Category: Adventure Time

Things to do around the Okanagan

Adventure Time

Experience the Best Hookah Lounge in Kelowna

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Kelowna, are you ready to level up your next group outing? Forget the same old pub routine. We just uncovered one of the most vibrant spots in the city. This unique spot needs to be on your list for a fun night with friends. Midnight Kings Hookah Lounge & Eatery is serving up delicious food, spectacular drinks, and an atmosphere that’ll have you trying your hand at belly dancing (seriously!). We went in search of a good time and left with full bellies, great memories, and a new appreciation for the Okanagan appletini. Get ready to discover your new favorite Kelowna evening destination.

What to Expect?

Midnight Kings offers a full experience that goes beyond a standard lounge. The ambiance is vibrant, energetic, and perfect for a group celebrating a birthday or just wanting a change of pace. You’ll find comfortable seating, great music, and a genuinely welcoming vibe from the staff.

The non-nicotine, non-tobacco hookah is a big part of the fun—it’s a great way to socialize and try to master blowing a few smoke rings (we definitely need more practice!). But the real showstopper is the entertainment. Keep an eye on their schedule because the live belly dance performance by dancers like Ana is infectious. It’s hard not to get up and join in, and it’s a moment you’ll be talking about for weeks! This isn’t just a meal or a drink; it’s a full-on experience perfect for adding some excitement to your weekend.

What Did We Try?

The Hookah lounge menu is designed for sharing and snacking while you socialize, and their drinks are the star of the show!

  • The Martini Tower: This is a must-try for any group. The tower is completely show-stopping and is available with 4, 6, or 8 martinis. It’s a fantastic value, bringing the price down to about $12 per drink—a real steal in Kelowna!
    • Our Picks: Espresso Martini (smooth and punchy!) and the Okanagan Appletini (a refreshing twist on a classic). The Snowflake and Salted Caramel martinis were also delightful!
  • Torre de Tacos: Perfect for sharing.
  • Garlic Alfredo Chicken Pizza: A surprisingly comforting and flavorful choice. This was a definite hit at the table!
  • Midnight Wild Fries: These seasoned fries were absolutely addictive and a great snack with our drinks.
  • Charcuterie Palace: Always a reliable choice for a group.
pizza at kelowna hookah lounge

Final Thoughts

This Kelowna Hookah Lounge is a hidden gem that provides a completely unique night out for Kelowna locals. The value on the Martini Tower is remarkable. The delicious shareable food is enticing. The infectious energy of the live entertainment makes it a fantastic choice. If you’re looking to shake up your routine and try something genuinely new and exciting right here in our city, put this place at the very top of your list, and have the best time Discovering Kelowna!

Have you mastered the art of belly dancing here yet? Let me know in the comments below!

Adventure Time

Lunar New Year in Kelowna

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Gōng xǐ fā cái (happiness and prosperity)!

This year we start celebrating on January 29th, and in many cultures this is a week long celebration. If you follow the Chinese zodiac, this year is the year of the snake. For those of you born in 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, and 1953 this is your year! These individuals are known as being deep thinkers, resourceful, and determined. Unfortunately in Kelowna there aren’t many public events but, I’ve put all the things going on in our community over the next few weeks into one post so you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in Kelowna 🧧

Lunar New Year Activities

Spring Lantern Festival

February 9th at Parkinson Rec Center from 4-8pm with live performances, dumpling making, photo booths and more! You can reserve your free ticket here.

Chinese New Year Buffet

Naked Cafe is hosting an all you can eat vegan buffet from 4-8pm. You can reserve your tickets here.

Lunar New Year Celebration

In the UBCO ball room open to all, from 4-7pm. Light refreshments and performances by their K-Pop dance team will be provided. You can register here.

Final Thoughts

If you needed a second chance to start fresh here it is! I hope one day there will be a larger Lunar New Year in Kelowna, like the ones in bigger cities. Having only 3 events is so sad! I’ll be making dumplings with family and ringing in the new year on the 29th. Then, I’ll be checking out the big event at the college on the 9th to watch the dragon dance. The college one is by far the biggest and has been around for the longest. It’s definitely a must see! Wishing everyone a prosperous new year, and I hope you have the best time Discovering Kelowna.

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A Month of Transformative Fitness Classes Reviewed

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Sweat Studio is a cozy group fitness studio located in downtown Kelowna owned by two brothers! They offer a variety of workout classes, a sauna and cold plunge, child minding, and a smoothie bar. I tried a full month of classes include barre, strength, and cardio. If you’re looking to join a group fitness gym, this one is definitely worth a try.

What to Expect?

Paid parking is available on the street and I never had any trouble finding a spot close by, even when I was running a few minutes past class time 🙈. It’s class based and bookings are made online through their app. Shoes are removed at the door and check-in is few clicks at the front. After your workout class, luxurious cold lemon grass face towels are given out while you cool down. The change rooms are filled with everything you might need to freshen up after class to go back to your day, including deodorant, towels, hair tools and more.

My Experience

For the whole month of December I booked as many classes as I could so I could give my honest review. First up, the famous barre class, known for giving a good booty burn. If you’re looking for the evening class you need to book at least a week in advance as it’s PACKED. I found this class burned in the moment, but didn’t give much muscle soreness after. Is it just me, or is that feeling addicting? Like a pat on the back for working hard 😂

Next, I tried the class termed “Sunday Peaches”. This is like the expert version of a barre class. Cardio heavy but with bigger weights. My legs were on FIRE for a week after this class. It was amazing. I will admit, I omitted a large chunk of the cardio movements by slowing them down and adding weight. After that I tried an arms and abs class to balance things out. It came highly recommended from a friend, and was a mix of weight, cardio, and abs.

Final Thoughts

As someone who has been to many of the big box gyms, group fitness gyms, and online workout classes in Kelowna, this was a well rounded gym. Many of the classes had a good mix of cardio and strength, supplemented by yoga and stretching classes. I also felt the classes catered wonderfully to those looking to build strength, with an open gym period for a few hours almost every day. The only downfall was the lack of late night and weekend classes, but it was still a great month of working out! For more fun things to do in Kelowna be sure to check out the rest of my page!

Adventure Time

Cold Plunge and Sauna on The Lake

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Fall is in the air and with it comes cooler lake temperatures. If the polar bear dip isn’t quite your forte, Loyly offers a cold plunge and sauna experience right here on Okanagan lake starting in mid October. I tried it for the first time last year and it was hands down the best way to start my day!

What to Expect

Located downtown Kelowna at the marina, with plenty of paid parking available. You must book ahead of time online to reserve your spot. You can book a community session with other people, or rent it out for a private session with up to 7 people. They supply change rooms and cold water, but bathrooms must be sought out off site. Once your group has arrived you start off in the sauna to bring up your internal temperature. You can ask them to add essential oils to the steam for added benefits! You also have the ability to turn up the heat by pouring extra water on the hot rocks at any point during your cycles.

cold plunge and sauna on Okanagan lake

After 15 minutes you can then brave the cold lake waters and put your body to the test. Some go for a quick dip, while others take a seat and try to relax. The view is absolutely stunning which helps pass the time! Expect to be feeling relaxed and accomplished at the end of your hour session.

My Experience

I had never done a cold plunge before. I went in feeling anxious, thinking about what could happen if my body went into shock front he cold. Once in the sauna those feelings quickly disappeared as we cranked up the heat and started counting down the minutes. I was sweating and yearning for the cold by the time the 15 minutes were up!

Then came the cold.

I got in wanting to cool down, and instantly came back out. I think I was in for a total of 8 seconds while almost push mingy friend out of my escape route. I ran back to the sauna to defrost and get ready to try again. This time I only stayed in for ten minutes, determined to beat my sad record. With each cycle I noticed my body could endure the cold for longer periods and my mind wasn’t racing as fast as it was at the beginning.

I started to relax.

I had worked my way up from 8 seconds to a full minute by my last cycle. I started to breathe calmly and enjoy the sun on my face and the mountains around me. The last cycle ends on the plunge and you leave feeling relaxed and renewed.

My Final Thoughts

A MUST TRY. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of my experience in the cold plunge and sauna. The area is clean and private, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Everyone saw improvement from their first plunge to their last. I loved that feeling of accomplishment when leaving. The cold was really a test of mental strength with some of the group staying in there for over 3 minutes. We went in the morning which made for the perfect wake-me-up, but I think going right at sunrise or sunset would also be quite enjoyable.

Have you guys tried taking the plunge yet? Let me know what you think!

As always, I hope you have the best time Discovering Kelowna 🏔️

Adventure Time

Wine & Cheese Flights

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If you’re not looking for a full on wine tour but still want try some of the Okanagan’s wines, you need to check out Grate Cheesery. They’re a local cheese monger shop with everything you need to craft your perfect charcuterie board or fondue night. If you’re not looking to do any work, they have options available for dine in, including their wine & cheese flights!

What to Expect

Located at 462 West Ave in Pandosy Village, Mirjana the owner is usually the one manning the front. She’ll greet you and help you pick out some cheeses for your boards at home and show you all the local goodies she’s stocked her shop with. She is seriously the sweetest lady I’ve ever met and I promise you are in great hands! She invited us to try out their wine & cheese flights, which had 3 sets of paired tastings.

wine & cheese flight

Flights cost $35 and include 2oz pours of white, rose, and red wine, cheeses, and nibbles like nuts and chocolate. This is a great way to not only try local wines, but also different cheeses from around the world. I’ve never liked blue cheese, but in this pairing I got to appreciate the saltiness and enjoy it with its accompaniments. Reservations are not required, but the shop is small. If you plan on bringing a group larger than 2 I would suggest calling in to reserve.

They host fondue nights on Friday and Saturday night, private functions, and can even create your charcuterie boards for takeaway. Aside from cheese they also have a ton of local finds including pies, candy, crackers, and other fun things to add to your boards.

Final Thoughts

This is a cozy experience I recommend to everyone asking for something new to check out in the colder months. When we went it was raining out, which honestly made the vibe better. It was a great way to catch up with friends and try something new.

As always I hope you’re having the best time Discovering Kelowna 🧀

Adventure Time

Canyoning In The Okanagan

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Welcome back to the group chat! If you’ve been following me on social media, you know these past few weeks I’ve been doing a whole lot more than just eating. I recently was introduced to mother nature’s creations that have been hidden ten minutes from my house, this whole dang time! With experienced guides and gorgeous views, canyoning in the Okanagan was certainly an excursion I will never forget.

What to Expect

There are currently two different canyons to check out with Okanagan Canyoning. The first one is located a hop, skip, and a jump from the airport, and the second is in Penticton. Gear is provided and the helmets are equipped with go-pro attachments if needed.

Here are some of the main differences:

Kelowna

  • Beginner friendly
  • Rapells and ziplining
  • 10 minute hike in

Penticton

  • Must complete a rappelling school workshop
  • Walk arounds not available once you reach the lower part of the canyon
  • 8-9 rapells

What I Did

We met up with Okanagan Canyoning at the Kelowna Fruit Stand, by the airport, went through a safety briefing and then followed our guides in our vehicles to the canyon. They geared us up and led us down a short 10 minute hike to the canyon entrance. I went May 1st on the Kelowna adventure and the water was freezing but with the gear provided, I was able to stay warm. I chose to wear water shoes instead of runners and they had enough grip to keep me safe on the trek.

First, we had a guided rappel down a waterfall, and thankfully, because of the time of year, we didn’t get doused in water on the way down! I was nervous due to my slight fear of heights, but I was keen on embracing my adventurous side. Only screaming a little on the short way down.. After each rappel we waited for the rest of our group to make it down before continuing on. For this reason I’d recommend going with a smaller group if possible.

Next, we had a zipline down a waterfall with gorgeous views! This is where being somewhat fit comes into place as you need to pull yourself up a few ropes in this section. If I’m being honest, I’m pretty sure my guide pulled me up more than I pulled myself up. If you’re reading this, I’m grateful for you!

After a little bit of rock climbing we ziplined down and into a pool of water with a nice big splash and swim out. This one was my favourite out of the three! They definitely saved the best for last. After this there was the option to go down a natural waterslide or head back up. Since the slide meant being fully submerged in the water, I opted out. BOO I KNOW. If it was warmer I would have! Just means I’ll have to go again 😎

My Final Thoughts

This is an activity everyone should have on their Okanagan bucket list. Yes we have wineries and plenty of breweries, but we also have plenty of outdoor fun to enjoy! It’s about $170 per person for 4 hours of canyoning, which is a really good price for everything you get. I would recommend going with people you know, however, I went by myself and made some new friends along the way. Something about cold water that just brings people together.

As always, I hope you have the best time Discovering Kelowna 🌄

Adventure Time

Shedding My Dead Skin

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Hello winter and the dry skin that comes with it 👎For me, skin care and facials are very important. I don’t wear makeup often, which means I want my skin to look amazing and be free from acne, signs of aging, and dry spots, all while looking bright and dewy. Not a tall order, right?! I’ve visited quite a few clinics in my day for some self care and Taylor at Awaken has by far been the most thorough. Not to mention, she’s also being reasonably priced.

What to Expect?

Awaken is located inside Room & Pillar, making this the perfect place for a full spa day! You can have your treatment and sit in the salt cave, soaking up a full day of relaxation. Taylor is the owner and Medical Aesthetician, offering a variety of services that focus on corrective and preventative care from facials to hair removal. She provides a welcoming and safe space for these intimate moments and makes sure you understand every step of the process along the way.

Reception at Awaken
Massage at Awaken

What Did I Do?

I did the dermaplaning facial and my skin has NEVER felt so smooth. I could not stop looking at myself in the mirror and touching my face. The treatment started with a 30 minute cleanse and steam. She then performed lymphatic drainage and told me how this eliminates puffiness and can make your face appear more sculpted. Next, came the extractions and demaplaning. Taylor got all up and in every nook and cranny she could find on my face. I don’t think anyone has ever gotten that close to the inside of my nostrils before, and that’s when I knew she wasn’t messing around. She finshed the treatment with an enzyme peel and massage. The peel was very tingly almost like a burning sensation , but she fans you off to help with the brief discomfort. After the treatment she showed me all the dead skin and hair she had removed from my face. I was in SHOCK. I had never seen the effects of my treatment before!

Final Thoughts

My final thoughts are that this is THE service to get if you have an event coming up. It makes your makeup apply so much smoother and everything comes out looking flawless. This is also great if you have a lot facial peach fuzz or like to go makeup free. Dermaplaning ensures your skin products are reaching their maximum potential! Awaken is fairly priced for their services, for example my 75 minute treatment goes for $110, and is recommended once a month for maintenance. That’s like getting your lashes or nails done, but on a less frequent schedule. Such a good deal and way to treat yourself!

I hope this has helped you with Discovering Kelowna and everything it has to offer!

Adventure Time

Kelowna’s Birthday Freebies

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If you’ve got a birthday coming up or know someone who does, save this page for later! If you’ve been following my blog or my instagram @discovering_kelowna, you know I love to highlight all things FREE. In this post I’m going to talk about all the places you can get some sweet Kelowna birthday FREEBIES.

**Please note that if it’s not part of a loyalty program there is normally a minimum purchase required (Make your friend pay, it’s your birthday!). You will also need to prove it’s your birthday. THIS LIST IS AS OF FEBRUARY 2025.

Dessert

  1. Marble Slab -Ice cream cone
    • Must sign up for Marble Mail at least 48 hours before your birthday
  2. Dairy Queen – BOGO blizzard
    • Must join the Blizzard Fan Club
  3. Bin 4 – Chocolate torte
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  4. Boston Pizza – Dessert
    • Must join the MyBP Loyalty Program
  5. Cactus Club – Dessert
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  6. Basil & Mint – Dessert
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  7. Earls – Dessert
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  8. 19 Okanagan Grill & Bar – Dessert
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  9. Moxies – Brownie
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  10. Cobs Bread – Cinnamon bun
    • Must join the COBS Club Rewards 7 days before your birthday

Meals

  1. Denny’s – Grand slam
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  2. Red Robin – Burger
    • Must join the Red Robin Royalty Program prior to your birthday month
    • Minimum purchase of $4.99 required
  3. New York Fries – Fries
    • Must join the Fry Society
  4. Kelly O’Bryan’s – Birthday meal
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
    • Bring at least one friend
    • $20 off before 4pm and $30 off after 4pm
  5. The Old Spaghetti Factory – Pasta entree
    • Must join the Old Spaghetti Factory Rewards program
  6. South Street Burger – BOGO burger
    • Must join their birthday club at least 72 hours before your birthday
  7. Erica Jane – $30 off your meal
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  8. Brandt’s Creek Neighborhood Pub – Birthday meal
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
    • Any item, except steaks
  9. Norman’s Diner – 50% off your meal
    • Must join Norman’s Rewards before your birthday

Drinks

  1. Starbucks – Handcrafted beverage
    • Must join the Starbucks Rewards program
    • Must have made at least one purchase there within the year
  2. Copper Brewing – Sleeve
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
  3. Tim Hortons – Beverage or breakfast sandwich
    • Must join the Tims Rewards 
  4. Jugo Juice – Large Smoothie
    • Must join the Jugo Juice Rewards Program
  5. Blenz – Hot Beverage
    • Must join their Blenz Members
  6. Basil & Mint – Bubbly
    • Just tell them it’s your birthday!
    • Can not combine dessert and bubbly offer

Other

  1. Xperience Kelowna – Play in the escape room or arcade
    • Must be subscribed to their newsletter
  2. Sephora – Makeup or skincare sample
    • Must be a Beauty Insider
    • Must join at least 2 weeks before your birthday
  3. Beyond Wrapture – $15 off any service
  4. Skogies – Car Wash
    • Bring Valid ID

If you know of any other places that offer birthday freebies in Kelowna please feel free to mention them in the comments below ⬇️, and as always have fun Discovering Kelowna 🎂

Adventure Time

Adrena Rush

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Looking for something different to do while the weather is still nice? We rented a slingshot out for the day from our friends over at Adrena Rush. A slingshot is the product child of the batmobile and a go-kart. Of course thanks to Batman the go-kart gets the upgrade of its life that screams LUXURY. If you’re wanting to embrace your boss-bitch energy then this is the ride for you!

What to Expect

This baby comes with heated AND cooling seats, which is an absolute must if you’re taking her out for the whole day. With Kelowna weather we recommend bringing some sunscreen and water as you’ll be in direct sun during the day. 

Some things we recommend checking out with the slingshot:

  • Wineries
  • Lookout points (See this post for good spots)
  • Special events

Basically anything you do, make sure there’s a nice drive involved, because every seat in the slingshot is the best seat. 🏎️

What We Did

We started our day by driving down Lakeshore road until you can’t go any further. Down here you’ll see the remains from the 2003 fire, along with numerous GORGEOUS views and houses. We stopped at Cedar Creek Park and Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park to stop and take in our surroundings. The water is only a few steps away from these spots and the seats are waterproof! We went for a quick jump in the lake before continuing on with our afternoon. Be aware that there is very little lockable space for you to store belogings in the vehicle so pack light.

Cedar creek park with adrena rush
Okangan mountain provincial park with adrena rush

Next, we made our way back down Lakeshore to refuel with a late lunch at Summerhill Winery. Now that tourist season is over, I find it so much more enjoyable to go to these romantic spots during our off season . It’s not too busy or loud which is prefect when spending time with your loved ones. Cedar Creek Winery and Barn Owl Brewing are other good places along the way to stop for a quick bite and local beverage. T

Also, the looks you get are pretty nice for the ego if I’m being honest 😅

Finally on our way home we stopped downtown and grabbed some ice cream at Parlour. We walked along the boardwalk to take in the last bit of sunshine before heading home. What a day for views! It was definitely more comfortable once it got a little cooler since all we had was natural AC. Not too noticeable though since we chose roads with the least amount of stop lights (highly recommend).  Adrena Rush then met us downtown and we returned the vehicle at that point.

My Final Thoughts

My final thoughts are that Adrena Rush provided a great way to have a whole entire date day. Whether it be with your significant other, your family member, or friend. It’s a very luxurious way to spend the day or a few hours which is great depending on your itinerary. We loved how there were no doors or roof so you really got to enjoy all the views nature had to offer. I recommend adding them to your Discovering Kelowna list before the end of the season!

Adventure Time

Discover Okanagan Tours

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It’s WINE TIME! It really isn’t a compete summer in the Okanagan if you don’t visit at least one winery. Even if you don’t drink wine, the views alone are worth the visit. In our opinion wineries that offer food to enjoy with your next favourite bottle are the absolute best! To kick off the summer I decided to book a wine tour vs renting a driver as seen in my previous wine touring on a budget post, and went with Discover Okanagan Tours.

What to Expect?

First off Cam the owner is extremely personable and friendly right from the start. He curates the tour to be unique to each group, just let him know what you want. Price wise, this was the cheapest tour I could find online for about $125 a person, which is not far off from doing it through a cab and in my opinion 100% worth the extra money. It was easy to book online, all we had to do was be at home when they came to pick us up!

Discover okanagan tour bus
Yolanda enjoying wine

We visited four different wineries on our tour including Intrigue Wines, Peak Cellars, Arrow Leaf Cellars, and Gray Monk Estate Winery. Intrigue had Maureen, one of the best sommeliers around who really made our group laugh and enjoy more than just the wine. Peak Cellars took us into the backroom where they make the wine which was different from the typical look at the vine experience. Arrow Leaf Cellars had these unbelievable puff pastry desserts that we enjoyed with a few bottles of their wine. They have a large picnic area to enjoy any snacks or lunch you might have brought with you, but their desserts are a MUST TRY. Gray Monk had breath taking views and a wine shop worth taking photos in.

Peak Cellars experience with discover okanagan
Arrow Leaf Cellar's cream puffs

Final Thoughts?

Our tour guide Drew was outstanding! He helped all of us in and out of the vehicle, took our pictures when requested, packaged and took all purchased bottles to the car, and provided entertaining conversation throughout the tour. He was honest about not knowing much about wine which made us love him even more! I personally prefer tours where the guide doesn’t know much about wine and can converse with us naturally about the Okanagan in general, leaving the details to the sommoliers. I would recommend Discover Okanagan Tours ten times over for the next time you want to go Discovering Kelowna and would happily say they’ve made a life time client out of me!