Welcome to Kelowna: A Playground for Adventure Lovers!
If you thought Kelowna was just about wine tours and lazy lake daysโฆ think again.
Tucked right in the heart of British Columbiaโs Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a hidden gem for adrenaline junkies. Between the mountains, the sprawling lakes, and the endless trails, youโre basically standing in one giant outdoor playground.
Whether youโre into flying, biking, paddling, or pure free-fall thrills, Kelownaโs got something thatโll get your heart racing. Letโs get into it.
Top Adventures in Kelowna
1. Ziplining Over the Okanagan Valley
If youโve never flown across treetops at 70 km/h, youโre seriously missing out.
Check out Oyama Zipline Adventure Park, where you can tackle Canadaโs longest zipline at a whopping 2 km long. Plus, the views of Kalamalka Lake from up there? Unreal.
2. Cliff Jumping at Rattlesnake Island
For the ultimate โYOLOโ moment, take a boat out to Rattlesnake Island on Okanagan Lake. There are cliffs of all heights, from beginner-friendly to the full send (10+ meters!). Just make sure you scout your landing zone first โ safety first!
3. Mountain Biking at Knox Mountain
Knox Mountain Park is basically mountain biking heaven.
The trails range from fast, flowy runs to technical downhill challenges. And bonusโyouโll get killer lake views every time you stop to catch your breath (which might be often, no judgment).
4. Flyboarding on Okanagan Lake
You heard me: flyboarding. Strap into a board that shoots water jets and literally blast yourself above the lake.
Okanagan Flyboard offers beginner lessons if youโve never tried it before โ and honestly, itโs easier than it looks once you get the hang of it!
5. Skydiving Over Kelowna
Ready to check โjump out of a planeโ off your bucket list?
Okanagan Skydiving offers tandem jumps from 10,000 feet, with views of the valley, vineyards, and lakes. Nothing says โadventureโ like free-falling at 200 km/h.
6. Wake Surfing on Okanagan Lake
If skydiving feels a little intense, how about wake surfing?
You can rent boats and gear right in Kelowna and spend the afternoon catching (and wiping out on) endless waves. Plus, itโs a great workout.
7. Rock Climbing at Skaha Bluffs
About an hourโs drive south, Skaha Bluffs is one of Canadaโs top rock climbing spots.
There are over 1,000 routes from beginner-friendly slabs to hardcore vertical climbs. Even if youโre new to climbing, local guides can set you up with an intro lesson.
8. Hiking the Kettle Valley Railway Trestles
Adventure doesnโt always have to mean full send.
The Myra Canyon Trestles hike along the historic Kettle Valley Railway is super scenic and has cool tunnels and trestle bridges (18 of them, to be exact). Bonus points if you bike it!
9. Parasailing Above the Lake
If you like the idea of flying but prefer to stay attached to something, parasailing is the way to go.
Several companies at the waterfront offer tandem flights that get you up to 300 feet in the air, high enough to see the vineyards across the whole valley.
10. Winter Adventures at Big White Ski Resort
If youโre visiting Kelowna in winter, donโt miss Big White.
This place is hugeโ2,700 acres of skiable terrainโwith everything from mellow family runs to steep glades for advanced riders. They even have ice climbing and snowmobiling if you want to mix it up.
Planning Your Kelowna Adventure
A few quick tips to make your adventure-packed trip go smoothly:
- Book tours early in peak seasons (JulyโAugust and DecemberโMarch).
- Rent a car โ a lot of the good spots (especially Big White and Skaha Bluffs) arenโt within walking distance.
- Pack warm โ weather can change fast.
- Check the rules โ cliff jumping and flyboarding are rad, but know your limits.
Extreme Adventures for the Brave
If you really want to feel like youโre going to die (in a good way), put these at the top of your list:
- Skydiving over the valley
- Flyboarding like a boss
- Cliff jumping at Rattlesnake Island
(Pro tip: donโt schedule them all on the same day unless youโre part cyborg.)
Just One More Thingโฆ
Ever wished for the fun without the hassle of planning? Our Canada Hustle app is the perfect answer when you are looking to make your stay fun and easy. Finding the best places to hike, trek, swim, and sail is just a few clicks away.
Available for both Android and iOS users, this oneโs a lovely travel companion. Be it wild adventures, captivating stories, or calm escapes, Canada Hustle builds the experience youโre looking for.
Endnotes: Kelowna is for the Adventurous
At first glance, Kelowna looks like a relaxing wine country getawayโand it is. But dig deeper and youโll find a full-on adventure scene.
Whether youโre hiking trestles, flying over water, or free-falling from the sky, Kelowna delivers pure, unadulterated adrenaline. So grab your gear, charge your GoPro, and get ready to live loud.
