Why This Road Trip from Winnipeg to Kelowna Should Be on Your Bucket List [A Local’s Guide]
I was sitting at home in Winnipeg, staring at the wall like it owed me money. My cat was giving me the side-eye, probably wondering if I’d forgotten how to have fun.
Suddenly, a travel ad popped up on my screen, taunting me with images of sparkling lakes and mountain peaks in Kelowna. I swear, even the cat looked intrigued.
That’s when the brilliant idea struck—I was craving an adventure, and I needed it now! Fast forward to me packing up the car and convincing my skeptical friends that, yes, we could survive each other’s company for a few days straight.
Little did we know, this impromptu decision would lead us on a journey of scenic vistas, roadside diners, and a playlist that oscillated between ’80s power ballads and guilty pleasure pop hits.
So, if you’re itching to break the monotony and see some of the best our country has to offer, this road trip is your golden ticket. Let’s make some stories worth telling!
How long is the drive from Winnipeg to Kelowna?
The distance from Winnipeg to Kelowna is 1,214 miles (1,953 kilometers). In typical traffic conditions, the drive takes approximately 23 hours and 17 minutes.
Best Places to Stop on a Drive From Winnipeg to Kelowna
Saamis Tepee
— Media credit: before_you__die
Saamis Tepee, also known as the World’s Largest Tepee, is a major landmark in Medicine Hat. Standing tall at 65.5 meters, this massive structure is a sight to behold.
It’s made of steel and concrete and has an interesting backstory—it was originally built for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary before it was moved to its current place along the TransCanada Highway.
The tepee sits right on the edge of the Seven Persons coulee, which is not just scenic but also historically significant because of the Saamis Archaeological Site.
They say there are about 83 million artifacts buried here! Imagine all the stories and history on that ground.
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
— Media credit: traveldrumheller
This place is an old coal mine that was up and running from 1936 to 1979, and it’s considered the most complete historic coal mine in Canada.
The Atlas Coal Mine features the last remaining wooden coal tipple in the country, which is over seven stories tall and serves as a reminder of the area’s rich mining past.
You can take a self-guided tour if you like to explore at your own pace, or you can join one of the guided tours.
The underground tours are especially interesting—they take you right into the mine workings, giving you a real sense of the tough and dangerous conditions the coal miners had to deal with.
Willow Creek Hoodoos
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You’ve got to check out the Willow Creek Hoodoos if you’re into geological stuff!
These formations are like sculptures made by nature herself, all from soft sediment that’s been shaping up for millions of years. Wind and rain have done their thing, carving out these funky shapes that keep changing over time.
People love hiking out there—it’s not a crazy long trek, just enough to enjoy the scenery. And if you’re into photography, you’ll have a field day capturing these hoodoos from every angle.
World’s Largest Dinosaur
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The World’s Largest Dinosaur is not actually a real dinosaur; it’s a huge T-rex model they call “Tyra,” standing at 86 feet tall and stretching 151 feet long.
This roadside attraction is one of the many dinosaur-themed sights to see here in Drumheller, which is famous for being the Dinosaur Capital of the World because they find tons of fossils around here.
What’s cool is that you can actually climb up inside Tyra—there are 106 stairs leading up to a platform in its mouth. From there, you get these amazing views of the badlands around you.
Living Sky Casino
For some fun and excitement, Living Sky Casino is the place to be. It’s an entertainment spot with over 60,000 square feet of gaming space.
You’ll find hundreds of slot machines, including classic slots, video slots, and progressive slots. But if table games are more your thing, they’ve got you covered with blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker.
The lounge stage is a real treat too, with live entertainment happening regularly. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, their food options are also worth trying!
Whether you want a quick bite at the deli, a nice meal at the restaurant, or just to unwind at the bar, there’s something to satisfy every hunger and thirst.
Plus, they host a variety of events throughout the year—concerts, shows, tournaments—you name it.
Royal Tyrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology is another haven for all the dinophiles out there! It’s like the mecca for all things dinosaurs and fossils.
They’ve got these mind-blowing exhibits, like ‘Hell-Boy’ and ‘Black Beauty’, that even folks who never cared about dinosaurs before end up feeling like they missed their calling as paleontologists.
Henderson Lake Park
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Henderson Lake Park truly shines as the jewel of Lethbridge.
Nestled within its expansive grounds is a sprawling 24-hectare man-made lake, enveloped by majestic old trees and vibrant gardens. Scattered throughout are inviting picnic spots and playgrounds, making it a perfect destination for families.
For leisurely pursuits, the park boasts 7 kilometers of pathways ideal for both strolling and cycling. And during the summer months, a charming snack shack opens its doors, offering a delightful array of treats, including ice cream.
Also, for those seeking aquatic fun, Henderson Lake Park doesn’t disappoint either. The upgraded Henderson pool features thrilling water slides and amenities for all to enjoy.
Water enthusiasts can take advantage of the park’s boat launch and docks too, providing easy access to activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, and even dragon boating.
Bomber Command Museum of Canada
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If you’re into history and aircraft, the Bomber Command Museum of Canada in Nanton is for you. They’ve got three bombers from WWII and a bunch of training planes on display.
But that’s not all—they also have mind-blowing aviation art and videos that tell the stories, and you can even dig into their archives online.
And the best part? They’ve set up picnic tables in the park next door, so you can take a breather while enjoying the narratives behind these incredible machines.
Bower Ponds
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Bower Ponds in Red Deer used to be a sawmill site, but now it’s an amazing park with ponds where you can fish or go ice skating in the winter.
They’ve also got this pavilion with a café where you can grab a bite and rent skates. The park is home to a variety of birds too, including ducks!
In the summer, it’s a whole different vibe. You can rent paddle boats, kayaks, or even those giant water balls to roll around.
The Saskatoon Farm
— Media credit: dailydoseofsilken
The Saskatoon Farm began approximately 30 years ago when a passionate couple, deeply invested in horticulture, decided to pursue their dream of a countryside lifestyle.
They kicked things off by planting Saskatoon berry seedlings, and now the plantation has just blossomed from there.
You can actually go here and pick your own Saskatoons, which is really fun, especially in season. And they have other fruits too, depending on when you visit.
Plus, they’ve got some tasty snacks and drinks—perfect for a little break. Just a heads-up, though: it’s a smoke-free place, and they don’t allow dogs because of all the animals roaming around.
Discovery Wildlife Park & Campground
At Discovery Wildlife Park & Campground, you can camp overnight right in the midst of all kinds of animals! They provide a safe haven for orphaned or unwanted wildlife, giving them a second chance at life.
It’s definitely worth visiting because they have daily presentations where you can learn all about conservation, and sometimes you can even get up close and personal with the animals.
As per the campground, whether you’re bringing an RV, pitching a tent, or staying in one of their cozy cabins, you’re covered. There are washrooms and showers, so you don’t have to rough it too much.
And if you’re into fishing, they’ve got a stocked trout pond that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Where to Eat During the Winnipeg to Kelowna Road Trip
Vintage Tap House
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The Vintage Tap House is a laid-back pub and restaurant that really nails that welcoming vibe. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and catch a game—there are TVs everywhere, so you won’t miss any of your favorite sporting events.
As per the menu, they offer a variety of items, including pub fare, comfort food, and some modern, made-from-scratch dishes.
Their steaks are to die for, and the pizzas and pasta hit the spot every time. And if you’re a wings fan, you’re in luck—they’ve got over 20 flavors to choose from during their wing night specials.
Trust me, you’ll be coming back just to try them all.
If you’re looking for specific recommendations, their Veal Parmesan is the best-selling dish for a reason. It’s this breaded veal baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and it comes with a side of spaghetti.
Another favorite of mine is the Smokin Kickin Chicken Wrap—grilled Cajun chicken with salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, avocado, dill pickles, pepperjack cheese, and mayo all wrapped up in a tortilla.
Last Chance Saloon
At Last Chance Saloon, you can practically feel the history in the air with all the antiques and memorabilia from Wayne’s old coal mining days.
The walls are covered in artifacts, and you can almost hear the clinking glasses and lively chatter from a bygone era. And if you love a good view, their patio overlooks the Badlands—absolutely stunning!
Now, when it comes to food, their Hot Hamburger is what people keep on raving out—two juicy patties with fried onions on grilled bread, all smothered in rich gravy. It comes with a side of coleslaw.
Then there’s the Chicken & Rib Combo, which is perfect if you’re feeling extra hungry. It comes with cornbread and coleslaw, and you can choose between crispy fries or baked beans.
Where to Stay During the Winnipeg to Kelowna Road Trip
Seven Oaks Hotel Regina
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Seven Oaks Hotel Regina is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Regina. It’s a great place to stay for leisure travelers, with a variety of amenities to suit your needs.
They’ve got 157 rooms and suites that are really comfy, each one decked out with a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Plus, free, high-speed internet all over the place!
But here’s the best part: The Juggernaut. It’s Regina’s biggest indoor water park, right there in the hotel.
It features a 240-foot water slide, a children’s pool, and an indoor heated swimming pool, ideal for chilling out or letting the kids run wild.
Beyond that, they also have a well-equipped fitness center, a vintage arcade room (totally retro vibes), a shop where you can snag some drinks, and a restaurant and bar for when you’re feeling hungry.
And don’t worry about parking—they’ve got free spots and can handle buses, RVs, trucks, and trailers.
Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites
If you’re looking for a cozy spot to crash at in Drumheller, go for Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites. It’s a 3-star inn, and let me tell you, they’ve got some stuff going on here.
First off, an indoor pool that’s perfect if you’ve got kids tagging along, and free Wi-Fi, so you can Instagram your adventures without any hassle.
The rooms are pretty sweet too—spacious and stocked with everything you need, like microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. They also throw in a free continental breakfast to start your day off right.
And don’t miss out on their other perks, like a fitness center, a hot tub to loosen up in, laundry facilities (if you need them), and free parking—always a plus.