Kelowna:
A Bird Trail Outpost

This waterfront park is situated close to the downtown core of kelowna and is a favourite destination for cyclists, walkers and even the odd roller blader. Despite the hustle and bustle, this small park offers great views over Okanagan Lake, and has been host to a pair of nesting Ospreys in years past. Walk the small jetty to scan the lake for Grebes and Loons and on your return survey the marsh ponds that host a number of waterfowl including some residents that return each year to overwinter in the sheltered waters.

Located along the shore of Okanagan Lake, Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful park offering excellent bird watching opportunities year round. Follow the board walk through the marshland as you make your way to a viewing platform that juts out into Okanagan lake allowing for great views with minimal environmental disturbance. During winter, you may find flocks of gulls and waterfowl, while the spring season brings warblers, vireos and flycatchers aplenty. A number of strays have popped up in this park over the years, so it’s a great place to return to, time permitting.

A delightful park with 7km of gentle trails that cross the creek and wind through the surrounding woods. The creek is home to a spawning population of Kokanee Salmon in the fall, which attracts a number of species to feed on this seasonal abundance. Stop in at the Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan to chat with the knowledgeable staff and learn about the most recent sightings.

A beautiful, accessible pond that is a favourite amongst local bird watchers for the variety of species it is possible to encounter here. You expect to find a wide gravel path circumnavigating the pond, and two viewing platforms along the way offering excellent vantage points of this ecologically significant wetland. With over 225 species sighted here, the area attracts a number of exciting migrants with even the occasional wayward species has been known to pop up here. 

Organic cafe and bakery with naturally fermented bread. They serve specialty coffees using all organic ingredients, and breakfast toasts and sandwiches.

This eclectic award winning eatery focuses on fresh, local and homemade ingredients whenever possible. Their breakfast menu boasts a variety of healthy classics with a Bohemian twist.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch (served all day) in this cozy and contemporary diner. Try their staple menu items Chicks on a Raft and Chicken Meets Waffle, featured on Food Network Canada’s Big Food Bucket List!

Laid back restaurant located in Kelowna’s downtown cultural district serving up authentic Cuban and Latin flavours.

This cozy cafe serves comfort food soups and sandwiches in a laidback and old-school atmosphere.

Naked Cafe’s all vegan menu ranges from comfort food classics like burgers and fries, to healthy nutrient rich bowls. They strive to serve delicious food that vegans and non-vegans alike can enjoy.

Laid-back counter service Taqueria serving Mexico-City style tacos, burritos, and other Mexican classics. They’ve also got an impressive tequila and mezcal menu!

This farm to table eatery and bar focuses on sustainable and high quality ingredients. Enjoy a seasonal hand crafted meal in their rustic dining room.

Salt & Brick focuses on seasonal share plates made with local ingredients, with a daily menu, so you can try something new every time you visit! They also serve up 100% locally sourced Okanagan wine.

Make a stop at Bliss Bakery for their delicious hearty baked goods, and organic locally roasted coffee. They also serve grab and go wraps and sandwiches.

Okanagan’s largest independent bookstore! This gem has served the community since 1968. Check out their selection of birding and naturalist books.

Conveniently located hotel within walking distance of beautiful Okanagan Lake. Enjoy perks like pet-friendly rooms, a heated pool, and free Wi-Fi.

Beach-inspired hotel located across from the renowned Hot Sands Beach, and just a couple of blocks away from the bustling downtown area. Take advantage of their luxury perks like a pool and hot tub, and complimentary drop-in yoga passes.

This funky hotel is perfectly located in the heart of downtown Kelowna. Hotel Zed has a retro vibe with tons of awesome amenities to make your stay as exciting as possible, like a rooftop patio, a seasonal pool, games, and free bike and rollerskate rentals.

Conveniently located just off of Highway 97, the Hyatt Place offers modern accommodations and excellent amenities including a third floor terrace with stunning views of Kelowna, the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or evening cocktail from their bar.

A real hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kelowna’s Rutland community, Chichester Wetland Park is a must-do for bird enthusiasts in the area no matter what time of year. The trail system in this park may be short, but there is much to see as you pass by the ponds, some of which are inhabited by painted turtles. With over 180 species spotted in the park, and a resident contingent of Mallards who overwinter in the area, you never know what you might find at this urban wetland.

A unique salt flat environment that is a preferred habitat for wading birds who return to the area each year to breed. Waders such as the American Avocet, Wilson’s Phalarope and Spotted Sandpiper breed here, alongside a number of waterfowl such as the Green-winged Teal and Ruddy Duck. Public access is limited to the parking area, and a spotting scope is recommended to truly appreciate the abundance of this carefully protected area.

Carney Pond is an excellent area to visit for the cattail marsh ecosystem supports an abundant array of long term residents and passing migrants. You can expect to find waterfowl floating on the pond, waders along the shoreline and a number of songbirds flitting amongst the surrounding forest. Access to Carney Pond is gained from a short walk along the Okanagan Rail Trail, with parking available on nearby Lougheed Road.

Located on Kelowna’s eastern slopes, this stunning grassland ecosystem was created through the collective efforts of the Regional District of Central Okanagan, Westbank First Nation, and the Province of British Columbia. Offering kilometres of hiking trails of varying difficulties that traverse the ridgeline, visitors are rewarded for the efforts with abundant views of the surrounding area. Over 120 species have been spotted here, making the area an excellent choice for birdwatching. For the best chance at viewing some species that are harder to find in the area, such as Mountain Bluebird and Western Meadowlark, it’s best to visit in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day.

This bustling cafe has a large outdoor seating area, and specializes in bright and light coffee roasts. Try their specialty coffees and baked goods.

At Porter’s you’ll find classic and inventive breakfast and brunch items made with high quality and locally sourced ingredients. 

Modern plant-based restaurant celebrating all-things-local through their ingredients, local wine menu, local craft beer menu, and seasonal cocktails.

You can find tons of locally grown produce, cheeses, coffee and more at Okanagan Grocery. Stock up on gourmet snacks to take on your birding adventures in Kelowna.

Just ten minutes from golf courses, beaches, and more, the Best Western offers eco-friendly rooms in a central location. Enjoy amenities like a breakfast buffet, on-site pub, pool, and fitness center.

With over 400 hectares of parkland, the opportunities are endless in John’s Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park. Traversing peaks and ridgelines surrounding the neighbourhoods south of Kelowna, the park offers panoramic views and is a favourite with local climbers. The environment here lends itself to uplands and grassland species, and is a great location to view birds of prey.

Located along the shores of Okanagan Lake near Johns Family Nature Conservancy, and offers a number of trails and a jetty that just out over the water. It is a great spot to look for loons out on the lake, while soaring raptors can be observed overhead.

Casual Indigenous cuisine restaurant featuring and incorporating Bannock in interesting ways to different dishes. Come here for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and enjoy the rich Indigenous flavours!

Bean Scene brews small-batch roasted beans for the freshest cup. Stop by for a delicious cup of joe, and their baked goods, made from scratch daily.

This well-loved diner uses all locally sourced ingredients. They offer a breakfast and brunch menu in a bright and beautiful setting at their beach-front Kelowna location.

Upscale restaurant serving European and American cuisine using fresh and local ingredients in a cozy dining room.