Organic & Clean is all about helping families, couples, and retired individuals soak up the beautiful Okanagan. Seeing as travelling abroad or even within Canada isn’t looking like much of an option this summer, we thought we could help you have a more enjoyable staycation that won’t break the bank!
This week we’re sharing some of our favorite summer activities for you and your family and friends to enjoy while we take care of the house cleaning!
1. Indulge in some lake time.
It’s not surprising Kelowna is known as the Jewel of the Okanagan, and it’s largely in part to the spectacular, sparkling, sensational Okanagan Lake! It’s beautifully warm in the summer and is an epicentre of activity with tourists and locals alike heading to the many beaches, lakeshore trails or out on a boat. If you don’t have a boat, there are many rental businesses which rent out hourly or daily. The beaches are plentiful and can be accessed in town or on one of the scores of backroads and trails which surround the lake. One of my family’s favorites is Bertram Creek Park. There’s a swimming beach, playground, washrooms and picnic areas as well as some shorter hiking trails suitable for kids of all ages - what a great place to spend a hot summer day.
2. Hit the bike trails.
Kelowna has in the area of 300 kilometres of on-street bike lanes and 40 kilometres of paved, multi-use pathways separated from the car lanes. These pathways are safe for the littles in your family and if one of your crew is a skateboarder or rollerblader, they can be a part of your outing as well.
For the more adventurous cyclers, there’s the fabulous Kettle Valley Railway Trails route. It runs from Kelowna to Penticton and is approximately 80 kilometres with a gentle grade, but you can choose your own distance. The views of the lake and city are stunning, and you cross several old train trestles so be sure to take a camera. Choose a shorter route as a family walk and include Fido – it’s a dog-friendly venue.
3. Find the vistas on a hike.
Where do I start? The walking and hiking options in the Okanagan are limitless and where you choose to go depends on your desired level of activity. From Pincushion to Mt. Boucherie to Mill Creek, there are many trails to explore around Kelowna.
Knox Mountain is a popular hike for most people as you access it right from town. You can park at the bottom and hike from there or drive to the mid-point or even further and you’ll still have the same incredible view. We like to take a snack and spend some time enjoying the views from the viewpoint while eating and resting. One of the best parts about hiking to a lookout is that almost all trails allow dogs on leash.
4. Feel the rush.
Just how adventurous are you? Ziplining isn’t for the faint of heart but if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush there are a variety of choices in the Kelowna area. Wildplay Element Park has an assortment of activities for various levels of risk-takers, from ziplining to ‘highup’ obstacle courses. Get your brave on!
5. Camp under the stars.
Do you like taking the comforts of home with you as you embark on that long-weekend trip away from home? Heading to a new-to-you RV resort with paved parking and a pool for the kids? Or do you prefer a tent and a cook stove with the rustic toilet facilities of a back-country lake? Either way, take your pick and you won’t be disappointed.
Camping and glamping opportunities in Kelowna and surrounding areas are endless. We like the middle ground of some amenities such as bathrooms and possibly showers, but need some dirt walking and biking trails for dogs and kids. There’s something about relaxing around a campfire at the end of the day, maybe roasting hot dogs or s’mores that induces a high-vibe feeling of serenity and comfort - ahhhh, summer…
6. Support local at the farmer’s markets.
Kelowna is a mecca of gardens and orchards and has a fabulous farmer’s market every Wednesday and Saturday. There are vendors selling fruits, veggies, baked goods (the bread is amazing!) and ready-to-eat items as well as handmade jewelry and gifts. Take your kids with you and plan your meal for the day - everyone gets involved and dinner is so much more fun with all the help! Many of the surrounding towns also have their own markets so you can make it an all-day outing by venturing out and supporting our neighboring towns.
As you embark on the many excursions available to you, please keep in mind that some public venues will be closed or modified during this 2020 season due to Covid-19. We hope everyone stays safe and practices the recommended precautions as laid out by the Health Ministries, and that this situation will soon be a distant memory. In the meantime, play more and work less while our team at Organic and Clean take care of the sanitizing and cleaning in your home.
Happy Summer Everyone!