How to Spend a Layover in Kelowna (YLW Airport Guide)

A layover in the Kelowna airport is actually a pretty sweet deal. Instead of wasting time in a boring terminal, you can step outside and be at a winery, a waterfall trail, or even a kangaroo farm in just a few minutes!

I’ve lived in Kelowna my whole life and I can promise you that extra time here is always a gift. Whether you only have a couple of hours or half the day, there are plenty of fun and easy things to do near Kelowna airport before your next flight.

And if you can swing it, try to extend your layover! Turning a quick stop into a full day (or more) in Kelowna means you’ll get to taste, sip, and explore even more of what makes this valley so special.

But be careful, you might fall in love and never want to leave. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

View of Kelowna from Dilworth Mountain Park

Kelowna Layover Map

To make things easy, I’ve put together a map with all the spots mentioned in this guide. From quick food stops to wineries and waterfalls, everything is pinned so you can see just how close it all is to the airport.

Things to Do Within 15 Minutes of Kelowna Airport

If your layover in Kelowna is short, you don’t need to go far to experience a bit of what Kelowna is all about. The airport itself is small and easy to get in and out of, which makes quick trips nearby stress-free.

Within just a few minutes of YLW, you’ll find trails, wineries, and local restaurants that give you a great taste of the Okanagan. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs or sneak in a little adventure without worrying about missing your flight.

PS: Don’t forget to leave time for getting there and back, and going through security again.

Outdoor Stops & Fun Activities

Kangaroo Creek Farm: This is one of the quirkiest stops near the airport. You can meet kangaroos, wallabies, capybaras, and parrots. It’s fun and something you won’t find anywhere else in Canada!
Mill Creek Regional Park: A short, peaceful hike that takes you to a little waterfall (or try the harder waterfalls if you’re up for a challenge).
KF Centre for Excellence: An aviation museum that’s shaped like an airplane wing. You’ll see rare aircraft, interactive exhibits, and a café overlooking the runway. It’s only a short walk from the airport terminal.
Quail Ridge Linear Park: Just across the highway from the airport, this easy trail winds through ponderosa pines and connects to other paths if you want a longer walk. You will need a vehicle to reach it.
Scandia Golf & Games: Classic Kelowna spot with mini golf, arcade games, batting cages, and go-karts.
Energyplex: A huge indoor fun zone with climbing walls, trampolines, and a big play area. Great for kids or adults who want to burn off some layover energy

Where to Eat & Drink

Gulfstream: Right across the highway inside the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, with a free shuttle from the airport. It’s a great choice for a sit-down meal and the beef dip is a local favourite.
Kaya Sushi: A few steps away from Four Points and a good pick if you want to eat something lighter. Their sushi is fresh and quick, perfect for a short layover.
Airport Village Plaza: Just a couple of minutes from YLW. Grab a pizza at DunnEnzies, pick up snacks at Nester’s Market, or stop for a coffee.
Ancient Hill Winery: A small, family-run winery right by the airport where you can enjoy wine flights and charcuterie. Plus, the view of planes taking off over the vines is pretty unique.
Upside Cidery: Organic cider, wood-fired pizza, and a rooftop patio. It’s the perfect spot if you’d rather sip cider than wine.
Britannia Brewing: Just a few minutes up the road, this brewery has craft beer and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great spot to relax with a pint before heading back to the airport.

Things to Do Within 30 Minutes of the Kelowna Airport

If you’ve got a few extra hours, you can head a little further out and really see what Kelowna is all about. These spots are still close enough that you won’t be rushing back to your gate as long as you have lots of extra time (remember you need to go back through security!).

Just keep in mind that traffic can change the timing a lot, especially during summer or around rush hour (roughly 7-8am and 3-6pm). A drive downtown can take 20 minutes on a quiet day or closer to 40 when it’s busy.

Downtown Kelowna Waterfront: Stroll the boardwalk, check out local shops, or relax on the beach. In the summer, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak right by the marina.
Knox Mountain Park: Just past downtown, Knox is Kelowna’s favourite hike. The Apex trail gives you sweeping views over the city and Okanagan Lake in less than an hour.
Wine Touring in East Kelowna: Wineries like Tantalus, Summerhill, and Priest Creek are all within a half-hour drive. Many have tasting rooms with incredible views.
Kelowna Brewing & Cider Scene: Breweries like Jackknife and Red Bird (try the pizza at both places!), or cideries like Soma and Scenic Road, make for an easy afternoon of tasting.
Mission Creek Greenway: A peaceful walking and biking path that winds through Kelowna. Lots of places to hop on and off, and it’s great if you want to stretch your legs without leaving the city.
Orchard & Fruit Stands: Depending on the season, you’ll find roadside stands selling cherries, peaches, apples, and fresh juice. Perfect road snacks before your flight.

Want more restaurant ideas? Here are my top picks in Kelowna!

KF Centre for Excellence, a short walk from YLW

If You Don’t Want to Leave the Airport

Not every layover needs to turn into an adventure. If you’d rather stick close to your gate, Kelowna airport still has a few ways to pass the time.

The airport itself is super small, so even if you don’t read this list, you’ll probably stumble across most of the options just by wandering around.

White Spot: The main sit-down restaurant at YLW and a true BC classic. A good choice if you want a full meal without leaving the airport.
Grab a Coffee or Pastry: Inside YLW, you’ll find the Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate ATM and the Coffee Caravan in the departures lounge, which serves Bright Jenny Coffee and baked goods. Both are local Kelowna gems, so it’s awesome they have options in the airport.
Family Adventure Zone: Recently renovated into a tree-fort-inspired play space with a slide, reading nook (books supplied by the Okanagan Regional Library), and Adirondack chairs for parents. It’s a nice option if you’ve got kids who need to burn some energy.
Airport Views: YLW has big windows that look out over the valley and mountains. It’s a surprisingly pretty airport to sit and people-watch with a coffee in hand.
Shops: There are a couple of small shops and newsstands that carry the basics, plus local souvenirs if you want to bring home a little Okanagan flavour.

Inside the Kelowna airport departures terminal

Kelowna Airport Layover FAQ

Can you stay overnight at Kelowna airport?

No. YLW isn’t a 24-hour airport and the terminal closes at night. If you’ve got an overnight layover, the Four Points by Sheraton is right across the street and has a free shuttle.

How far is Kelowna airport from downtown?

On a good day it’s around 20-30 minutes, but in summer or during rush hour it can creep closer to 40-60. Always give yourself plenty of time to get back for your flight. I’m not taking any responsibility if you miss your flight because you fell in love with Kelowna.

What food is at Kelowna airport?

There’s a White Spot, Subway, and a few grab-and-go counters. For local flavour, check out the Coffee Caravan (serving Bright Jenny Coffee) or the Sandrine French Pastry ATM for fresh pastries and sandwiches. Starbucks is also nearby across the highway.

Can you rent a car at Kelowna airport?

Yes. All the major rental agencies are right at YLW. However, I don’t think a car rental is worth it unless you’re staying multiple days because Kelowna has plenty of taxis, Uber, and buses that will be much easier for your layover explorations.

Aerial view leaving Kelowna, over Okanagan Lake

Where to Stay in Kelowna

If your layover turns into an overnight, there are plenty of great places to stay close to the airport or downtown.

Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport: This is the easiest choice. It’s right across the street from YLW and has a free shuttle. The rooms are comfy and you can grab a late-night bite at the Gulfstream Lounge.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton: Just a few minutes away with a free airport shuttle, indoor pool, and free breakfast.
Downtown Kelowna Hotels: If you’ve got more time, staying downtown lets you be close to the waterfront, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Options include the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand (right on the lake), Hotel Zed (fun and colourful), and the Royal Anne Hotel (a budget-friendly pick in the heart of downtown).
Lake Country Stays: For a quieter option, Lake Country has a mix of cozy Airbnbs, B&Bs, and small inns. It’s close to wineries and orchards, plus you’re still only about 15 minutes from the airport.

more hotels

Seasonal Tips for a Kelowna Layover

What you do on a Kelowna layover can look a little different depending on the time of year. No matter when you land, there’s always something worth checking out.

Summer

This is peak Okanagan season. Wineries, patios, fruit stands, and the downtown waterfront are at their best. Fruit stands are overflowing with cherries, peaches, and apricots, so it’s also the tastiest time to visit.

If you’ve got time, pack a swimsuit and sneak in a lake dip in either Kelowna or Lake Country. The beaches get busy, but there’s nothing better than cooling off in Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake on a hot summer day.

Beaches to visit:

If you can, this is the season to extend your layover. Instead of only having a few hours in Kelowna, see if you can turn your stop into a full day or more. With so much happening in summer, you’ll never run out of things to do.

More kelowna adventures

Fall

Fall in Kelowna is quieter than summer, but just as beautiful, and many wineries host harvest dinners and events.

The vineyards and orchards are gorgeous during harvest, with golden leaves and crisp air that make the whole valley glow. Apple orchards are in full swing, so you can grab fresh cider or take home a bag of Okanagan apples.

If you’ve got a really long layover, it’s also worth the drive up to the Myra Canyon Trestles. You can rent a bike and ride across the historic wooden bridges with sweeping views of the valley. There are even some of the famous larches everyone loves to chase in the fall!

Winter

Winters in Kelowna are usually pretty mild compared to the rest of Canada. You’ll still see snow, but it doesn’t usually last all season in the valley (and usually doesn’t snow much until January), which means you can often keep hiking year-round.

If the trails are icy or freshly covered, snowshoeing is a fun alternative, and places like Knox Mountain or Dilworth are great for quick winter walks.

Big White Ski Resort is about an hour from the airport, so it’s only worth the trip if you have a really long layover (a day or more). Closer to town, you can go skating at Stuart Park (one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in Canada), stroll the quieter downtown waterfront, or try a cozy winter wine tour. Many tasting rooms stay open year-round, so it’s still easy to enjoy the wine scene.

Explore more fun things to do in the winter in Kelowna.

Skating at Stuart Park in downtown Kelowna

Spring

Spring in Kelowna is lovely. The orchards start to bloom and the whole valley comes alive with colour. The air is fresh and the weather is mild enough to enjoy being outside without breaking a sweat.

Spring is the perfect season for a walk on the Okanagan Rail Trail, Mt Baldy, or a hike at Knox Mountain, where you’ll catch early wildflowers dotting the hillsides. Wineries reopen their patios after the winter, so you can sip a glass of local wine in the sunshine without the summer rush.

There’s a slower pace in spring that makes a Kelowna layover feel extra relaxed. You’ll get all the beauty of the Okanagan without the crowds and it feels like the valley is just waking up.

Getting Around

YLW is a small airport, so getting around is easy.

Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis, Uber, and Uride are available right outside the terminal.
Bus: Visit Kelowna Regional Transit for the most current routes, pickup times and prices. It’s cheap but can take up to an hour, so only use it if you’ve got lots of time.
Rental Cars: All the major companies are right at the airport. Handy if you want to explore wineries, orchards, or trails on your own schedule.

Transportation info

Insider Travel Tips

Traffic: Highway 97 is the main road into Kelowna and it gets busy, especially in summer or during rush hour. A drive downtown might take 20 minutes on a quiet day, but closer to 40 when traffic is heavy. I’ll be honest, drivers here can be a little intense. Running red lights and aggressive driving aren’t uncommon, and as a local, it’s one of my least favourite things about the city. Just take it slow, give yourself extra time, and don’t let anyone pressure you into driving faster than you’re comfortable with.
Timing: Always leave yourself at least 45 minutes to get back, clear security, and board. YLW is small, so security usually moves quickly, but it’s better to be safe.
Pack Light: YLW doesn’t have luggage storage, so keep your bags manageable if you’re heading out during your layover.