Are these the 5 BEST NEIGHBORHOODS in Kelowna?

Located on Lake Okanagan, Kelowna is a popular destination right in the heart of British Columbia’s Wine Country! During the summer it is a popular getaway destination for those looking to enjoy the boating and watersports facilities. It is also close to a popular ski resort during the winter season.

As a relatively small destination, figuring out where to stay can be trickier than it seems at first. The town stretches along the waterfront, and for certain travellers it might be better to consider elsewhere on the lake.

That’s why we created this guide! We’ve figured out the five best neighborhoods in and around Kelowna and categorised them based on who they are best for.

So let’s just get started!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Kelowna

Where to Stay in Kelowna

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Kelowna.

Kelowna Inn & Suites
  • Breakfast
  • Fitness centre
  • Indoor swimming pool
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Best Budget Hotel in Kelowna
Kelowna Inn & Suites
  • Breakfast
  • Fitness centre
  • Indoor swimming pool
Read More

While the rooms may be simple at this cozy hotel, the shared facilities truly enhance your experience, ensuring your money goes a long way. You can enjoy the indoor pool and unwind in the hot tub facilities, which is perfect for rejuvenating after a day of exploration.

The Royal Anne Hotel
  • Fitness centre
  • Airport shuttle (free)
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
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Best Mid-range Hotel in Kelowna
The Royal Anne Hotel
  • Fitness centre
  • Airport shuttle (free)
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
Read More

Featuring a sleek fitness center and sauna, a complimentary continental breakfast, and an on-site Irish Pub, The Royal Anne Hotel, is a great place to stay in Kelowna. It also has a fantastic location in the heart of the city with plenty of things to do and see nearby the hotel.

Prestige Beach House
  • Fitness centre
  • Airport shuttle
  • Indoor swimming pool
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Best Luxury Hotel in Kelowna
Prestige Beach House
  • Fitness centre
  • Airport shuttle
  • Indoor swimming pool
Read More

This four-star hotel is part of the BW Premier Collection – a true testament to the above and beyond levels of service exhibited by staff! Rooms come well equipped with modern technology and designer furnishings. There is also a balcony in every room, giving you great views across the city and the lake.

Not sure what to do in Kelowna? We break it down in this guide to Kelowna!

Kelowna 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighbourhoods in Kelowna. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Cultural District

Best neighborhood in Kelowna for your first time!

Cultural District
Cultural District is a truly amazing neighborhood for your first time in Kelowna!
(Photo Credit: okanaganlistings.ca)
  • COOLEST thing to do in Cultural District – try your luck at Playtime Casino Kelowna, the most popular in the city
  • BEST place to visit in Cultural District – Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum has a great rundown of the history of the industry in the region

Kelowna’s Cultural District is where you will find most of the tourist attractions in the city! This area is packed with museums, beautiful green spaces and breathtaking views across the lake. As the main cultural hub, it also comes with plenty of fantastic art galleries and theatres just waiting to be discovered.

The Cultural District is located just above Downtown, so you are well connected with the city centre. Whilst the city is notoriously expensive, restaurants and bars in this area tend to be cheaper than other parts of Kelowna! There are also some fantastic, well-priced, distilleries where you can discover local wine, cider and beer culture without breaking the bank.

More Awesome Things to do and see in Cultural District
  • Waterfront Park is a popular public space with great views across the lake as well as well-equipped recreational facilities and walkways
  • Kelowna Art Gallery has an ever-changing series of exhibits dedicated mostly to contemporary art – it is quite small, but well worth a visit
  • The Rotary Centre for the Arts is another popular cultural site – with regular live performances happening within the theatre as well as throughout the grounds
  • Tree Brewing Company is a small craft beer brewery where you can take a tour of their facilities, as well as sample their product in the neighboring bar
  • Urban Distilleries and Winery, on the other hand, focusses on wines and spirits and is great for those on a strict budget that want to discover local viticulture
  • For fantastic cuisine, you can’t miss out on OAK + CRU – a local social project that houses upscale menus, cooking classes and a great wine selection

Best Budget Hotel in Cultural District

Discovery Bay Apartments

Discovery Bay Apartments
Discovery Bay Apartments is our pick for the best budget hotel in Cultural District

Whilst there aren’t really any budget friendly hotels in the area, those looking to stay in the Cultural District whilst still saving some cash can opt for an apartment instead! This two bedroom apartment is perfect for groups of up to six people – and comes with unbeatable views across the lake.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Cultural District

Royal Anne Hotel

Royal Anne Hotel
Royal Anne Hotel is our pick for the best mid-range hotel in Cultural District

Though more of a mid-range hotel, the Royal Anne is a great option for backpackers that simply want to kick back and relax in the heart of wine country! This makes it a great choice if you are including Kelowna as part of a larger itinerary. There are two saunas on-site, and a continental breakfast is included in the price.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Cultural District

Grand Okanagan Resort

Grand Okanagan Resort
Grand Okanagan Resort is our pick for the best luxury hotel in Cultural District

This magnificent five star resort is truly the pinnacle of luxury in the Lake Okanagan region! Located right on the waterfront, it comes with mesmerising views of the lake and easy access to both the Cultural District and Downtown. There is an outdoor pool on-site, as well as a highly rated restaurant and wine bar.

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Recommended Article: Looking for the best hostels in Banff? Check out our EPIC Guide!

Neighborhood #2 – South Central

Where to stay in Kelowna close to everything!

South Central
Want to be close to all the action? South Central is your neighborhood!
(Photo Credit: janehoffman.com)
  • COOLEST thing to do in South Central – discover local cuisine and wine with a tour package from Roots & Vines
  • BEST place to visit in South Central – Osprey Park is surrounded by upscale boutiques and independent art galleries

South Central is located just south of Downtown and is a much more peaceful area within the city centre than the others! This makes it a great choice if you want to be centrally located but want to avoid the heavy tourist crowds. It also provides easy access to the bus terminus, as well as the main road through the city.

Whilst it doesn’t have much to offer in terms of tourist attractions, South Central has a lot of local charm that will give you a more authentic experience in Kelowna! Stretching from the lake to the Central City district, South Central has a diverse range of dining and shopping destinations to keep you entertained.

More Awesome Things to do and see in South Central
  • Head to Gallery 421 – an upmarket art gallery offering a great selection of pieces from local, national and international artists
  • Guisachan Heritage Park is a historic garden that is the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll to unwind from a long day of exploring
  • Lebanese Cuisine offer cooking classes where you can learn to cook dishes from the small Levantine nation – a great example of multicultural Kelowna
  • Millbridge Park lines the river in the north of the area and is a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy a calm stroll in the city centre
  • Based in Millbridge Park, Desert Salmon Charters offer boat tours along the river, as well as boat hire and fishing equipment facilities
  • Head to the Waterfront Cafe and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast using locally sourced ingredients with views across the lake

Best Budget Hotel in South Central

By the Bridge Bed and Breakfast

By the Bridge Bed and Breakfast
By the Bridge Bed and Breakfast is our pick for the best budget hotel in South Central

As the name suggests, this bed and breakfast is located right next to the bridge across Lake Okanagan – giving you easy access to South Central, Downtown and even West Kelowna! Rooms are basic, but well equipped for a short stay in the city. Air conditioning is available throughout, as well as complimentary high-speed WiFi access.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in South Central

Stirling House

Stirling House
Stirling House is our top pick for the best mid-range hotel in South Central.

Stirling House is a cozy bed-and-breakfast with a super warming and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel is furnished luxuriously but with touches that make you feel as if you’re at home! Along with the staff are incredibly friendly and are more than happy to help you navigate your way through Kelowna.

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Best Luxury Hotel in South Central

Prestige Beach House

Prestige Beach House
Prestige Beach House is our top pick for the best luxury hotel in Kelowna.

Situated in South Central Kelowna in a prime location just across from Hot Sands Beach, Prestige Beach House offers a range of luxurious facilities, including a heated indoor pool, fancy on-site dining along with a hot tub and gym. The hotel also offers a range of rooms option all of which are furnished with sleek granite bathrooms and cute balconies.

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Neighborhood #3 – Downtown

Where to stay in Kelowna for nightlife!

Downtown
Looking for a bit of night time fun? Downtown is the best neighborhood for that!
(Photo Credit: igcanada.com)
  • COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – head to City Park in the winter to enjoy their ice rink, and in the summer for their waterfront skatepark!
  • BEST place to visit in Downtown – Okanagan Heritage Museum displays the region’s history and natural beauty in a series of well-curated exhibits

Downtown Kelowna is the heart of the city and where you will find most of the entertainment and nightlife venues! Though the city isn’t really much of a nightlife destination, there are still plenty of interesting bars and clubs – especially along Lawrence Avenue. This area comes alive on the weekends as locals let their hair down after a busy week.

Even if you aren’t into nightlife, there are still plenty of fantastic attractions in Downtown. It is home to the largest park in the city which has some fantastic facilities to delight a wide variety of guests! Downtown is also home to the city’s culinary scene, where you can sample dishes from across Canada and the world.

More Awesome Things to do and see in Downtown
  • Visit Sapphire Nightclub, the most popular nightlife venue in the city with regular DJ nights and great prices on drinks
  • For something a little more upmarket, head to Liquid Zoo – they’re known for their fantastic cocktails and ambient vibes
  • At the Downtown Merina, you can enjoy magnificent views across the lake, as well as hire boats, kayaks and watersports equipment
  • The gorgeous Kasugai Japanese Garden is one of the most authentic gardens of its kind in Canada and has an incredibly relaxing atmosphere
  • Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is a fantastic activity for larger groups that want to learn about alcohol production and sample some of the finest liquor in the city
  • Most of the best restaurants are based along Water Street – we recommend Raudz Regional Table to get a good idea of the city’s international flair

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Best Budget Hotel in Downtown

Kelowna Inn & Suites

Kelowna Inn & Suites
Kelowna Inn & Suites is our pick for the best budget hotel in Downtown

Though the rooms are fairly basic at this small hotel, there are some great shared facilities that make you feel like your money is going further! There’s an indoor pool, as well as hot tub facilities where you can relax after a long day of exploring. They also provide a Canadian style breakfast every morning.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown

Hyatt Place Kelowna

Hyatt Place Kelowna
Hyatt Place Kelowna is our top pick for the best mid-range hotel in Downtown.

A super modern hotel situated just outside of Downtown Kelowna, Hyatt Place Kelowna offers some fantastic facilities for its guests. This includes a tasty restaurant, a sunny terrace area, as well as a heated indoor pool.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

Coast Capri Hotel

Coast Capri Hotel
Coast Capri Hotel is our top pick for the best luxury hotel in Downtown.

This downtown Kelowna hotel has a fantastic location just a short walk from Okanagan Lake and has some fantastic luxury facilities. This includes 2 fancy on-site restaurants along with a spa and wellness area featuring massages and beauty treatments, a state-of-the-art fitness room and an outdoor pool.

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Will you also visit Niagara Falls? Check out where we like to stay in Niagara Falls!

Neighborhood #4 – West Kelowna

Best neighborhood in Kelowna for wine!

West Kelowna
West Kelowna, Kelowna
(Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org)
  • COOLEST thing to do in West Kelowna – climb up Mt Boucherie for magnificent views across Lake Okanagan and towards Kelowna
  • BEST place to visit in West Kelowna – Beaumont Family Estate Winery is one of the largest vineyards in the area – perfect for first timers

No trip to the heart of British Columbia’s Wine Country would be complete without a trip to a vineyard – and West Kelowna is the place to be to dive deep into viticulture in the region! Though technically a separate city, West Kelowna is connected with Kelowna proper by bridge, traversing the entire width of Lake Okanagan.

As a fairly remote part of the city, West Kelowna has a more laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to soak up the beautiful nature that the Lake Okanagan region is known for! There are plenty of excellent hiking trails throughout the town, and the restaurants have a much more local feel than those in Kelowna.

More Awesome Things to do and see in West Kelowna
  • Mission Hill Family Estate Winery is another fantastic wine facility – located right on the side of the mountain, they offer some fantastic wine tasting experiences
  • Head to Paynter’s Fruit Market to pick up some bargains on local produce whilst you mingle with locals and other travellers alike
  • Pritchard Park is a vast green space that connects West Kelowna with Westbank – perfect for soaking up the fresh air and beautiful lakeside scenery
  • Westbank Museum and West Kelowna Visitor Centre details the history of this region – from it’s farming roots to the modern wine culture
  • Truck 59 Ciderhouse is a great break from all the wine tasting – check out their huge orchards and learn about the burgeoning cider industry
  • Terrace Restaurant offers magnificent views across the mountains and an upmarket menu – perfect for couples in the area

Best Budget Hotel in West Kelowna

Super 8 by Wyndham

Super 8 by Wyndham
Super 8 by Wyndham is our pick for the best budget hotel in West Kelowna

Whilst there aren’t any hostels on this side of the lake, Super 8 are known for their budget friendly comfort across North America and their West Kelowna offering is no different! It is located just off the main highway that connects the two cities – perfect for easily exploring the main attractions across the region.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in West Kelowna

Best Western PLUS Wine Country

Best Western PLUS Wine Country
Best Western PLUS Wine Country is our pick for the best mid-range hotel in West Kelowna

Best Western are also known for their budget friendly comfort – but this hotel is definitely a little more of an upgrade! It comes with an indoor pool and a huge water slide, as well as high speed WiFi access and a complimentary breakfast every morning. Rooms are well equipped with modern technology and luxury toiletries. 

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Best Luxury Hotel in West Kelowna

A View of the Lake B&B

A View of the Lake B&B
A View of the Lake B&B is our pick for the best luxury hotel in West Kelowna

The name says it all – this is one of the best B&Bs in the region if you are looking for spectacular views across the lake! This four star B&B is particularly well favoured by couples visiting the area thanks to the romantic atmosphere in each of their rooms. They also provide a complimentary breakfast and parking facilities.

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Neighborhood #5 – Penticton

Best neighborhood in Kelowna for families!

Penticton
Traveling as a family? You’ll definitely want to stay in Penticton
(Photo Credit: pinterest.com)
  • COOLEST thing to do in Penticton – learn how to wakeboard with Wake Up Water Sports, located right on the lake
  • BEST place to visit in Penticton – the S.S. Sicamous Inland Marine Museum has some fantastic exhibits about marine culture along Canada’s lakes

Nestled on the southern tip of Lake Okanagan, Penticton is a completely different city from Kelowna – however still remains well connected to the city, as well as to the surrounding towns in the region. This makes it an ideal option for families looking for a relaxing getaway in the Lake Okanagan area.

What also makes it appealing for families is its diversity of attractions! Whilst there are still plenty of vineyards to explore, Penticton also offers some great alternatives for those that are here for the scenery and adventure activities. With a little something for everyone, all kinds of travellers will be able to enjoy a quick getaway to Penticton.

More Awesome Things to do and see in Penticton
  • Penticton is known as the home of golf in the Lake Okanagan area, with multiple courses available – our favourite is Pine Hills
  • Skaha Climbing Bluffs offer some fantastic rock climbing opportunities for experienced climbers – and local tour guides offer lessons for those new to the adventure activity
  • River Channel is the main waterway running through the city – hire a boat and take a leisurely ride down the river whilst taking in the sights
  • Bonitas Winery is the main vineyard in the area – though there are several others offering tours, tastings and even cultural events
  • You can’t miss Hooded Merganser, a local restaurant that is located out on the lake, with its own private walkway – they are known for their seafood
  • Munson Mountain Park is filled with great hiking trails – with some simple paths for families with young kids, and more adventurous treks for experienced hikers

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Best Budget Hotel in Penticton

Bowmont Motel

Bowmont Motel
Bowmont Motel is our pick for the best budget hotel in Penticton

This basic motel might only come with two stars – but it has some fantastic facilities, great guest ratings and unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains! It is only a short walk away from the waterfront, giving you easy access to all of the main attractions in Penticton. They also provide free WiFi and private parking.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Penticton

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Penticton

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Penticton
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Penticton is our top pick for the best mid-range hotel in Penticton.

The famous chain of Marriott boasts the perfect mid-range accommodation option in Penticton with this 3-star hotel. The hotel features deluxe and modern rooms along with a range of fantastic facilities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and hot tub.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Penticton

Penticton Lakeside Resort

Penticton Lakeside Resort
Penticton Lakeside Resort is our pick for the best luxury hotel in Penticton

This four star hotel is located right on the waterfront – perfect for families that want to sit back, relax and soak up the chill atmosphere of Penticton! It also comes with a private beach where you can enjoy the seaside facilities without the business of the public beaches. A full Canadian style breakfast is provided every morning.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Kelowna?

Kelowna is an interesting city that provides travellers with the perfect gateway to British Columbia’s Wine Country and the beautiful scenery of the Lake Okanagan area! Often missed by foreign visitors, it is well worth considering on your Canada itinerary if you want something laid back, though with plenty of adventure options available.

For the best area, we are going to go with Downtown! Well connected with all other parts of the Lake Okanagan region, it also comes with some fantastic attractions in its own right and is by far the liveliest part of the area.

That being said, each neighborhood mentioned in this guide has its own charms. We hope we have helped you to plan your upcoming trip to Kelowna.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

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