The Perfect 7-Day Summer Itinerary at Big White: Our Favorite Okanagan Getaway

If you're planning a summer vacation in British Columbia, you're in for a treat. While Big White is famous for world-class skiing, summer transforms the mountain into a peaceful alpine retreat with incredible hiking, cool mountain air, and easy access to some of the Okanagan's best wineries, restaurants, lakes, and outdoor adventures.

At the Western Star Chalet, we've welcomed friends and family from across North America, and over the years we've refined what we think is the perfect week in the Okanagan. Whether you're staying for a family vacation, a couples' getaway, or a trip with friends, here's our favorite seven-day itinerary.

Day 1: Settle Into Mountain Life

After arriving at Kelowna International Airport, enjoy the scenic drive up the mountain to the Western Star Chalet. Once you've unpacked, there's no better way to start your vacation than sitting on the deck with a favorite drink and taking in the panoramic views of the Monashee Mountains.

Take a leisurely stroll through Big White Village, watch the sunset from the chalet, and end the evening relaxing in the hot tub beneath a sky filled with stars. The cooler mountain evenings are one of the biggest reasons guests fall in love with summer at Big White.

Day 2: Explore Big White

Spend your first full day discovering everything Big White has to offer.

Ride the scenic chairlift for breathtaking alpine views, hike through wildflower-filled trails, enjoy lift-accessed mountain biking, play a round of disc golf, or simply relax on the deck and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

One of our favorite things about Big White is that there's no pressure to rush. Some guests spend the afternoon hiking, while others are perfectly happy with a book, a cup of coffee, and spectacular mountain views.

Day 3: A Taste of Kelowna & Okanagan Wine Country

Head down to Kelowna for one of our favorite local experiences: the A Taste of Kelowna Food Tour. This guided walking tour introduces visitors to downtown Kelowna through locally owned restaurants, artisan food shops, and craft beverage stops. It's one of the best ways to discover the city's food scene while learning about its history.

In the afternoon, explore West Kelowna's famous wine country. Favorites include Quails' Gate Winery, Crown & Thieves, Little Straw Vineyards, and Frind Estate Winery.

Finish the day with sunset dinner at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Between the award-winning cuisine, beautiful architecture, and sweeping views of Okanagan Lake, it's one of the most memorable dining experiences in British Columbia.

Day 4: Discover Myra Canyon

Few places capture the beauty of the Okanagan like the Myra Canyon Trestles.

Rent bikes or take a leisurely walk across the historic wooden trestle bridges while enjoying panoramic canyon views. The gentle grade makes it accessible for nearly everyone, and it's one of the region's most photographed attractions.

Afterward, head into Kelowna for craft beer and wood-fired pizza at Redbird Brewing before returning to the peaceful mountain setting of the Western Star Chalet.

Day 5: Wellness in the Okanagan

Take a slower pace today.

Spend the morning relaxing at the chalet before heading toward Predator Ridge.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy one of British Columbia's premier golf resorts, while others may prefer the Grace & Flow Sunset Stretch & Sip experience—an outdoor yoga class followed by a glass of Okanagan wine as the sun sets over the valley.

On the way back, stop in Oyama for authentic Italian at Pane Vino, one of our favorite hidden gems in the Okanagan.

Day 6: Experience Kelowna Like a Local

Today is all about enjoying Kelowna at your own pace.

Walk along the waterfront, browse Bernard Avenue's boutiques, explore Pandosy Village, rent paddleboards or kayaks, spend an afternoon at the beach, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes Kelowna such a popular summer destination.

End the evening with dinner at Gather Restaurant before returning to the chalet for one last soak in the hot tub under the stars.

Day 7: One More Mountain Adventure

Before heading home, spend one final day enjoying everything that makes Big White special.

Take another hike, ride the chairlift, enjoy lunch in the village, or simply sit on the deck and soak in the mountain views. It's often these quiet moments—morning coffee overlooking the mountains, afternoon conversations on the deck, and evenings beneath a sky full of stars—that guests remember most.

Why Stay at the Western Star Chalet?

The Western Star Chalet offers the perfect home base for exploring the Okanagan. Located high above the valley, you'll enjoy cooler summer temperatures, spectacular panoramic mountain views, peaceful surroundings, and convenient access to Kelowna, West Kelowna's wineries, Myra Canyon, Predator Ridge, and Okanagan Lake.

Whether your ideal vacation includes hiking, wine tasting, paddleboarding, golf, wellness experiences, or simply relaxing in a hot tub with mountain views, you'll find it all within easy reach. And if you are looking for more reasons to visit, read our guide to summer at Big White.

We hope this itinerary inspires your own summer adventure. Of course, one of the best parts of staying at the Western Star Chalet is knowing that every day can be as active—or as relaxing—as you choose.

We look forward to welcoming you to Big White this summer!