Find Parking in Kelowna Without the Guesswork
Planning a day in downtown Kelowna should not begin with driving around looking for an empty space. Fortunately, the city has several public parkades, street parking zones, and surface lots. However, rates change with the season, while special events can affect normal parking arrangements.
Whether you are visiting Bernard Avenue, exploring the waterfront, heading to the hospital, or catching a flight, this guide will help you understand your options. In addition, you will find practical tips for free parking, payment, accessibility, and longer stays.
Per hour during normal weekday paid hours.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Park in Kelowna?
For a short downtown visit, street parking may put you closest to your destination. However, check the posted time limit before paying. A third hour can cost considerably more than the first two hours.
For a longer weekday visit, consider a City-owned parkade. Library, Chapman, and Memorial Parkades have a normal rate of $1.50 per hour and a $7.75 daily rate. In addition, their normal evening and weekend parking is free unless special-event pricing applies.
If you are visiting the waterfront, compare the nearest public lot with a downtown parkade. Meanwhile, airport travelers should use the separate YLW parking system, which has its own daily and weekly rates.
Kelowna Parking Rates in 2026
Kelowna has different rates for street parking, parkades, and surface lots. Moreover, street prices vary between the summer and off-season periods. As a result, the same parking spot may cost more during a busy summer visit.
The following table summarizes the City’s published parking rates. However, posted signs and any active event restrictions take priority.
| Location | Rate | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown street parking | $1.75–$2.25/hour in summer | Monday–Saturday | Third-hour surcharge may apply |
| Off-season street parking | $1.75–$2/hour | As posted by zone | September 16–May 14 |
| City parkades | $1.50/hour; $7.75/day | Weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Normally free evenings and weekends |
| City short-term surface lots | $1.75/hour | Check individual lot | Posted time limits apply |
| City long-term surface lots | $1.50/hour; $8.25/day | Check individual lot | Useful for longer downtown visits |
| YLW long-term parking | $17.50/day; $88/week | Open 24 hours | Airport parking rules apply |
Summer street rates run from May 15 through September 15. In contrast, off-season rates apply from September 16 through May 14. Furthermore, the City adjusts parking rates periodically, so check its official rate page before relying on a saved price.
Downtown Kelowna Parkades
Three City-owned parkades serve different parts of downtown Kelowna. Although their normal published hourly and daily rates are the same, their locations and vehicle clearances differ. Therefore, choose the facility that fits both your destination and vehicle.
Library Parkade
$7.75/dayAddress: 1360 Ellis Street
Library Parkade is convenient for the Cultural District, nearby galleries, and downtown businesses. In addition, it provides EV charging options.
Its published maximum vehicle height is approximately 6 feet 8 inches. Therefore, drivers of taller vehicles should check clearance before entering.
Normal hourly rate: $1.50
Chapman Parkade
$7.75/dayAddress: 345 Lawrence Avenue
Chapman Parkade is a practical starting point for exploring central downtown. For example, you can park once and walk toward nearby shops and restaurants.
It also has the highest published clearance among these three parkades, at approximately 6 feet 10.5 inches.
Normal hourly rate: $1.50
Memorial Parkade
$7.75/dayAddress: 1420 Ellis Street
Memorial Parkade provides another option near the northern downtown area. However, weekday public parking from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. is restricted to Levels 1 and 2.
Its published vehicle clearance is approximately 6 feet 7 inches. As a result, taller vehicles should consider their clearance carefully.
Normal hourly rate: $1.50
Street Parking in Downtown Kelowna
Street parking can be convenient when you only need to make a short stop. However, downtown blocks have different prices and time restrictions. For this reason, read the nearest parking sign before starting your session.
During summer, published street rates generally range from $1.75 to $2.25 per hour in the City’s paid zones. In addition, a third hour may cost $4 to $4.50. Consequently, a parkade may offer better value when you expect to stay for several hours.
Meanwhile, off-season street rates generally range from $1.75 to $2 per hour. The third-hour price can still be higher. Therefore, check the full cost before extending your parking session.
How to Pay for Street Parking
First, check the parking sign and confirm your zone. Next, note your vehicle’s licence plate number. You can then use a City pay station or PayByPhone where available.
Pay stations accept coins and major credit cards. Alternatively, PayByPhone lets you pay using your phone and may allow you to extend an eligible session remotely. However, an app cannot override the maximum parking time posted for a space.
Where Can You Find Free Parking in Kelowna?
Free parking is possible in Kelowna, but the conditions matter. For example, City parkades normally offer free evening and weekend parking. However, a special event can temporarily replace those rules with a posted flat rate.
Free Parkade Evenings
Library, Chapman, and Memorial Parkades normally charge during weekday paid hours. Outside those hours, parking is generally free unless an event rate applies. Therefore, check the entrance board before parking for dinner or an evening activity.
Free Parkade Weekends
City parkades normally offer free weekend parking. Nevertheless, festivals, concerts, and other events may trigger special pricing. As a result, a weekend visit is not automatically free.
Time-Restricted Residential Spaces
Some residential areas have no-charge spaces with one- or two-hour limits. However, permit restrictions and local signs still apply. Therefore, never assume that every residential street offers unrestricted visitor parking.
Free Airport Pickup Waiting
YLW provides a free Cell Phone Waiting Area for drivers collecting arriving passengers. Instead of paying to wait near the terminal, stay there until your passenger is ready.
Parking Near Kelowna Waterfront and City Park
Kelowna’s waterfront attracts visitors throughout the year. However, summer afternoons, warm evenings, and special events can make nearby parking harder to find. Therefore, decide how far you are willing to walk before entering the busiest waterfront streets.
For a short visit, check the public parking spaces closest to your destination. On the other hand, a downtown parkade may be more practical when you plan to spend several hours walking along the waterfront or exploring nearby restaurants.
The Waterfront Park Lot has its own seasonal and event arrangements. For example, the City’s published special-event information lists a $1.50 hourly summer rate and a $9 off-season event rate where applicable. Therefore, confirm the posted rate for your actual visit.
Parking for Waterfront Events
First, check the event schedule. Next, review the City’s parking notices to see whether special rates apply. If the nearest lot is expected to be busy, choose a downtown parkade as your backup.
Finally, remember that leaving a few extra minutes for walking may be easier than searching repeatedly for a waterfront space.
Parking Near Kelowna General Hospital
Parking near Kelowna General Hospital requires extra attention because the surrounding area has its own paid-parking arrangements. Unlike ordinary downtown street parking, the City’s hospital-area paid parking operates seven days a week.
Therefore, do not assume that a Sunday visit will be free. Instead, read the signs near your chosen space and confirm the payment hours.
If you are visiting someone in hospital, allow enough time for the appointment or visit. In addition, check the hospital’s own parking information if you need accessible access or expect to stay for an extended period.
Parking in South Pandosy
South Pandosy has shops, restaurants, and neighbourhood services. However, its street parking rules are not identical to downtown Kelowna’s rules.
The City’s published paid-parking schedule lists South Pandosy as a Monday-to-Friday paid zone. Nevertheless, individual spaces may have additional time limits or restrictions. Therefore, always follow the sign beside your parking space.
If you are visiting several businesses, consider parking once and walking between them. That way, you avoid repeatedly searching for another space.
Kelowna International Airport Parking
Kelowna International Airport, also known as YLW, operates its own parking facilities. Therefore, downtown City parking rates do not apply at the airport.
Short-term parking is useful when you need to enter the terminal briefly. Meanwhile, long-term parking is designed for travelers leaving their vehicles during a trip.
YLW Short-Term Lot
$27/dayThe first hour costs $2.25, followed by $3.50 for each additional hour, up to the published daily maximum.
The lot is open 24 hours a day. However, YLW no longer offers free 15-minute parking here.
YLW Long-Term Lot
$17.50/dayThe airport lists a weekly rate of $88. Therefore, compare the weekly price with the daily total before a longer trip.
The lot is open 24 hours a day. In addition, accessible parking is available near the terminal.
YLW Valet Parking
$29.25The valet service adds a $29.25 fee to the applicable long-term parking charges. Consequently, the displayed valet fee is not the total cost of a multi-day stay.
Reserve in advance and follow the airport’s valet arrival instructions.
Free Airport Pickup Waiting
If you are collecting someone from YLW, use the free Cell Phone Waiting Area at Airport Plaza. First, wait there until your passenger has collected their luggage. Then, drive toward the terminal when they contact you.
As a result, you can avoid paying for short-term parking while the passenger is still inside the airport.
For current airport rates, valet registration, and the official map, visit YLW’s official parking page .
Accessible Parking and EV Charging
Kelowna provides accessible parking in designated areas. However, the most suitable location depends on your destination. Therefore, check the City’s parking map before traveling if you need a particular accessible route.
In addition, several downtown facilities have electric vehicle chargers. Library, Chapman, and Memorial Parkades are among the City’s listed charging locations.
Charging fees are separate from parking fees where indicated. For this reason, check both charges before leaving your vehicle connected for several hours.
Overnight and Multi-Day Parking in Kelowna
Overnight parking requires more planning than an ordinary daytime stop. Although some downtown facilities have free evening periods, that does not mean every street or surface lot permits unrestricted overnight parking.
Therefore, check the maximum stay, facility access rules, and any overnight restrictions before leaving your vehicle. In particular, never treat a free evening period as permission to park for several days.
If you need parking for a longer stay, compare a suitable parkade, an eligible long-term surface lot, and any monthly parking options. Moreover, contact Kelowna Parking to confirm availability if you need a monthly arrangement.
How Special Events Change Parking in Kelowna
Special events can affect both the availability and price of parking. For example, an evening that would normally be free in a City parkade may have a posted event rate instead.
Therefore, check the City’s event parking calendar before heading downtown. In addition, read the entrance signs when you arrive, because different facilities may have different event arrangements.
If you are attending a busy event, arrive with a backup parking location already selected. Alternatively, consider another suitable transportation option when downtown traffic is expected to be heavy.
How to Choose Parking for Your Kelowna Visit
First, identify whether you are visiting downtown, the waterfront, South Pandosy, the hospital, or the airport.
Next, compare the hourly cost with any available daily rate. For a longer visit, a parkade may be more predictable.
Then, confirm whether summer pricing or special-event restrictions apply.
Finally, choose another suitable facility in case your first parking location is full.
Kelowna Downtown Parking Map
Use the map below to understand the downtown street layout. However, for individual parking rates and restrictions, consult the City’s current parking map and the signs at each facility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parking in Kelowna
How much does downtown Kelowna parking cost?
City parkades normally cost $1.50 per hour or $7.75 per day during weekday paid hours. However, street rates vary by location and season. Therefore, check the posted rate before paying.
Is parking free in downtown Kelowna on weekends?
City-owned parkades normally provide free weekend parking. However, special-event rates may apply. Therefore, always check the entrance signage.
Where can I park near Bernard Avenue?
Chapman Parkade on Lawrence Avenue is one downtown option to compare. Alternatively, check nearby street parking if you only need a short stop.
Is there free parking near Kelowna Waterfront?
Some downtown parkades normally offer free evening and weekend parking. However, waterfront lots have their own restrictions, and special-event rates can apply.
Can I pay for Kelowna street parking with my phone?
Yes. PayByPhone is available for eligible City parking locations. In addition, City pay stations accept coins and major credit cards.
How much is long-term parking at Kelowna Airport?
YLW currently lists $17.50 per day and $88 per week for its long-term lot. Nevertheless, confirm the current rate before starting your trip.
Does Kelowna Airport have free pickup parking?
Yes. The airport has a free Cell Phone Waiting Area at Airport Plaza. Therefore, drivers can wait there until their arriving passenger is ready for pickup.
Can I park overnight in a Kelowna parkade?
Check the rules for the specific facility, including maximum stay and access arrangements. Although some evening periods are free, that does not automatically permit unrestricted overnight parking.
Are Kelowna parking rates higher in summer?
Some street parking rates are seasonal. Summer rates run from May 15 through September 15, while off-season rates begin September 16. In addition, special-event pricing may apply.
Official Kelowna Parking Resources
Before you travel, use the official resources below to confirm rates, parking rules, and any temporary changes.
City of Kelowna Parking
Check current street rates, parkade fees, seasonal rules, event pricing, and payment information.
View official City parking ratesYLW Airport Parking
Check current airport parking rates, accessible spaces, valet service, and the free Cell Phone Waiting Area.
View official airport parking