Best Things To Do in Autumn in Kelowna, BC

Looking for some fun activities whilst visiting Kelowna, BC? Here are some of our top spots!

Autumn in kelowna

HEY STRANGERS!

Kelowna, British Columbia

The city of Kelowna enjoys mild autumns, with the summer weather sometimes stretching into September and October! However, the Okanagan is well-known for its distinct 4 seasons, so you’ll still get the colourful leaves and Fall breeze. There are a lot of exciting activities and locations to visit during a Kelowna Autumn day and here are just a few of our favourites…

Take a Hike!

The Autumn colours in Kelowna are beautiful and dramatic orange, red and yellow. Making the most of being outdoors this time of year is a personal favourite of ours, you can enjoy a hike without the summer heat but the sun still shines most days!

The best Fall hikes:

Myra Canyon
In the Autumn, Myra Canyon transforms into a golden wonderland. The Larch Tree needles turn a brilliant yellow, cascading around the canyon. The best way to see this is by choosing to walk or bike part of the 12km (one way!) trail – by only doing a little bit at a time, it leaves opportunity to be surprised by something new next time! This trail is home to 18 trestles and 2 tunnels dating back to 1915!
Kalamalka Lake
The Kalamalka Lake hiking trail offers a diverse outdoor experience, as you wind along the eastern shores of Kalamalka lake through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain. The area has multiple hikes of varying levels of difficulty, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the vibrant blue-green waters, spot wildlife, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Okanagan.
Knox Mountain
The Knox Mountain Apex Trail provides a challenging and rewarding hiking experience. As you ascend the trail from Knox Mountain Park to the summit of Apex, you’ll navigate through a mix of rugged terrain and serene forests. The hike offers panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the city of Kelowna, making the effort well worth it. This steep trail is best suited for experienced hikers.
Mount Boucherie
The Boucherie Rush Trail offers a captivating hiking experience near West Kelowna, BC. This “moderately” (so said our roommate who took us, Jake and I almost died) challenging trail takes you through the distinctive landscape of Mount Boucherie, featuring volcanic rock formations and a stunning collection of wild flowers. As you hike along the trail, you’ll be treated to expansive views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley.

Mission Creek Salmon Run

The Mission Creek Salmon Run is a natural spectacle that showcases the incredible journey of salmon. During each Fall season, over twenty-five thousand salmon make their way upstream to Mission Creek to spawn. This awe-inspiring phenomenon draws visitors to witness the determination and resilience of these fish as they navigate waterfalls and obstacles to complete their life cycle. The Mission Creek Salmon Run offers a unique opportunity to observe the Kokanee Salmon’s circle of life and gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature in the Okanagan region.

Go Horseback Riding

Nestled within Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, the Myra Canyon Lodge and Ranch presents an ideal destination for horseback riding. With access to some of the most breathtaking trails in the region, the ranch invites you to embark on an adventure through nature’s wonders. Accompanied by a certified guide, you’ll partake in a nature expedition within intimate groups, all at a reasonable cost. Situated merely 20 minutes away from Downtown Kelowna and a stone’s throw from the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, the ranch offers a range of options, including personalized rides, traditional routes, and kid-friendly experiences. Catering to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, their prices are determined by ride frequency and duration, and they operate from February to November.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

You can’t go through the Fall season without visiting a pumpkin patch! Luckily, Kelowna has a ton and they’re all amazingly individual. Below, you’ll find a list of our favourites that we visited this summer and are looking forward to see in the Fall.

Our Favourite Pumpkin Patches:

McMillan Farms
Explore the expansive 100-acre McMillan Farm as you search for the perfect pumpkin, while also indulging in the delights of fresh berries, apricots, and other seasonal treats. Nestled alongside Mission Creek, this family-operated venture goes all out during the Fall season. Immerse yourself in a host of festivities, including games, straw hay bale mazes, and a tractor ride to the fields, where the new pumpkin slingshot awaits its challengers! While admission is free, some activities involve a small fee, though numerous complimentary attractions and family offers are available. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture into Sleepy Hollow near the pumpkin patch for an added touch of spookiness.
Davison Orchards
Venture to Vernon, where Davidson Orchards is set to dazzle with their annual pumpkin patch, an attraction that comes alive during the Fall season. Guests can embark on a tractor ride to the pumpkin patch for $5, allowing you to handpick gourds or pumpkins of any size. While the majority are classic orange jack-o-lantern varieties, you’ll also encounter charming miniature ones, white ghost pumpkins, as well as culinary and specialty pumpkins. Davidson Orchards boasts a charming array of offerings, including a small petting zoo, an expansive, charming gift shop, a bustling farmer’s market and bakery, and a playground for little ones.
Don-O-Ray Farm
Embark on a delightful day at Don-O-Ray Farm & Market, where an array of activities awaits. Hop on a hayride to the fields for a gourd and pumpkin-picking adventure, or simply grab one from the market if you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty. The excitement extends to the neighboring area, housing a sprawling corn maze and an adorable petting zoo brimming with ducks (including Donald and Daisy), bunnies, goats, sheep and chickens! Admission to the petting zoo even includes an airbrush tattoo, making for a complete and memorable experience.
O’Keefe Ranch
Situated in Vernon, O’Keefe Ranch stands as a historic ranch and farm. With the arrival of Fall, the ranch comes alive with a diverse range of activities to captivate visitors. These include a corn maze, bonfires for crafting s’mores, and a child-friendly, not-so-scary, haunted house. The calendar also boasts highlights like the Field of Screams featuring horror-themed corn mazes and the intriguing O’Keefe Ranch Ghost Tours. Amidst these offerings, don’t forget to pick your perfect pumpkin, as the Ranch sets up a patch for guests to explore.

Fall Okanagan Wine Festival

Get ready to raise your glasses and toast to a fantastic time at the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival! Nestled in the picturesque Okanagan Valley, this annual extravaganza is a celebration of all things wine and Fall. Think vineyards painted with autumn hues and a lively atmosphere that’ll make you want to clink and swirl those wine glasses like a pro.

But it’s not just about the wine (although that’s a big part of it!). The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival throws in a mix of experiences that’ll make your taste buds dance. Picture yourself immersed in wine-pairing seminars where you’ll learn the art of balancing flavors like a culinary maestro. And let’s not forget about the gourmet dining events that take “farm-to-table” to a whole new level—think mouthwatering bites perfectly paired with local wines that’ll have you experiencing foodie nirvana.

Whether you’re a laid-back wine lover or a full-blown aficionado, there’s something for everyone here. The festival’s got your back with a range of events, from casual gatherings perfect for sipping and mingling to glam affairs that are all about savoring the finer things in life.

So, mark your calendar, pack your enthusiasm (and maybe a wine glass or two!), and get ready to clink, sip, and swirl your way through the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival.