When you think of the Okanagan, many things may come to mind — lake fun, world-class wineries or its many hiking and biking trails. Another regional standout feature is its exceptional fruit and produce. Thanks to an abundance of orchards and farms, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley are home to some of the freshest produce in the world.
Kelowna was recently designated as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, making it a celebrated food city for more than just its fruit. Make sure to browse the markets to find regional gems and discover the area’s fresh flavours.
Here are four can’t-miss spots to make the most of a flavourful trip to the Okanagan.
Davison Orchards
An hour from Kelowna, in Vernon, Davison Orchards is a true regional staple. The Davison family has been growing and harvesting fruit for four generations. Since 1933, locals and visitors have enjoyed a variety of home-grown produce, including apples, peaches, cherries, pears and fresh vegetables.
A visit to Davison Orchards goes beyond a quick walk through the orchard. The family-run farm offers tractor train tours, a playground, a variety of farm animals, a market and a bakery. Find tasty treats like homemade jams, cinnamon rolls and fresh-baked pies, as well as its popular fresh-pressed apple juice, which can be bought frozen — perfect to take home.
Don-O-Ray Farm Market
In Kelowna’s Mission neighbourhood, you’ll find this one-stop shop that’s been open since 1960. Don-O-Ray Farm Market sells everything from same-day harvested produce to homemade hot sauces and soups. The 45-acre property also has a petting zoo, so visitors can make friends with a pony, lambs and bunnies. Beyond the furry friends, the Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure offers archery, miniature golf, free airbrush tattoos, a hedge maze and special themed events, such as the all-ages Haunted Farm Adventure, which runs in October.
Gatzke’s Farm Market
In Lake Country, Gatzke’s is a 25-acre polyculture orchard, meaning it intentionally grows several different varieties of the same fruit. Here, you’ll find 50 types of tree fruit, including 14 kinds of cherries and 20 apple varieties, depending on the season. The orchard has been in operation since the 1930s, with pies available at the Farm Market made from an unchanged, generations-old recipe from Grandma Gatzke. On site, you’ll also find Pane Vino Pizzeria, which uses the orchard’s fresh tomatoes and basil for its pizzas, as well as an e-bike rental shop, so a trip to Gaztke’s Farm Market can be a full-day outing.
Paynter’s Fruit Market
Family-owned since 1952, Paynter’s Fruit Market is now in its fourth generation. The West Kelowna orchard spans rows of fruit trees, growing apricots, peaches, plums and more. The market consists of 2,000 square feet of produce and over 1,000 locally made artisan products. Pick up a cone from the ice cream shop and eat it while admiring views of the orchard. And behind the market, Paynter’s offers U-Pick orchards, where you can pick your own fruits or flowers to take home.
In Kelowna, every season is spectacular. But come early fall, crisp, juicy apples are waiting to be picked and pumpkin patches are soon underway. Early September is the prime harvesting time for many fruits, including plums, peaches and pears, making this season the perfect time to savour the region.
To learn more about these farm spots, visit tourismkelowna.com/explore/spots/farm-spots
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