With an impressive 304 days of sunshine per year, Kelowna is a year-round Canadian travel destination. Visitors come for the all-seasons tourist appeal, from summer water sports on Okanagan Lake to bluebird winter days at Big White Ski Resort. People return for fresh summer fruit, world-famous wines, and our vibrant culinary scene.
In the summertime, Kelowna feels more like an all inclusive resort than a city. Water skiers and stand up paddle-boarders brave the cool morning waters, beachgoers flock to the hot sands in the afternoon, and the pubs and restaurants truly come alive at night. Famous vineyards, hopping breweries, and spa services are all a short distance from the city centre.
For anyone wanting a resort stay or a resort-style experience, Kelowna is full of options. Here’s everything you need to know about Kelowna resorts and what makes The Shore Kelowna a popular resort alternative.
Kelowna-Area Holiday Resorts
Sparkling Hills Resort
Sparkling Hill Resort gets its name from the 3.5 million Swarovski crystals that contribute to the architecture of this Okanagan destination. Luxury is provided by their upscale spa and renowned farm-to-table restaurant, PeakFine.
The resort is a peaceful 45 minute drive from Kelowna, making it a stop-over option for many travellers on their way in or out of the city. You can book multiple rooms for group getaways, or whisk your partner away for a romantic retreat.
Lake Okanagan Resort
Lake Okanagan Resort is a historic Kelowna beach resort with gorgeous waterfront views, a quiet mountain backdrop, and its own beach on Okanagan Lake.
Rooms at Lake Okanagan Resort include coffee makers, mini fridges, and the right amount of dishes for each guest. Today, many of the rooms are locally-owned residential apartments. Activities at the Okanagan Resort include 9 hole golf, tennis courts, outdoor pools, and forest hiking trails.
Lake Okanagan Resort is a 25 minute drive from Kelowna via Westside Road which has seen major improvements over the last decade and is no longer considered BC’s most dangerous stretch of road. The remote locale may deter some travellers, but it’s perfect for a taste of life amid the Okanagan’s mountains and forest with all the comforts of a resort experience.
The Cove Lakeside Resort
The Cove is West Kelowna’s most prominent resort accommodation. In the summer, its beachfront, public pool, and outdoor hot tub complete the holiday experience.
Lakesurf Premium Rentals at the Cove’s marina rents out boats, kayaks, and jet skis for action-packed days on the water. After a long day on the water, relax at Spa At The Cove with massage, hydrotherapy, and body treatments.
The Cove is located at the far end of West Kelowna, 30 minutes drive from Kelowna’s city center, and 5 minutes from notable restaurants in West Kelowna’s town centre. Lost Horn Mediterranean Grill, Everest Indian, and Kind Brewing get top reviews.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
Known locally as “The Grand”, The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort is one of Kelowna’s most well-known accommodations.
Located in the heart of downtown , The Delta overlooks the picturesque Waterfront Promenade and Okanagan Lake. The waterfront locale immerses summer guests into a vivacious scene of party boaters, beachgoers, and casino patrons.
Due to traffic and parking, your feet are the best way to get around the downtown core during the summer. You’ll be walking distance to attractions like the Cactus Club Café, Playtime Casino, and Prospera Place – the home of Kelowna’s own Rockets hockey team.
Discovery Bay Resort
Discovery Bay Resort offers apartment style accommodations in Kelowna’s North End neighbourhood, next to the Delta Grand Hotel and Waterfront Park. Discovery Bay features condo and townhouse style units with indoor and outdoor pools & hot tubs, saunas, and a fitness centre.
Rooms are a short stroll to Tugboat Beach, a sandy beach with food vendors, bathrooms, and plenty of spots to relax in the shade. Rent stand up paddle boards, hire a ski boat, or take a gentle walk through the Rotary Marsh Bird Sanctuary.
Kelowna’s North end is well known for its craft breweries like Red Bird and The BNA, and upscale restaurants like Waterfront Wines and Bouchons Bistro.
Manteo At Eldorado Resort
Manteo is a family-friendly Kelowna resort with a bit of club-med vibe. You can rent individual rooms, suites, or separate bungalow-style villas inside the resort’s gated property.
The resort borders a private beach, features a heated outdoor pool, and boat rentals for your Lake adventures.
Each suite has its own well-equipped kitchen to cook your own meal, or you can try the resort’s feature waterfront restaurant, SmackDab, a fine-dining option with a kid-friendly menu. Manteo is a picturesque 20-minute walk to the boutiques and restaurants of Pandosy Village.
The Shore Kelowna – A Popular Resort Alternative
The Shore Kelowna is a great resort alternative, offering flexible short-term and extended stays in a central location. The Shore has 103 fully-furnished apartment-style rooms from studios up to 3 bedroom suites. Rooms include modern kitchens, high-speed internet, and gorgeous lake views.
The Shore Hotel is located in Kelowna’s vibrant Pandosy Mission neighbourhood, a sought-after neighbourhood for summer travellers seeking a resort-like experience. The Shore is across from Gyro Beach, a 200 meter sand beach with a zipline for kids, clean change-rooms, watersports rentals, and its famous apple-shaped concession stand.
The Shore’s location makes it an excellent base-camp for Okanagan activities. Shop the vintage clothing boutiques, coffee houses, and local art galleries while strolling along Pandosy Avenue. For day trips, hire a car for the 1 hour drive to Big White, 20 minute drive to the Kangaroo Creek Farm, or the 10 minute wine cruise to Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
Head downstairs for a treat at Marble Slab Creamery, a frothy pint at Shore Line Brewing Company, or an on-site bite at KB&Co restaurant. With the Lower Mission at your doorstep and downtown Kelowna 10 minutes away, you can try out a different restaurant every night.
A Comparison of Resorts and Resort Alternatives in Kelowna
| Kelowna Resorts and Alternatives | Satisfaction / Rating (Google Reviews) | Driving Time to Kelowna | Per Night Rate (2 Adults, 1 Week during Summer*) |
| Sparkling Hills Resort | 4.3/5 | 45m | $449 |
| The Cove Lakeside Resort | 4.3/5 | 20m | $551 |
| Lake Okanagan Resort | 3.4/5 | 25m | $208 |
| Casa Loma Resort | 4.5/5 | 10m | n/a (full) |
| Delta Grand Kelowna | 4.3/5 | Downtown Kelowna | $416 |
| Discovery Bay | 4.4/5 | Downtown Kelowna | $336 |
| Manteo at Eldorado | 4.4/5 | Pandosy Mission | $399 |
| The Shore Hotel | 4.7/5 | Pandosy Mission | $324 |
Choose Your Own Holiday Adventure
Kelowna’s Pandosy Mission neighbourhood has everything you’d find at a holiday resort: fun activities, spa-like amenities, and memorable culinary experiences.
There’s nothing quite like taking the reins on your own vacation, living like a local, and experiencing the city on your own terms.
Come stay at The Shore. The holiday of your dreams is just around the corner.