The Beginning of an Unforgettable Journey to Lake Kelowna

"As I begin this next journey, Father God, be with me. Jesus, thank You so much for granting me this beautiful life. Holy Spirit, guide me every step of the way. Instill in me Your discernment to make the right choices and to learn from this beautiful world You created for me."

This was how my morning began on August 25, 2024, as I prepared for my Canadian road trip. The moment had finally arrived, and while I was beyond excited, I also felt nervous and even a little nauseous.

Leaving Ferndale, Washington, USA, I set off on a short but meaningful five-hour drive to Lake Country, British Columbia, Canada. Before heading inland, I planned to pass through Vancouver and stop in Squamish to experience the Sea to Sky Gondola ride.

hiking in kelowna — Squamish, BC (View from Sea to Sky Gondola)

Crossing the Border into Canada

I climbed into my car, Lady Rover, and switched my odometer from MPH to kilometers per hour—something that had been one of my biggest concerns. Thankfully, Lady Rover made this conversion easy for me! A dear friend had warned me that if I was caught speeding in Canada, my passport could be confiscated and I would be banned from the country! A bit extreme? Maybe. But I wasn’t about to test the waters in a foreign country.

The Canadian border was only 40 minutes away, and as I approached, a last-minute thought crossed my mind:

"What if they don’t let me in?!"

Talk about bad timing for doubts!

I handed my passport to the border agent, answered an endless stream of questions, and finally heard the words I had been waiting for:

"Welcome to Canada! I wish I were joining you on this exciting journey of yours."

Woohoo! Just like that, the nervousness vanished, replaced by sheer excitement. Tears streamed down my face—I have no idea why—but I knew, at that moment, that this was the start of something truly special.

COMMON FAQS WHEN TRAVELING TO CANADA:

Yes! You can use a US driver’s license and you will also need proof of your US citizenship, such as a valid US passport.
Visitors can stay up to six months.
Yes, you will need a valid passport to travel into Canada. If you are a US citizen and entering by land, a birth certificate is also valid proof.

Vancouver to Squamish, BC, Canada

The drive to Squamish, along the Sea to Sky Highway, was breathtaking! The incredible coastal views and towering mountains were beyond description.

I had planned to spend a couple of hours in Squamish, riding the Sea to Sky Gondola and grabbing lunch. The area is gorgeous and full of family-friendly activities, making it the perfect stop for solo travelers and groups.

Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola ride costs $60 per person, which may seem a bit pricey, but it’s worth every cent. The ride up provides an unparalleled aerial view of the Squamish alpine scenery and the turquoise waters of Howe Sound—serene, breathtaking, and unforgettable.

Once at the top, there are plenty of activities to choose from:

Hiking and Walking Trails – Explore over ten unique trails, including guided tours.
Suspension Bridge Walk – Visit early morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.
Restaurant with a View – Enjoy dining while taking in the mountain scenery and inhaling the crisp, fresh air—it’s a remarkable experience.
Souvenir and Gift Shops – Located one at the base and one at the summit—ideal for finding unique gifts.
Seasonal Activities—The Sea to Sky Gondola offers various special events and attractions throughout the year, so it's highly recommended that you check its online calendar.

If you have extra time in Squamish, I highly recommend visiting Shannon Falls Provincial Park. You can catch a glimpse of the stunning waterfall from the Sea to Sky Highway or access it via one of the hiking trails near the gondola.

Squamish to Kelowna

After leaving Squamish, I drove five hours to Lake Kelowna, kicking off my 3,001-mile road trip across Canada. Driving through the Canadian Rockies was a surreal, majestic, and exhilarating experience.

Honestly, if my journey had ended here, I would have left feeling completely fulfilled. The beauty of the mountains, the peaceful solitude of the open road, and the sense of God’s presence in His creation combined to create an overwhelmingly beautiful experience.

Though I lost cell service at times, I never once felt afraid. Instead, I felt a deep peace—a reminder that I was amid God’s wonders.

As I neared Lake Kelowna, a landscape of stunning lakes greeted me, all concentrated in this gorgeous area of Canada. My heart swelled with gratitude, knowing this trip was the best decision I had made—and that I was about to embark on the most unforgettable journey of my life.

Where to Stay in Kelowna - Lake Country

In Lake Country, I stayed at a rental home called Natty’s House.

It was ideal, centrally located near local attractions, hiking trails, restaurants, and shopping. The home provided breathtaking views of the lake, and the beach was just across the street. The floor-to-ceiling windows created a feeling of nature seamlessly flowing into the home. Watching sunrises and sunsets here was pure magic—moments I will never forget. Although I chose to hike at various locations around Lake Kelowna, there were incredible trails right near the house. The neighborhood was peaceful, and I felt completely safe as a solo female traveler.

Special Offer for Elohim Li Journeys family

I highly recommend this rental if you plan a Lake Kelowna trip. There’s an exclusive 10% discount for our Elohim Li Journeys family!

📩 Email hello@elohimlijourneys.com for the detailed Lake Kelowna travel itinerary including the discount code—all conveniently centered around this beautiful home.

What to do in Kelowna

Hiking in Lake Kelowna

Since June 2023, my solo girl road trip through the U.S. and now Canada has deepened my love for hiking. It has also been a path of physical and emotional healing, reminding me of God’s love, the importance of protecting our natural world, and the power of faith. I grew stronger and braver with each hike, and my dependency on God deepened. The various trails in Lake Kelowna provided daily morning adventures, with afternoons reserved for exploring other local highlights. Each trail offered unique, breathtaking views of lakes, mountains, cityscapes, and wildlife.

In Lake Kelowna, I hiked every morning and left my afternoons to explore other sights.

Best Hiking Spots:

Kalamoir Regional Park 
Between Kalamoir Regional Park and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, there are 33 hiking trails to explore. On my first day, I chose a three-mile hike along the shoreline at Kalamoir, rated as a "moderate" trail. Although mostly manageable, some sections proved a bit challenging. For those not into hiking, the lake offers excellent alternatives like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. I packed a sandwich and enjoyed a relaxing lunch on a beach where dogs are welcome; watching them play in the water was a perfect way to relax.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park

I tackled a two-mile trail in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park the next day. The views over Lake Kalamalka were spectacular, with its stunning Tiffany Blue waters that truly took my breath away. I took advantage of the picnic areas to eat lunch and jot down thoughts in my journal. Taking a moment to dip my feet in the crystal-clear waters was refreshingly invigorating! I even met a furry friend who kept fetching a ball for me to throw, reminding me of my furry baby Coco; a nostalgic moment, although my snooty booty son would not be chasing a ball. He would instead sit by Mama, enjoy those beautiful views, and breathe in the crisp, fresh air.

Lake Kelowna Waterfront Boardwalk 
This boardwalk is more of a scenic walk or jog than a hike. It offers stunning views of Okanagan Lake. The area is perfect for locals and tourists, with endless activities like boating, parasailing, and live music. This is what I opted for on the third day. An easier activity that was more of a leisurely walk or jog along the Lake Kelowna Waterfront Boardwalk and Park. This area is bustling with activities suitable for everyone—locals and tourists alike. From swimming and parasailing to enjoying live music and indulging in various sports, it's a vibrant place perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers. The park is also home to a few restaurants and shops and hosts several annual events, so checking the online calendar is highly recommended. To name a few:
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Sports - volleyball, basketball, hiking, biking, swimming,
- Parasailing
- Live Music
- Picnic Tables
- Barbecue Areas
- Children’s Playground
- Cafes
- Hotels
- Marina
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Stand-Up Paddle-boarding

I spent a whole day in this area, walking the two-mile boardwalk loop, dining at one of the local eateries, and later, sitting on the beach, people-watching and enjoying an ice cream. I even indulged in some retail therapy to round off a perfect day.

Autumn Magic at Davison Orchards – A Solo Adventure in Lake Kelowna

Proverbs 17:3 – “In the same way that gold and silver are refined by fire, the Lord purifies your heart by the tests and trials of life.”

A Journey of Refinement and Fulfillment

The past years have been a season of refinement for me. I have learned to embrace slow, simple living and appreciate God’s creation in its purest form. From 2016 to 2023, God led me through a season of deep refinement—stripping away distractions, drawing out impurities, and reshaping my life. He guided me to let go of unnecessary material possessions and certain relationships, allowing trials that tested and strengthened me.

As this season of transformation neared its end, a longing began to grow within me—one for simplicity. I yearned for a slower-paced life, free from glitz and glamour, where I could fully embrace the beauty of each season—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. I wanted to see the vibrant colors of fall, witness snow falling in its purest beauty, feel its crispness, and breathe in the fresh air of nature’s untouched landscapes.

I craved a small-town lifestyle, where life moved at a pace that allowed me to experience nature in all its splendor. I longed for moments by the lakes, oceans, and mountains, surrounded only by my family and the few close friends who had always stood by my side.

God’s Answer: A Life of Beauty and Adventure

This road trip is not just about traveling—it’s about experiencing the seasons in their fullest splendor. God has answered this longing through my road trips. Traveling across the United States and now Canada, I have experienced His creation in its purest form. Each journey has reminded me of His presence in the landscapes, the seasons, and the people I meet.

One of these special moments brought me to Davison Orchards Country Village in Lake Kelowna, where I was surrounded by the beauty of simple living—exactly what my heart had been searching for.

Visiting Davison Orchards quickly became my favorite solo activity in Lake Kelowna. I arrived at the end of August, just as the first hints of fall foliage began to appear—golden and orange leaves peeking through the late summer greenery. Autumn was right around the corner, and this property radiated pure, rustic beauty.

What did I love most? It offers something for everyone! Whether you're visiting as a couple, a family with children, or a solo girl traveler like me, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

Picking Apples & A True Farm-to-Table Experience

One of the highlights of my visit was the tractor tour, where I got to pick my own apples—a simple yet incredibly fun experience! There’s something so special about handpicking fruit straight from the orchard and seeing exactly how it’s used right there on the farm. From the apples grown on-site, they produce:

Fresh apple juice
Apple pie
Apple cinnamon butter
Apple jam
Apple salsa
…and so much more!

But apples aren’t the only crop grown here! Davison Orchards cultivates 20 different crops throughout the year, all sold fresh at their market or used as ingredients in their café and ice cream shop.

Seeing this farm-to-table process firsthand was jaw-dropping. Everything is used fresh from the earth as nature intended—no waste, just real, nourishing food. It was a beautiful reminder of why I cherish slow, intentional living and being connected to nature. It was one of those moments where I felt deeply connected to the natural world—a reminder of how food should be fresh, healthy, and enjoyed in its purest form.

A Day Well Spent: Farm Animals & Furry Friends

The farm is also home to goats, lambs, chickens, donkeys, and pigs, all of which can be petted and hand-fed. I couldn’t resist—I was like a little kid, feeding the lambs and goats and enjoying every second of it!

And the best part? Dogs are welcome in certain areas of the farm, which made my afternoon even more perfect! I, of course, took the opportunity to play with a few visiting furry babies.

I spent nearly four hours soaking in every moment at Davison Orchards. When I left, my car was packed with:

Fresh-baked bread
Seasonal produce
Pies & pastries
Salsas & spreads
And most importantly… a HAPPY HEART

This is the place to be if you’re looking for an unforgettable autumn activity. When I visited, their autumn-themed festivals and seasonal ingredients were on full display. However, the farm is open from May to October, offering a variety of experiences throughout spring and summer as well. There’s so much to explore and enjoy! If you’re ever in the area or planning a visit, check out their website for more details : www.davisonorchards.ca. While I visited during harvest season, Davison Orchards is open May through October, offering seasonal events and activities throughout spring, summer, and fall.

How Did I End Up in Lake Kelowna?

People often ask me:

"How do you decide where to go? How do you choose which cities and activities to explore?" Research is key for me, but sometimes, the best decisions happen spontaneously. Lake Kelowna wasn’t even my idea! It was my little brother’s recommendation.

I remember sitting in my parents’ house in May 2023, mapping out my USA road trip, when my brother walked past my room and asked, "What are you doing?" he asked.

"Trying to decide if I really want to extend my road trip into Canada," I replied.

Without hesitation, he said, "You need to check out Lake Kelowna. It’s beautiful and not too far from the U.S. border."

And just like that, my decision was made! After researching the area, lodging options, activities, and photos, I was completely sold!

So, shoutout to my little brother—he may have pushed me a little (or a lot!), but it led to one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made.

Five Days Was Not Enough! Final Thoughts – The Power of Small Steps

Spending five days in Lake Kelowna was too short, but it was incredibly fulfilling. It is one of the best places for solo travel female. I explored so many other activities, and hopefully, I’ll get to share them in a future second Lake Kelowna post.

I’ll wrap this one up here—it’s already long enough!

To my amazing readers and followers: Don’t be afraid to take small steps—those steps eventually lead to bigger and more extraordinary journeys!

Elohim Li!

xoxo, Karen

📍 Next stop: More Canadian adventures—stay tuned! 🚗🍁✨

A Journey to Lake Kelowna ⛰️