While Kelowna has a reputation as a summer destination, winter in the city can be just as stunning.
Snowy mountains frame the Okanagan Valley, and the peaceful, glassy water of Okanagan Lake instills an idyllic calm.
The mild climate and relaxed atmosphere make the winter months perfect for locals to explore the restaurants, wineries and attractions that make the Central Okanagan such a draw for visitors from all over the world.
Rewards for exploring the Kelowna area
Tourism Kelowna has made exploring at home fun and rewarding with two passes designed for locals: the #exploreKelowna Local Savings Pass and the #exploreKelowna Wine Trails Passport.
They are both easy to sign up for on tourismkelowna.com. There are no apps to download; instead, the passes are delivered through text and email and redeemed on mobile.
Local savings on food, drinks and fun
The Local Savings Pass has exclusive discounts and offers for restaurants, attractions, accommodations and other local fun.
There are also some great cash prizes for redeeming at least five offers in a month, including monthly prizes worth $500, as well as a grand prize worth $2,500.
There are more than 60 participating businesses on the Local Savings Pass, including wineries, breweries and distilleries. Examples of deals to be had include:
- Complimentary upgrade to a small lot portfolio tasting at Sandhill Wines in downtown Kelowna
- 20 per cent off massage and esthetics at Eldorado Resort
- Complimentary wine tasting and 10 per cent off in-store purchases at Meadow Vista Honey Wines
- Free Rebel tasting at Forbidden Spirits Distilling Co.
- 2-for-1 admission at the Kelowna Art Gallery
- 20 per cent off Love for Kelowna and Kelowna Vibes products at the Kelowna Visitor Centre
- Complimentary tasting for two at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery
- 2-for-1 experience at Peak Cellars
- 10 per cent off a tour with Moccasin Trails
- 20 per cent off the dining bill at OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar
- 10 per cent off tours from Okanagan Foodie Tours
- Free coffee at Sprout Bread
- 2-for-1 tastings and 5 per cent off wine purchases at Priest Creek Family Estate Winery
- 20 per cent off your order at WINGS Kelowna
Do keep in mind that when redeeming offers from the pass, businesses may need proof that you’re a resident of the Central Okanagan.
Everyone who redeems five offers in a month will be entered into the grand prize draw for $1,000 towards accommodation, $1,000 towards activities, attractions and tours, and $500 towards food and drink.
Passport for touring wineries
The off-season is a great time to explore Central Okanagan wineries. It’s less crowded inside tasting rooms, and the vineyards are gorgeous with a light dusting of snow.
Many wineries are open year-round.
The Central Okanagan has five different wine trails to check out: Lakeshore Wine Route, Westside Wine Trail, Lake Country’s Scenic Sip, Downtown’s Grapes to Grains, and Sip South East Kelowna.
To make the wine-hopping experience even more enjoyable (and affordable), Tourism Kelowna offers a Wine Trails Passport.
The passport, which features 15 top locations, is available to use until the end of 2022.
Benefits range from complimentary tastings to discounts on drinks and bottles.
Those who check in at five different wineries to redeem the deals will have the chance to win two cases of wine.
Even more to do in Kelowna
There are lots of activities and experiences in Kelowna when the snow flies.
Stuart Park downtown is a popular winter attraction with a free outdoor rink—complete with a Zamboni to keep the ice pristine and a fire pit for warming up chilly fingers.
Knox Mountain Park, just north of downtown, makes for a beautiful winter hike with rewarding views of the city.
There are also lots of indoor activities to stay out of inclement weather. In downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District, there’s a museum and art gallery to check out, boutiques to browse, craft breweries to visit, restaurants to sample, and coffee shops to order a warm drink.