Finally, it feels like the Kelowna spring we know and love and this sunshine has got me wanting to ‘do all the things!’ If you’re like me, you’re thinking ahead to May long weekend and wondering what adventures could be had with that coveted extra day off.

Here are five suggestions under five hours from Kelowna to make some May memories.

Wells Gray (3.5 hours)

Revelstoke (2.5 hours)

Whistler (5.5 hours, Ok a little stretch)

Manning Provincial Park (2.75 hours)

Kelowna (0 hours, how lucky are we?)

Wells Gray

Photo credit: Caleb Loewen

With 39 named waterfalls, dense forestation, mineral springs and a volcano, Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of the best ways to experience the serene naturalism of British Columbia. Teeming with wildlife, you’ll want to keep a sharp eye out for bears during visits in May and June.

Besides marvelling at the wondrous wildlife, landscape and vegetation of this area, there are activities for just about every outdoor enthusiast from hiking and canoeing to guided horseback-riding and tandem paragliding!

Unforgettable flights and white water rafting rival the amazing mountain biking and fishing available, as well. You don’t have to be a hardcore woods person to enjoy Wells Gray either.

Stay in one of Clearwater’s impressive ranches or bed and breakfasts!

Revelstoke

Photo credit: Juliana Loewen

If you’re used to the drive to Vancouver, the trip to Revelstoke will feel like a dream at only two and a half hours away.

Make the mountain coaster your main event and enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the gondola.

Photo credit: Juliana Loewen

See how many varieties of mushrooms you can find at the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail, but don’t spend all your time looking down, some of these cedars are over 500 years old!

This easy trail only takes about 15 minutes but it leaves a lasting impression.

Photo credit: Juliana Loewen

Moses Creek Community Park boasts a fun and accessible waterfall. Be bear-aware! Last time we found nice fresh droppings.

This spot is great for little kids because the falls are easy to find and don’t require a long hike. A few steps past the trailhead sign is all it takes.

Photo credit: Juliana Loewen

The town of Revelstoke has great shops and restaurants to explore.

We recommend Main Street Cafe for breakfast, Taco Club (below) for lunch, and Chubby Funsters for Dinner.

Photo credit: Juliana Loewen

Whistler

This BC destination might go over our five hour drive limit by 30 minutes, but the GO Fest, held annually on Victoria Day Long Weekend, is worth the extra 30 minutes!

This outdoor festival features sports championships, sailing clinics, cycling, yoga and park runs.

Not feeling so sporty? Try a pancake breakfast at the public library followed by a British car show or farmer’s market. Book sales, photography classes and writing contests, this festival literally has something for everyone.

Five Canadian bands will perform over the weekend as part of the free weekend concert series.

There’s lots for the kiddies to do this weekend too, like building bird houses, nature scavenger hunts, Vans mini skate ramp, and DJ lessons.

Manning Provincial Park

Dedicate your extra weekend day to the Heather Trail in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.

This is a low-difficulty, top rated, multi-day hike that will lead you over creeks and bridges, through fields of spectacular wildflowers, and give you views of several mountain ranges and hidden lakes.

Encounters with wildlife such as jumping fish, grazing deer, flustered grouse, and friendly Whiskey Jacks are common during this gorgeous trek.

Hikers enjoying this trail for just a day trip will likely turn back at First Brother’s Mountain, if you’re going to proceed past this, make sure you have the proper overnight gear and supplies.

Kelowna

It might seem like cheating to put Kelowna on this list but hey, for other people, Kelowna is a destination.

You may have to battle with some extra traffic and red licence plates for staying behind but Kelowna staycations never disappoint.

Rutland May Days begins on Friday, May 17th and kids will love the 60th Annual May Days parade on May 18 (I still remember daring my little sister to run into the middle of the parade and hug one of the mascots).

There's going to be beer gardens, rides, and food trucks for everyone to enjoy.

Not down with crowds? We won’t judge you if you use the extra day to get some much needed yard work done.

Just make sure you’re soaking up some amazing Okanagan sun, we pay the sunshine tax after-all.

Comment below with your fabulous ideas and suggestions and don’t forget to follow us on our BC adventures @loewenlifestyle.

Xoxo, Juliana Loewen

P.S. The countdown is on to welcome adventure baby number two in just seven more weeks!