The Laurel Packinghouse

In the heart of the Cultural District that graces Kelowna, stands a majestic brick building — the Laurel Packinghouse. Built in 1917–1918, it is recognized as the oldest and largest surviving packing house in the province of British Columbia. Constructed from locally produced brick, this structure is a living monument to the agricultural past that Canada is so proud of.

Today, this historic site houses the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum. The museum's exhibits tell the fascinating story of how wild lands were transformed into blooming orchards and world-renowned vineyards. The building impresses with its industrial aesthetics: massive wooden beams, high ceilings, and the warm texture of old masonry, making it a popular destination not only for tourists but also for hosting special events.

A distinctive feature of the Laurel Packinghouse is its role as a community hub. Here, the quiet of the museum harmoniously coexists with the energy of modern festivals, workshops, and farmers' markets. Visiting this place is an opportunity to literally touch history and understand how the hard work of early settlers shaped the unique character of the Okanagan Valley.

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Inside the Laurel Packinghouse, guests are treated to a fascinating journey into the world of fruit growing and winemaking. The main point of interest is the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum, where you can take a close look at antique conveyor belts and curious mechanisms once used to sort apples, cherries, and peaches. Nature lovers will surely be impressed by the live honeybee display, where you can observe the bees at work during the warm season.

As you stroll through the halls, be sure to notice the collection of vintage fruit crates with bright labels and antique bottles that tell the story of the region's first wineries. If you're lucky, you might catch one of the educational programs or workshops often held in the atmospheric Orchard Room. For those looking for memorable gifts, there is a shop with local products where you can purchase unique delicacies and souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Okanagan.

Don't forget to step out into Laurel Square. This outdoor space often serves as a venue for vibrant community events — from craft fairs to open-air concerts. Thanks to its unique charm and magnificent acoustics, the building is also a favorite venue for weddings and corporate galas, so you might just find yourself in the heart of an interesting local celebration.

The Laurel Packinghouse is located at 1304 Ellis St, in the heart of the city's Cultural District. Thanks to its central location, it is very easy to reach on foot from downtown or the popular waterfront Stuart Park. For those who prefer private transport, there is ample parking available in the vicinity.

If you plan to use public transport, the BC Transit network offers several routes that stop in the immediate vicinity of the museum. A taxi or rideshare trip from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will take about 20 minutes, making the site accessible even for those on a short visit to the city.

For travelers using GPS, it is most convenient to use the coordinates 49.8914955, -119.4939524. The building often serves as a starting point for walking food and history tours of the city, as it is situated in one of the most picturesque and walkable sectors.

The history of this site began in the winter of 1917–1918, when a building was constructed for the B.C. Growers association using brick made from local clay from Knox Mountain. At that time, the area was a bustling industrial hub, filled with the constant movement of wagons and trucks transporting harvests from orchards to packing houses and canneries.

For decades, the Laurel Packinghouse faithfully served the region's agricultural sector. Various tenants occupied the space over the years, including the Kelowna Growers Exchange and the Laurel Cooperative Union, and the building remained a center of economic life until the 1970s. Despite a major fire that destroyed part of the industrial district in the 1960s, the structure miraculously survived, preserving its authenticity.

In the early 1980s, the building faced the threat of demolition; however, the local community, led by the Kelowna Museums Society, launched a major campaign to save it. Thanks to the efforts of activists and curator Ursula Surtees, the site not only survived but became Kelowna's first official heritage landmark. Following meticulous restorations in 1989 and 2010, it was transformed into a key cultural center for the city.

Today, the Laurel Packinghouse holds national monument status. It serves as a reminder to residents and visitors of how agriculture shaped the identity of the Okanagan and stands as a living example of how historical architecture can successfully integrate into a modern urban environment, becoming a home for art and education.

For a standard tour of the wine and orchard museum exhibits, most visitors require 45 to 60 minutes. This is quite enough time to view the historical equipment, vintage photographs, and explore the main displays detailing the region's development.

If you are a fan of technical history or wish to study the building's architectural features in detail, you should plan for about 1.5–2 hours. Additional time may also be needed if you decide to visit the gift shop or catch one of the temporary exhibitions frequently held at Laurel Square.

The museum and the Laurel Packinghouse building itself typically welcome visitors according to the following schedule: Thursday–Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. On other days (Sunday–Wednesday), the venue may be closed to the general public or used for private events.

Since operating hours can change depending on the season or special exhibitions, it is highly recommended to check the current hours on the official website before your visit. A nice bonus for tourists is that entry to the museum is by donation.

Exploring the surroundings of Kelowna's Cultural District will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this lakeside city. Just steps away from the historic packing house, you'll find everything from art installations to family-friendly spots for active recreation by the water.