Perfect Places for a Picnic
One of the truly perfect activities on a lazy summer day is to have a picnic. It’s amazing how memorable that simple act can be – and how budget friendly. Just goes to show that you don’t need to spend oodles of money to thoroughly enjoy Kelowna.
All you need are a couple of sandwiches, some fresh fruit from a Kelowna fruit stand or Farmers’ Market, a hunk of cheese and some olives from Mediterranean Market, and something sweet for dessert. And don’t forget your checkered tablecloth! Here are a few scenic spots to spread out your feast:
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery – With 2 plum spots for their picnic tables – one under the shade of gigantic Acacia trees by the historic Alison House, and the other on a pretty grassy bench smack in the middle of their vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake – you can’t ask for a more romantic picnic setting. You can drop into their wine shop for a bottle of, say, their stellar and Rhubarb-y Rosé, then claim your piece of vineyard paradise.
Didn’t pack a picnic? No worries. The Allison House (historic log cabin at the winery) now sells picnic items like brownies and sandwiches for really reasonable prices. Think roast beef and blue cheese sandwich, or roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry relish for $8.50. You’ll also find local artisans there – a potter, a weaver, a painter, a photographer, and hand-crafted lavender products. Added bonus: it is legal and definitely acceptable for you to drink a glass of wine with your picnic. Cheers!
Okanagan Lavender Farm – fast track over to the other side of the lake, and here’s another unbeatable spot for a picnic. The itinerary? Bring a picnic from home, maybe pick up some of their refreshing and zingy lavender lemonade. They also have lavender flavoured ice creams in vanilla, blueberry, and chocolate. Then you spread our your picnic on the picnic table right there are the farm, overlooking the rows of vineyard and the lake. It’s spectacular.
Added bonus: Afterwards, shop in their store or pick lavender in their fields for your home. Admission to the fields (and picnic site) is $5 pp and you get a $3 voucher for purchases over $20 in the store or for u-pick.
Bertram Regional Park Beach – For a picnic involving lake-time, one of my favourites is Bertram Beach past CedarCreek Winery on Lakeshore Dr. As it is a little off-the-beaten path, beach is often quiet (except when it is the setting for a birthday party or wedding, which can be the case). I find the water extra clear here due to the pebbly lake bottom. Just don’t forget your Frisbee and your floaty tube for after your picnic! Added bonus: You can barbeque here! There are charcoal BBQs available for public use here, so be sure to bring your own charcoal.
Knox Mountain Park – For people looking for a great spot closer to town with some terrific hiking trails, check out Knox Mountain. The picnic tables at the playground off Knox Mountain Drive are a great option for families. Just bring your cooler with your feast, bring the Bocci balls, and enjoy the afternoon! Added bonus: It’s close to town, so no fuss and no muss. And of course, it’s totally free.
If you have other favourite spots for a picnic, please let us know! We would love to hear about them.
View Picnic Places in Kelowna in a larger map
