When was the last time you spent a full day without checking your phone, answering an email, or doom-scrolling TikTok until midnight?
If you’re like most of us, it’s probably been a while. But here’s the thing: stepping away from your screen doesn’t have to mean giving up fun. In fact, Kelowna is made for digital detox days. With lakes, trails, parks, and a thriving arts scene, you’ll be surprised how easy (and enjoyable) it is to reconnect with what really matters: nature, creativity, and yourself.
So go ahead. Power down. We’ve planned the perfect 24-hour unplugged adventure in Kelowna.
8:00 a.m. – Wake Up with Nature
Start your day the slow way: with a deep breath and a walk outside.
If you’re lucky enough to live near Trailhead at the Ponds, you’ve already got nature at your doorstep. Take a short stroll along the Thomson Marsh or head up to Canyon Falls Park, where the sound of water and rustling trees replaces your morning podcast. Leave your phone behind or put it on airplane mode. Your only task this morning is to listen. Bring a thermos of tea or coffee and find a rock or bench to sit on for a few minutes. Let your mind wander. Or don’t. This moment is just for you.
9:30 a.m. – Breakfast Without Distraction
Make your way to a local café and enjoy breakfast without multitasking. Try Sprout Bread downtown for handmade sourdough, fresh pastries, and cozy vibes.
Leave the laptop at home. Instead of catching up on emails, chat with a friend, people-watch from the window, or journal about how your morning felt. You’ll be amazed how much flavour your food has when you’re not distracted.
10:30 a.m. – A Hike with a View
Now that you’re fueled up, it’s time to hit the trail.
Kelowna has no shortage of incredible hikes, but for a digital detox, opt for something scenic and grounding, like Knox Mountain Park. The Apex Trail leads to panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the city below, with plenty of wildflowers and peaceful spots to rest.
Pack water, a snack, and sunscreen, but skip the selfie. Focus on the sound of your breath, the crunch of the path, and the way the sunlight hits the trees. These are the memories that stick.
1:00 p.m. – Picnic by the Lake
After your hike, head down to Waterfront Park or Sarsons Beach for a relaxed, tech-free picnic.
Pick up some local bites from Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads, Illichmann’s Meats, or Nature’s Fare beforehand. Find a shady spot under a tree and spread out a blanket. Watch the boats drift by, listen to kids laughing in the distance, or dip your toes in the water.
If you brought a book, even better, but a nap under the sun works too.
3:00 p.m. – Art That Inspires Real Conversation
In the afternoon, switch from natural beauty to artistic expression. Visit the Kelowna Art Gallery, where you can explore contemporary Canadian art and rotating exhibitions — no notifications required.
Or wander through Hambleton Galleries or Gallery 421, each filled with work by talented local artists. Instead of posting about your favourite pieces, take time to reflect. What moved you? What made you curious?
Share your thoughts with a friend over tea or write them down for later.
5:00 p.m. – Light Dinner in a Garden Setting
Skip the screens at dinner and try one of Kelowna’s patios that encourage conversation.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery’s bistro, or The Garden Bistro at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars, with their rustic outdoor charm, can feel like a breath of fresh air. Put your phone away completely. Ask questions. Share stories. Laugh out loud.
There’s something magical about letting time stretch in the glow of early evening.
7:00 p.m. – Golden Hour on the Water
No Kelowna unplugged day would be complete without a return to the lake.
Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard and heading out for a calm evening float. Or just walk the Mission Creek Greenway near the water and enjoy how the colours shift in the sky. Bring nothing but your thoughts. This is one of those rare windows when time feels like it slows down if you let it.
9:00 p.m. – Campfire or Stargazing (Yes, Really)
To close out your digital detox, lean into something timeless: firelight and stargazing.
If you’re at a property that allows it, build a backyard fire pit and roast marshmallows under the stars. If not, drive a short way out of the city (or simply step out on a dark, quiet balcony) and look up.
No apps. No music. Just you, the stars, and maybe the hoot of an owl or two. Take a few slow breaths and notice how different you feel from the morning.
Ready to Make Nature Part of Your Every Day?
Trailhead at the Ponds is nestled right where the city meets the wild, giving you instant access to trails, parks, and quiet moments, without ever leaving home! If you’re dreaming of a community where unplugging is this easy, stop by or call us. Because the best part of a digital detox is knowing you can do it again tomorrow.
