Kelowna Declared Canada’s First Creative City of Gastronomy
Last year, the United Nations recognized Canada’s first Creative City of Gastronomy, and it wasn’t a big city like Toronto or Montreal. Surprisingly, it was Kelowna, a lesser-known urban area in British Columbia, famed primarily among American skiers for its pristine snow.
Kelowna sits at the heart of the Okanagan Valley, which features a blend of desert-like landscapes and glacier-fed lakes framed by mountains.
This unique geography creates diverse microclimates. Cooler areas tend to produce excellent Pinot Noir and refreshing sparkling wines, while the warmer southern sections are perfect for Cabernet Franc and rich Bordeaux-style blends.
Although the Okanagan Valley has caught the interest of Canadian food enthusiasts for some time, this recent UNESCO acknowledgment is beginning to place it on the global map.
“There’s a real brilliance here,” noted Joanna Schlosser, founder of a wine company with extensive experience in the Okanagan wine industry. “Everything feels like it’s coming alive, much like springtime on a farm.”
Kelowna’s airport marked a record number of passengers in 2025, reflecting the city’s growing population.
Entrepreneurs are increasingly setting up new restaurants, farms, and vineyards in the area. With the U.S. dollar favorably positioned, it’s becoming more common for American wine lovers to consider Okanagan an attractive alternative to California’s Napa Valley, where tasting fees exceed $80 on average.
While locals appreciate the comparison, they tend to be rather diplomatic about it.
“Napa is refined and established; the Okanagan is still emerging,” Schlosser commented. “There’s a spirit of creativity here—small producers are flourishing, and the landscape remains wild and unpredictable.” Yes, the quality may be on par, but the experiences differ greatly.
It’s rare to find a wine region that still embodies that pioneering spirit, and that’s exactly what’s captivating visitors.
“Tourists are opting for longer stays and are looking for experiences that feel genuine and community-oriented, closely linked to the area’s natural charm,” shared Jared Sissons, General Manager of a local resort. “People want to meet the creators, feel the land, and savor what’s produced here.”
In the wake of the pandemic, Okanagan is leaning into experiential travel, offering activities like winery tours, cooking classes, mountain biking, and water sports on Okanagan Lake.
Construction is in progress near Vernon, as a new gondola attraction is set to debut in spring 2027 at a prominent golf resort. This gondola will provide access to restaurants, scenic trails, and an adventure park expected to open in 2028.
Some experiences are notably unique. Last summer, three prestigious wineries—Mission Hill Family Estate, Martin’s Lane Winery, and Cedar Creek Estate Winery—launched an exclusive yacht wine tour, transporting guests between lakeside tasting locations.
South of Kelowna, visitors can engage in Indigenous-led experiences where guides introduce guests to the desert landscape and local cultural heritage before heading to nearby wineries. Self-guided wine tours are also available through various operators, along with popular events like the upcoming half cork marathon, blending race and wine tasting into a quirky weekend.
Accommodations are being enhanced to meet the growing demand. In Lake Country, new luxury vineyard lodgings will complement the dramatic landscape, with further developments planned for 2026.
However, it would be a mistake to assume the Okanagan is simply an emerging destination due to its recent growth. The Hotel Eldorado, founded by a British countess, celebrated its centenary last year and remains a top choice for visitors, thanks to its marina and beautiful lakefront access.
“Napa embraces a sophisticated wine culture, while the Okanagan feels more varied and less pretentious,” remarked a marketing director from the hotel. “We’re not aspiring to be Napa. We’re carving out our own Canadian identity and elegance in wine.”
So, keep an eye on the favorable exchange rate. But if you’re in search of a Canadian version of California, you might be let down. The Okanagan Valley is untamed, intimate, and distinctly unique. It’s no wonder it’s finally drawing international attention.
And that’s something to raise a glass to.
