Okanagan Heritage Museum

Discover the natural and human history of Kelowna

Experience fascinating displays and learn how the Okanagan Valley was formed, and why it supports tremendous biodiversity. Step into the world of the syilx/Okanagan people, and gain insights into their close connection to the land. Learn about the arrival of traders and settlers, and peer into the windows of a store from Kelowna’s Chinatown. Meet some individuals from Kelowna’s past and present, and be inspired by the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.

Hours

Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm

Special Hours

Wednesday, July 1st 11:00am - 4:00pm

 

Location

470 Queensway Avenue
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6S7

(250) 763-2417

Google maps link

ADMISSION

Adult - $10
Student/Senior - $8
Youth (5-17) - $7
Family - $25
5 & Under - Free
Every second Sunday of the month - pay-what-you-wish

Self-guided school visits to the OHM

$50 for 10 students, $2 per each additional student. Maximum 30 students.

Those who self-identify as Indigenous visit the Okanagan Heritage Museum free of charge.

 

Feature Exhibit

Making Waves: Kelowna Regatta

April 23, 2026 to November 9, 2026
Okanagan Heritage Museum

For over 80 years, the Kelowna Regatta stood as a cornerstone of Okanagan summer culture. Making its debut in 1906 as a traditional British-style sporting event, it quickly grew into an internationally recognized spectacle that helped define Kelowna’s identity.

This exhibition invites visitors to jump into the history of the Regatta. What began as a single day of swimming, diving, rowing, and sailing evolved into a multi-day, multi-event festival. At its peak, the Regatta was THE Okanagan summer event, drawing thousands to the area.

Designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages, the exhibition includes a rich collection of archival photographs, artifacts, interactive elements, and stories that highlight the serious competition, the ‘serious fun,’ and the many faces that gave the event its unique character.

Whether you grew up attending the Regatta or are discovering it for the first time, this exhibition offers a nostalgic look back at the joy, the rivalry, and the eventual sinking of this lost community stalwart.

 

Photo republished with the express permission of: Vancouver Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

Dive in and explore the fun, the competition – and the eventual demise – of this significant chapter of our city’s history.

Museums Are Living Places

There’s always something new to discover at the  Okanagan Heritage Museum!

In recent years, the permanent gallery of the Okanagan Heritage Museum has been completely transformed. This was a major project that was informed by the vision and expertise of syilx/Okanagan Elders and knowledge carriers, historians, scientists, and members of diverse communities. In particular, we are grateful to staff from the Sncəwips Heritage Museum (Westbank First Nation) for their guidance and support. We are proud to display an Eagle Staff which symbolizes our friendship in telling a story together.
Eric Mitchell, Elder of the Okanagan Indian Band, led the design and construction of a traditional Okanagan Winter Home. These remarkable structures are sometimes referred to as pithouses or kekulis, but Eric taught us the proper name, qʷćiʔ. A highlight of a museum visit is stepping into this gorgeous space. The gallery transformation continues as we layer in new information as it becomes available to us. Visitors remark they are astonished by new insights, engaged by the provocative displays and delighted to see how much children enjoy exploring the museum.

Additional Programs & Services

Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the athletes, coaches, and builders whose accomplishments have made them a part of history in the Central Okanagan.

Kelowna Public Archives

The Kelowna Public Archives, located at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, is a historical resource centre where public records and historical documents are kept and preserved for informational and research use.

Ursula Surtees Regional Conservation Laboratory

A state-of-the-art Conservation Laboratory offering a variety of conservation services to the public, such as repairs, cleaning and polishing, mounting and protective enclosures.

Upcoming Events & Workshops