Kelowna, the main city in British Columbia’s bountiful Okanagan Valley, has been designated Canada’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Only three cities in North America have received the UNESCO gastronomy designation. Kelowna joins San Antonio (Texas, USA) and Mérida (Yucatán, Mexico).

Gastronomy is foundational to the city’s economy, attracting more than two million visitors each year and generating $1.17 billion in tourism revenue. Kelowna is home to more than 500 restaurants (Terrace at Mission Hill Family Estate shown above), contributing $394 million annually. Local agriculture occupies over half of its land, adds $3.6 billion to the economy, and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.

Kelowna’s application for the UNESCO designation earlier this year was a collaborative effort supported by the City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna, and Okanagan College, with input from a wide range of industry professionals and community members, including growers, producers, chefs, business owners, not-for-profit organizations, and technology companies.

Lisanne Ballantyne, president and CEO of Tourism Kelowna, said: “This prestigious designation elevates Kelowna’s destination brand to an international level, and it is elating to see our city’s name listed with other global culinary destinations. We know national and international visitors use credible resources like this to choose destinations that provide authentic and unique food culture experiences. Becoming a city of gastronomy will attract new visitors, events and conferences, and is something very special to be proud of as residents.”

“Kelowna is honored to be the first city in Canada designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “This recognition confirms what those in the Okanagan Valley have known for decades – Kelowna is a world-class center for agriculture, culinary arts, and beverages. These industries boost our vibrant local scene, strengthen our economy, and inspire others across the country. It is yet another reason for visitors to come to Kelowna, experience all our region has to offer, and sample the flavors of the Okanagan Valley for themselves.”

“Situated within the traditional territory of the syilx people, Kelowna is an agriculturally diverse region. The traditional foods and medicines within our territory reflect a deep connection and shared responsibility to the land and the water,” said Chief Robert Louie, Westbank First Nation. “Joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is an opportunity for the City of Kelowna to uphold this shared responsibility on a global scale by prioritizing protection of traditional foods, medicines, lands, and waters for generations to come.”

Created in 2004, UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network is organized into eight fields: architecture, crafts and folk arts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music. Kelowna is the fifth Canadian city to join the network. The others are Québec City (literature), Montréal (design), Toronto (media arts), and London (music). This year’s additions to the network were announced on October 31, 2025 on World Cities Day.

 

Photo top of post courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Mission Hill Family Estate.