After travelling with friends to attend Denim on the Diamond and falling in love with the city, Meghan Olson decided to make the move to Kelowna in October 2022. One month later, she joined Tourism Kelowna's team as a Retail Specialist at Okanagan + Co. Since then, she has transitioned to working at the Kelowna Visitor Centre (KVC), taking on the role of Volunteer & Events Coordinator.
"In my role, I am involved in many levels of community and visitor engagement, from overseeing the mobile team out in the community to working with the volunteers at Kelowna International Airport and the KVC," says Meghan.
Meghan (far right) with some of Tourism Kelowna's staff and volunteers for National Volunteer Week 2024.
Tourism Kelowna members and industry partners in and around Kelowna can contact Meghan to learn more about Tourism Kelowna's volunteer program, mobile and satellite visitor centres, arrange a familiarization tour for your business, or discuss events and activations within the KVC and the community at large.
"The best parts of my job revolve around the people, always...connecting with locals, people travelling to the city for the first time," notes Meghan. "I also love working with volunteers who have been part of the program for more than 10 years and who have seen it go through so many changes. I love to hear stories of everyone's travels and the work they've done, and I have so much to learn from every one of them!"
Before joining Tourism Kelowna's team, Meghan worked at the visitor centre in her hometown of Burns Lake. She is always up for trying something new and was surprised by the endless opportunities to discover new things in the tourism industry.
"We get the rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of many activities in the region," she says. "I feel so privileged to sit in on those conversations and assist in parts of the process before it goes public."
Read on to learn more about Meghan!
Pictured (left to right): Director of Destination Development, Chris Lewis; Meghan Olson; Manager of Community & Visitor Engagement, Sasha Taylor.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORY?
- My favourite travel memory is heading to Ottawa when I was in high school! This was my first flight on my own, and it really sparked my desire to see more and continue exploring!
What are your top 3 recommendations for things to do/see/explore in and around Kelowna?
- Must See: The Art! Catch a show downtown or take a walk with the #exploreKelowna Public Art pass to discover all the local art in the area.
- Must do: Take a dip! Go for a swim in Okanagan Lake or check out some of the smaller lakes in the area! I LOVE to be by the water any chance I can get.
- Must eat: Everywhere! Try it all...there are so many good eateries in Kelowna. Don’t limit yourself to just one. My top recommendation would be Fancy’s Cold Cuts & Cocktails (they just opened up downtown!). The atmosphere is excellent, and the sandwiches are even better!
What's your idea of a perfect day in the Central Okanagan?
- My perfect day in the Okanagan would start with getting an espresso from Amore Mío and walking down the boardwalk to Waterfront Park. Then, I'd hit up some of the local vintage/thrift shops, which are my favourites! Some time by the beach is a must—bring a hammock or a paddle board if you’ve got one! Kalamalka Lake is my personal favourite. Visit the KF Centre for Excellence; my partner works with KF Aerospace, and I love to check out the planes and learn something new. Finish off your day with dinner at Pane Vino!
What's the best thing you've ever eaten in Kelowna?
- It would have to be Momo Sushi (the rainbow roll is my go-to order). I’ve just had so many good shared meals there and met new and old friends. A good meal is even better when shared with good company!
WHAT’S ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW?
- I am a Master at Bop It! I’ve beat all levels of Bop It as mastery, so that’s pretty cool!
