Five afternoon activities to pass the time in Kelowna

Toyota | May 22, 2018 in Advertorial

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It can be fun to play the tourist in your own city, and there’s plenty to do in your off-time or even after you’ve finished work to make the most of these warm Okanagan afternoons. Longer days make for bonus hours of sunshine, buying you more time to explore Kelowna.

An electric vehicle makes it easy to get around town and enjoy the best our city has to offer. You can plug in at any one of the Level 2 charging stations spread across the city. Taking inspiration from the Toyota Prius Prime’s charging time of two hours and ten minutes, here’s a list of fun, roughly two-hour long activities you can do to make the most of your time in the city while you re-charge.

Okanagan Heritage Museum

Nearest charging station: Onsite

Learn a little more about your city’s history at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. Find out about the natural formation of the Okanagan Valley and explore the incredible range of plants and animals who thrive here. You can also get insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Syilx/Okanagan peoples, as well as peek into an original “Chinatown” shop. The museum hosts traveling exhibits in addition to its permanent collection and is home to the city’s public archives and the Ursula Surtees Regional Conservation Laboratory. Admission is by donation.

Boat cruise on the lake

Nearest charging station: Okanagan Heritage Museum

Why not recharge your own batteries as well by spending a few hours on the water? Kelowna Cruises offers afternoon (1.5 hours) and evening cruises (2 hours) on Okanagan Lake. Departing from the downtown marina, the Lake Lounge also gives guests the option to indulge in a gourmet buffet dinner — and what better way is there to enjoy the warm weather than on a sunset dinner cruise?

Kelowna Art Gallery

Nearest charging station: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

Become a patron of the arts for the day by making a visit to the Kelowna Art Gallery in Kelowna’s Cultural District. The gallery features changing exhibits, using both indoor and outdoor spaces. It primarily houses the work of contemporary Canadian artists, but displays some historical pieces as well. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even get your hands dirty in the gallery’s Art Lab — a free studio space that’s open to the public Tuesday through Sunday.

Beach volleyball at Boyce-Gyro Park

Nearest charging station: Okanagan College Kelowna Campus

Set yourself up for an active afternoon by the water. Grab a ball and some friends before heading over to Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, located just a few minutes walk from the charging station at Okanagan College. Make use of the sand volleyball courts and maybe go for a dip after working up a sweat. The park also features tennis courts and trails for all your outdoor adventure needs.

Laurel Packinghouse

Nearest charging station: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

First built in 1917, the Laurel Packinghouse was actually the first building in Kelowna to be designated as a heritage site. After being lovingly restored, the Laurel is a sight to behold (or snap a picture in front of) and has since become a popular wedding venue. It’s also the site of the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum, where you can learn how the fruitful bounty of the Okanagan has transformed Kelowna into an international wine destination.

By choosing a hybrid vehicle, you can skip the pump and have a blast. The Prius Prime has a low charging time, combined with a driving range of 1,035 kilometres. But rather than tapping your foot while you wait for your Prime to charge, put your free time to good use by wandering through museums, cruising across Okanagan Lake or exploring our city’s rich arts and culture scene.

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