For meeting and event planners seeking a destination that blends professionalism, flexibility and leisure activities, Kelowna stands out as a premier choice in Western Canada.
This business traveller guide highlights everything you need to know to plan and execute successful corporate events in Kelowna, from selecting versatile accommodations and modern venues to enjoying exceptional dining experiences and year-round activities.
Whether you’re coordinating a leadership retreat, incentive getaway, or multi-day conference, this destination delivers the infrastructure, inspiration and experiences today’s business audiences expect.
Where to Stay: Keep Attendees Productive & Comfortable
OAK + CRU at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
From lakefront resorts to reliable hotel names, Kelowna’s accommodation options are as flexible as your event needs.
The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort stands out as a premier choice for planners, featuring extensive event space, luxury amenities, and a stunning lakeside location. Trusted names like Hyatt and Best Western provide dependable service, business-focused amenities, and central locations that keep teams connected.
Most accommodations include high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room workspaces and business lounges—ideal for staying on top of work between sessions. Many hotels double as event venues, offering convenience for both planners and attendees.
Where to Eat: Group-Friendly Dining
CedarCreek Estate Winery. Photo: Darren Hull Studios
Kelowna’s culinary scene is a highlight for planners looking to impress guests or provide seamless group dining experiences.
Venues like BNA Brewing Co. combine elevated pub fare with flexible, private event space and engaging extras like a bowling alley—perfect for relaxed networking. King Taps Lakeside is another standout, offering a waterfront atmosphere and innovative takes on classic dishes and shareable plates. It features a terrace ideal for hosting groups, as well as large tables in the main dining room.
For casual meetings or individual working time, Kelowna’s café culture is rich with options. Bean Scene Coffee Works (three locations- North, HQ and Pandosy Village) is known for its spacious layout and quality coffee, while Bright Jenny Coffee Roasters, locations in Laurel and Kirschner, is a small-batch roaster brewing ethically sourced drinks.
Looking for an elevated dining experience? Winery restaurants like BLOCK ONE at 50th Parallel Estate Winery or Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery offer exceptional spaces and seasonal menus perfect for larger gatherings.
Year-Round Activities to Enhance Your Attendee Experience
Knox Mountain Regional Park at Sunset. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
What truly sets Kelowna apart is its year-round appeal. Regardless of the season, planners can easily incorporate recreational or wellness activities into their event programming.
In the spring, hiking trails like John’s Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park and Knox Mountain Park (also popular in the wintertime) offer fresh air and panoramic views, perfect for guided group outings or wellness breaks. Blossoming orchards and vineyards create a picturesque setting for nature walks or photo ops, while Kelowna’s golf courses welcome players of all skill levels (why not add a golf tournament to the event agenda?).
Many of these activities continue seamlessly into the summer months, giving planners more flexibility when scheduling outdoor programming. Kelowna's beach season starts in late spring and extends into early fall, opening the door to over 30 beaches, ideal for relaxed social gatherings or morning wellness sessions. Attendees can take to Okanagan Lake with stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking along the Kelowna Paddle Trail. For a more relaxed outing, private sailing charters and boat tours departing from the Kelowna Yacht Club offer a unique way to view the city and foster team connection.
As the leaves turn, fall invites guests to explore the region’s rich agriculture. Farmers markets and fruit stands showcase the season’s bounty. Fall is also prime time for wine touring, with nearly 40 wineries to explore. Guided group tours along one of Kelowna’s five regional wine trails make for memorable excursions that blend culture, relaxation and networking.
Winter doesn't slow Kelowna down—it transforms it. Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort both offer accessible winter sports for groups seeking adventure. For indoor alternatives, planners can schedule visits to local museums, book brewery tours, or organize a private farm-to-table experience featuring seasonal ingredients.
Plan Your Event: Balancing Business & Leisure
Some destinations host events—Kelowna elevates them. Here, meetings unfold beyond four walls—on vineyard terraces, beside the lake, and in spaces designed to spark connection. Ballrooms frame mountain views, winery receptions blend with the vines, and outdoor venues are part of the experience, not an afterthought. With direct flights and venues close to downtown, everything flows in Kelowna.
Easily accessible with daily flights from major Canadian hubs, Kelowna’s compact layout makes it simple to navigate, keeping logistics smooth for both planners and attendees.
With its seamless blend of productivity, connectivity and downtime experiences, Kelowna is the ideal place to host corporate events that leave a lasting impact.