The Lowdown

Located in the Okanagan Valley, on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is surrounded by lakes, forests, mountains, and vineyards. The city is nicknamed “Canada’s Silicon Valley” because of its vibrant tech and startup community. Kelowna also boasts one of the mildest winter climates in Canada (and also one of the warmest in summer, which is perfect for water sports and golfing).

Where to Stay

Although there are many options for coworking, Kelowna doesn’t offer any co-living just yet.

Depending on the time of year, you can find reasonably priced rooms at VRBO. There are several great options under $100 CAD per night, which is quite reasonable for this area.

Staying in the downtown area is recommended, as it’s walkable to get to the coworking facilities, restaurants, and many of the activities.

Hiking in the Okanagan

Credit: @hikingtheokanagan

Where to Work

Okanagan coLab offers a vibrant coworking environment in downtown Kelowna, with many events and opportunities for networking. You can grab a hotdesk for as little as $18 CAD per day, or go for a monthly pass. The facility offers over 12,000 square feet of space, which includes event facilities, meeting rooms, offices, and a kitchen.

Accelerate Okanagan is also a beautiful coworking space, but targeted more at companies and freelancers who are interested in leasing for long-term (or at least 30 days). One of the greatest perks of this place is their rooftop, allowing you to get outside and enjoy the view. They also offer mentorship, community, and networking opportunities to help your business grow and thrive.

Okanagan Colab

Credit: @Okanagan coLab

Where to Eat

Kelowna has some exceptional food, and on top of that, there are several wineries and wine tours in the region.

Some of the “must-try” stops include authentic Mexican at El Taquero, burgers at Central Kitchen and Bar, and the freshly-pressed waffle cones and premium ice cream at Moolix Ice Cream Shop.

In the summertime, be sure to check out Kelly O’Bryan’s for a great rooftop view.

Moo-Lix Ice Cream

Credit: @Moolix Ice Cream Shop

Where to Play

Kelowna is know for its fantastic wine tours and experiences, so make sure to try a few if that’s up your alley. Golfing and water sports are also very popular in this region. In the summertime, you can float on a tube down a 7km channel connecting two lakes- Coyote Cruises can set you up with gear and transportation.

There are many great hikes with stunning views in this region. Knox Mountain (one of the most popular) is accessible from downtown Kelowna. For more hiking suggestions, visit the Tourism Kelowna website.

If you’re visiting in winter, Big White offers exceptional downhill skiing, and it’s only about a one hour drive from downtown Kelowna.

For more information on activities in the region, visit the Tourism Kelowna Website.

Mission Hill Winery

Credit: @Mission Hill Family Estate

What You’ll Need

Kelowna is a walkable town (if you’re staying downtown), but may want to rent a car if you are staying for more than a week or so (allowing you to explore more of the region).

How to Get There

Fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW)- from the airport, it’s about a half hour drive to downtown. You can either rent a car or hire a cab at the airport.

Ready to Go?

1. Find a room at VRBO.
2. Check Skyscanner for the best prices on flights and car rentals.
3. If you’re travelling from outside Canada, grab some travel insurance below:

4. Pack your bags!