10 reasons to visit Kelowna instead of Niagara for your bachelor party

Who said you have to visit Niagara for your bachelor party?

It’s time for Kelowna, baby.

If you want a bachelor party that’s different from the others, you need to check out this stunning lakeside gem. As the Okanagan’s largest city, Kelowna is known for its wine, sure, but there’s so much more – from the massive lake that stretches through the valley, to 19 beautiful golf courses, to craft breweries and distilleries, this place is the antithesis of the cliché boys’ weekend.

To help you see it for yourself, we’ve compiled a list of 10 reasons why Kelowna is the go-to location for your bachelor party.

You can get a direct flight

One of the best parts about visiting Kelowna for a stag party is that you can fly directly from Toronto. In just over 4 hours, you can swap the hustle of the city for the wide open landscape of Kelowna. You can book flights with a number of different airlines like Air Canada or WestJet and snag a good deal if you book in advance.

Golfing

If there’s one thing you know the guys love, it’s golfing. Kelowna offers tons of options with 19 courses for all skill levels. Simply choose a golf club and you have a day’s activity boxed off – but just know that it’s going to be difficult for you to choose.  Harvest Golf Club, Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club, Gallagher’s Golf & Country Club, Tower Ranch Golf Club, or The Okanagan Golf Club are just some of the renowned golf courses that you and the guys can hit up in Kelowna.

Beach activities

It’s the season to get on the water with your friends and soak up the sunshine as you ride the waves. Thankfully, you have tons of options at your fingertips in Kelowna, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and much more. But don’t forget about the option to spend the day relaxing in the sun and cruising the Okanagan waters in style on a pontoon boat. The best part? Neither you or your groomsmen need a license to rent the boat.

Mountain biking

Even if you’ve never tried mountain biking, you’ll have a blast as you tear down off-road bike trails in Kelowna, catching air as you catapult yourself off jumps. This is the perfect summer activity because you can enjoy the sunshine with your group while you get your ride on. For more seasoned riders, check out the Mountain Bike Skills Park in East Kelowna or head straight to Knox Mountain Park for experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Returning visitors should definitely add the newly opened Big White Bike Park to their list.

Craft breweries

Let’s face it – drinking beer is a quintessential bachelor party activity, and you’ll be able to find lots of it in Kelowna. With several breweries to choose from, your buddies will get to taste the freshest BC hops and craft flavours. BNA Brewing Co, Tree Brewing, and Kettle River Brewing are some of the area’s best-known breweries where you can get pale ales, sours, IPAs, stouts, and more. Your group can also take a trip to BC Tree Fruits Cider to try some authentic summer cider.

Hiking

You’ve woken up after a night at the breweries and you’re craving some fresh air. This is one of the most monumental bachelor party experiences you can do, and you’ll understand it when you see the view at the top of Knox Mountain. Your group will love this hike for its unobstructed views of the lake, and you can even take a dip at the end of Paul’s Tomb trail in a secluded section of the water. There are nearly 40 hikes in the area, so if your crew isn’t too tuckered out from the night before, there’s plenty to explore.

Winery tours

They don’t call the Okanagan Valley ‘wine country’ for no reason. And that’s because there are 40 wineries in and around Kelowna alone. This is obviously a huge hit with big crowds, so your friends will definitely have fun. You can visit a slew of different locations like Tantalus Vineyards, Quails’ Gate, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, the Hatch, and many more. Guided wine tours are an excellent option for big groups, and you can combine the tours with outdoor activities like ziplining or ATVing.

Food scene

All these activities are guaranteed to make you work up an appetite. The city is home to a wide range of tasty restaurants, and it’s a big reason as to why people visit from all over the world. You’ll be able to taste dishes that showcase the fresh fare the Okanagan has to offer. Smack DAB, KRAFTY Kitchen + Bar, Oak + CRU, RauDz, and Curious Cafe are must-visit eateries during your visit. Foodies should definitely add KRAFTY’s pulled duck poutine, Oak + CRU’s yam and quinoa burger, and RauDZ’s barrel aged cocktails to their Kelowna bucket list.

Nightlife

When it comes to partying, Kelowna has your boys covered. It’s one of the top destinations in BC for entertainment. When you’re there, you can visit lively pubs such as Doc Willoughby’s, Fernado’s, or Rose’s, or clubs like Level Nightclub, Liquid Zoo, or Sapphire Night Club for an epic night out. Definitely arrange to reserve a VIP area for your group to celebrate in true bachelor party fashion.

Festivals

If you’re down for a festival-themed bachelor party, then you need to hit Kelowna as it’s home to plenty of festivals each year. Take for example the Center of Gravity Beach Festival, Hopscotch, Great Okanagan Beer Festival, Rock the Lake Music Festival… and many more.

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Feel inspired yet? You can start planning your next getaway online right now.

For more information on epic things you can visit in Kelowna, visit Tourism Kelowna on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.