There are two main routes to get to Kelowna: the Hope-Princeton (No. 3 SE towards manning park) and the Coquihalla Highway (No. 5 towards Merritt).
The Coquihalla route is the fastest (~375 km and 4 hours of driving + stop times). The Hope-Princeton is the most scenic (~425 km and about 5 hours of driving + stop time.
Both routes take you through Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope.
My personal preference is to take the Hope-Princeton there, with a stop in Manning Park, and the Coquihalla back with a stop in Hope for something to eat, but which route you take and how often you stop is very dependent on your kids. Most people like to power through and get where they are going as fast as they can. If you have trouble being in the car for long stretches, maybe pick a fun (safe) stop along the way and have a long stop there to play and explore.
Abbotsford Stops
If you need a caffeine fix, some breakfast or a bathroom there are plenty of Starbucks, McDonald's and Tim Hortons locations in Abbotsford.
Maan Farms Open Daily from 9 am – 5 pm Market, Country Kitchen, Fruit Wines, Barnyard Adventureland (zipline and petting zoo).
Mill Lake Park This park has 3 playgrounds, a spray park, washrooms and trails to explore.
Castle Fun Park free-admission family amusement park that has mini golf, go karts, bumper cars, bowling and arcade games
Chilliwack Stops
Bridal Veil Falls: This one is worth the stop, an easy 15-20 minute walk and you're at some pretty great waterfalls. A great place to stretch your legs. There is a picnic area and washrooms too.
Hope Stops
Most families find it easier to power through and stop in Hope. Grab a bite to eat at Rolly's Diner (great pie and the potato pancakes are incredible) or the Blue Moose Coffee House.
Memorial Park is a great shady picnic spot with a playground, washrooms and lovely views.
Hope Bike Park is also worth checking out if you've brought your bikes.
Kawkawa Lake Park is only about 7 minutes off the highway and has the lake, trails, a small beach and a playground
Coquihalla Route
Rotary Park in Merritt is close to a few fast food places and has picnics, a playground and a water park. There is an adjoining park called Central Park that has washrooms.
Fairley Park (also in Merritt) was designed for toddlers and Lion's Memorial Park has tables, washrooms andit on the Nicola River with trails and a walking bridge to explore.
Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park: This takes you a little bit out of your way, but it's worth it to spend some time gazing at the turquoise waters of one of clearest lakes in BC. There are 11 pit toilets in the park. Note: you are allowed to swim but the water is quite cold and there are no lifeguards or deisgnate swim areas.
Hope-Princeton Route
Manning Park: Manning park is about half way and a great place to stop for a picnic and a little outdoor exploration (or maybe even a swim). Lightning Lake is a great option, it's a truly beautiful spot.
Rotary Splash Park (Princeton) is a good stop for a leg stretch, washroom break and to cool off in the water if you have time. There is some shade and picnic tables too.
Get some fruit: Stop at one of the many fruit stands in Keremeos.
The Penticton Peach has the most photographic ice cream you're needing a little sugar boost to get you to the end of the drive, it's worth a stop.
Skaha Lake Park in Penticton was named one of the best beaches in Canada. It has lovely sandy beaches for building sandcastles and a great beach for swimming, playgrounds for tots and older kids, picnic tables, a concession stand, washrooms, a kid's water park and free parking.
If you've made it to Peachland you are almost there! You deserve a treat. Bliss Bakery Bistro is a family-owned bakery that makes delicious baked goods from fresh, locally grown ingredients with no added chemicals or preservatives, and there are great views of Okanagan Lake.
Hardy Falls Regional Park (Peachland) has washrooms and a short stroller-friendly 15 minute walk to some waterfalls. Peachland Heritage Park also has a playground and washrooms.
And that's it! If you have suggestions of your favourite places in Kelowna, or along the way, please leave a comment below.
Be sure to check out the other blogs in the Kelowna Series: