Free AND Fantastic: Our Fave Low-Budget Kelowna experiences
We can all agree the best holidays are rejuvenating, exciting and completely free from stress – including the looming panic about your looming credit card bill. Luckily, Kelowna is the type of vibrant, outdoorsy town where even the most memorable attractions can be experienced free of charge (psst: Accent Inns Kelowna’s comfy, spacious rooms will barely make a dent in your trip budget!). Stow your wallet and follow us as we tour our favourite free activities in Kelowna.
Kasugai Japanese Gardens Serenely tucked into the middle of downtown Kelowna, Kusaguai Garden Park was constructed as a display of friendship and solidarity between Kelowna and its sister city Kasugai, Japan. The tranquil space mirrors traditional Japanese gardens with soothing elements like stone lanterns, waterfalls, pine trees and even a koi-filled pond. Guests are invited to enter free of charge to wander the quiet pathways; note that the site is situated within a walled enclosure not easily seen from nearby streets. Consider it your own Secret Garden.
Planet Bee This buzz-worthy farm is helmed by a lifelong beekeeper intent on educating people about the overwhelming health and healing benefits of honey. Visitors can view swarms of honeybees making the sweet stuff in an indoor glass observatory, then sample more than 20 flavours of honey at the nearby tasting station. After filling up on healing honey, browse the delightful bee-related gifts and beauty products (they make great souvenirs!). Age-appropriate bee fans can pop next door to the Honeymoon Mead bar to learn about – and sample – sinfully sweet honey wines (just make sure you bee-have!).
Okanagan Lake Stunning and sprawling, Okanagan Lake spans 135km (84 miles) from north to south. More than 30 beaches are dotted throughout the area, many equipped with playgrounds, concessions and bathrooms – in other words, everything you need for a full day of free family fun. Visitors can bring their own stand-up paddleboards or kayaks, or pony up some dough to rent equipment (including pedal-boats, sailboats, flyboards and canoes). Trawl the waters in search of the mysterious Ogopogo rumoured to haunt the region (and if you find it, snap a photo so we can see!). Onshore, explorers of all ages can tackle Paul’s Tomb trail at Knox Mountain, or try another of the area’s range of easy-to-challenging hikes.
Okanagan Heritage Museum Learn about the natural and human history of Kelowna in this ambient and history-soaked space whose admission is by donation. Visitors can take a peek into a traditional Syilx winter home, step inside the oldest log cabin in Kelowna and check out the interior of an original Chinatown shop, among other pursuits. Sports fans will also want to take time to peruse the onsite Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame. Exhibits evolve regularly; check the website to see what’s showing during your visit.
The free perks continue when you return to your room at Accent Inns Kelowna! Guests benefit from free in-room WiFi (hello, Facebook updates), free continental breakfast (goodbye, breakfast budget!), free parking, free access to the onsite fitness room and outdoor pool… You get the idea. See you in Kelowna!