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, we'll introduce you to our exceptional Community Specialists—next up are Jaclyn Stuart and Siara Less.
Jaclyn Stuart
Image credit: Kirsten Wilkinson (@bykirstentaylor)
Jaclyn Stuart has spent much of her life in Kelowna after her family moved to the city from Vancouver 14 years ago to be closer to family. Jaclyn joined the Tourism Kelowna team four years ago when the waterfront Kelowna Visitor Centre opened its doors in 2018. She is one of a few Community Specialists who have been with the team since that inaugural year.
"The most exciting and rewarding part of my job is assisting visitors with planning their trips and helping locals find new things to see and enjoy in the Okanagan," says Jaclyn.
Read on to learn more about Jaclyn and for some of her Kelowna recommendations!
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU ABOUT WORKING IN TOURISM?
As a four-season destination, Kelowna has so much to offer! Visitors come year-round because you can always find something to enjoy here, no matter the weather!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THINGS TO DO/SEE/EAT WHILE EXPLORING KELOWNA AND ITS SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES?
- The Myra Canyon Trestles are definitely a must-see attraction in the Okanagan. Whether you are walking or biking on the trestle bridges, the experience is unreal, and the views are breathtaking! My favourite time to visit is during the fall when the leaves are changing colours. Absolute perfection!
- Downtown Kelowna is an amazing way to get a feel for the city. The waterfront boardwalk is a brisk, relaxing walk along the water. The Cultural District showcases a lot of Kelowna’s art, culture, and history. Our main street, Bernard Avenue, has the most versatile selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses. And of course, if you stop into the Kelowna Visitor Centre, you’ll find plenty of information on the area and so many amazing local products for sale.
- Wine tasting in Kelowna is fantastic! Each winery offers a unique tasting experience, and the wine trails are so much fun to explore!
What's your idea of a perfect day in the Central Okanagan?
My idea of a perfect day in the Okanagan would start at the Kangaroo Creek Farm where I would visit with the kangaroos and capybaras! Then, I would head to Kalamalka Lake to go swimming in the dazzling lake. In the afternoon, I would head to the Lake Country Scenic Sip wine trail to enjoy a couple of wine tastings in the beautiful scenery of Lake Country. To finish off the day, I would head to Blind Tiger Vineyards to enjoy dinner at Marno’s Woodfire Pizza.
What's the best thing you've ever eaten in Kelowna?
The gelato at QB Gelato & Bakery is to die for! It is so rich and creamy, and their rotating flavours are so fun and creative...I can never decide what to order!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORY?
My favourite travel memory is probably visiting Eastern Canada last summer with my family. Montreal was my favourite city that we stayed in because there was so much shopping, dining, attractions, and nightlife. However, Nova Scotia and P.E.I. also have my heart because they had the best beaches and the cutest small towns!
WHAT’S ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW?
A fun fact about myself that people may not know is that Stuart Park, the popular waterfront park in Downtown Kelowna with the signature bear art piece, is in recognition of my grandpa, and former City of Kelowna mayor, Jim Stuart.
Siara Less
As a born and raised Kelownian, Siara Less has a wealth of knowledge about Kelowna and the Central Okanagan that she enthusiastically shares through her role as a Community Specialist. Siara also started with Tourism Kelowna in 2018 and since that time, has worked both year-round and seasonally for a cumulative total of about three years. Having recently returned from working abroad, Siara is once again welcoming guests to the Kelowna Visitor Centre until she moves to Vancouver in August to pursue her teaching degree.
"The excitement of helping visitors from around the world keeps bringing me back to this position," says Siara. "The social working environment keeps each day fun and engaging, and offers something new!"
Read on to learn more about Siara and for some of her Kelowna recommendations!
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU ABOUT WORKING IN TOURISM?
It surprises me how many people visit the Okanagan from every corner of the world! I love interacting with such a diverse community...it provides me with the opportunity to have unique cultural exchanges every day.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THINGS TO DO/SEE/EAT WHILE EXPLORING KELOWNA AND ITS SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES?
- I always recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Antico Pizza Napoletana! It’s my favourite lunch spot.
- The Christmas markets in Kelowna are a must during December! The artisans here always amaze me with their quality and creativity. Several artisan markets take place all year round—they are worth a visit.
- Paddleboarding from Tugboat Bay or Sutherland Bay Park towards Knox Mountain, along the Kelowna Paddle Trail, is my favourite way to get out on the lake!
What's your idea of a perfect day in the Central Okanagan?
My perfect day would be a warm fall day where the leaves are turning orange, but the sun is still shining. I’m attending an outdoor artisan market and buying plenty of local products. I end the day enjoying ice cream on the waterfront with my friends, waiting to catch the sunset!
What's the best thing you've ever eaten in Kelowna?
The vegan chocolate gelato at QB Gelato & Bakery always brightens my day; however, there are so many great restaurants and dessert shops in Kelowna that it is difficult to choose just one favourite!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORY?
My favourite travel memory would be when my friend and I visited a village called Èze in the south of France. The village is situated at the top of a mountain, which had stunning views of the surrounding geography from the top. We then hiked down towards the ocean. I loved every minute of it!
WHAT’S ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW?
I have been fortunate enough to have lived abroad twice in the last couple of years, once studying in Scotland and the other teaching English in France! Travel is a very big passion of mine, so working at the visitor centre and in tourism allows me to pursue that passion at work. I love meeting people from these two countries, which I consider to be second homes.
