4 things to do this fall in Kelowna
Clear days and pleasant temperatures make autumn an ideal season for outdoor adventure. Okanagan Lake is still alluring for a sail or leisurely paddle, but as the leaves change from green to yellow, orange and red, their dramatic colours call hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to the hills.
Hike or bike the Myra Canyon Trestles
When the highlands above the city turn yellow in mid-October, head up to Myra Canyon to hike or cycle a scenic portion of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The needles of larch trees turn a glorious gold and make a picturesque backdrop on the 12-km (one-way) path that crosses 18 trestles and passes through two tunnels.
Riding a mountain bike? Extend your ride into Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park for some single track fun and enjoy the changing leaf colours, canyon and lake views.
Fall harvest
Fall is harvest season in the valley and agri-tourism is a growing trend. Visit a fruit stand or farmers market to load up on fresh produce, or go right to the source at farm orchard for apples, pumpkins and family fun in corn mazes and petting zoos. Go on a self-guided tour through the spectacular landscapes of Kelowna to farms and agri-related sites, and fabulous farm to table restaurants. Take your time, meet the locals, talk to the chefs and farmers, and find surprises around every corner.
Wine tour
There’s a buzz in the air at Kelowna’s more than 40 wineries, too. Wine grape harvest coincides with the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Join a guided tour along one of five regional wine trails, pair local, seasonal food with valley wine at a winery restaurant, or participate in a festival event such as wine tasting and stargazing.
Did you know Kelowna is home to the first winery and vineyards in British Columbia (BC)? Vineyards were first being planted in 1859 and BC’s first-ever original winery opened downtown Kelowna in 1932.
Golf
Crisp fall days are perfect to enjoy a round of golf, and due to the mild weather in Kelowna, they are open well into the season as long as the weather permits (some years you can golf in December). With 19 courses to choose from, they’ll be something just right for you. Diverse layouts by renowned course architects like Jack Nicklaus, Les Furber, and Thomas McBroom make Kelowna a golf destination where you can both challenge and reward yourself every day. From bent-grass greens and PGA Tour quality links-like design to player-friendly, wide fairways, the choice is yours.