To make the most of your long weekend, I recommend hitting the road from Burnaby by 8:00 AM. Taking the BC-5 N (Coquihalla Highway) is the most efficient route, but with four adults and three kids, you'll want a solid break before the long climb up the Coquihalla Pass. Plan for about 4.5 hours of pure driving time, but expect to arrive in Kelowna by early afternoon once you factor in stops.
About 1.5 hours into your drive, pull off near Hope for a classic BC experience at the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. It’s a spectacular way for the kids to burn off some energy walking through the massive railway tunnels carved into the granite cliffs. The sound of the rushing Coquihalla River below is incredible. After your leg stretch, settle back in for the scenic stretch through the high mountain passes. Keep an eye out for the Merritt exit for a quick bathroom or snack break if needed before you transition onto Hwy 97C (The Okanagan Connector), which will drop you right into the heart of the valley with stunning views of Okanagan Lake.
Our first stop in Kelowna is the Summerhill Pyramid Winery in the Lower Mission area. This isn't your typical stuffy winery; it’s very family-oriented with massive lawns for the kids. I definitely suggest the $15 "Introduction to the Pyramid" tour. Even if you aren't wine experts, seeing the second-largest pyramid in North America (built to sacred geometry specs) is a trip, and the views from the hillside across the water are some of the best in the city. There’s plenty of parking here, and it’s a great, relaxed introduction to the Okanagan lifestyle.
Head downtown to park near Waterfront Park. This is the heart of Kelowna’s social scene. Walk the elevated boardwalks that wind past the lagoons and head over to Tug Boat Beach. It's a great spot for the kids to touch the lake water while the adults enjoy the breeze. Just a five-minute walk from the water’s edge is the Kelowna Art Gallery in the Cultural District. It’s compact enough that you won't get "museum fatigue," and they often have interactive contemporary exhibits that are surprisingly engaging for children. It’s the perfect way to cool off in the AC for an hour before dinner.
For dinner, walk a few blocks over to Central Kitchen + Bar. It’s a local favorite—high energy, loud enough that you don't have to worry about the kids being perfectly silent, and the food is top-tier. Their gourmet burgers and "foraged" pizzas are the big hits here (budget about $25–$40 per person). It’s located just on the edge of the North End, making it a very easy transition back to your hotel or vacation rental for the night. Since you’ve got a big group, I’d suggest calling ahead or using their online waitlist as soon as you leave the gallery!
Start your morning early at Knox Mountain Park. Since you're traveling with three kids, aim for the Apex Trail. It’s a well-maintained path that leads to the first lookout, offering that quintessential bird’s-eye view over Okanagan Lake and the bridge. It’s about a 2-hour round trip at a "family pace," and getting there by 8:30 AM helps you beat the midday heat. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head back down into the North End to Sprout Bread. This is a local favorite; grab a few of their fresh sourdough sandwiches, some flaky pastries for the kids, and a round of lattes. It’s the perfect high-quality fuel to pack in the cooler for a beach picnic later.
Drive about 10 minutes south to Boyce-Gyro Beach Park in the Lower Mission. This is the busiest beach in town for a reason—the sand is great, there’s a giant playground for the kids, and you can’t miss the Rotary Apple, a giant apple-shaped snack shack that is a Kelowna icon. After the kids have had their fill of the water, it’s time to head south.
The drive from Kelowna to Penticton takes about 50 minutes along Highway 97, offering stunning cliffside views of the lake. Your destination is Coyote Cruises to experience the famous Penticton River Channel. This is a 7km gentle float that connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. Since you are a group of seven, I highly recommend renting one of their large "quad" or "party" tubes so you can all stay together. It’s a lazy, sun-soaked three-hour drift—just make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and water, as there is zero shade on the canal.
Once you finish the float and take the shuttle back to the starting point, walk over to the Penticton waterfront to find The Peach Ice Cream Shop. It’s literally a giant peach on the beach. Their "Crazy Shakes" are legendary—topped with everything from cotton candy to full brownies—and will be the highlight of the trip for the kids.
Finish your day at Bad Tattoo Brewing, located a few blocks from the water. It’s an upbeat, loud, and very family-friendly spot. They specialize in artisanal wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings (the "Forager" and "Apple & Bacon" are standouts). It’s the perfect place for the four adults to relax with a local craft beer while the kids share long tables and giant pizzas. If you're staying back in Kelowna, it’s an easy, straight-shot drive back up the highway after dinner.
Since today is your final day and you have the long drive back to Burnaby ahead, I recommend checking out of your Kelowna accommodation and heading north to Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country for their 10:00 AM opening. This place is a massive hit with kids because it’s not a traditional zoo; you actually get to walk right into the enclosures. You’ll be able to pet friendly kangaroos and wallabies, and if you're lucky, hold a joey or meet the giant capybaras. It’s casual and grassy, so wear comfortable shoes. Entry is typically around $16 for adults and $8 for kids (cash is king here, though they usually take cards), and you’ll want about 2 to 2.5 hours to really soak it in without rushing the little ones.
Just a five-minute drive from the farm is Pane Vino Pizzeria. This is an absolute gem for a family lunch before hitting the road. They serve authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and fresh pastas that will keep everyone full for the trek home. If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the outdoor patio—it has a stunning view of the North Okanagan valley and the surrounding orchards. Expect to spend about $25–$40 per person. It’s the perfect spot to decompress and let the kids talk about the kangaroos they just met.
Before you officially hook onto the highway, make a quick stop at Gatzke Orchard in Oyama. It’s a historic family-run spot where you can grab the freshest seasonal fruit—depending on the exact week in May, look for early cherries or their famous jams and syrups to bring a taste of the Okanagan back to the city. While the adults browse the farm market, the kids usually get a kick out of the vintage tractor display parked outside. It’s a great 45-minute "legs-stretch" before the long haul.
Aim to depart Lake Country by 3:30 PM to manage the 5-hour journey back to Burnaby. Follow BC-97 S back through Kelowna and over the bridge, eventually connecting to the Coquihalla Highway (BC-5 S) at Merritt. This timing is ideal because you’ll hit the most scenic mountain stretches of the Coquihalla just as the sun begins to dip, offering a gorgeous sunset backdrop for the climb. I’d suggest a quick tactical pit stop in Merritt for gas and snacks at the visitor center area to power through the final two-hour stretch into the Lower Mainland. You should be pulling into your driveway in Burnaby around 8:30 PM, just in time to get the kids ready for school the next day.