Winter Wonders: Embrace the Season with Free Activities in the Okanagan Valley
As winter blankets the picturesque landscapes of the Okanagan Valley, Coast Hotels invites you to revel in the season with an array of unique and free activities in Kelowna, Oliver, and Osoyoos, British Columbia. Embrace the winter wonders of this stunning region, where each destination offers a unique and memorable experience.
Kelowna, BC
Stuart Park Skating Rink
Located on the waterfront of beautiful Kelowna, Stuart Park is home to Dancing in the Park in the summer months. When winter hits, this beautiful park is transformed into a large outdoor skating rink! The rink is open for drop-in use and skate rentals are available on-site if you can’t bring your own. Surrounded by city lights, it’s the perfect place for families and friends alike.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out Bear, a beautiful local art piece that was created to tribute Kelowna’s Settlement on the shores of the Okanagan Lake. This beautiful grizzly bear-inspired piece is the perfect place to snap a photo and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Myra Canyon Trestles
For those seeking outdoor adventure, exploring the Myra Canyon Trestles in Kelowna is a must. The Kettle Valley Railway was meticulously crafted a century ago and this remarkable landmark winds its way through a canyon with towering walls, with two enchanting tunnels and 18 picturesque trestle bridges that offer unmatched mountain views. In the winter months, enjoy hiking, snowshoeing or fat biking through the trails.
Oliver, BC
Visit District Wine Village
Known as the wine capital of Canada, Oliver offers plenty of renowned vineyards and wineries. If you’re a wine lover, visiting wine country in winter is the perfect time to enjoy the scene with less crowds and more free fun. District Wine Village is the first of its kind in Canada and includes 12 wineries, one brewery, one distillery and one restaurant all in one quaint community. In the winter season, you can enjoy free outdoor skating from Thursday to Sunday on their brand-new synthetic skating rink, so no matter the weather, you can lace up your skates and get into the winter spirit! Once you’re down gliding around the beautiful Centre Plaza, sit down fireside and enjoy an amazing glass of local wine!
Stroll Along the International Hike & Bike Trail
The beautiful International Hike & Bike Trail is a hub for outdoor lovers who want to enjoy nature throughout the entire year. This trail is 18 km long and follows along the Okanagan River Channel, all the way into the town of Oliver. Even in the winter months, this trail is easily accessible, well maintained, and a great trail to hike or bike with the whole family. You’ll see many viewpoints along your travels, and pass charming farms and wineries too!
Osoyoos, BC
Go Birding Along the BC Bird Trail
Osoyoos is one of the newest outposts along the BC Bird Trail and with its mild climate, this region provides a very special habitat for a wide variety of birds. One of the best places to spot birds is at the north end of Osoyoos Lake, where over 250 different species of birds have been recorded. Popular species in this area include Cinnamon Teal Waterfowl, Hooded Mergansers, Spotted Sandpipers and more. Not only is the birding amazing, but the views of the lake and surrounding mountains are sure to please anyone who decides to venture out along the BC Bird Trail!
Visit Spotted Lake
Spotted Lake is located in the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected area and is a small lake rich in a variety of minerals such as calcium and magnesium sulfate. These minerals cause visible spots to form in the lake that constantly shift in size and color. From beautiful teals to greens and yellows, each spot is unique.
This lake is referred to as kłlilx’w by the First Nations People of the Osoyoos region, and it stands as a sacred site with a rich history as a revered place of healing spanning centuries. It’s believed that each distinct circle within the lake possesses its own unique medicinal and healing properties. Because of how important this site is, visitors must only view the lake from its viewpoint area, which provides an excellent look of the lake and the perfect place to snap a picture!
With all of these amazing free activities across the beautiful Okanagan Valley and mild winter weather, there's no better place to embrace the change of season. With three hotels across the Okanagan Valley, our diverse locations ensure that wherever your winter wanderlust takes you, there’s a comfortable and inviting Coast Hotel waiting. Our locations offer a range of amenities from an on-site spa, indoor swimming pool & waterslide, free buffet breakfast, pet-friendly accommodations and so much more!