Although boating might not be an option for the beginning of summer, there are lots of activities to keep you busy that don't involve the lake.

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Tourists and locals all look forward to the summer months when days are spent boating and swimming. However, with officials currently steering people away from the lake due to its high level, it's worth reminding there's plenty to do even without Okanagan Lake.

“People are concerned, but they need to know that Kelowna is open for business,” said Chris Shauf, the director of marketing and communications at Tourism Kelowna. “Kelowna is such a fantastic destination because it has an abundance of activities to do and things to see."

Sure our beaches are great but they can almost detract from some of the diversification that's taken over the entire Okanagan Valley. From other outdoor events like hiking in the mountains or cycling the flatlands to taking in some of the burgeoning cultural areas to wine and amazing restaurants — who needs a lake at all?

With a variety of golf courses, from desert to alpine and even one in an orchard, Kelowna is an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts.

For wine lovers, the wineries that dot Kelowna’s countryside are all well worth the visit.

If you’re looking for family activities, Kelowna has great adventure parks, says Shauf. From zip-lining to tree top rope courses, you can get your adrenaline going.

“Families come here to get outside, there’s just so many activities that get people outside and exploring the great outdoors.”

Additionally, Kelowna hosts numerous concerts and festivals during the summer months that are great for all ages. 

While many are worried about the tourism season, Shauf and others are trying to remind tourists, locals and provincial and national media there's still plenty to do. Others are reminding Okanaganites that we are our own best tourist attraction and we can take advantage of that.

Local realtor Alexandra Axsen made a call this week for locals to be tourists in their own town and support local tourism operators who might need a boost while we make way for what Mayor Colin Basran called 'the flood of the century.'

Locals helping locals. Are you in?

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“This is going to be a unique summer,” said Axsen said. “I am seeing first hand the number of summer vacation cancellations and it is not good. This is a time where we all need to come together as a community and help each other out.”

For ideas on how to spend your time in Kelowna or the Okanagan, Tourism Kelowna, Trip Advisor, and Lonely Planet all have great lists. 

Besides going out onto the lake, what's your favourite thing to do in the Okanagan during the summer months?

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