National Geographic Names Kelowna Among the World's Best Food Experiences

Mission Hill Family Estate looks out over Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, British Columbia, a leading wine region with deep First Nations and immigrant roots, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Kelowna has earned international recognition after being featured on National Geographic's 2026 Best of the World: Best Food list, a prestigious collection of destinations celebrated for their exceptional culinary experiences.

The recognition places Kelowna alongside some of the world's most notable food destinations and shines a spotlight on the region's unique blend of agriculture, wine, culture, and hospitality.

Known for its vineyards, orchards, and farm-to-table dining experiences, Kelowna continues to gain attention as a destination where visitors can experience the flavours of the Okanagan while taking in some of Canada's most breathtaking landscapes.

According to National Geographic, one of the best ways to experience the region's culinary offerings is along the Boucherie bike route in West Kelowna, where visitors can explore wineries, restaurants, and fruit stands set against panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and rolling vineyards.

The following is an excerpt from National Geographic's Best of the World Food Experiences list:

"The best way to experience the area's culinary riches is along the three-mile Boucherie bike route, which passes restaurants and fruit stands backed by stunning views of the lake and rolling vineyards

Among the standouts is Volcanic Hills, which grew from an apple farm founded by Sarwan Gidda's father, Mehta Gidda, an immigrant from East Punjab. Now the Gidda family showcases the region's viticultural diversity with fruity pinot gris, an award-winning merlot, and a robust cherry wine. At Little Straw Vineyards, lauded viticulturist Karnail Singh Sidhu preserves the legacy begun by the Slamka family by overseeing the production of its famous full-bodied red blends. The winery's new Tula Restaurant is where chef Bhawna Tandon pays homage to her Indian roots, with dishes like cedar-smoked tandoori salmon infused with Okanagan honey and apple cider vinegar."

National Geographic also highlighted the region's rich cultural influences, noting how Indigenous traditions, immigrant communities, and generations of agricultural expertise have helped shape the Okanagan's distinctive food and wine scene.

The recognition comes at a time when Kelowna continues to strengthen its reputation as a culinary destination. In recent years, the city has attracted national attention for its wineries, restaurants, local food producers, and culinary tourism experiences. The designation further reinforces the growing impact of the food and beverage sector on the local economy and visitor experience.

Visitors exploring the region can discover everything from award-winning wineries and orchard-fresh produce to innovative chefs who draw inspiration from the Okanagan's diverse cultural landscape and abundant local ingredients.

For residents, the recognition serves as a reminder that one of the world's most celebrated food experiences can be found right here in the Okanagan.