How to get to Kelowna

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in Canada, picturesque Kelowna attracts travelers with its famous orchards and vineyards, warm lake, and mountain landscapes. You can get to this popular resort in various ways: by taking a direct flight, driving along the region's beautiful highways, or arriving by bus from neighboring cities.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is to fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW), which receives many flights and is well-connected to the city. The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from the center, making arrival as comfortable as possible.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to neighboring cities if direct tickets are unavailable. Nearby options include airports in the cities of Penticton (44 km) and Kamloops (106 km), from where it is easy to reach your destination by ground transport.

There is no train station in Kelowna itself, so getting here exclusively by train is not possible. Railway connections in this mountainous region are limited and do not cover all settlements.

Travelers who prefer trains are advised to travel to the city of Kamloops, where there is regular rail service. The remainder of the journey to the resort will have to be covered by a rental car or intercity bus.

Bus service is an affordable option for traveling to Kelowna, allowing you to enjoy the views of British Columbia. The shortest route runs from the city of Penticton: the trip will take just about 1.4 hours, covering a distance of 65 km.

There are also trips from other settlements, although they can be lengthy. For example, the road from Castlegar will take approximately 6.7 hours, and the journey from Kamloops can last about 8.2 hours depending on the route.

A trip by car will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to stop at the most beautiful places along the way. The road from Penticton is very fast and picturesque: 62 km of the way can be covered in approximately 0.9 hours.

If you are driving from Kamloops, expect to spend about 2.1 hours behind the wheel (167 km). The route from the city of Castlegar is longer — 306 km, which will require about 3.6 hours of driving.

When planning a visit to sunny Kelowna, it is worth considering a few important points to make your trip around Canada as comfortable and carefree as possible.

1. Seasonal clothing. Summer here is hot and dry, so bring light clothing, hats, and sunscreen. In winter, despite the valley's mild climate, a warm jacket will be needed, especially if you plan to go up into the mountains.
2. Transport. Although the city has public transport, to fully explore the scenic orchards, vineyards, and remote nature parks, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for small purchases at farmers' markets will be useful.
4. Tipping and etiquette. In restaurants and cafés, it is customary to leave 15–20% of the bill amount. Locals are very polite and appreciate friendly communication.
5. Documents for visits. If you plan to visit specific venues or estates, be sure to have photo identification (ID) with you, as age verification is strictly enforced.
6. Outdoor activities. Wild animals, including bears, may be found in the surrounding forests. Observe safety rules, do not leave food behind, and follow signs on hiking trails.

Following these simple tips, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of a lakeside holiday and receive only positive emotions from the trip.