Getting fit while travelling has come a long way since we stood in front of those tiny hotel TVs with the rabbit ear antennas watching actress Susanne Summers tone up her legs and abs using a ThighMaster. Today’s traveller wants to get away from the screen and stay at hotels with fitness facilities such as a pool and exercise room and look for nearby outdoor activities. Here are some tips for keeping fit when staying at West Kelowna hotels.
WORKOUT BEFORE AND AFTER HOURS
While many hotels today have a gym and/or pool, many of their facilities either open too late or close too early and have minimal equipment.
That’s why you want to look for a hotel in West Kelowna such as the Best Western Wine Country Hotel and Suites, which has fitness facilities that cater to both families and business travellers.
They are one of the few Kelowna hotels with a waterslide, which the kids will love, but the West Kelowna hotel also has a 24-hour fitness room, which is great for corporate travellers looking to stay on track with their fitness regime.
And to top it off, the Best Western Wine Country is not only a West Kelowna hotel with a pool and waterslide, it also has a jetted hot tub, perfect for relaxing in after a hard day’s work or sightseeing.
HEAD TO THE HILLS FOR A HIKE
If you have time for an outing, why not get some exercise by going for a hike? Not far from Okanagan hotels such as the Best Western Wine Country are trails that will get your heart pumping while giving you some of the best views of the city, Okanagan Lake and surrounding vineyards, orchards and wilderness.
For those staying at pet friendly hotels in West Kelowna, bring a leash as many of these trails are open to dogs.
They include:
Mount Boucherie Rush Trail — A 6K round trip that is moderate to difficult. Look for the trailhead off Bartley and East Boundary Roads.
Carrot Mountain — This 5K hike, with a steep incline is worth the climb for the spectacular view at its summit. The trail can be accessed off Paramount Drive at the north tip of Shannon Lake Golf Course.
Bear Creek Falls — Located in Bear Creek Provincial Park off Westside Road, this is an easy 3K hike along the rim of a canyon where you can enjoy the views of Ponderosa pines and a cascading waterfall and creek.
MacDougall Rim — This challenging 14.5K round trip off Bartley Road that take you to Hayman Lake starts with a rocky steep climb but eventually levels out to provide spectacular views of West Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. The area is home to wildflowers and wildlife, so be sure to be bear aware.
For an easier hike up Mount Boucherie, look for the Eain Lamont Park entrance, which is both dog and kid friendly.
BANK ON SOME BEACH TIME
West Kelowna is home to a number of beaches where you and your family, and even your family pet, can swim, run, and play in Okanagan Lake. One of the beaches near dog friendly hotels in the Okanagan is Gellatly Dog Beach, which includes a fenced off area for dogs to run and swim. Nearby, Willow Beach offers a sand beach, sand volleyball courts and shaded picnic areas. Further south is Pebble Beach, which features a sandy beach, volleyball court, benches, tables and a portable washroom.
Looking for more things to keep you active while travelling? Read West Kelowna Hotels: 4 Ways You Can Mix Business with Pleasure.
The Best Western Wine Country Hotel and Suites is a recommended TripAdvisor West Kelowna hotel. It has been recognized for its friendly and accommodating service, well appointed rooms and suites, location near golf courses and wine country, West Kelowna swimming pool and 24-hour fitness room as well as complimentary hot breakfast buffet.
