Kelowna’s spirit and energy came alive in Eastern Canada, as our team hosted its first Toronto client event of the year at Gladstone House on May 12. Alongside some of our exceptional program partners—50th Parallel Estate Winery, Cantrav, Chateau Okanagan, and Iconic Wineries of BC (CedarCreek Estate Winery and Mission Hill Family Estate)—we hosted 10 valued clients for an afternoon that went beyond showcasing a destination to truly celebrating a community defined by creativity, authenticity, and collaboration.
Attendees discovered the synergy between nature and innovation in Kelowna—where sun, soil, and water nurture an entrepreneurial city rooted in purposeful experiences. It’s not just the stunning landscapes that make Kelowna stand out, but the passion of its people and the distinctive ways business events unfold here.
Accessibility remains a key strength for our destination. At the event, guests learned about Kelowna International Airport’s convenient location just 20 minutes from downtown, ensuring convenience and ease of travel within the destination. Porter Airlines recently launched direct route from Toronto was also highlighted, reinforcing connections to Eastern Canada, supporting the local economy, and spotlighting Kelowna’s growing appeal as a premier destination.
A highlight of the event was the 'Bee Conscious' workshop, developed in partnership with Catherine McGuire from WholeHearted. This hands-on experience invited attendees to slow down, engage their creativity, and contribute to a vital part of Kelowna’s ecosystem.
Bees play a crucial role in sustaining the region’s agricultural heritage, home to over 800 farms committed to sustainability and innovation. Beyond the creative aspect, the workshop carried real-world impact. Through our partnership with WholeHearted, the session supported FoodShare Toronto and their Community Food Growing programs, which help Black, Indigenous, racialized, low-income, and newcomer communities across Toronto lead their own food-growing initiatives. By participating, attendees helped advance a mission rooted in food sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and access to culturally relevant produce.
The workshop also underscored the ecological importance of pollinators—especially native, solitary bees—and the role we all play in fostering biodiversity. Creating bee habitats not only nurtures these essential species but also strengthens resilient ecosystems, a crucial step in adapting to climate change and preserving the planet for future generations. By crafting personalized bee houses, participants connected with Kelowna’s nurturing spirit and purposeful approach to events, a reflection of the community-focused experiences the region offers, from pollinator garden projects to urban farm volunteering and Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives.
As a small token of appreciation and sweet reminder of the workshop’s message, each attendee received a jar of locally made honey from Meadow Vista Honey Wines. The gift reflected our commitment to supporting local, sustainable products while giving guests a taste of the region’s natural abundance.
As summer approaches, our presence in the Eastern Canadian market continues through a series of upcoming industry events and tradeshows, which are key opportunities to strengthen relationships and highlight Kelowna as a destination where every event is intentionally designed and deeply memorable.
Whether you’re planning a meeting, conference, or retreat where the setting matches the moment, Kelowna sets the stage without overpowering it. Please reach out to me directly at vanessa@tourismkelowna.com or (416) 717-0009 to explore how Kelowna can bring your next event to life.
