Kelowna, British Columbia designated as Canada’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

Oct 31, 2025

Kelowna has officially claimed a seat at the global culinary table.

In a milestone announcement, the City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO revealed that Kelowna has been designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. It’s the first such designation in Canada and only the third in North America, joining Tucson, Arizona, and San Antonio, Texas.

Global recognition for local flavours
“This recognition confirms what those in the Okanagan Valley have known for decades—Kelowna is a world-class centre for agriculture, culinary arts, and beverages,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “It’s yet another reason for visitors to come to Kelowna and experience the flavours of the Okanagan Valley for themselves.”

The designation is more than a title; it’s a celebration of Kelowna’s deep-rooted connection to food and culture. Situated within the traditional territory of the syilx people, the region’s culinary identity is shaped by Indigenous traditions and a shared responsibility to protect the land and water. “Joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is an opportunity to uphold this responsibility on a global scale,” said Chief Robert Louie of Westbank First Nation.

A feast for the economy
Kelowna’s gastronomic credentials are impressive. Agriculture occupies over half the city’s land, contributing $3.6 billion to the economy and supporting nearly 5,000 jobs. Tourism tied to food and wine attracts more than two million visitors annually, generating $1.17 billion in revenue. With more than 500 restaurants adding $394 million to the local economy, the city’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is dynamic.

The designation opens doors to global partnerships, cultural exchange, and sustainable development initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It also promises economic growth, new culinary festivals, and opportunities to showcase syilx food traditions alongside Kelowna’s celebrated wine and craft beverage industries.

Kelowna now joins an elite group of cities in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, which spans seven fields including design, music, and literature. Over the coming months, a working committee will develop a multi-year action plan to ensure the designation translates into tangible benefits for the community.

For Kelowna, this is more than global recognition—it’s a chance to share its story, its flavours, and its commitment to sustainability with the world. The Okanagan Valley has long been a feast for the senses; now, it’s officially on the world stage.

This milestone was made possible by the dedication of many. From shaping the vision to crafting the details, their collaboration reflects the spirit of Kelowna—innovative, inclusive, and proud of its roots. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the bid, especially the teams from Okanagan College and Tourism Kelowna, helping place our community on the world stage as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

NT5