Ah, winter. The time when many Canadians embrace their inner national spirit by heading outdoors to enjoy the snow. You can often find them frolicking on the ski slopes on their Kanata vacations, racing down hills in sleds, and prancing about in their lawns without a care in the world. In other words, Canadians get weird during the winter.
Why are they so happy? Well, Kelowna, in particular, has a wide selection of winter activities that put smiles on the faces of residents and world travelers alike. Big White, one of the main ski resorts in the area, is ranked as one of the top 3 resorts in Canada. Take a look below for the best activities you just can’t miss during your stay in Kelowna.
Myra Canyon Trestles
A very popular destination during the spring and summer, the Myra Canyon trestles offer beautiful vistas. Originally, the Kettle Valley Railroad had a line on the now multi-use recreational trails that ran for many, many kilometers until it was disassembled and repurposed for tourism. Now you can take in the beautiful winter scenery and explore two massive tunnels along eighteen different trestles.
Snowshoeing
Being surrounded by beautiful mountains and hills has more perks than just a nice view in the morning. Tons of trails wrap around Kelowna which are free to explore on snowshoe during the winter. If you’re looking for something more challenging in terms of a hike the next item on our list might be of interest to you…
Big White Ski Resort
We already mentioned it before, but it’s definitely worth mentioning again: Big White is a place you just can’t miss visiting while you’re in Kelowna during the winter. Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding down any of 100+ trails the resort offers, there are still a plethora of options to experience. From numerous snowshoeing options to exploring all the après ski restaurants, there’s something for everyone at Big White.
Telemark Nordic Club
Spend your day in peace swooshing your skis through cross-country trails, at the Telemark Nordic Club. Surrounded by streams, wetlands, forests, and grasslands, the area provides a sanctuary for many animal species which you can spot hiking or snowshoeing through the wilderness for a true outdoors experience.
Ice Skating at Stuart Park Ice Rink
Skate for free from November until late February zooming around the ice rink to the sounds of music at Stuart Park Ice Rink. Open to everyone, you can even rent out a helmet and skates if you left yours at home. Stay warm as you skate with a warm hot chocolate or coffee from the many nearby downtown shops.
Dog Sledding
Cross an item off your bucket list by dog-sledding in Kelowna. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that will have you exploring the best of Kelowna’s back country.
Kelowna Stables at Myra Canyon Ranch
Just a short drive from the downtown core, explore the gorgeous landscape on horseback. You’ll see lush snowy forests and lake ridges along the trail network of Myra Bellevue Provincial Park. Whether you’re getting on a horse for the first time, or saddle up like an experienced cowboy or cowgirl, there are trails for all levels.
Winter-Themed Performances
It’s not technically a winter activity, but there are some pretty unique ballets and plays during winter in Kelowna. Check out what’s available during your Kanata vacation, you might be pleasantly surprised at what’s offered.
Winter Wine Tours
Thankfully, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean wine tours are over. There are plenty of wineries open year-round to check out and taste their best wines (and/or buy a few). Get some friends together for tastings and try some of their winter-themed bottles.
Don’t let the snow slow you down, there are plenty of options available to get the most out of your time in Kelowna during the winter. Even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you can still enjoy a variety of fun activities unique to winter.