Avis Car Hire
Kelowna

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, look for the well-signed "Rental Cars" directions inside the main terminal building. The Avis service desk is conveniently located in this dedicated area alongside other hire companies. Once you have completed the paperwork with the agent, they will direct you to the designated car park where the vehicles are kept. This car park is typically just a short walk from the terminal, making the whole process from landing to driving away smooth and efficient.

Even during late-night hours, the pickup process at Kelowna International Airport remains straightforward. The terminal is well lit and the overhead signage directing you to the "Rental Cars" area is clear and easy to follow from baggage reclaim. If you want to be extra prepared, you can view a terminal map online before your trip to familiarise yourself with the layout. The Avis desk's location within the terminal ensures you can complete your rental agreement indoors before heading out to the nearby car park to collect your vehicle.

During busy summer weekends, it's sensible to budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes for the entire car hire process after you've collected your bags. This allows for potential queues at the rental desk and the time it takes to walk to the car park, locate your vehicle and adjust mirrors and seats. While the process is generally efficient, peak travel times can add delays. Planning for this extra buffer ensures you can start your Kelowna break in a relaxed and unhurried way.

The most direct and simple route from the airport to downtown Kelowna is to follow the signs for Highway 97 South. As you exit the airport grounds, clear signage will guide you onto the highway heading towards the city centre. This main thoroughfare will take you all the way to the downtown area with no complex interchanges to navigate. Simply stay on Highway 97 and it will eventually lead you directly to the streets that access Kelowna's downtown core.

To get to West Kelowna, take Highway 97 South from the airport, which leads directly over the William R. Bennett Bridge. This is the only bridge crossing Okanagan Lake in the central Kelowna area, so it's unavoidable. To minimise delays, try to schedule your flight arrival to avoid crossing between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays, which is the peak westbound commute time. Travelling mid-day or later in the evening will almost always result in a much smoother and quicker drive across the lake.

For visitors with a hire car, neighbourhoods outside the immediate downtown core, such as the Lower Mission or the Pandosy Village area, often offer easier overnight parking. These areas tend to have more hotels with dedicated parking and more on-street spaces available compared with the denser city centre. When booking your accommodation, it's always a good idea to confirm their specific parking situation. Staying slightly south of downtown can provide a more relaxed experience when it comes to finding a spot for your car each night.

On sunny summer weekends, traffic in Kelowna, especially on roads adjacent to the lake, can become quite congested. Main routes like Lakeshore Road, which provides access to popular spots like Gyro Beach and Rotary Beach, get particularly busy from late morning through the afternoon. The most hectic period is typically between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM as people head to and from the water. To avoid the worst of it, plan to visit the most popular beaches early in the morning or later in the afternoon as the crowds begin to thin.

The driving experiences on Kelowna's main wine trails are quite different. The West Kelowna Wine Trail is largely centred around Boucherie Road, a wide and well-paved thoroughfare that is easy to navigate. In contrast, the wineries on the East Kelowna benches are often accessed via narrower, winding country roads that require a slower pace and more attention. Both offer beautiful scenery, but you should plan for a more leisurely and careful drive when exploring the charming back roads of East Kelowna.

The most efficient way to plan a winery tour is to dedicate a full day to one side of Okanagan Lake at a time. For instance, you could spend one day exploring the numerous wineries along the West Kelowna Wine Trail. On another day, you could focus on the wineries in Lake Country to the north or the cluster in East Kelowna. This approach prevents you from spending valuable time crossing the William R. Bennett Bridge multiple times, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable tasting experience.

The route to Big White Ski Resort from the airport is primarily on Highway 33, which is a major, well-maintained mountain road. While the road involves elevation gain and winding sections, it is regularly ploughed and gritted in winter. The key for an inexperienced mountain driver is to take your time, drive to the conditions and the posted speed limits, and leave plenty of following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. Always check the road conditions on a site like DriveBC before you depart to be aware of the current situation.

Before beginning your drive up to Big White, it's sensible to do a quick check of your hire vehicle. Ensure you know how to operate the front and rear demisters effectively to maintain clear visibility. It's also a good idea to check that the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is full. Rental cars in the region are normally fitted with appropriate winter tyres, but familiarising yourself with the car's basic climate and visibility controls in the car park will contribute to a safer and more confident mountain drive.

A perfect half-day scenic loop from the airport area is a drive through Lake Country. Head north on Highway 97 and take the exit for Pelmewash Parkway, which runs along the attractive shore of Wood Lake. Continue north towards Oyama, where you can see both Wood Lake and the stunning, turquoise Kalamalka Lake. You can then loop back onto Highway 97 South to return to the airport area. This drive offers fantastic lake views and a relaxed pace without being too long or demanding.

A day trip from Kelowna to Vernon and Kalamalka Lake is very realistic and highly recommended. The drive itself is only about 45–60 minutes each way, leaving you with a full day to explore. You can easily spend time at the beautiful beaches of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, have lunch in Vernon, and even visit a local orchard or viewpoint. This excursion allows for a leisurely pace with plenty of time for multiple stops without feeling rushed.

The drive from Kelowna to Penticton along Highway 97 South is incredibly scenic, with long stretches running alongside Okanagan Lake. The highway varies between four lanes and two lanes. To ensure a relaxed journey, simply keep left where appropriate and maintain a steady speed, allowing faster traffic to pass you. There are numerous designated pull-outs and viewpoints along the way, which are perfect for safely stopping to admire the scenery without feeling pressured by other drivers.

For a relaxed day on the Naramata Bench, it's best to first drive from Kelowna all the way to Penticton and start your tour from the southern end of the Bench. From there, you can slowly work your way north along Naramata Road, stopping at wineries and viewpoints as you go. This approach allows you to travel in one primary direction without backtracking. It creates a more logical and leisurely flow, ensuring you can savour each stop before eventually heading back to Kelowna later in the day.

The drive from Kelowna to Osoyoos takes approximately two hours and offers a beautiful transition in scenery from lush lakeside to a unique desert environment. The route follows Highway 97 South through several charming towns that make for excellent rest stops. Consider a break in Summerland for its quaint town centre or in Penticton to walk along the waterfront. Further south, the lookout over Vaseux Lake provides a fantastic photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs before you reach Osoyoos.

For a multi-day trip, travelling south from Kelowna to Penticton and then to Osoyoos often creates a more compelling journey. This route allows you to experience a gradual and dramatic change in the landscape, starting with the bustling hub of Kelowna and ending in the stunning desert climate of Canada's warmest region. This progression feels like a natural unfolding of the Okanagan Valley's diverse beauty. It also positions you well for your onward journey, whether you're returning north or continuing east or west from Osoyoos.

Reaching Kelowna's main beaches, like Hot Sands or Gyro Beach, is simple as they are located along major roads such as Abbott Street and Lakeshore Road. The primary challenge for visitors is parking, especially on warm summer weekends when car parks fill up very early. The biggest struggle is finding a spot close to the beach during peak hours. The best strategy is to arrive before 11:00 AM or be prepared to park on a residential side street several blocks away and enjoy a short walk to the waterfront.

Just a minute or two after exiting the airport, you'll find a commercial plaza with a large grocery store, coffee shops and restaurants. This area offers ample, easy-access parking and is the perfect place for a low-stress stop. You can pull into a parking space, take a few minutes to programme your GPS, rearrange your luggage in the boot, and make sure all your passengers are comfortable before merging onto the main highway into Kelowna.

When you get to your rental vehicle in the YLW car park, it's a good idea to take a moment to plan how you'll load your oversized gear. Before pulling out of the parking space, assess the boot size and the functionality of the fold-down rear seats. It's much easier and safer to arrange and secure bulky items like ski bags or bike boxes while you are still in the low-traffic rental car park. This ensures everything is stable and won't shift during your drive.

The most convenient method is to use the airport's complimentary cell phone waiting lot. You can park there comfortably until your friends have landed, collected their luggage, and called you to say they are ready at the arrivals kerb. This eliminates the stress and congestion of circling the terminal's passenger pickup lane repeatedly. Once they call, it's just a short, two-minute drive from the waiting lot to the terminal kerb to meet them.

When driving a hire car in downtown Kelowna, be aware that many hotel and public car parks, especially in older buildings, can be quite compact. You should anticipate narrower lanes, tighter turns on ramps and smaller parking bays than you might be used to. If you've hired a larger SUV or pickup, it's wise to take your time navigating these garages. Paying close attention to clearance signs and proceeding slowly will help you park without any issues.

Driving and parking near Prospera Place during a concert or hockey game can be very challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking availability. The streets immediately surrounding the arena often experience congestion an hour before and after an event. To avoid stress, plan to arrive in the area well in advance to secure a spot in one of the nearby car parks. Alternatively, consider parking further away in the downtown core and enjoying a 10–15 minute walk to the venue.

A common point of confusion for visitors leaving YLW is navigating the roundabout and subsequent turns that separate the route to the city from the one to UBC Okanagan. The key is to stay in the correct lane and watch the signs closely. To head into Kelowna, you need to follow the signs for Highway 97 South. Drivers heading to the university or nearby hotels sometimes miss their turn and end up on the highway, requiring them to find a safe place to turn around.

The drive to Myra Canyon is on paved roads for most of the way, but the final several kilometres are on the Myra Forest Service Road, which is unpaved gravel. While this road is generally well maintained in the summer and accessible for standard hire cars, it can be bumpy and dusty. It's important to drive slowly and cautiously on this section. The stunning views from the trestles are well worth the careful drive up the mountain.

A great plan is to visit Myra Canyon in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and better light for photos. After your walk or bike ride, drive back down the mountain and head towards the South Pandosy or Lower Mission neighbourhoods. There you can find a great spot for lunch and then spend a relaxing afternoon at a nearby lakeside park like Boyce-Gyro Beach Park. This itinerary minimises backtracking and provides a perfect mix of mountain and lake experiences.

To reach the beautiful beaches in Lake Country, take Highway 97 North from Kelowna. The main traffic bottleneck is often the stretch of highway near the airport and university, so try to travel outside of peak commute hours (7–9 AM and 3–5 PM). Once you are in Lake Country, consider taking the scenic Pelmewash Parkway, which runs parallel to the highway along Wood Lake. This local road provides easier access to several beaches and parks with significantly less traffic.

During weekday commute hours, typically from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Highway 97 becomes very congested. It serves as the primary artery for the entire city, and traffic can slow to a crawl. The most significant slowdowns occur on the William R. Bennett Bridge in both directions and along the commercial corridor between Orchard Park Shopping Centre and the bridge. If possible, it's best to plan your travel through these central areas during off-peak, mid-day hours.

Peachland's charm is its waterfront, but this is also where visitors encounter challenges. Parking is almost exclusively parallel parking along Beach Avenue, the main two-lane road that runs along the lake. On a sunny afternoon, these spots are in high demand, and traffic can back up as drivers wait for a space to open. The best approach is to take the first available spot you see, even if it means a pleasant five-minute walk along the waterfront to your destination.

When driving back to Kelowna at night from other Okanagan towns, it's important to be extra vigilant. The highways between towns have long, unlit stretches where visibility is limited to your headlights. Wildlife, especially deer, are frequently seen along the roadside and can cross the highway unexpectedly. Reduce your speed, use your high beam when there is no oncoming traffic, and continuously scan the sides of the road to ensure a safe journey back.

For an easily accessible sunrise viewpoint, Dilworth Mountain Park is an excellent choice. The drive up is entirely on paved, residential streets, and there is a small parking area at the top. Another great option is the first lookout point at Knox Mountain Park, which is also reached via a paved road. Both locations offer spectacular views over the city and Okanagan Lake and can be reached safely by car before dawn without navigating any difficult or unpaved roads.

Your base can shape your trip's focus. Staying in Kelowna proper offers the most central location with easy access to restaurants, shopping and beaches. West Kelowna is ideal if your primary goal is to explore the renowned Westside Wine Trail, placing you minutes away from dozens of wineries. For a quieter, more rural experience with stunning scenery, Lake Country is perfect, offering great access to the northern wineries and the beautiful Kalamalka and Wood Lakes.

During wildfire season (typically July through September), it's crucial to stay informed and flexible with your driving plans. Before any long drive, check the official DriveBC and BC Wildfire Service websites for road closures, advisories and air quality reports. Smoky conditions can significantly reduce visibility, so you may need to slow down and allow extra travel time. Be prepared to alter your route at short notice and always have an alternative plan in mind for your day's activities.

When driving from Kelowna to Alberta via the Trans-Canada Highway, be prepared for mountainous terrain and long stretches with limited services. It's essential to start with a full tank of fuel. Mobile phone service can be unreliable or non-existent in the mountain passes between Revelstoke and Golden, so downloading maps for offline use is highly recommended. Plan for scheduled stops in towns like Revelstoke or Golden to rest, refuel and check road conditions ahead.

A great way to structure this day is to explore the West Kelowna wineries in the afternoon, finishing your last tasting around 4:00 PM. This allows you to cross the bridge into downtown Kelowna before the heaviest evening commute traffic builds up. After enjoying dinner downtown, your return trip across the bridge later in the evening, regardless of which direction you're heading, will be much quicker and more relaxed as traffic will have significantly thinned out.

When driving in Kelowna, it is very important to be aware of school zones, which have a reduced speed limit and are strictly enforced on school days. These zones are common on many major connector roads, not just quiet residential streets. Pay close attention to signage, especially on routes like Gordon Drive, Richter Street and Lakeshore Road. Adhering to the posted limits in these areas is crucial for safety and avoiding a costly ticket during your visit.

To avoid traffic, consider exploring attractions away from the Highway 97 corridor and downtown core. The Mission Creek Greenway offers beautiful walking trails with several access points that have large, dedicated parking areas. Visiting orchards and farm markets in Southeast Kelowna or exploring the quieter beaches in the Lower Mission area can also provide a more relaxed experience. These destinations are typically reached via less congested city streets and offer more predictable parking situations.

The rental return process at YLW is designed to be quick and stress-free, even for early morning flights. As you approach the airport, simply follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return." These will guide you directly to the dedicated Avis drop-off lane, which is located close to the terminal. For after-hours or very early returns, there is a secure key drop-box system, allowing you to park the car, gather your belongings, and be on your way to check-in within minutes.

The most efficient sequence is to first drive to the upper "Departures" level of the terminal. You can pull up to the kerb and help your passenger unload their luggage right at the entrance. Once they are safely inside, you can then get back in the car and follow the airport signage for "Rental Car Return." This separates the two tasks, preventing you from having to manage luggage and passengers in the rental return area and ensuring a smooth, orderly process for everyone.