Calling the Pacific Northwest home goes hand-in-hand with a perk many of us may take for granted: being just a short trip away from our neighbors to the North. Whether you’re looking for a picturesque weekend getaway or an action-packed weeklong vacation, I have a location to suggest that you may not have considered: Kelowna, BC.
Nestled on Okanagan Lake and in close proximity to Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna is a dynamic city just a few hours’ drive away. Its location in the Okanagan Valley makes the city a perfect destination for any season. In winter, you can enjoy skiing, snow-shoeing, ice-skating in Stuart Park, and winter hiking. Summertime in Kelowna is just as exciting; from water sports on Okanagan Lake to exploring the Myra Canyon Trestles, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the city’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Bernie’s Supper Club & Cinema | Photograph courtesy of Nixon Hospitality
Not the outdoorsy type? Never fear! Kelowna has a robust food and wine scene just waiting to be explored. One local haunt worth visiting is Bernie’s Supper Club & Cinema, a restaurant that takes ‘dinner and a movie’ to the next level. Here, customers can indulge in a delicious meal in Bernie’s upstairs screening room while enjoying well-crafted cocktails in a setting fit for a ‘50s movie star.
Wandering around downtown Kelowna, you may also stumble upon Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium. This retro-inspired space is the perfect location for date night or gatherings with friends; its vintage lamps, patterned furniture, and friendly staff give Skinny Duke’s the grooviest vibes you’ll find for miles around.
Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium | Photograph courtesy of Nixon Hospitality
The parent company of Bernie’s and Skinny Duke’s, Nixon Hospitality Group, is dedicated to facilitating creative culinary experiences that resonate with the local community. Jill Jarrett, a spokesman for Nixon Hospitality, emphasizes the importance of a satisfying customer experience.
“We’d love for people to have an exceptional experience. One where they felt welcomed and valued. Where they were well taken care of and well fed. An experience that left them with a smile on their face and great memory of their time in the Okanagan,” Jarrett says.
This commitment to creating meaningful experiences for customers extends beyond Kelowna’s restaurant scene⸺it can be found in the city’s wineries as well. One of over forty wineries in Kelowna, Little Straw Vineyards, owned by Karnail and Narinder Sidhu since 2021, stands out for its intimate atmosphere and unique offerings. The winery is also certified organic, an important distinction to the Sidhu family.
Little Straw Vineyards | Photograph courtesy of Little Straw Vineyards
“Karnail and his family believe [organic farming] is the best way to care for the land, protect future generations, and provide consumers with healthier options…it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in respect for nature,” says Simran Sidhu, head of operations at Little Straw Vineyards.
Little Straw’s personalized wine tastings make for the perfect cozy outing to add to your itinerary. You’ll have the chance to sample everything from full-bodied reds to crisp whites, all while asking questions and delving deeper into the wine-making process. What could be better than wine paired with a little education?
Little Straw Vineyards | Photograph courtesy of Little Straw Vineyards
If you’re looking for a plethora of outdoor activities, a thriving culinary scene, and the taste of locally produced wine, Kelowna should be at the top of your travel list. Adventure in the Okanagan Valley is only a short drive—and hopefully an easy border crossing—away!
