Tourism Kelowna's Community Specialists are the face of our organization at the Kelowna Visitor Centre and at our various satellite and mobile locations, welcoming visitors to our city and ensuring that both travellers and locals experience the best of Kelowna's four-season playground. Throughout the summer and fall, we'll introduce you to our exceptional Community Specialists—next up are Hannah Day and Ava Ready.
Hannah Day
Hannah Day grew up in Northern BC but made her way to Kelowna in 2015 to attend the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) and, as she says, to "escape the harsh winter!" She now considers Kelowna her hometown.
In 2018, Hannah joined the Tourism Kelowna team, working as a Community Specialist full-time during the summer and part-time while in school. After graduating with a BA in French and Spanish, with a minor in gender studies, and teaching English in France for 10 months, Hannah returned to the team earlier this year and is now a Senior Community Specialist focusing on the retail program at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.
"In my role, I get to brag about the wonderful destination of Kelowna and the Okanagan to people from all over the world," says Hannah. "I also help to run our local retail program that supports and showcases the amazing talent of local artists and artisans
Hannah says that the most rewarding part of her job is "talking to visitors from near and far about their travels and sharing how much I love my home."
Read on to learn more about Hannah and for some of her Kelowna recommendations!
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU ABOUT WORKING IN TOURISM?
I was surprised by how little I knew about Kelowna before I started working in Tourism. After travelling a lot, I learned that the Okanagan is very unique for its appreciation of everything local. It is home to so many talented people who create more than you can imagine.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THINGS TO DO/SEE/EAT WHILE EXPLORING KELOWNA AND ITS SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES?
- I definitely recommend eating from local restaurants! My favourites are El Taquero and Antico Pizza Napoletana.
- Go on a hiking adventure up our lovely mountains. In the summer, hike Knox Mountain or Spion Kop. In the winter, snowshoe at Telemark Nordic Club.
- Make sure you see a show at the Kelowna Community Theatre, Kelowna Actors Studio, Rotary Centre for the Arts or even in the parks during the summer for Parks Alive!
What's your idea of a perfect day in the Central Okanagan?
For a perfect Okanagan day, I would spend the morning paddleboarding along Okanagan Lake and then stop at a beach—Kinsmen Park or Bertram Creek are lovely. Then I would visit the Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market for lunch from a food truck, like a chicken burger from TNT Dynamite. In the afternoon, I would shop around some local consignment shops. My favourites are Frock & Fellow, Lost Together, and Rosebuds. In the summer, I would spend the evening listening to some music at Parks Alive! or if it is a windy evening, I would go to Rotary Beach and watch the windsurfers play under the sunset.
What's the best thing you've ever eaten in Kelowna?
This is tough...I would have to choose between the Mole Verde taco from El Taquero or the Holy Cacao dairy-free gelato from QB Gelato & Bakery.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORY?
I have been lucky enough to travel a lot in the past year, and my favourite memory is when I made a day trip with my friends to Étretat in Normandy. We hiked up the cliffs and had a picnic at the top where the view just takes your breath away.
WHAT’S ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW?
I am an avid baker and make the best from-scratch lemon meringue pie.
Ava Ready
While she calls Vernon, BC, her hometown, Ava Ready has been living in Kelowna off and on for four years while attending UBCO, which she graduated from this year. She joined the Tourism Kelowna team this past spring, connecting with travellers and residents as part of our Community & Visitor Engagement team.
"As a Community Specialist, I get to show off our city to visitors, hear about what they enjoy doing, and curate a plan with them," says Ava. "The most rewarding part of my job is hearing about people's travels and the fun they have had in Kelowna while sharing more spots for them to check out."
Read on to learn more about Ava and for some of her Kelowna recommendations!
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU ABOUT WORKING IN TOURISM?
The fact that people come here from all over the world!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THINGS TO DO/SEE/EAT WHILE EXPLORING KELOWNA AND ITS SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES?
- Gyro Beach for a swim
- Sprout Bread for a coffee and treat
- Dilworth Mountain Park for the view
What's your idea of a perfect day in the Central Okanagan?
Grab a coffee and go for a morning walk on the Mission Creek Greenway. Then, go thrifting, hit the beach, grab some dinner downtown, and walk along the lakefront boardwalk!
What's the best thing you've ever eaten in Kelowna?
Cantina del Centro’s tacos—the Avocado Frito is my personal favorite! Great food and right downtown.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORY?
On a European Trip with school—getting to see new places and walking around Heidelberg with friends, specifically, were definitely highlighst!
WHAT’S ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW?
I love slalom skiing (water skiing) and could be in the water all day!
