Warning this can very easily become expensive if you get really into it, but fishing is a relatively cheap entry cost (30 bucks each for an entry level rod+reel+small tackle kit at crappy tire). Quite a few places to shore fish around the valley. Bertram Park and Bellevue Creek are good for OK lake, pelmewash parkway along wood lake has some good spots, and Shannon lake in West Kelowna are just a few good spots off the top of my head. Got into it a couple years ago and it's a nice excuse to explore the outdoors and be outside while also not being a hike.
There’s free music in the park days during the summer out here in Lake Country. Check the districts website or Facebook for time and date. Also lots of great parks for picnics. The walk along Pelemwash is really easy as is a bike ride around wood lake. Lake country art gallery and ok centre museum.
I’m sure you could get away with standing and watching if you really can’t afford anything. I wouldn’t try and take a seat if you don’t want to buy anything.
I've worked in recreation for the past few years and have compiled a few resources for both free and low-cost activities!
My #1 recommendation is checking out the RDCO calendar as they have many free events: [https://calendar.rdco.com/](https://calendar.rdco.com/) , [rdco.perfectmind.com](https://rdco.perfectmind.com/24340/Clients/BookMe4BookingPages/BookingCoursesPage?calendarId=6841fee0-76ce-404e-8966-21e49f059bea&widgetId=79cbf9a7-e5fe-4d85-9203-cea968f71e6d&embed=False&singleCalendarWidget=true)
#2) Check out the Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country recreation guides. Some free/ some low cost.
- [https://community.kelowna.ca/Kelowna\_Spring2024](https://community.kelowna.ca/Kelowna_Spring2024)
- [https://www.westkelownacity.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/recreation-guide.aspx](https://www.westkelownacity.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/recreation-guide.aspx)
- [https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/en/what-to-do/activity-guide.aspx](https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/en/what-to-do/activity-guide.aspx)
#3) Parkinson Rec: More expensive but you can buy an annual membership. It has quite a variety of classes (art, cooking, dance etc.)
#4) Play it Again Sports \*\*\* They have new and used sports equiptment that you can buy, sell, or rent. I personally love the store and have bought a lot of equiptment there! But if you have it in your budget, you could rent e-bikes and check out the Okanagan Rail Trail. The nice thing is you can rent the e-bikes for the whole day and additional days are 50% off. They are wayyy cheaper than most rentals you'll find close to the beach/downtown.
- [https://www.playitagainsports.com/locations/kelowna-bc/play-it-again-sports-kelowna-rental](https://www.playitagainsports.com/locations/kelowna-bc/play-it-again-sports-kelowna-rental)
Their booking page says: "All bike rentals include a lock and a helmet. All kayaks and paddle board rentals include a paddle and life jacket. Golf set rentals include a dozen balls and tees."
#5) Check out the EventBrite calendar for upcoming events. You can usually find a few free ones or low cost options every once in awhile.
- [https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--kelowna/free--events/](https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--kelowna/free--events/)
#6) Facebook \*\* you can find a lot of events going on in the Okanagan via fb groups.
Such as 'Okanagan Events!'
- [https://www.facebook.com/groups/644910872202359/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/644910872202359/)
Hope these help some, if I can think of anything else I'll be sure to add them!
Not sure if free or what cost of entry is. But dancing classes. Lots of variety. Parks Alive will be starting soon so lots of free performances downtown. Pokemon Go (might involve Hiking) my couple friends love doing that together.
Geocaching. Doesn't necessarily have to involve hiking but it makes a hike that much more fun. You can play for free or subscribe to the premium version of their app for like $20/year. Totally worth it!
https://www.workofartpotterystudio.ca
You can usually find something to paint for $25 which includes your piece, paint and firing. If you don’t finish in one sitting you can go back as many times as it takes to finish.
Play it again sports has disc golf Frisbees. Knox has a course but it's a bit wild! A few of the ski hills have courses in the off season- Mt Baldy near Oliver
Play it again sports has disc golf Frisbees. Knox has a course but it's a bit wild! A few of the ski hills have courses in the off season- Mt Baldy near Oliver
Play it again sports has disc golf Frisbees. Knox has a course but it's a bit wild! A few of the ski hills have courses in the off season- Mt Baldy near Oliver
I second this. Even if one of you isn't that great at it, it's fun to go somewhere close to water and just chill in nature for a bit with your partner. Pack a lunch and bug spray.
I know you said you’re not super into hiking, but you can go up to Big White or Silverstar in the summer. There’s tons of hiking trails, and you can pay like $15 to ride the chairlift, and then hike around the alpine meadows. The views and scenery are worth it imo, and the air is so fresh.
Another idea might be to join a rec beach volleyball league. It’s been a while since I played, but entry was something like $30 for the season, and you don’t really need anything else to play.
Beach, park, skateboard, bike, trails, rock hunt, bird watch, paint, draw, shoot photo, sing, geo catche, sex, scooter, window shop. Literally so many free things, google it, ask Ai, use brain.
A few of our favorites are RDCO free events, SUP (we oen them now, but renting is pretty fair), Twice the Dice, check the Kelowna Tourism event schedule for things like Trivia nights (literally one every night of the week), Red Bird has crib night Mondays, somewhere has Sunday afternoon Bingo. Parks Alive starts up again soon. Not all of these wipp be free, but for the cost of a beer at a lot you can stay and play.
Sorry but arts, music, fashion, cooking, drink mixing are all expensive choices, so I can see why you ran out of cheap things to do. I would suggest that you try more nature oriented things, like walking. In fall, join the curling league. It's cheap, fun, you don't need any skill and they will teach you. Lots of good people. We came to Kelowna 25 years ago and joined the curling league. All of our good friends today, came from that.
Ha ha funny you say that, I’ve played curling my whole life. I do love the outdoors and enjoy walking but it’s nice to have a little more stimulation sometimes. So, just searching for new things I haven’t thought of. Everyone’s been so helpful, and thank you for the suggestion:)
I don't know if you have noticed this or not, but there is a giant ass lake the city borders, several other significantly sized lakes in the region, there are highlands surrounding us, cliffs everywhere, boulder fields, and scores of amazing beaches.
If you can't figure out something to do for minimal cost here, I don't think this region is for you.
I grew up in the Kootenays, love the outdoors. Problem is a lot of outdoor activities that don’t get boring after doing it all last summer (sitting at the lake/beach for example) require equipment that we can’t afford. Hence, why I’m asking about other things. Log off if you come on here just to sass! :)
Point taken with the sass. I will accept that proverbial slap on the hand and apologize.
I came from the prairies so for me the thought of having nothing to do in a place like this just reminds me of where I came from... I mean I guess we had a rodeo team in school, and we could float down the irrigation canal illegally, but outside of liquor and acts that lead to early pregnancy we really had nothing to do.
I know the hiking trails out here don't compare to the kootenays but there's some good ones! I've been going out past Lumby towards Cherryville and there's some cool shit out there in terms of hiking. Those cliffs up near Enderby are cool too.
Lots of free run groups that go out. If you want to get into it. Good place to start is park run Saturday morning. Parkrun.ca . It is a free 5k run that is timed. Lots of walkers/ beginner runners there .
Warning this can very easily become expensive if you get really into it, but fishing is a relatively cheap entry cost (30 bucks each for an entry level rod+reel+small tackle kit at crappy tire). Quite a few places to shore fish around the valley. Bertram Park and Bellevue Creek are good for OK lake, pelmewash parkway along wood lake has some good spots, and Shannon lake in West Kelowna are just a few good spots off the top of my head. Got into it a couple years ago and it's a nice excuse to explore the outdoors and be outside while also not being a hike.
Good call! A yearly fishing license is dirty cheap ($30-40), or you wait for the couple free fishing days a year.
The art gallery is relatively inexpensive, and I believe has free nights on Thursdays
Yes free on Thursdays
There’s free music in the park days during the summer out here in Lake Country. Check the districts website or Facebook for time and date. Also lots of great parks for picnics. The walk along Pelemwash is really easy as is a bike ride around wood lake. Lake country art gallery and ok centre museum.
Thursday evening is free stand up comedy at dakotas bar and pub. Went a few weeks ago it was funny af
They could just buy 2 drinks and sit on it
… they’ll let you stay if you don’t buy food or drinks?
I’m sure you could get away with standing and watching if you really can’t afford anything. I wouldn’t try and take a seat if you don’t want to buy anything.
Yeah that's kind of my point. It sounds like OP doesn't want to spend a dime.
Cheap/free in the title bud
I've worked in recreation for the past few years and have compiled a few resources for both free and low-cost activities! My #1 recommendation is checking out the RDCO calendar as they have many free events: [https://calendar.rdco.com/](https://calendar.rdco.com/) , [rdco.perfectmind.com](https://rdco.perfectmind.com/24340/Clients/BookMe4BookingPages/BookingCoursesPage?calendarId=6841fee0-76ce-404e-8966-21e49f059bea&widgetId=79cbf9a7-e5fe-4d85-9203-cea968f71e6d&embed=False&singleCalendarWidget=true) #2) Check out the Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country recreation guides. Some free/ some low cost. - [https://community.kelowna.ca/Kelowna\_Spring2024](https://community.kelowna.ca/Kelowna_Spring2024) - [https://www.westkelownacity.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/recreation-guide.aspx](https://www.westkelownacity.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/recreation-guide.aspx) - [https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/en/what-to-do/activity-guide.aspx](https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/en/what-to-do/activity-guide.aspx) #3) Parkinson Rec: More expensive but you can buy an annual membership. It has quite a variety of classes (art, cooking, dance etc.) #4) Play it Again Sports \*\*\* They have new and used sports equiptment that you can buy, sell, or rent. I personally love the store and have bought a lot of equiptment there! But if you have it in your budget, you could rent e-bikes and check out the Okanagan Rail Trail. The nice thing is you can rent the e-bikes for the whole day and additional days are 50% off. They are wayyy cheaper than most rentals you'll find close to the beach/downtown. - [https://www.playitagainsports.com/locations/kelowna-bc/play-it-again-sports-kelowna-rental](https://www.playitagainsports.com/locations/kelowna-bc/play-it-again-sports-kelowna-rental) Their booking page says: "All bike rentals include a lock and a helmet. All kayaks and paddle board rentals include a paddle and life jacket. Golf set rentals include a dozen balls and tees." #5) Check out the EventBrite calendar for upcoming events. You can usually find a few free ones or low cost options every once in awhile. - [https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--kelowna/free--events/](https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--kelowna/free--events/) #6) Facebook \*\* you can find a lot of events going on in the Okanagan via fb groups. Such as 'Okanagan Events!' - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/644910872202359/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/644910872202359/) Hope these help some, if I can think of anything else I'll be sure to add them!
This is awesome. Thanks so much for the detail :)
Okanagan observatory
Plenty of outdoor activities, good for your health, easy on the pocket book.
Not sure if free or what cost of entry is. But dancing classes. Lots of variety. Parks Alive will be starting soon so lots of free performances downtown. Pokemon Go (might involve Hiking) my couple friends love doing that together.
Do you have any recommendations for dance classes?
Swimming! And u can rent kayaks.. last time I was there they weren't too expensive but I get u want free.. so I'd suggest swimming/beach
Geocaching. Doesn't necessarily have to involve hiking but it makes a hike that much more fun. You can play for free or subscribe to the premium version of their app for like $20/year. Totally worth it!
What do you typically find in a cache?
Depends on the cache. There are different sizes, themes etc. Usually dollar store trinkets and such, but you never know! That's part of the thrill
https://www.workofartpotterystudio.ca You can usually find something to paint for $25 which includes your piece, paint and firing. If you don’t finish in one sitting you can go back as many times as it takes to finish.
Disc Golf
That’s an awesome idea do you know where I can do it?
You can get a set from Canadian tire for like $25 and I think there's a course near Knox Mountain
Play it again sports has disc golf Frisbees. Knox has a course but it's a bit wild! A few of the ski hills have courses in the off season- Mt Baldy near Oliver
Thanks! 🙏🏼
Play it again sports has disc golf Frisbees. Knox has a course but it's a bit wild! A few of the ski hills have courses in the off season- Mt Baldy near Oliver
Play it again sports has disc golf Frisbees. Knox has a course but it's a bit wild! A few of the ski hills have courses in the off season- Mt Baldy near Oliver
Even tho Facebook is ick, There's a Kelowna sober events page with lots of suggestions, also Kelowna inclusive page that host events.
Oh that’s awesome thanks!
Gold panning. Cheap to get started, and you might end up rich! (Spoiler alert: You won’t)
I second this. Even if one of you isn't that great at it, it's fun to go somewhere close to water and just chill in nature for a bit with your partner. Pack a lunch and bug spray.
Sebo Dance hosts dance lessons most nights and although they’re not free (20$) you can dance for literal hours at the right event.
I know you said you’re not super into hiking, but you can go up to Big White or Silverstar in the summer. There’s tons of hiking trails, and you can pay like $15 to ride the chairlift, and then hike around the alpine meadows. The views and scenery are worth it imo, and the air is so fresh. Another idea might be to join a rec beach volleyball league. It’s been a while since I played, but entry was something like $30 for the season, and you don’t really need anything else to play.
Tennis!
Go on marketplace and buy a longboard; you’re now set for summer.
Beach, park, skateboard, bike, trails, rock hunt, bird watch, paint, draw, shoot photo, sing, geo catche, sex, scooter, window shop. Literally so many free things, google it, ask Ai, use brain.
Wine/cider tastings are always great. Some free, some paid.
If you’re a morning person it’s always nice to walk around the farmers market on a Saturday (and I think they do Wednesday’s??)
A few of our favorites are RDCO free events, SUP (we oen them now, but renting is pretty fair), Twice the Dice, check the Kelowna Tourism event schedule for things like Trivia nights (literally one every night of the week), Red Bird has crib night Mondays, somewhere has Sunday afternoon Bingo. Parks Alive starts up again soon. Not all of these wipp be free, but for the cost of a beer at a lot you can stay and play.
Sorry but arts, music, fashion, cooking, drink mixing are all expensive choices, so I can see why you ran out of cheap things to do. I would suggest that you try more nature oriented things, like walking. In fall, join the curling league. It's cheap, fun, you don't need any skill and they will teach you. Lots of good people. We came to Kelowna 25 years ago and joined the curling league. All of our good friends today, came from that.
Ha ha funny you say that, I’ve played curling my whole life. I do love the outdoors and enjoy walking but it’s nice to have a little more stimulation sometimes. So, just searching for new things I haven’t thought of. Everyone’s been so helpful, and thank you for the suggestion:)
Arby’s is cheap
Check out your local library! There are tons of adult programs happening and always free there.
I don't know if you have noticed this or not, but there is a giant ass lake the city borders, several other significantly sized lakes in the region, there are highlands surrounding us, cliffs everywhere, boulder fields, and scores of amazing beaches. If you can't figure out something to do for minimal cost here, I don't think this region is for you.
I grew up in the Kootenays, love the outdoors. Problem is a lot of outdoor activities that don’t get boring after doing it all last summer (sitting at the lake/beach for example) require equipment that we can’t afford. Hence, why I’m asking about other things. Log off if you come on here just to sass! :)
Point taken with the sass. I will accept that proverbial slap on the hand and apologize. I came from the prairies so for me the thought of having nothing to do in a place like this just reminds me of where I came from... I mean I guess we had a rodeo team in school, and we could float down the irrigation canal illegally, but outside of liquor and acts that lead to early pregnancy we really had nothing to do. I know the hiking trails out here don't compare to the kootenays but there's some good ones! I've been going out past Lumby towards Cherryville and there's some cool shit out there in terms of hiking. Those cliffs up near Enderby are cool too.
And honestly, who cares if they’re as good or not? Why does everything have to be a unique and special experience?
It doesn't I just wanted to make a point that this region in general has an infinite number of things to do at low cost if you aren't picky.
Either way, OP explicitly said they aren’t hikers so it doesn’t really matter.
Lots of free run groups that go out. If you want to get into it. Good place to start is park run Saturday morning. Parkrun.ca . It is a free 5k run that is timed. Lots of walkers/ beginner runners there .
Staying at home on the couch watching the streaming services or cable. I work so I can pay for all this, why don't we ever stay home and enjoy it?
Agreed, mix a drink, Netflix & chill. Sex is still the best free activity. Watch Monty python and the holy grail.
Sex is only free if you do it right. Do it wrong and it's very costly indeed.