Tourism Kelowna’s Travel Media Program was highly active through late summer and into fall, coordinating and supporting eight hosted media and content creator tours between August and mid-October, some of which are highlighted below. These collaborations offered meaningful opportunities to showcase Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country to new audiences, while strengthening long-standing relationships with national and international media.
Across these visits, more than 50 local businesses, attractions, and producers shared their stories and experiences with our visiting guests. From vineyard tastings and farm-fresh dining to creative outdoor adventures and wellness experiences, each visit revealed another layer of Kelowna’s story.
In late summer, we partnered with Destination BC and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association to support a multi-generational family road trip along the Rainforest to Rockies route for US-based journalist, Tykesha Burton. The Kelowna portion of her visit included family-favourites like Manteo at Eldorado Resort, Pane Vino Pizzeria, a Pedego Oyama cycling adventure along the Okanagan Rail Trail, Kangaroo Creek Farm, Sprout Bread, and BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery.
Tykesha Burton and her family. Image credit: Lindsay Kelm
September featured an Okanagan adventure itinerary, designed for Calgary-based content creator, Megan Pierson, who embraced an action-packed escape that showcased the region’s diversity. From canyoning with Okanagan Canyoning Adventures and golfing at Kelowna Springs Golf Club, to tastings at Arrowleaf Cellars, Gray Monk Estate Winery, and Ex Nihilo Vineyards, her journey highlighted Lake Country’s blend of adrenaline and indulgence. Stops at Peak Cellars Winery and its Garden Bistro, and Britannia Brewing Co. rounded out the visit with exceptional local flavour and hospitality.
Also in September, we supported writer, Dan Clapson, on a Kelowna feature for CTV’s The Good Stuff with Mary Berg. The episode, which aired on September 16, featured several local foodie hubs like Lakeside Dining at Hotel Eldorado, Old Vines Restaurant, and The Hatching Post.
To round out the month, we welcomed four travel media journalists—Debbie Olsen, Mia Stainsby, Michele Sponagle, and Sara Romano—from across Canada for an immersive harvest-season itinerary celebrating the people and places that bring the fall bounty to life. Kelowna-based Freelance Journalist, Lisa Kadane, also joined in for a couple of tour stops.
With accommodation support provided by The Prestige Beach House, visits included:
- Tastings at 50th Parallel Estate, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, Simps Modern Beverage, and Tantalus Vineyards;
- Farm stops at Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market and Paynter’s Fruit Market;
- Culinary experiences at 19 Okanagan Grill & Bar, Home Block Restaurant, Kin & Folk, The Modest Butcher, and Wilding.
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation during their trip, the itinerary also included a tour of Sncewips Heritage Museum and breakfast at Kekuli Café. Lim'limpt / Limlempt / thank you to Sncewips docent, Coralee Miller, and Kekuli Café Owner, Sharon Bond-Hogg, for sharing their time and stories with our visitors.
Visit to Kekuli Café. Pictured (left to right): Linsday Kelm; Mia Stainsby; Sharon Bong-Hogg; Sara Romano; Debbie Olsen; Michele Sponagle
We’re grateful to all our local partners and to Destination BC for their ongoing collaboration in bringing these memorable experiences to life, ensuring Kelowna continues to shine as one of Canada’s most inspiring four-season destinations.
Stay tuned for more details on the final content creator FAM tour of the season, which took place at the end of last week and into the weekend.
For more information about Tourism Kelowna's Travel Media program, connect with me at lindsay.kelm@tourismkelowna.com.
