4 things to do this spring in Kelowna
Spring is a beautiful season in the Okanagan Valley. Almost on cue, the snow melts, the grass greens up, and the leaves and flowers get busy budding and blooming when the calendar turns to April. With sunnier days and rising temperatures, spring in Kelowna means it’s time to lace up the hiking boots, embrace the blossoms, and book a tee time.
Most Kelowna hiking trails are clear of snow in early April. Head to the Johns Family Nature Conservancy in Kettle Valley for wildlife spotting and pretty views all the way up Okanagan Lake. Take the kids on an easy lakeside hike along the Paul’s Tomb trail, which starts at the base of Knox Mountain close to downtown. For the adventurous, trek up Mount Boucherie, an extinct volcano in West Kelowna, and then stop in at one of the wineries on the Westside Wine Trail for an après-hike reward.
From mid-April to late-May the valley comes to life with blossoming orchards and vineyards. Drive the Lakeshore Wine Route to take it all in, or stop in at an orchard market to admire the pink and white petals. To see more flowers and trees awakening to the season, wander along the manicured paths at Guisachan Heritage Park and Kasugai Gardens.
Duffers and pros alike love Kelowna and they’re eager to get swinging as soon as the fairways green up. The majority of the region’s 19 golf courses open by mid-April, and mild spring temperatures coupled with lingering daylight means there’s no bad tee time.
Hike or Bike at Rose Valley Regional Park
One of the largest parks in the Kelowna area, Rose Valley Regional Park, has a reservoir lake smack in the middle with trails on both sides of it, which are often dry with very little mud and absolutely no streams overrunning the trails, making it ideal for spring adventures. With over 40 km of trails in this network, the park is suitable for anyone looking to create their own adventure and you can take your dog as they are welcome on leash.
Orchard Blossoms
Beginning in early April, Kelowna is awash in blossoms. It’s a dazzling display of pastel colour, trees alive in the rebirth of spring, signaling the promise of sweet rewards to follow. Visitors wanting to experience the beauty of the spring blossoms first hand will find orchards distributed throughout the Kelowna area—such as Arndt Orchards, Kempf Orchards, or Paynter's Fruit Market—which are also great places to learn about agri-tourism in the region.
Golf
Kelowna offers one of the longest, driest golf seasons in Canada. Vineyards, orchards, semi-desert terrain, rolling hills, and expansive lake views make the golf courses in the area some of the most picturesque in the country. With 19 courses that range from easy-going to ego-shattering, there is something in Kelowna for every skill level.
Wine Tour
More time enjoying wine, less time waiting. This is what can be expected when wine touring in the spring. Be the first to try and purchase newly released rosé and white wines—many great wines sell out later in the year so touring in the spring increases the chance of getting all the wines on the list. Book with a guided tour operator, who can build a customized wine tour and handle the driving so you can sit back, take in the flavour, and soak up the scenery.