Kelowna becomes Canada’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its culinary excellence and Indigenous food heritage.
Kelowna Earns UNESCO City of Gastronomy Honour
Kelowna has officially joined the ranks of the world’s top culinary destinations, becoming the first city in Canada — and only the third in North America — to be named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
International Recognition for a Culinary Leader
The announcement, made on Friday by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), recognizes Kelowna’s dynamic food scene and deep-rooted agricultural traditions. Mayor Tom Dyas called the honour a “testament to decades of innovation and collaboration” within the Okanagan Valley’s food, wine, and beverage sectors.
“This recognition confirms what our community has long known — Kelowna is a world-class centre for agriculture and culinary arts,” Dyas said. “It’s another reason for visitors to experience the flavours of the Okanagan firsthand.”
What the Designation Means for the Region
The UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy program highlights cities that use food culture as a catalyst for sustainable development. Kelowna now joins San Antonio, Texas, and Mérida, Mexico, as the only North American members of the network.
According to David Schimpky, director of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s secretariat, the title underscores Kelowna’s leadership in food sustainability. “This designation honours Kelowna’s commitment to harnessing gastronomy as a driver of inclusive local growth,” Schimpky said. “It will elevate initiatives that promote food equity and sustainable tourism guided by Indigenous knowledge.”
Honouring Indigenous Food Heritage
Situated within the traditional territory of the Syilx people, Kelowna’s culinary identity is inseparable from the land and water that sustain it. Chief Robert Louie of the Westbank First Nation emphasized that the recognition reflects a shared responsibility to preserve traditional foods and medicines.
“Joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network allows Kelowna to protect Syilx food traditions and ecological knowledge for generations to come,” said Chief Louie.
Economic and Cultural Benefits Ahead
The designation is expected to generate economic growth, tourism, and global exposure for the region. With over 500 restaurants and a gastronomy industry generating $394 million annually, Kelowna’s food sector already attracts more than two million visitors each year and contributes $1.17 billion to tourism revenue.
The new status is also expected to inspire culinary festivals, global partnerships, and sustainable development projects aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Collaborative Effort Behind the Honour
Kelowna’s application for the UNESCO title was a joint initiative led by the City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna, and Okanagan College, with input from local chefs, growers, and community organizations. Over the coming months, a local committee will form to create a multi-year action plan to build on the momentum of this achievement.
A Culinary Milestone for Canada
As Canada’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kelowna’s recognition marks a milestone for the nation’s culinary and cultural landscape. “We enthusiastically welcome Kelowna into the network,” Schimpky added. “They will now collaborate with fellow UNESCO Creative Cities to share knowledge, celebrate diversity, and promote sustainable food systems.”
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