Planning a business or sports event that stays on budget doesn’t have to mean scaling back the experience for attendees. Kelowna’s compact footprint, well-designed spaces, and collaborative local partners make it easy to craft memorable gatherings without stretching resources.
Whether you’re organizing a corporate retreat, a regional tournament, or a multi-day meeting or conference, Kelowna offers plenty of ways to bring people together with intention, all while keeping costs comfortably in check.
Cost-Effective Stays with Meeting-Ready Amenities
Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites
The well-equipped meeting rooms, reliable service, and convenient location of the Best Western PLUS Kelowna Hotel & Suites will make your meeting or event a breeze. The hotel's team will work with you to select the most appropriate configuration of meeting space and hotel rooms to stay within your budget. The Best Western PLUS has 176 guest rooms and just over 5,900 sq. ft. of meeting space, accommodating groups of up to 200. There is an on-site pub, an outdoor pool, and plenty of green space that delegates can use between agenda sessions or games. Looking for places to dine and activities for the family who've come along on the trip? You can access an array of amenities and activities on a short walk or drive, making the trip memorable for everyone.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kelowna
The fresh, modern decor at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kelowna complements the property's straightforward and efficient meeting facilities. The Fairfield is a standout choice for planners seeking contemporary accommodations with optional meeting space, with reasonable rates and flexible configurations in the hotel's four meeting rooms. Your group of 100 or fewer will fit comfortably in the just over 2,900 sq. ft. of space, while also having access to numerous nearby amenities, including shopping, restaurants, cafes, and more. Travelling sports teams or delegates with family in tow will love the hotel's pool and indoor/outdoor waterslide, which is open year-round (weather permitting).
Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna
With a central location along Kelowna’s main throughfare and competitively priced room blocks, the Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna offers a convenient, budget-friendly option for planners. The property has 220 guest rooms and is ideal for small- to mid-sized events. Its three flexible meeting spaces provide just over 4,200 sq. ft. and accommodate groups from 20 to 240, depending on configuration. The Sandman’s onsite dining options, along with easy access to numerous nearby amenities, including Orchard Park Shopping Centre, make it easier and potentially cost-saving for event delegates or groups travelling for sports tournaments. Mission Creek Regional Park is within walking distance, too, offering outdoor space to explore during downtime.
UBC Conferences & Accommodations
As the students disperse for the summer, UBC’s Okanagan (UBCO) modern campus comes alive for groups meeting in Kelowna. UBC Conferences & Accommodations has more than 500 rooms available from mid-May to mid-August at its Okanagan campus, offering exceptional value for groups during the peak summer tourism season. There is approximately 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space onsite to accommodate groups of up to 350 people, including boardrooms, lecture theatres and classrooms, and foyers for registration areas or trade shows. Full catering is available, with additional amenities nearby in the Kelowna Airport Village. Getting to and from UBCO is easy, too. The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is only 10 minutes away by car, while a 20-minute drive will have you in the heart of downtown.
Getting Around for Less
Bluestar Coachlines
With a modern fleet of comfortable, 56-seat motorcoaches, Bluestar Coachlines is an easy choice for transporting your entire group in and around Kelowna. The company's team of experienced, professional drivers will ensure your attendees are safely transported to each stop on your agenda. Bluestar's team will work with you to determine the best transportation options to stay within your budget.
Budget Car & Truck Rental
Budget Car & Truck Rental is your go-to for group-friendly vehicle options, with exclusive, preferred rates available for meetings, conferences, and events. The company's convenient locations and simple booking process help streamline the logistics, making it easy for you to connect your delegates with the transportation options they want to explore on their own. With cars, minivans, SUVs, and luxury vehicles, Budget's fleet offers an exceptional selection and great value.
Public Transportation Options
Depending on the type of event you're hosting or what your attendees are looking to explore in their downtime, public transit can be another budget-friendly option, especially if you're staying at the facilities listed above, as they are all easily accessible by Kelowna's main bus routes.
Tips for Maximizing Value in Kelowna
- Plan for shoulder seasons: Make the most of spring’s awakening energy, fall’s warm abundance, or winter’s calm rhythm to secure better venue and accommodation availability and pricing.
- Focus on walkability: Choose venues with the amenities your delegates need and want, onsite or nearby, to help reduce travel time and transportation costs.
- Leverage local flavours: When possible, choose caterers or local dining options that showcase seasonal Okanagan ingredients, highlighting freshness and delivering the best of the Okanagan, all within budget.
- Build in wellness: Take advantage of Kelowna’s abundant free or low-cost outdoor spaces to create team-building moments with a built-in wow factor thanks to the region’s natural beauty.
- Ask about sustainability-minded options: Most facilities and suppliers in and around Kelowna support waste reduction, local sourcing, and eco-efficient operations that can lower costs and align with attendee expectations.
Need help planning your event in Kelowna?
To discuss planning your events while maximizing value, connect with Tourism Kelowna’s team:
You can also explore planning resources in the Meetings & Events or Sports & Events sections of Tourism Kelowna’s website.
