Kelowna sits in the middle of the Okanagan Valley, which means that most of the region's best sights are a drive of an hour or less. That is a gift for day trippers, because you can sleep in the same hotel each night and still cover wine districts, lakes and mountains. This guide covers the five most worthwhile day trips, with approximate driving times, what to do and how to combine them. You will want a car for most, though several are also available as organised tours.
Penticton and the SS Sicamous: south along the lake
Penticton is about an hour south of Kelowna, sitting between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. The main sight is the SS Sicamous, a restored sternwheeler on the Okanagan Lake shore that now serves as a heritage museum and tells the story of the lake steamers that once linked the valley. Its hours are seasonal and reduced in winter, so check before you drive. Add a walk along the lakeshore, a visit to the beach and lunch in town, and consider making it part of a longer wine day if you also want to taste around Naramata.
The Naramata Bench: boutique wine above the lake
A short drive north of Penticton, the Naramata Bench is a narrow strip of vineyards on terraces above the lake, with dozens of small family estates. Winding Naramata Road gives the best scenery, and the tasting rooms are intimate, often with terraces and views. A guided tour is the easiest way to do it, because a driver removes the stress of the bends and the reservations. Combine it with the SS Sicamous for a full day, or choose it on its own and linger. It is best from late spring to autumn, when patios are open and the lake glitters below.
Vernon and Kalamalka Lake: north to the turquoise lake
Vernon is about 45 minutes north, and the main attraction is Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, famous for its turquoise water, sandy beaches and grassland trails with lookouts. It is free to enter, and a beach day with a short hike makes a pleasant half day. Add a stop at Sparkling Hill Resort for lunch or a spa afternoon, and drive part of the Okanagan Rail Trail if you want a flat ride beside the lakes. The colour is strongest on bright summer days, but the scenery is lovely in every season.
Big White: mountain days in winter
In the cooler months, Big White Ski Resort is the standout day trip, roughly an hour from Kelowna on a mountain road that can be snowy. You can ski, snowboard, tube or simply ride the lifts and enjoy the village. Book lift tickets and lessons ahead, check road conditions and tyre rules, and consider a shuttle if you would rather not drive in snow. In summer the mountain is quieter, with mountain biking and hiking, and services vary, so check what is running.
Myra Canyon and the Rail Trail: railway history close to home. Not every day trip needs a long drive. Myra Canyon, about 40 minutes from downtown, is the classic outing on the old Kettle Valley Railway, with trestles and tunnels in a canyon high above Kelowna. It is free and suits walkers and cyclists, and the access road is gravel, so check conditions. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a gentler option at valley level, suited to families and casual cyclists, with sections along the lakes.
How to combine them
Pair Penticton with Naramata for a south day, Vernon with Kalamalka Lake and Sparkling Hill for a north day and Myra Canyon with a winery stop for a short east-side day. Keep Big White for a winter day by itself. If you have three days, one day trip plus two days based in Kelowna is a good balance, and four days lets you do both a north and a south excursion.
Practical tips
Fill the tank and bring water, because distances between services can be long. Check seasonal hours for museums, park services and winery tasting rooms before you set out. Allow for traffic on summer weekends, especially on the main highway through Kelowna, and avoid driving after wine tasting by booking a tour or a driver. In winter, check road conditions and carry traction aids. Wildfire smoke can affect views and air quality in late summer, so keep a plan B for each day.