Mention winter in Canada and some people shudder at the thought of extreme temperatures and mounds of snow. But travelers in the know head to Kelowna to experience all the joys of a cozy wintertime vacation without fear of freezing solid on the way to the car.
Nestled in the Okanagan Valley and shielded by the majestic Cascade Mountains of British Columbia, Kelowna is home to Canada’s most mild wintertime climate, making it ideal for those who want to experience the cooler temps and cozy vibes of the season while still being able to enjoy the great outdoors.
Kelowna offers plenty to do year-round, like wine tasting at one of the area’s 40-plus wineries; reconnecting with your inner child at the indoor water park, H2O Adventure and Fitness Center; getting out on beautiful Laka Okanagan for some water sports; and enjoying a delicious farm-to-table meal at one of the city’s many great eateries. While these activities await all year-round, when winter finally sets in, the region becomes a playground for those who love the snow and the outdoors.
The area is known for its great hiking trails, ideal in the winter months and featuring a variety of options for all skill levels. Knox Mountain Park, easily accessible from Downtown Kelowna, offers easy to moderate trails, letting you check out some of the local landmarks and great views of the city and lake. For those who like a bit more strenuous activity, you can head to higher elevations for the snowshoe trails to experience a winter wonderland up close and personal. Snowshoe parks, complete with heated cabins, let you unwind in the midst of the wilderness so you can really connect with nature without having to worry about the elements.
The Okanagan Valley also features plenty of skiing opportunities, and Kelowna is just a few hours away from two impressive ski resorts. Silver Star Mountain Resort offers a small-town feel with great Alpine slopes and Nordic skiing trails, while Big White Ski Resort, known for its pristine snow-covered slopes, offers so much more than just skiing. Guests can go tubing, sledding and ice skating. You can also take a snowmobile or dogsled tour or take your turn climbing the massive ice tower.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
Oct 8, 2026Fourth Annual Mexology Fest Coming to Riviera Nayarit
Make plans for the Nov. 2–3 Mexology Fest at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The celebration blends Day of the Dead traditions and Mexican spirits, with resort guests enjoying tasting, workshops and more, for four years and counting.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Hotel
Oct 7, 2026Hyatt Vivid Cancun Ushers in New Era of Social Travel
Wellness tourism continues to grow, and more and more tropical resorts shy away from traditional amenities like swim-up bars, late-night activities and traditional happy hours, instead opting for more immersive and community-driven experiences. A new kind of resort travel is emerging where connection, movement and shared experiences take center stage.
Cruises
Oct 7, 2026MSC Cruises Continues Coral Restoration Efforts
MSC Foundation — part of MSC Group, parent company of MSC Cruises — continues its coral restoration efforts in the Bahamas. Most recently, the foundation outplanted more than 30 nursery-grown fragments of elkhorn coral. Elkhorn coral is a critically endangered species, with the population declining by as much as 97 percent in the Caribbean since the 1980s.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Hotel
Oct 6, 2026Embrace Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Special Programming at This NYC Hotel
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and The Algonquin Hotel is going above and beyond to show support through a series of events, performances and special programming benefiting American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
ShareThis