How to Plan a Summer Vacation in Kelowna, British Columbia

Nestled in the picturesque Okanagan Valley, the city of Kelowna is an ideal vacation spot for beach bums, wine-enthusiasts, and golfers. Contrary to what most people believe, summer temperatures in Kelowna can reach near 100 degrees Fahrenheit due to the fact that the city is located in a semi-desert region. Because Kelowna is located on an 80 mile long lake and near numerous other lakes, there are many water-based activities for tourists to try. In addition, city planners have made Kelowna very recreation friendly by building pedestrian and bike lanes next to most major roads. Also, the city is freckled with public beach accesses and grassy parks for picnics. While it is impossible to include every possible activity in this article, the steps below should help guide you to plan a delightful vacation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bathing suit
• Sunscreen
• Walking shoes

1. Upon arriving in Kelowna, you'll want to locate one of the city's visitor's centres. The people at these centres will provide you with extensive information about local activities, and they should have pamphlets of information for you to review. The staff at your hotel should also be able to provide you with tourist information.

2. Make a list of all of the activities you want to try. Some activities, like a tour of Okanagan's wine country, or a visit to a local mountain resort, will require a car rental, so you'll want to plan for these outings. The city does have an effective transit system, and many places are within walking distance, so it is not necessary you rent a car.

3. If possible, call ahead to the place you want to patronize. Campsites, golf courses, and boat rental shops are very popular during the summer months, so you'll want to contact these places before you visit to be sure they can accommodate you.

4. Lather up with sunscreen during your outings. Even the Canadian summer sun is hot!

Tips & Warnings

• If you are visiting Canada from a foreign country, you must have a valid passport in order to enter the country.
• Contact www.tourismkelowna.com for detailed information about Kelowna's tourist attractions.
• Most of Kelowna's businesses welcome American money, so it isn't imperative that you exchange American dollars for Canadian dollars before you visit.