While Kelowna is a fantastic place to live all year round, there’s something about the way it is in the summer that is simply magical! There is so much colour and vibrancy, and the sheer number of exciting activities you can participate in is truly endless.
It’s easy to have a flawless day when you’re surrounded by so many amazing options, and at Trailhead at the Ponds, we want to give you the inside scoop on some of our favourite ways to spend a day in the sunshine! Surrounded by this stunning community, your perfect day is waiting right outside your front door.
1) Begin with a Stunning Morning Stoll or Bike Ride
Whether you’re into hardcore mountain biking with your friends or leisurely strolls with your family, there’s an abundance of trails and cycling routes in and around Trailhead at the Ponds that are perfect for all experience levels!
Begin your day on one of the many trails that run throughout all of Kelowna. With over 40 kilometres of paved, shared-use paths, there is no shortage of options available to you.
There are also trails that stretch out and connect across the Okanagan, such as the Knox Mountain Park, Okanagan Rail Trail, and the Myra-Bellevue Park which hosts some of the biggest trail networks in the area – a great way to kick off any summer day!
Depending on where you choose to go, you may also be able to rent biking equipment while you’re there! This varies based on the trail, however, many of the popular ones have rental shops right at the entranceway, which is perfect if you’re a visitor without equipment or simply don’t have space in your vehicle to haul a bike around.
2) Detour to the Impressive Kelowna Farmers Market
After your sunny day bike ride, you’re bound to be parched! So why not head on over to the Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market and pick up some breakfast, a coffee, and spend the rest of the morning exploring the amazing wares that the locals have to offer!
This beautiful outdoor market operates year-round and has a huge selection of local goods on offer. From farm fresh vegetables, artisanal cheese, seasonal fruits, fresh and frozen meats, to handmade jewelry and décor, the number of treasures and goodies you can find is endless!
One of the best parts of your day will undoubtedly be chatting with the plethora of locals that make you feel like family each and every time you stop by.
3) Spend Lunch Picnicking the Kelowna Mountain Suspension Bridges
Take the sweet treats and savoury goodies you collected from the farmer’s market and make your way over to what is one of the Okanagan’s most stunning landmarks – the Kelowna Mountain Suspension Bridges.
This beautiful spot hosts stunning waterfall and vineyard views all around, and ample green spots make it the perfect place to settle down for a summertime picnic with the family when your bellies start to rumble around lunchtime!
Once your afternoon nibble is complete, you can walk across all 800+ feet of this monumental bridge, while also enjoying 3 other nearby suspension bridges conveniently located in the same area.
And, as if the bridges weren’t cool enough on their own, they’re also dog friendly! That means Fido can join in on your outdoor adventure too – and what’s more perfect than that?
4) Stop at a Gorgeous U Pick Farm on Your Way Home
Once your afternoon adventure of the bridges comes to an end, it’ll be time to start heading home and getting your dinner plans sorted. And what’s better than a meal made up of fresh fruits and vegetables that you’ve hand-picked yourself?!
Kelowna is well-known for its incredible and expansive orchards that thrive in the temperate climate, many of which are only a walk or short drive away from Trailhead at the Ponds. Stop by on your way home and, for a small fee, you can pay to go into the orchard and fill up your basket with as many fruits and vegetables as it can hold.
Take your treasure back home and turn it into homemade juices, smoothies, vegetable curries, or a fresh summer salad. A meal made with local goodies, within the comfort of your own home, is the freshly picked cherry on top to end your perfect day.
If you’re looking to call Kelowna home one day, or want to learn more about the fantastic opportunities within our community, contact us at Trailhead at the Ponds. We would love to hear from you and help guide you toward the homes and amenities that make Kelowna so amazing.