Must-See Museums in Kelowna, by Susan Varano contributing editor Visit Museums.com
Along the Okanagan Valley, in the heart of the Canadian
mountains, is the small but thriving city of Kelowna. With lakeside views of
the stunning Okanagan Lake alongside pine forests, gardens, vineyards, golf
courses and a bustling city center, Kelowna is the perfect place to spend a
family holiday. Like anywhere else in Canada, the Okanagan Valley and its
communities have a proud and varied history. Here is a quick guide to Kelowna’s
eclectic mix of museums which celebrates the region’s top pastimes and
industries.
Okanagan Heritage Museum
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| Okanagan Heritage Museum |
Discover the history behind the region’s current beauty at
the Okanagan Heritage Museum. Every year, thousands visit the museum to explore
its unique exhibitions and collections which give a fascinating look into
Okanagan’s history – both past and present. Not only does the centre hold
artefacts from past generations in British Colombia, collections from Central
and South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania can also be found. With a walking
tour and public Kelowna archives, which date back to the early 1800’s, visitors
can gain a real insight into what has made Kelowna tick over the years. Located
in Queensway, Okanagan Heritage Museum is in close proximity to the city center
with its shops, restaurants and hotels in
Kelowna.
Okanagan Military Museum
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| Okanagan Military Museum |
While Kelowna is a beautiful and often serene location, like
the majority of cities today, it has a history which has been shaped by a
darker past. The Okanagan Military Museum on Ellis Street is passionate about
preserving the region’s military history and spreading greater awareness of the
residents who served in the Canadian armed forces. Artefacts such as badges,
uniforms and arms have been preserved to remember turbulent times during the
Boer War, World War 1 and 2 and the Korean and Cold Wars. Groups here can
request a guided tour of the exhibitions and the museum holds a special open
house event every Remembrance Day.
BC Wine Museum and
V&A Wine Shop
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| BC Wine Museum |
The Okanagan Valley is well known for its high quality,
premium wines, with more than 200 wineries spread across the whole valley. The
BC Wine Museum and shop, also on Ellis Street, was opened 15 years ago to
celebrate the area’s wine producing history. Alongside a tour around the museum
to learn about growth and production of the premium wines, visitors can also
choose from more than 600 wine listings from over 90 vineyards in the Okanagan
Valley in its shop.
Central Okanagan
Sports Hall of Fame Museum
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| Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame Museum |
Sport is a huge part of the Canadian culture throughout the
country. Since the 1800s, sport within Central Okanagan has flourished
alongside its growing communities. Today, visitors can gain an insight into the
region’s vibrant sporting history at this museum, on Queensway Avenue, which is
constantly adding to its list of local inductees. Last year, its local
inductees included rugby player, Glenn Ennis, volleyball player, Erminia Russo,
and The ’88 Okanagan Sun – a dominant club during the 80s with several dream
seasons.
