Okanagan Heritage Museum

I visited this museum using the Canoo app, expecting it to be free — but the entry was $8. The museum is very small and the entire visit takes only a short time. Parking is paid and extremely difficult to find, especially on holidays. Even though there were only about five people inside, the parking lot was completely full. Honestly, if I hadn’t gotten it for free, I wouldn’t have felt it was worth it. The exhibits are limited and not very engaging for adults. It might be more appealing to kids, but not something I’d return to. Overall, not a must-visit — just okay if you’re nearby and it’s free.

My husband I went on a historical tour through the cemetery last night. The guide from the museum was so knowledgeable and kind, he made for a great experience. So grateful to the museum and all who work so hard to preserve our local history. Thank you!

I recommend this place to bring your family for exploring history behind the formation of Okanagan Valley. Well, They have ancient windows of few retail stores and house at display, all are presenting in a great way. But, I was little shocked to see those birds and animals being used to display as a showpiece.

the lady at the front was really nice. i thought the little creatures (the taxidermy animals) were super epic sauce. 9/10 it was cool wish the dinosaur exhibit had more things to look at. i would go again.

Really cool with heavy focus on the local indigenous (Syilx/Okanagan) way of life and repercussions of colonialism. The School Life Special exhibit was awesome and lovely to experience! Made me want to see the Sncewips Museum but tragically it’s too far out of my way this visit!

The most comprehensive museum for everything about the Okanagan's history and environment. Great variety of exhibits from different cultures and locations, spanning thousands of years. An absolute must visit. Give yourself at least 1.5 hours to see everything.

Having visited many large and well curated museums around the world, I found this to be a mighty little gem in Kelowna. Interesting artifacts. There's even a stuffed grizzly bear! On a more sombre note, the acknowledgement of both indigenous reconciliation and the history of racial displacement in Kelowna and the Okanagan (an important part of its history) was front and centre and something I wholly appreciated. I happened to make it in time for the travelling exhibit on the Japanese dispossession during and after World War II. It was a sobering, but much needed storytelling of the Japanese-Canadian experience (especially from the coast/lower mainland) throughout and past internment because of the war. A great little museum and worth a visit. I spent 2.5 hours on both the main and special exhibits (but I read every single placard in the museum). You probably only need 45 minutes to an hour if you just look at the artifacts and skim the placards.

Very well done museum, featuring many areas of the natural world, history, indigenous matters, local culture and industries. Great panoramic photos comparing 1912 to present day. (Reduced opening days in the off-season.)