6 Adventurous Activities To Do In Kelowna, BC

So you’re off to Kelowna and looking for some outdoor activities to add to your itinerary?! You’ve come to the right place for adventurous activities to do in Kelowna! The Okanagan is known for its fantastic wineries and craft breweries, but here you’ll find some unique activities you can do beforehand to earn yourself a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc or a cold beer!

1. Go for a Hike in Bear Creek Park

Bear Creek is a beautiful Provincial Park located right across the lake from downtown in west  Kelowna. It has a couple of hiking trails, moderately ranked, that make it the perfect place to escape the city and get some fresh air. The most popular trail that gives you amazing views of Kelowna, the waterfall and canyon is Canyon Rim Trail. This loop is only about 3 km and 120 m in elevation so it’s short and sweet!

2. Bike or Run Along the Myra Canyon Trestle

The Myra Canyon Trestle is a network of old railway tracks and bridges built between 1912 – 1914  that have been converted into pedestrian use for hiking, biking or running. It’s a 24 km scenic drive from downtown Kelowna that passes by many wineries and orchards along the way. These tracks are originally part of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), and include 2 tunnel bridges and 18 trestles that line a walled canyon. It is 12 km one-way from Myra Station to Ruth Station, about 2-2.5 hours all in. The views are spectacular and if you’re lucky enough to visit during the fall you’ll be surrounded by golden larches! We rode our mountain bikes along the path but you could also get by with a gravel or cross country bike. If you’re leaving your bike at home, you’ll find on-site rentals available at Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals. The Trestles are one of the most adventurous things to do in Kelowna and a must not miss!

3. Go for a Mountain Bike Adventure at Crawford Trails

Crawford Trails is part of Myra Bellevue Provincial Park and has a network of awesome trails ranging from green to black diamond. There was unfortunately a fire in this area some years ago, however, it actually works in your favor because you’ll have a unique unobstructed view!. The terrain here is fairly different and you can be riding anything from rock slabs to rock gardens. Some popular trails are Vapour and Rocky Screech. Be sure to check out Trail Forks and plan some fun laps at the Crawford Trails for some adventurous activities in Kelowna!

4. Lebanon Creek Park

This is one of my favorite hikes and adventurous activities to do in Kelowna! Lebanon Creek Park has a variety of scenic trails but this particular hike will get the glutes firing and provide a 360 degree view of the lake, hills and Kelowna that will not leave you disappointed! Cedar Mountain via Lebanon Creek Trail is roughly 5km and 335m as the trail takes you up into the surrounding hills. Be sure to put this on your list!

5. Smith Creek Mountain Bike Trails

Hop over to West Kelowna if you’re looking for a real adventure and some flowy mountain bike trails (I mean who doesn’t love flow!?). Hail Pail is a great up-track with plenty of switchbacks to mitigate the elevation gain. You’ll even be rewarded with a view of the lake once you are near the top. I’d recommend ‘Feel the Love’ to hit on the way down, a black diamond run but doesn’t feel too challenging except for the section at the end, which you can easily avoid if need be. This lap was about 9.5km and 400m, which can easily be completed in 1.5 hours. Smith Creek has some gnarly trails that will make your Kelowna trip an absolute adventure!

6. Run the Kelowna Wine Country 5km, 10km, or Half Marathon!

This running event is an absolute blast! The Kelowna Wine Country Festival typically takes place mid-late June (this year it’s June 17th, 2023), which is such a perfect time to adventure in Kelowna. No matter what distance you choose, you’ll be running through beautiful vineyards, valleys and orchards. From up top, the view of the lake is stunning and will keep you motivated to reach the finish line! However, the reason I chose this event as a main adventure to take part in on your trip to Kelowna is for the race afterparty… Set on a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake, there’s a live band and free sample of local wine, beer and cider! Name a better way to cap off an adventure?!

Kelowna is known for its amazing wine and craft beer and endless views of the Okanagan. However, these 6 Adventurous Activities in Kelowna are a perfect way to mix in some fresh air and exercise before indulging in the wonderful beverages. Leave a comment below if you’ve hit some of these trails before and don’t forget to subscribe to VentureVida for more adventure ideas!