Finding beauty in our own backyards
Kelowna’s waterfront boardwalk connects lake, nature, food and festivities
Story by Monique Tamminga
Photo credit and copyrights to Monique Tamminga & Gonzo Okanagan
I wanted to give a shout out to this great walking, running, cycling path along Water Street in the downtown that connects entertainment spaces, waterfront restaurants and the Kelowna Community Theatre and Art Gallery. It’s also a stone’s throw from the esteemed Rotary Centre for the Arts.
Sometimes we are so busy in our lives we forget to appreciate the beauty in our own backyards, so I decided to take in everything the Kelowna waterfront has to offer, plus find out what the nearby art theatres are offering.
Late spring is a great time to grab a cup a coffee from one of the local cafes and take a walk about. The tulips are in full bloom and the walkway is less crowded than the summer months.
The Kelowna waterfront is a two- kilometre easy stroll that starts just beyond the bridge, where there is basketball and tennis courts, a large open greenspace and canopy of trees which meanders into downtown. Along the way, encounter iconic landmarks like the Instagram-worthy water feature and the legendary Ogopogo statue, steeped in local lore. The Kelowna Yacht Club, marina, visitors centre and several restaurants including Cactus Club and King Taps are also along the boardwalk.
This promenade takes you towards the Delta Grand Resort where the path follows around a large pond, past a calming water feature and some fantastic scenery. Canada geese are currently rearing their babies all around the grass and pond.
The waterfront also hosts a ton of festivals including Canada Day celebrations on July 1, the Dragonboat Festival July 6 and Parks Alive – a summerlong festival of free concerts, arts and performances. The Community Theatre located at 1375 Water Street or Rotary Centre for the Arts at 421 Cawston Avenue have a great line up of local and international shows. Here’s what’s playing at the Kelowna Community Theatre:
- April Wine Live in Concert on Sunday, May 12
- Tropical Party Aldo Tributo on Thursday May 24
- Creator’s Arts Centre: Animals Can Dance Too on May 25
- Country Divas June 2 Rotary Centre for the Arts
- Wild about Spring Film Festival May 17
- A Year in Ukraine May 18
- Kelowna’s own Under the Rock album release concert May 24
- Embracing our Collective Destiny May 26
- Abba Euphoria May 28
