British Columbia is known for its natural beauty. There’s its famed Pacific Coast and the Rockies, but also its interior, which has a variety of landscapes shaped by multiple mountain ranges, valleys, canyons and plateaus. Skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking and biking are provincial obsessions.
Yet culture is also a key ingredient in what makes British Columbia’s interior a beloved LGBTQ2S+ destination. Though cities like Vernon, Kamloops, Penticton and Osoyoos don’t have massive populations, they hit above their weight with their cultural offerings. Having a wine industry doesn’t hurt. The region has more than 200 wineries, most of which offer tours, tastings and sometimes gourmet cuisine; many of the estates are top-tier event spaces, whether it’s a same-gender wedding or a Pride party.
Kelowna, the largest city, with a metro population of more than 250,000, has the widest assortment of cultural experiences. They range from institutional, like the Kelowna Art Gallery (1315 Water St., Kelowna) and Kelowna Pride (usually early June; 2026 dates TBD), to underground, like the annual Queer Zine Fair, which next takes place on June 4, 2026, at the Laurel Packinghouse (1304 Ellis St., Kelowna).
“We’ve had people drive up from the Vancouver area in order to exhibit zines,” says Erik Beardmore, one of the organizers, a queer artist and a programming associate at Kelowna Museums. “We’ve been following it up with an open mic, so it gives people an opportunity to get up and talk and share stories and things like that. It’s a low-pressure artistic environment that really encourages people to get creative, too.”
Beardmore grew up in Kelowna, went away for school, then returned in 2016. “Usually the patterns for the Okanagan have been that if you’re queer, you move away first chance that you get. But now I’m seeing people who are much more passionate about being here and building communities here, too.”
Chatting with Beardmore, we came up with a list of unique cultural experiences that visitors should check out during a trip to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.
Peak Pride (usually February/March; 2027 dates TBD). Though this event leans into British Columbia’s outdoorsy reputation, it’s also a glittery winter break for those who care more about the views from the side of a mountain resort than schussing down it. Bingo, drag, karaoke, dancing and of course skiing.
Two-Spirit Powwow (usually held during Kelowna Pride in June; 2026 dates TBD). One of Canada’s most notable celebrations of Two-Spirit culture and expression, Kelowna’s is held as part of the annual Pride celebrations. “You’re kind of doing a cultural reconciliation between those who know the protocol for doing a powwow within the Indigenous community and are also queer,” says Beardmore. “It’s always a pretty spectacular thing, and we’re proud to have it here.”
Kelowna Art Gallery (1315 Water St., Kelowna). A Rainbow Registered business (meaning they’ve implemented training and policies to make the place welcoming to LGBTQ2S+ staff and guests), this gallery has nearly 1,000 works in its permanent collection, spread over four exhibition spaces. It also hosts special exhibitions and events, some of them geared toward the queer community.
Okanagan Heritage Museum (470 Queensway, Kelowna). One of three museums operated by the Kelowna Museums Society, this one covers the geological foundation of the Okanagan Valley, the history and living culture of the Syilx/Okanagan people, post-colonial history and is home of the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame. Although the collection does not contain a lot of queer stuff, the staff are welcoming and some of the events feature queer and Two-Spirit people. The society also runs the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum (Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis St., Kelowna), which should appeal to oenophiles, and the Okanagan Military Museum (1424 Ellis St., Kelowna).
Opera Kelowna. As well as putting on a mainstage production each summer, the opera presents smaller shows and community events throughout the year, including lakefront serenades at a local winery.
Unicorn Lounge Inc. (315 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna). When the owners of Kelowna’s only gay bar Friends of Dorothy announced late last year that they were closing it down, manager Dustyn Baulkham stepped in and bought the business. As they update the visual identity, menus and interiors, the new management has kept existing staff and says it’s committed to the community-first, performer-centred ethos and remains dedicated to queer joy, safety and visibility.
Red Bird Brewing (1080 Richter St., Kelowna). Though most local wineries and breweries are LGBTQ2S+ friendly, this one goes a step beyond, hosting Pride parties. Their lineup of touring musical acts often includes performers with queer appeal.
Hotel Zed Kelowna (1627 Abbott St., Kelowna). Part of a small British Columbian hotel chain known for its sex-positive and LGBTQ2S+-welcoming policies, the Kelowna property has a rooftop patio and BBQ overlooking the lake, as well as a seasonal pool and free bikes.
