not keen on the big orange squash, opt for The Local Chemist’s eggnog or rootbeer lattes. YUM!

Okay, this final one may not be a coffee but it’s too good not to share. Sprout Bread Shop is serving up a pumpkin cheesecake croissant this month. Just remember to go early as they are known to sell out of their decadent treats!

Explore more local coffee shops around town here, by clicking here.

#3. Attend one of Kelowna’s exciting events

<who> Image courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Brandon Dodds & Kelowna Pride </who>

It certainly has been a while since we’ve been able to get out of the house to enjoy some fun events! For the rest of the month, Kelowna is hosting some exciting activities! Grab your friends and family, you won’t want to miss these.

Kelowna Pride Week is officially on for 2021! Along with it comes a variety of fun festivities for the whole family! Celebrate at The Rotary Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. To view more Pride events taking place around the city all week, click here.

Culture Days is a national organization that celebrates arts and culture in Canada. Until October 24, there are a ton of events happening around the city and virtually to bring people together and enjoy art! Click here for more information.

There are lots of other great events taking place around the city! For more, click here.

#4. Embrace fall at a pumpkin patch or corn maze

<who>Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Matt Ferguson Photography</who>Whether you are looking for a jack-o-lantern or simply a fun family outing, there is no better time to visit one of Kelowna’s farms.

Small ones, big ones, orange ones or green ones! Don O Ray’s Farm is full of pumpkins of all sizes so you and your family can pick and choose your favourites to take home with you.

If a puzzling corn maze is more your style there are a few to choose from in Kelowna. Right here in the heart of Glenmore, we have the Kelowna Corn Maze. Visit in the day for family friendly fun or in the evenings for spooky delights!

Another option is McMillan Farms. Not only do they have a pumpkin patch but they also have a corn maze, petting zoo and more!

Families love Kelowna Fruit N Veggies for their family-friendly corn adventure located right here in the city. Get lost in the corn while trying to solve a mystery… who kidnapped Farmer Joe!

It’s only a matter of time until these corn mazes are gone for the season so grab your crew and get exploring!

#5. Visit Myra Canyon to see the golden larch trees.

<who> Image courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Matt Ferguson Photography </who>There is no doubt that Kelowna is full of stunning red, orange and yellow leaves in the fall, but did you know that the mountains in Kelowna are home to a rare natural phenomenon?

Larch trees are an unusual pine tree that sheds its needles in the fall after they turn a beautiful shade of gold. These trees draw crowds of photographers and nature lovers to pockets of larch trees across the country.

They grow naturally in mixed forests but can be found in groups after large forest fires. After the 2003 wildfire, Myra Canyon was left with thousands of these beautiful trees. Now you can enjoy our amazing biking and walking trails while taking in the golden mountain.

Bring your friends and your camera because these pine needles won’t be around for much longer.

That’s it for our guide this month, check back in November for more fun activities recommendations!


Before you go, here is the official sneak peek at the contest we will be running for the rest of the month! Share a photo of you exploring Kelowna using the hashtag #ExploreKelownaToday during the dates below to be entered to win the prize pack of the week.

BONUS entry! Share a photo of you at any of the businesses listed below during their week for an extra entry!

Wednesday, October 20 - Tuesday, October 26 win our Downtown Shopping Spree Prize Package which includes a $100 gift card to each of the following businesses; Textile Apparel, Morgane, Grey Hearts Denim, Stone Fox Clothing Collective and The District on Bernard for a total of $500!

Wednesday, October 27 - Tuesday, November 2 one lucky winner will receive a Wellness Weekend Staycation. This prize includes $200 to the Coast Capri, a $200 spa gift card at Beyond Wrapture and a $100 gift card for Frankie, We Salute You!

So, whether you are a local looking for adventure or a tourist just discovering Kelowna or you’re welcoming friends and family to enjoy our amazing city, we encourage you to get out and #ExploreKelownaToday!