Kelowna can be an expensive city to visit. The hotels during the summer months can skyrocket past $300 per night. Add to that the activities and you might be surprised how much visiting Kelowna can cost you. Luckily, there are some really special activities that you can do that are either free or that are budget friendly. You can also find 5 wineries offering wine tasting on a budget in Kelowna at the bottom of this post.
Mural Hunting – Free things to do in Kelowna
Definitely one of my favourite free things to do in Kelowna. Mural hunting!
Kelowna has some incredible murals thanks to the Uptown Mural Project for bringing some colour to the Rutland neighbourhood. As well as the UBC fine arts program called Art in the Streets taking on 5 giant murals along the Landmark buildings. It is a great photo opportunity to hunt for these murals and appreciate some free art.
Downtown Kelowna also has its fair share of murals to check out. You can find a map of all Kelowna’s murals here.
Fencing – Free Open House on Saturdays
Kelowna’s Okanagan Freestyle Fencing offers an open house on Saturdays available for families to try fencing from 11:30 am to 1 pm. If you’re in Vernon they do offer select days of training if you want to book a session, lessons or spar. I braved an open house session with my son this summer for a budget friendly Kelowna activity. It was so much fun to experience something new alongside my son and he really enjoyed it!
Roller Derby Tuesdays – Free / skate rental cost
Join the free roller derby held downtown at the outdoor rink in the summertime from July to the end of August. It may be the prettiest outdoor roller rink with a view of the Okanagan Lake. It is free if you have your own skates or there are some available for rent roadside.
Bird Watching – Free
The Okanagan is one of the premier destinations for bird watching in the world. I’ve spotted bird watching group tours walking along Mission Creek where you can easily photograph bald eagles tending to their young in a giant nest as well as plenty of quail (frequent visitors to my garden), red faced Muskoka ducks, common Mergansers, the rare Mandarin duck and lots of Mallards. I have even seen a pheasant only once. You can find a running list of which birds to find now in Kelowna and the Okanagan by clicking here.
Visit the Beach – Free
A good beach day is exactly what many come to the Okanagan for. I for one don’t own a boat but I do love to take my SUP board out to one of the many lakes in the Okanagan. One of my favourites is Kalamalka Lake but I also love Kelowna’s Bertram Creek Park for the playground, the option of sand or grass and hiking. It also offers a nice view of West Kelowna and is surrounded by the Lakeshore Wine Route wineries should you want to take part in a tasting.
Visit the Farmers’ Market – Suits your budget
Visiting the Kelowna Farmers’ Market is a must for first timers or those just looking for something to do on a Saturday morning. The new location at the Landmark District has made for a larger space with more culture and colour. Murals decorate what would be plain grey concrete walls of the surrounding office buildings. There’s lots of see and taste giving you a great sense of the food scene in the Okanagan. Once you’re done at the market I also suggest a DIY food tour of the area. Places like Copper Brewing, Limey The British Shop, Midtown Station, Habibi Tapas and so much more!
Wine Tasting on a Budget in Kelowna – $5-$15 or free for members
Below are a list of wineries that offer reasonably priced tasting fees that will suit your budget. If you’re biking the area or just want to pop into a winery while in town without spending money on a tour then these are some great spots for wine tasting on a budget in Kelowna!
- The View Winery, East Kelowna
Located in East Kelowna this historic apple packing house serves 5 tastings of wines or ciders at $10 - Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Lakeshore Wine Route
It is worth check out for its replica of the pyramid of Giza but also has some of the valley’s best sparkling wines. Here you’ll get a spectacular view of the city, Okanagan Lake and valley as well as tastings of white wines for $15. However, it is worth booking a wine tasting tour with Pyramid visit for $30 per person. - Spearhead Winery, East Kelowna
For $10 you’ll get a sit down tasting at this winery that offers some of my favourite boutique wines in the city. I really love exploring this area because it is a gorgeous scene of vineyards and farmland just a short drive from the city. - Priest Creek Winery, East Kelowna
I absolutely love this family owned winery. So much so that even my sister is getting married here in September! Guests can find $10 wine tastings unlimited to red or white wines. Don’t forget to check out The Spot Food Truck in the yard. - Hidden Vines Winery, East Kelowna/Crawford
This is Kelowna’s newest winery and it is conveniently tucked away on the East Kelowna bench. This is a family run winery with the wine maker with previous experience growing and making wine in North Carolina. Tasting is only $5, how’s that for wine tasting on a budget in Kelowna! You get 3 wines, 2 whites and a pinot noir. Expect more expansion as the Okanagan recovers from the devastating cold snap pf January 2024.
Beer Tasting in Kelowna on a Budget in Kelowna – BC Ale Trail Tastings
One of the things you must try while in Kelowna is our BC craft beer. While many tour companies suggest you take their tours, I find all you need is your feet! Walk around the North End brewery district. There, you’ll be able to try up to 10ish breweries all within an easy stroll of each other. Watch the video above for some of our top picks for delicious food and beer in one stop.
There is lots of fun to be had here in the Okanagan! Visiting Kelowna on a budget is possible and will make for a memorable visit! Keep an open mind and maybe subscribe to our newsletter to keep in touch!
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