With winter now officially underway, it is the ideal time to highlight all the Kelowna experiences and offerings—and added value—meeting and event planners can take advantage of when hosting future events during this season.


Have Snow Much Fun with Off-Site Activities

Group Snow Shoeing at Big White
Group snowshoeing at Big White Ski Resort. Photo credit: Jeff Bassett, Sproing Creative

The Okanagan Champagne Powder will be ready for your delegates when you meet in Kelowna during the winter. Big White Ski Resort, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, has all sorts of activities to choose from, whether as part of your official agenda, to enjoy during downtime, or on an extended stay. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, Big White offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, skating on Canada's highest outdoor rink, dog sled tours, and so much more. The team at Big White can work with you to plan a full day of adventure, while Bluestar Coachlines can look after transportation for the 45-minute drive from Kelowna. Nearby SilverStar Mountain Resort, located just outside Vernon, is also ready to welcome groups to its European-inspired village. Along with similar outdoor activities as Big White, groups of 10 - 14 can hop on a Snow Cat to trek across the mountain, ending at Paradise Camp for a 3-course dinner. 

Other off-site outdoor activities in and around Kelowna include:

  • Skating on the outdoor rink at Stuart Park, located lakeside in downtown Kelowna. 
  • Hiking or snowshoeing along the trestles at Myra Canyon or at one of the other area hiking trails.
  • Cross-country skiing at Kelowna Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Club or Telemark Nordic Club in West Kelowna.
  • Exploring the backcountry with a guided tour, courtesy of Okanagan ATV Tours. 


Savour the Best of Kelowna

Group Dining at OAK + CRU Domes
Outdoor dome dining at OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar. Photo credit: Ken Hagen

Food, wine, and craft beverage experiences are the perfect way to showcase the best of Kelowna to your delegates. During the winter, take advantage of the seasonal dining domes at Frind Estate Winery or OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar in the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, both of which sit lakeside for exceptional views. 

From mid-January to early February, event attendees can join in the delicious fun of Dine Around, enjoying multi-course menus at fixed prices. Dine Around is presented by the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association and produced annually by local Kelowna supplier Impact Events, whose team also has vast experience planning business events. Working with Impact, or other local suppliers like Cantrav or Kelowna Concierge, will make planning your winter Kelowna event a breeze.  


Incorporate Arts and Culture Experiences

Caravan Farm Theatre Winter Show
Photo credit: Caravan Farm Theatre

While there are plenty of art and culture experiences happening year-round in and around Kelowna, the winter season sometimes beckons us indoors, making it an ideal time to make the most of the city's indoor offerings like the Kelowna Art Gallery, Okanagan Heritage Museum, and Sncewips Heritage Museum.

The Living Things International Arts Festival takes place at the end of January each year, offering an opportunity for delegates to take in a performance during their downtime or if they are extending their trip before or after your event. 

Another unique winter experience that takes place each year from early December to early January is Caravan Farm Theatre's winter sleigh ride show, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2023. Located in Armstrong, approximately an hour from Kelowna, the show's performers and audience members are transported by horse-drawn sleighs, stopping at various points along the journey to take in the scenes of the winter-themed theatrical performance. 


Take Advantage of Added Value During the Off-Season

Wicked Wine Tour-Winter Tour (2)
Photo credit: Wicked Wine Tours

During the winter, you'll also have more opportunities to plan firsthand interactions with local chefs, winemakers, brewers, and others, who can work with your group to personalize your experience. Planning wine tours is a breeze, as many of the area's more than 40 wineries are open year-round and offer quieter tasting rooms during the winter. Companies like Wicked Wine Tours can work with you to plan a tour tailored to you and your delegates. 

Along with having more access to activities and attractions during the winter season, you can also stretch your budget further thanks to off-season pricing, particularly when it comes to meeting facilities in Kelowna. Availability at choice locations can also be more plentiful when leisure travel is not at its peak.

Hotels like the Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites and the Fairfield by Marriott, Kelowna, located midway between Kelowna International Airport and downtown Kelowna, allow for shorter travel times to many of the winter offsite activities mentioned above. The Fairfield has almost 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, while the Best Western offers close to double that at just over 5,900 sq. ft. Both properties are also focused on environmentally sustainable practices and are members of Green Key Global, a leading international environmental certification body specifically for the hotel and meetings industries. 

These are just some of the advantages and experiences you can take advantage of when you #meetinKelowna during the winter. Be sure to connect with Tourism Kelowna's team to learn more about how Kelowna can host your next business event.