If you're considering Kelowna as a destination for your next business event or going through an RFP process for future business, why not let Tourism Kelowna's team host you for a familiarization (FAM) tour? Discover what you can expect as we highlight a possible FAM tour itinerary for north Kelowna and Lake Country.
Learn About Destination Offerings
Outdoor group tasting at Peak Cellars. Photo credit: Ken Hagen
In Kelowna, business events don’t just happen indoors; they spill onto vineyard terraces, unfold in lakefront venues, and relax in spaces designed to spark real connection. Participating in a FAM tour will allow you to explore the region's venues and off-site activity offerings firsthand, including the more than 40 wineries in and around Kelowna.
Lake Country's Scenic Sip wine trail, a short drive from the easily accessible Kelowna International Airport, includes boutique, estate, and family-owned wineries. Peak Cellars, owned by the O'Rourke family, is situated on a 7-acre property where fresh produce is also cultivated for the winery's Garden Bistro. The vineyard-side patio, with mountain and lake views, can comfortably seat up to 80, featuring menus that highlight local flavours and Peak Cellars' award-winning wines. The O'Rourke team has also recently started offering private tours and tastings at its nearby O'Rourke Family Estate, which features indoor event space and an outdoor amphitheatre.
Global Meetings Industry Day 2019 at 50th Parallel Estate Winery. Photo credit: Sherpa Events & Meg Creative.
Winding your way further north from Peak Cellars on Carrs Landing Road—you'll be in awe of the spectacular scenery as you do—will take you to 50th Parallel Estate Winery. Owners Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel hand-planted the first vines on the 61-acre property in 2009. Since then, the award-winning winery has continued to grow, expanding by 15,000 square feet in 2018 to include its tasting room, BLOCK ONE Restaurant, and flexible indoor-outdoor dining space for events. Most recently, the winery has opened its wine cave, where you can discover the unique interplay of soil, climate, and craftsmanship that defines 50th Parallel wines. Other unique spaces on the property for hosting events include the outdoor Infinity Event Pad and the semi-covered Crush Pad, perfect for vineyard-side yoga in the warmer months. Thanks to its unique combination of available spaces, the team at 50th Parallel can host groups of up to 300 people.
Tour Venue and Accommodation Options
KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence.
A short, 15-minute drive from Lake Country will have you back touring in Kelowna, where you'll explore one of the region's newest attractions and event venues, KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence. The state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot building, shaped like the fuselage and wings of an aircraft, is home to an aviation museum and conference facility, where configurations can be customized to suit the size and needs of your group. Your delegates can explore the two dedicated hangars on site, where some of the world's rarest aircraft are on display.
There are also nearby accommodation options available for touring, which offer meeting and event spaces. The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, one of the city's newest properties, features 140 guest rooms and over 2,100 square feet of meeting space, accommodating groups of up to 80 for banquet-style seating. The hotel's modern decor and well-appointed breakfast area are welcoming and comfortable. The indoor heated pool and waterslide are perfect for those delegates travelling with family in tow.
Its neighbouring sister property, Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, is home to Gulfstream Lounge & Grill, accessible by guests of both properties. The Four Points has more than double the capacity, with over 4,600 square feet of meeting space, allowing for groups of up to 220 for banquets. The 120 contemporary guest rooms feature soundproofing and blackout drapes, making them ideal for a restful night's sleep after a busy day of activities.
UBC Okanagan (UBCO) Conferences & Accommodations, also located near the airport, opens its dorm space to groups from May to August. UBCO can accommodate up to 450 people through its suite configurations, which feature up to four bedrooms each. The simple decor indoors is augmented by the beautiful landscaping outside. With 35,000 square feet of meeting space, there are numerous options to suit your needs, all offering exceptional value during the peak travel season.
Build or Expand Relationships with Suppliers
Attending a FAM tour provides the perfect opportunity to get to know suppliers in the area or build on relationships you've started over email in the lead-up to your visit. When it comes to planning your offsite activities, receptions, or itineraries, Tourism Kelowna's team can connect you with local specialists who can guide you or provide full-service execution.
Full-service Destination Management Company Kelowna Concierge, founded in 2017 by four passionate and locally connected hospitality professionals, prides itself on executing flawless corporate events. The Kelowna Concierge team will guide you through the creation of your event program, organize team-building experiences, arrange group transportation, plan customized tours, and more, all with exceptional guest service at the heart of their approach.
Additional transportation suppliers you'll want to get to know better include Bluestar Coachlines, whose fleet comprises 28 motor coaches and an 11-passenger Mercedes-Benz van, and the team at Budget Car & Truck Rentals, who can organize transportation for you during your FAM tour or for delegates during your event.
While you're on the FAM tour, Tourism Kelowna's team of seasoned professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the region, including its ease of access, flight options, available off-site activities, accommodation options, and more.
To learn more about booking a FAM tour to Kelowna, connect with a member of Tourism Kelowna's team.
