Canada’s vibrant Okanagan Valley has hit a new culinary milestone as Kelowna, British Columbia, becomes the country’s first city honoured by UNESCO with the Creative City of Gastronomy designation. This recognition spotlights Kelowna’s thriving food and drink scene, its rich agricultural backbone, and its Indigenous heritage as it steps onto the global stage of gastronomy.
Kelowna has secured a significant place on the world food map. On 31 October 2025, the City of Kelowna, in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Westbank First Nation, announced that Kelowna has been officially designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
This honour makes Kelowna the first city in Canada to receive the gastronomy designation, joining other North American peers such as San Antonio in Texas and Mérida in Mexico.
Mayor Tom Dyas emphasized that the recognition “confirms what those in the Okanagan Valley have known for decades — Kelowna is a world-class centre for agriculture, culinary arts and beverages.”
Why Kelowna qualifies – The ingredients of success
Agricultural and taste-rich foundation
Kelowna lies in the Okanagan Valley on the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) people, a fact acknowledged by Chief Robert Louie of the Westbank First Nation, who emphasized the deep connection between the land, water, and Indigenous foodways.
The region’s statistics support the case: local agriculture utilizes more than half of Kelowna’s land base, contributes approximately CA$3.6 billion to the economy, and supports nearly 5,000 jobs. The city’s eateries—more than 500—generate around CA$394 million annually, while tourism tied to food and drink draws over 2 million visitors and contributes CA$1.17 billion in tourism revenue.
Creative gastronomy and sustainability at the core
The UNESCO designation emphasizes not only the quantity but the quality of food culture: innovation in gastronomy, sustainable local development, inclusive food systems and respect for Indigenous knowledge. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO described Kelowna’s appointment as a commitment to use gastronomy as “a powerful driver of sustainable local development.”
Kelowna’s bid involved collaboration among the city, Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna, Okanagan College and a wide cross-section of growers, chefs, businesses and non-profits.
What this means for Kelowna and travellers
Global recognition and visitor appeal
For Kelowna, the UNESCO title brings international attention that could inspire new culinary festivals, destination events and growth in food tourism.
Economic and talent-attraction boost
The designation enhances Kelowna’s appeal as a place to live, work and visit. It supports business recruitment and talent attraction, positioning the city as a gastronomic destination.
Cultural preservation and inclusivity
The status strengthens efforts to preserve and promote Syilx culinary traditions, Indigenous foodways, and sustainable stewardship of land and water.
A stepping-stone for sustainable tourism and food systems
Kelowna’s plan moving forward includes launching a working committee with public, private and non-profit partners to develop a multi-year action plan anchored in gastronomic innovation, inclusive growth and environmental care.
Taste the Okanagan: A traveller’s invitation
With this UNESCO designation in hand, Kelowna offers a curated invitation to food-loving travellers:
- Visit the vineyards and orchards that power the local food scene, sampling regional wines, stone-fruit and farm-fresh produce.
- Dine at chef-driven restaurants, and explore the craft-beverage culture (beer, ciders, distillates) that complements this valley.
- Engage with Indigenous food experiences and learn about Syilx traditions of gathering, foraging and land care.
- Time your trip to coincide with food festivals, markets, and culinary tourism events anchored in Kelowna’s new global status.
A moment of pride and purpose
Kelowna’s elevation to UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy marks a significant milestone for Canadian food culture. It celebrates how agriculture, culinary creativity and Indigenous heritage can combine to define a place in a global network of creative cities.
For travellers, this development prompts a fresh reason to make Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley your next food-focused destination. Summer or winter, vineyard or lakeside, fine dining or farm-to-table simplicity—Kelowna invites you to sample its rich flavours, thoughtful traditions and forward-looking food culture.
As Kelowna embarks on this journey, the designation isn’t simply a badge — it’s a commitment to build on its gastronomic strengths, honour its cultural roots and offer an experience travellers won’t forget.
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