Summer in the Okanagan hits different. Whether you’re on the lake, wine tasting, or just catching some rays by the pool, the region really knows how to deliver on the “vacation without going too far” front.
Kelowna is one of B.C.’s bigger getaway destinations, and while the city vibe means there's more traffic and tourists, it also means you get the best of both worlds: stunning natural beauty and plenty to see, do, eat, and drink.
If you’re looking to fill a couple of summer days with good eats, local wine, and that irresistible lakeside atmosphere, here’s how to spend three days (and two nights) in Kelowna—including where to stay, sip, shop, and chill.
Day 1: Arrive and ease in
Morning: The drive up
Whether you take the Coquihalla for speed or the Hope-Princeton highway for scenery, the drive to Kelowna from Metro Vancouver clocks in at around five hours. It’s a good idea to hit the road by mid-morning so you can arrive in time to enjoy your first evening on the lake.
Oh, you're a baller? Fine, hop on a flight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Kelowna (YLW) and rent a car. I like your style.
Afternoon: Check-in at Hotel Eldorado
Pull into the Eldorado Resort, which includes both the historic Hotel Eldorado and its sibling property, Manteo, next door. The resort is perched right on Okanagan Lake and offers a private beach, multiple pools and hot tubs (indoor and outdoor), and access to paddleboards, boats, and other water toys.
The rooms are comfortable, and many have kitchenettes and balconies. Just note that things can get a little lively: With the restaurant right below some of the rooms and live music often playing on the boardwalk, you might want to bring earplugs if you're turning in early. Sometimes the rooftop hosts events, too—so check with the front desk if you're noise-sensitive.
Evening: Dinner by the water
You're not leaving the resort tonight. Why should you? Dinner is at the Lakeside Dining Room, located right at the Hotel Eldorado. The room has big windows looking out over the lake or you can sit outside. Either way, if you time it right, you can pair your supper with the sunset.
The menu features fresh, seasonal West Coast fare, showcasing classics with a twist. For example, the Beef Tartare is a lovely starter that nods to the Pacific Rim with its deployment of soy sauce, a chili lime marinade, and light nori puff crisps for scooping the tender meat.
That said, you will find staples like steak and fresh seafood with seasonal vegetables and your choice of potatoes here, all well-executed and presented in a lively atmosphere. The restaurant has a great cocktail selection with some fun seasonal specials and several regional wines on the menu.
It's easy to see why Lakeside is known for being a special occasion or date night choice for locals.
After dinner: Walk to ice cream
Stretch your legs and stroll over to The Mission Creamery, an easy walk from the resort. This little shop is a local favourite, serving scoops featuring their small-batch ice creams in tempting flavours like Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake. No lie, it's the best ice cream I've had in recent memory. Grab a cone, and enjoy it lakeside if the evening’s still warm (it probably is).
Day 2: Shop, sip, and swim
Morning: South Pandosy exploring
Start your day with a walk or short drive to the South Pandosy neighbourhood, which is near the Eldorado. This is one of Kelowna’s more charming and walkable shopping pockets, filled with local boutiques, galleries and cafes.
Some stops worth making:
- Grate Cheesery, where you can buy wedges of artisan cheese and all that goes with it to enjoy in the park or at the hotel
- SOPA Fine Arts, showcasing Canadian and international contemporary art
- The Green Vanity, a sustainable beauty shop
- The Book Bin, for all sorts of used books and Once Upon a Bookstore for children's books
There are cafés and juice bars scattered throughout, so you can easily refuel while you shop.
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park and Rotary Beach Park, which are two of Kelowna's most popular beaches, are also in Pandosy (perfect if you took me up on my cheese shop suggestion).
Midday: Wine country lunch
When you're ready to switch gears, head out to Quails’ Gate Winery in West Kelowna. Their casual outdoor eatery, The Market, is perfect for lunch. Order a Neapolitan-style pizza from their wood-fired oven, grab a seat in the sunshine, and enjoy a flight or glass of wines.
Keep an eye out for their Field & Flight lineup, which showcase what the veteran winery did with grapes brought in after 2024's devastating crop-decimating deep freeze.
Be sure to set aside some time to explore this stunning property, which leads down a gentle slope striped with vines towards the lake shore. Enjoy lawn games and the stellar view (a favourite for weddings), or post up on the patio of the tasting room and gift shop and do some sipping.
But don't get carried away! This can be the first of a couple of stops in the area, if you want. You're in wine country, after all. (Just drive safely, okay?)
Afternoon: Wine and cider tasting
Dedicate the afternoon to some small-scale sipping. A few standout stops:
- Soma Craft Cidery: Laid-back and scenic, with small-batch ciders and friendly staff (and alpacas you can feed)
- Niche Wine Co.: A tiny winery with lots of character and a fantastic view
- The Vibrant Vine: A fun, art-filled experience with bold wines and colourful vibes
If or when you're feeling more poolside than pour-side, head back to the resort and make the most of the beach, pools, or hot tubs. No shame in the chill game.
Evening: Dinner at Maestro’s Mediterranean
Your second dinner is next door at Maestro’s, the restaurant at Manteo, the Eldorado's sibling property. This stylish spot leans into bright, coastal Mediterranean flavours—think grilled meats, seafood, and fresh salads.
Kick things off with fresh-shucked oysters and warm focaccia along with one of their house-crafted cocktails. I really loved the one called "We Want Shrubbery," which was a well-balanced meld of Havana Club Aperol, strawberry green tea, simple syrup, lemon juice, and orange bitters. (PS, let me know if you try the Dill Gin Caesar, which I still wish I'd tried.)
For mains, we stayed in the Italian lane, with some hearty pasta and a lemony Ling Cod Picatta. Dessert was a must try, our server told us, and when we got into our coconut mango semifreddo (served like a plated popsicle) we could see why. It was worth lingering for, definitely.
My tip: Take your time. It's your last full night, and there’s nowhere else you need to be.
Day 3: Brunch and goodbye
Morning: Brunch at Lakeside Dining
The Sunday brunch buffet at Lakeside Dining is a bit of a local institution, and it’s a great way to wrap up your weekend. Just be sure you book a reservation, as this is a popular draw and fills up fast.
Load up on Eggs Benedict, stunning house-baked pastries and sweets, a carvery station, fresh seafood, salads, and more. Bonus: If you're travelling with a kid (or just really love waffles), this spread hits the sweet spot. The brunch features treats created by the in-house pastry chef also responsible for Maestro's desserts, and this is one impressive dessert table.
Time to head home: Detour at your discretion
If you’ve got a little wiggle room before hitting the highway, consider a final waterfront stroll or a stop at Myra Canyon for some light sightseeing. And if you missed the farmers' market on Saturday, you can still swing by a produce stand on your way out of town.
If you're driving, you can meander south down Highway 97 through Peachland and Penticton, or if the Coquihalla is calling, make a beeline for Metro Vancouver. Catching a flight? Just don't acquire too much that you can't squish it into your baggage allowance.
Bottom line: Kelowna makes a pretty strong case for the best of the Okanagan: sunshine, lake life, great food, and even better wine. With just two nights, you can check all the boxes—or do absolutely nothing at all. Either way, it’s time well spent.
Thanks to the Eldorado Resort for hosting the stay and meals on-property. All opinions and inclusions are those of the author and were based solely on personal experience. None of the businesses or entities featured were granted any previews of the story before publication or paid to be mentioned.
