Kelowna is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods and communities, all of which add something uniquely their own to Kelowna's vibe. This Guide to the Airport District is part of a series designed to give you an overview of the places you can discover when you #exploreKelowna.

Airport District

Over the past few years, the area in and around the Kelowna International Airport has grown, with new accommodations and amenity offerings added to what was previously a relatively quiet part of Kelowna. Surrounded by mountains and open sky, this part of the city is removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown but still close to many activities and attractions and only a short drive to several of the region's lakes and outdoor spaces. 

Accommodations

^{Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport}

Earlier this year, the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport completed its highly anticipated expansion, which included 55 new premium guest rooms, modernized suites, expanded meeting spaces, enhanced corporate facilities, and upgraded dining options. The property is ranked in the top 5 Four Points in Canada, and the hotel's Manager, Ahmad Taher Saleh, was awarded Operations Manager of the Year for 2023. The pet-friendly hotel has plenty of on-site parking, including long-term options, as well as an airport shuttle for added convenience. 

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, located just behind the Four Points, offers an array of spacious, well-appointed rooms, several of which provide accessibility options, such as roll-in showers and lowered bathroom fixtures. There are also options for connecting rooms, so you'll have plenty of space when travelling with the kids or extended family. The hotel's airport shuttle runs 24/7, allowing you a comfortable ride to the property no matter when your flight arrives. 

Those looking for a budget-friendly option, or those travelling with large groups or sports teams should consider the accommodation options at UBC's Okanagan campus. The campus has more than 500 rooms available from mid-May to mid-August, with 6 different room types that can accommodate solo travellers, couples, families, or bigger groups. Rooms and suites have linens, towels, and basic amenities.

Stay tuned for future accommodation options at the Sutton Place Hotel Kelowna, which will be conveniently located next to the new terminal building expansion at the airport. 

Other accommodations in the area include:

• Borgata Lodge Vacation Rentals at Quail Ridge Golf Resort, where you can choose from 1 bedroom lofts or studio apartments with full kitchens or kitchenettes.
• Holiday Park RV and Condo Resort is located just north of the airport in Lake Country, will fully-serviced RV lots and furnished condo units. 

Activities & Attractions

^{Kangaroo Creek Farm}

A long-time favourite of travellers to Kelowna is the Kangaroo Creek Farm, open seasonally from mid-March to mid-October. Originally located in Lake Country, the farm relocated a couple of years ago and is now located east of the Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Along with the ever-photogenic kangaroos and wallabies, the farm is also home to capybara, parrots, sugar gliders, and more!

One of Kelowna's newest attractions is the KF Centre for Excellence, where you'll discover the story of aviation in BC. The museum, housed in a sustainable building shaped like the fuselage of an aircraft, features some of the world’s rarest aircraft and hands-on activities that will engage the entire family. After your 30-minute self-guided tour, you can enjoy a snack and coffee from the upper-level cafe, with panoramic views of YLW's runway.  

Some of the other nearby family-friendly attractions include:

• Energyplex
• McCurdy Bowling Centre
• Scandia Golf & Games
• Virtual Rcades Indoor VR Theme Park & Arcade
• Simplex Sportzone

^{Shadow Ridge Golf Club}

​If golf is the name of the game for your group, the area around the airport offers plenty of courses to choose from. Kelowna Springs, Shadow Ridge, Sunset Ranch, The Okanagan Golf Club, and Tower Ranch are all located within a short drive from YLW. 

After your round, discover some of the region's best wines by exploring Lake Country's Scenic Sip wine route, starting at Ancient Hill Estate Winery, with its rustic, European-inspired tasting room and expansive valley views. 

Food & Drink

^{The Jammery}

Another long-standing favourite, located just 4 minutes north of the airport, is The Jammery. Previously featured on You Gotta Eat Here, the restaurant is well-known for its all-you-can-eat waffles, served with whipped cream and your choice of fruit sauce. Be sure to allocate some time to browse the gift shop, where you can purchase the various fruit jams and jellies produced onsite.

Gulfstream Lounge & Grill is onsite at the Four Points, serving contemporary cuisine in a relaxed environment. Across the street at the Airport Village plaza, you'll find plenty of fast-casual options, including pizza from one of Kelowna's most beloved spots, DunnEnzies. There is also a Nester's Market in the plaza for those wanting to pack picnics or take advantage of kitchenettes in their hotels. 

Other food and drink options in the area include:

• Scenic Road Cider Co.
• Table Nineteen Kelowna
• Three Lakes Brewing
• Two Donkeys Bakery
• Upside Cider & Farm Market
• Wild Ambition Brewing

Arts & Culture

A short drive from the airport will allow you to access the Okanagan Rail Trail, where you can discover some of the region's newest public art. The three sculptures created by Indigenous artists Clint George, a syilx artist from the Penticton Indian Band, and Les Louis, a syilx artist from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, showcase the culture of the Okanagan People. 

In Kelowna, you can take a self-guided tour of the Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery, which features more than 350 pieces of art created by internationally acclaimed artist, Geert Maas. It is one of the largest collections of bronze sculptures in the country.

Parks & Outdoor Space

^{Mill Creek Regional Park.}

Explore nature and cool off at Mill Creek Regional Park, a 15.3-hectare park home to a relaxed and quiet trail system that winds alongside Mill Creek, leading to a series of waterfalls. The park has a picnic area, and dogs are welcome as long as they remain on leash. 

Quail Ridge Linear Park offers an easy hike along hard-packed gravel pathways. The two trails in the park, Quail Flume and Eagle View, are nestled amongst Ponderosa pine forests and run parallel to an old irrigation canal. 

If you travel north to Lake Country, you can explore the Spion Kop trail system, with moderate to difficult options and some of the most spectacular views of the area's lakes and Valley.