Setting out from Burnaby by 8:00 AM is your best bet to beat the Port Mann Bridge traffic and get your family of seven settled in Kelowna by mid-afternoon. You’ll be taking Highway 1 to Hope, then climbing the Coquihalla (Highway 5). It’s a stunning drive, but keep an eye on your fuel; Merritt is the perfect midway point to stretch your legs. Once you hit the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C), the scenery shifts to that beautiful high-plateau pine forest. As you descend into West Kelowna, make your first official stop at Kekuli Cafe Coffee & Bannock. It’s a local favorite and perfect for kids. Grab some "Indian Tacos" or gourmet bannock sandwiches—the Skor or Saskatoon berry bannock is legendary. It’s quick, cultural, and much better than standard fast food, costing about $15–$20 per person.
After lunch, cross the bridge into Kelowna and head south to the Lower Mission for Summerhill Pyramid Winery. This place is a must-visit, not just for the wine, but for the massive white pyramid and the views. Since you're interested in the $15 tour, look for the "Basics of Organic Food & Wine" walk. It’s family-friendly and short enough that the kids won’t get restless. You’ll learn why they age their sparkling wine inside the pyramid and get to stand in that high-vibration space yourself. The hillside setting offers one of the most photographed panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, so keep your camera ready.
As the afternoon cools down, head to the heart of the city to explore Waterfront Park. Life in Kelowna revolves around this boardwalk. I recommend parking near the Prospera Place area and walking past the iconic Dolphins Fountain. Kids love the Rotary Marsh Bird Sanctuary at the north end of the park; you can often spot turtles and herons right in the middle of the city.
For dinner, you can’t beat the location of Cactus Club Cafe Yacht Club. It’s right on the water with massive windows overlooking the marina. It’s upscale enough for the adults to feel like they’re on vacation, but very accommodating for a party of seven with kids. Expect to spend $30–$50 per person. To end the night on a peaceful note, walk two blocks over to the Kasugai Japanese Garden. It’s a total hidden gem tucked behind City Hall. It’s an enclosed, tranquil space with koi ponds and stone lanterns—the perfect "quiet zone" to wind down before heading to your hotel.
Start your morning early to beat the heat and the crowds at Knox Mountain Park. Since you have a group of seven, I recommend driving up to the Crown Lookout rather than hiking the full distance from the bottom—it saves the kids' energy and provides that iconic panoramic view of Okanagan Lake immediately. If you're feeling active, the Apex Trail is the go-to for locals, offering a steady climb that feels rewarding once you reach the summit. After soaking in the views, head back down into the Cultural District to the Kelowna Art Gallery. It’s a beautifully designed, manageable space that won’t overwhelm the kids; they often have interactive stations or family-focused exhibitions that make contemporary art surprisingly accessible.
For lunch, walk over to The Kelowna Beer Institute. Don't let the name fool you—it's very family-friendly during the day. They have a great patio and serve up fantastic artisan pizzas and "brewery snacks" that are easy to share among four adults and three kids. Afterward, hop in the cars for a short 10-minute drive south to Boyce-Gyro Beach Park. This is the "everything" beach of Kelowna. There’s a massive playground shaped like an apple for the kids, plenty of grass for the adults to lounge on, and the water stays shallow quite far out, making it the safest spot for the little ones to splash around.
Mid-afternoon is the prime time for the "Okanagan right of passage." You’ll drive about 45 minutes south to Penticton to hit the Penticton River Channel. Head straight to Coyote Cruises to rent your inner tubes and arrange for the shuttle bus. Floating the 7km channel is incredibly relaxing—the current does all the work, taking you from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on the water flow. Pro tip: wear plenty of sunscreen and bring a small waterproof bag for your car keys!
Once you’ve dried off and driven back to Kelowna, end your day at DunnEnzies Pizza Mission. This isn't just a pizza joint; it’s a massive, high-energy space with a great outdoor area that often features live music. It’s the perfect "no-stress" environment for a large family group. Grab a few of their signature huge pies—try the "Bad Breath" if you like garlic or the "Pesto Chicken"—and relax in the evening air before heading back to your accommodation. The atmosphere is quintessential Kelowna: laid back, loud, and local.
Grab the family and head towards the north end of town to kick off your final morning. Before leaving the city limits, stop into Brightenia in Downtown Kelowna. It’s a local favorite for a reason—the specialty lattes are top-tier, and their pastries are exactly the kind of fuel you need for a busy morning with three kids. Grab a "to-go" order of croissants and coffee (about $15 per person) so you can get a head start on the 20-minute drive north to Lake Country.
Your main event today is the Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country. This place is legendary for families; unlike a traditional zoo, it’s incredibly hands-on. You’ll get to pet friendly wallabies and see the capybaras, which usually steals the show for the kids. It’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and since you’re a group of seven, aim to arrive right at opening to avoid the midday school-bus crowds. After the farm, take a quick 10-minute detour further north to Gatzke Orchard in Oyama. It’s a historic spot right between Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake. Even if it's early in the season, their farm market is iconic—don't leave without trying their fruit-based ice cream; it’s the quintessential Okanagan experience.
For your final meal before the highway, head over to Pane Vino Pizzeria. They serve authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas on a beautiful patio. It’s a great spot for a large group because the pizzas come out fast, and the quality is excellent (expect to spend $25-$40 per person).
To make it back to Burnaby comfortably, you’ll want to be on the road by 3:00 PM. Follow Highway 97 south back through Kelowna and hop onto the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) toward Merritt. This stretch is a long, steady climb, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving West Kelowna. You’ll eventually merge onto Highway 5 (The Coquihalla). About halfway through the trip, pull over at the Britton Creek Rest Area. It’s the standard pit-stop for locals—perfect for a bathroom break and a quick leg stretch for the kids before the final descent through Hope and the drive back into the Lower Mainland. Depending on traffic through Abbotsford, you should be pulling into your driveway in Burnaby just as the sun starts to set.