Famous for its lake views, endless vineyards and orchards, and warm weather, the Okanagan has made a name for itself as one of the most reputable wine regions in the world. But that’s not all we have to offer. With an abundance of fresh local ingredients, there’s a notable, growing craft beer and cidery scene here as well. While you’re visiting, why not enjoy all the flavours that the Okanagan has to offer?
With plenty of options, you don’t have to go far to conduct your own beer and cider tasting. To help get you started, here are a few of our favourite Kelowna breweries and cideries to visit.
The Best Breweries in the Lower Mission
Shoreline Brewing
Located just steps away from your suite at The Shore, Shoreline Brewing is the perfect place to start or end your tour. They serve delicious food and beers, with great seasonal options and a lakefront view. They focus on creative comfort food with a modern twist, with local favourites including poutine, tacos and pretzels.
If you’re a lover of IPA’s, be sure to try out their Wakesetter and Smokeshow Hazy IPA. They use locally-sourced ingredients to make easy-drinking brews, crafted right in house. If you’re looking for gifts to bring home to family and friends, they have a great selection of branded merchandise. You can also purchase all of their core brews in cans and growlers to take some of the Okanagan home with you.
Barn Owl Brewing
Just a short drive from The Shore, Barn Owl Brewing is located in an old barn with a rustic charm that you won’t often find in Kelowna. This cozy little brewery has big character in its beers. With multiple rotating beers on tap, you’ll find a great selection of beers that cater to every season. We particularly like their dark beers, if that’s your thing.
We also recommend timing your visit to align with a local food truck appearance. Little Tokyo Ramen can often be found outside the brewery, and will bring your food to your table to enjoy along with your beer.
Our Favourite Downtown Breweries
Red Bird Brewing
Located in the brewing district of Kelowna, Red Bird Brewing features one of Kelowna’s largest patios where they welcome pets and host live music events. With a compelling lineup of core beers and a great summer atmosphere, Red Bird is an easy choice. Why not enjoy some live tunes with a cold beer on their spacious patio.
Vice and Virtue
Just across the street from Red Bird Brewing is one of Kelowna’s most popular breweries, Vice and Virtue. Collaborating with local artists, they’ve made a recognizable line of beers you can find at many liquor stores throughout the Okanagan. Come enjoy some of their creative brews with a delicious lineup of eats, including great vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Jack Knife Brewing
If you’re a fan of weird and are looking for a unique experience, Jack Knife Brewing is a must visit. This inclusive space is home to great beer and classic pizza, made by a team of brew-passionate Kelowna locals. Combining Nordic influences with their own west coast flavour profiles, their beer is completely unique. Their Spruce Tip Pale Ale is a local favourite, brewed with fresh spruce tips are hand-harvested each Spring.
Kelowna’s Best Pet-Friendly Breweries
Copper Brewing
The brewery with a big Bernese Mountain Dog, Copper Brewing has quickly become one of the most popular breweries in Kelowna. Recently established in Kelowna, you can expect to find some great brews, a large dog-friendly patio, and a friendly brewdog named Porter here. With 20 beers on tap, they offer a bit of everything along with an extensive selection of great bar-style eats!
Rustic Reel
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Rustic Reel has an amazing selection of beers to try on their large, pet-friendly patio. From dark imperial stouts to hazy IPA’s and refreshing blond ales, there’s a beer here for any preference. If you can make it on a Sunday, be sure to check out their build-your-own caesar bar and all day brunch menu. You might even get to meet their photogenic lab mascot, Pete.
The Best Cideries in Kelowna
Soma Cidery
Soma Cidery is located on a small scale family farm, right here in Kelowna. Their beautiful 13-acre property is home to a cidery, an orchard, and an alpaca farm. Taking a pure and simple approach, Soma focuses on creating the best, most natural apple cider. They’ve curated a beautiful space for people to come to taste their ciders, share stories, and enjoy the beauty of the Okanagan.
Upside Cider
Closer to Kelowna airport, Upside Cider is worth the drive. They’re passionate about what they do and they do it well. From their organic craft ciders to their woodfire pizzas and everything in between, their commitment to quality is undeniable. They also have a beautiful setting to enjoy it in. With a cozy lounge and welcoming patio situated in their beautiful orchard, you’re sure to have a memorable visit.
The Best Ways to See Them
While there are plenty of traditional options for getting to a Kelowna brewery or cidery (i.e. car, taxi, bus or foot), there are also some unique modes of transport that make for an unforgettable experience. Here are some options we recommend:
- Smile Cycle Tours – Self-proclaimed as Kelowna’s Best Party Bike, Smile Cycle Tours was rated the #1 thing to do in Kelowna on Tripadvisor. With a variety of tour options, they provide a fun way to experience the city and Kelowna’s many great breweries. Check out their Craft Beer Tour for more information.
- Vivid Tours – Kelowna’s favourite tour company. Vivid offers a wide range of tour options – from wine to beer, they can help you experience it all. Choose from one of their three craft beer packages to curate your perfect tour.
- Bike tour – If you prefer to take things at your own pace, a self-guided bike tour might be the perfect solution. With a variety of rental options available in town (check out our recent blog on Summer Sports for more details on bike rentals) you can select a few breweries and plan your route. Be sure to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated!
Get a Taste of all the Okanagan Has to Offer
The Shore Kelowna is a modern apartment-style rental property, located steps from Okanagan Lake. With the perfect combination of flexibility and luxury, The Shore delivers everything you need for an idyllic Okanagan vacation. Conveniently located in Kelowna’s Pandosy neighbourhood, The Shore keeps you close to the action and provides a quiet and comfortable spot to come home to. Use us as a home base while you go enjoy all the sights and sips the Okanagan has to offer.
To learn more about our suites or secure your accommodation in Kelowna, please contact us or book online today. Whether you’re from out of town or a local looking to enjoy a relaxing staycation, we can’t wait to welcome you to The Shore!
