We understand how crucial it is for queer folks to find spaces where we feel welcome, accepted, and loved—and the Thompson Okanagan in British Columbia stands out as a glittering example. Beyond the eye-candy landscapes and exceptional wine, this vibrant region stands as a beacon of inclusivity for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Here, cozy accommodations beckon with the warmth of home, while bars and restaurants serve up a side of diversity with every meal.
Are you ready to infuse your travels with rainbow hues and find out which local businesses make the Thompson Okanagan a haven for the queer community? Let’s explore some of the area’s most inclusive hotels, bars, and eateries—because, hey, we know they’re the most important part of your trip!
Kamloops: A Melange of Diversity and Desert Dreams
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Thompson Valley, Kamloops is a city that offers a wide range of experiences – you can hike amongst the hoodoos, sip and savour local bevvies, or paddle along the Thompson Rivers. Whether you’re seeking a welcoming place to stay or incredible bars and restaurants where you can feel at home, Kamloops has it all.
Accommodations that Embrace Diversity
When searching for a place to stay, The Vista Inn is an easy pick. It’s a newly renovated motel that offers modern touches and a breathtaking view of the river and valley. Their comfortable rooms and caring staff will make you feel right at home. The Delta Hotel, recently renovated and located downtown, provides spacious rooms and a plethora of amenities that cater to all guests, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. For a locally owned and operated experience, The Thompson Hotel offers an indoor pool, games room, and a hot breakfast perfect for kickstarting your day.
The Vista Inn
- Locally owned
- Dog-friendly
- Grab-and-go breakfast
Delta Hotel
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ykade-delta-hotels-kamloops/overview/
- 24-hour gym and state-of-the-art fitness center
- Heated rooftop pool with cabana seating
- On-site restaurant serving local wine and craft beer
The Thompson Hotel
- Locally owned
- Indoor pool, games room and movie theatre
- Hot breakfast
- Walkable location
Inclusive Bars and Restaurants
When it comes to bars and restaurants that celebrate diversity, Kamloops has fantastic options to choose from. Start with Underbelly by the Pig, a modern Mediterranean-inspired spot in the heart of downtown that serves up seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and local sips—made to satisfy all your senses. Venture into Bright Eye Brewing, the crafty heart of Kamloops, championing innovation and inclusivity with every pour—don’t miss their famed drag brunch! Red Beard Café melds the magic of a pub, café, and bistro into one inclusive and relaxed haven for all.
Underbelly by the Pig
https://underbellybythepig.ca/
- Modern Mediterranean dining in a cozy downtown spot
- Seasonally inspired small plates + craft cocktails
- Locally sourced ingredients, big on flavour and vibe
Bright Eye Brewing
https://www.brighteyebrewing.com/
- Hosts tons of fun events like drag brunch and trivia
- Craft beers and delicious selection of pizza, burgers, small bites, and bar snacks
- Hoppy hour daily from 2pm-5pm, and 8pm-close
Red Beard
https://redbeardcafe.wixsite.com/redbeard
- Options for everyone – coffee, pub, and restaurant
- 18 rotating taps
- Dog-friendly patio
Vernon: Inclusive Vibes in Scenic Splendour
Vernon, set against the drama of the North Okanagan, offers a warm, inclusive, arms-wide-open welcome. From snug stays to buzzing spots, Vernon is the place to be your radiant self.
Accommodations that Welcome Everyone
Prestige Vernon Lodge exudes hospitality and inclusivity. With exceptional on-site restaurants and bars including Cabana Kitchen and Bar and Brixx Brewhouse, you can indulge in fantastic food and drinks from the comfort of where you’re staying!
Prestige Vernon Lodge
https://www.prestigehotelsandresorts.com/locations/vernon-lodge/overview/
- Indoor pool and hot tub in a stylish atrium
- Dog-friendly
- Central location with easy access to Vernon’s attractions
Photos: Tourism Vernon
Inclusive Bars and Restaurants
When it comes to experiencing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity in Vernon, these establishments stand out. Silverstar Brewing Company, Vernon’s original craft beer maestro, now sports a new inclusivity badge, dishing out adventure, community, and drag nights to remember. Cambium Cider Co is a place where good food meets good cider; their commitment to community creates an unmistakable sense of inclusivity. The Phoenix Steakhouse Restaurant and Bar, located in a beautifully restored heritage building, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails, cozy rooftop dining, and a focus on genuine hospitality.
Silverstar Brewing Company
https://silverstarbrewing.com/
- Convenient location in downtown Vernon
- Daily happy hour from 2pm-5pm
- Weekend brunch
Photo: Tourism Vernon
Cambium Cider Co
- Located on a beautiful third-generation certified organic orchard
- Wood-fired pizza and farm-to-table menu
- Live music on the serene outdoor patio on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
The Phoenix Steakhouse Restaurant and Bar
https://www.thephoenixsteakhouse.com
- Located in a restored heritage building in downtown Vernon
- Cozy rooftop patio with city views
- Signature cocktails and happy hour specials
Photo credit: Jordan McGrath / Tourism Vernon
Photo credit: Jordan McGrath / Tourism Vernon
Kelowna: Embracing Diversity by the Lake
Located alongside the picturesque Okanagan Lake, Kelowna offers a diverse and inclusive experience for all visitors. From welcoming accommodations to vibrant bars and restaurants, Kelowna has plenty to offer the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including the Okanagan’s only LGBT2Q+ Lounge & Bar, Friends of Dorothy!
Accommodations that Embrace Diversity
The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort is a luxurious waterfront destination in Kelowna, offering 260 stylish guestrooms, vacation homes, and condominiums set on over seven acres of prime waterfront. This resort boasts exclusive amenities such as a Fitness Centre, Spa, Restaurant & Wine Bar, Marketplace, and a Sparkling Outdoor Pool area with a Poolside Bar. The Prestige Beach House offers a convenient location near Kelowna’s attractions, while emphasizing friendly and professional service. Meanwhile, the Coast Capri Hotel focuses on exceptional customer service, dining experiences, and meticulous attention to detail. Last but definitely not least, Hotel Zed stands out as a retro-chic sanctuary that offers an experience as unique and vibrant as the city itself.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ylwok-delta-hotels-grand-okanagan-resort/overview/
- On-site dining at Oak + Cru
- Waterfront pool with poolside bar
- Convenient downtown location
Prestige Beach House
https://www.prestigehotelsandresorts.com/locations/kelowna/overview/
- Five minutes from Kelowna’s famous Hot Sands Beach
- On-site dining at West Coast Grill and Oyster Bar
- Walking distance from Prospera Place, Lake City Casino, Kelowna’s cultural district and many other downtown attractions and shopping boutiques
Coast Capri Hotel
https://www.coasthotels.com/coast-capri-hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Pet-friendly rooms
- On-site relaxation with Beyond Wrapture Day Spa
Hotel Zed
https://www.hotelzed.com/kelowna/
- Free bike, longboard, and rollerskate rentals – including kids’ and tandem bikes!
- Rooftop patio, ping pong lounge, and board games
- Outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna
Inclusive Bars and Restaurants
Kelowna is home to a plethora of bars and restaurants that celebrate diversity. The Okanagan’s very own 2SLGBTQIA+ sanctuary, Friends of Dorothy, offers a safe haven of joy and community. At DunnEnzies, every pizza slice is a slice of diversity served hot and fresh, while Jackknife crafts a unique brew and pizza experience. BNA Brewing Co & Eatery pulls out all the stops with craft beers, cocktails, and a menu to die for, in an atmosphere that screams “You belong!”
Friends of Dorothy
https://www.fodlounge.com/kelowna/
- Hit the dance floor in your ruby slippers
- Share plates of upscale bites and sip artisan cocktails
- Enjoy weekly drag brunch on Saturdays
Dunnenzies
- Community-driven, regularly hosting events that support various causes in Kelowna
- Three locations in Kelowna
- Live music
Jackknife
https://www.jackknife.beer/our-story
- Diverse crowd of creative locals
- Regular live music
- Weird beer and classic pizza
BNA Brewing Co & Eatery
- Two floors of fun – including a full bowling alley upstairs
- Convenient and walkable location in downtown Kelowna
- Carefully curated Okanagan wine list, spectacular handcrafted cocktails, and an incredible menu featuring the best local produce the valley has to offer
Penticton: A Welcoming Haven in the Heart of Wine Country
Nestled in the heart of Okanagan wine country, Penticton is located on the shores of Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. From welcoming accommodations to vibrant bars and restaurants, Penticton is the perfect sun-kissed blend of outdoor adventures and urban chic!
Accommodations that Welcome Everyone
When looking for a place to stay in Penticton, you’ll find stunning lake and mountain views, convenient locations, and welcoming spaces. Kettle Valley Beach Resort offers a picturesque setting and a range of amenities that cater to all guests. Whether it’s their lakefront views or inclusive hospitality, the resort embraces diversity and provides a welcoming space for everyone. Head to Four Points by Sheraton for the perfect blend of timeless classics and modern details, providing stylish and comfortable guest rooms with productive workspaces and cozy beds. Designed with the traveller in mind, Four Points offers all the essentials needed to kick back and relax.
Kettle Valley Beach Resort
https://kettlebeachresort.com/
- Automated check-in and keyless entry
- Conveniently located within walking distance of bars, restaurants, and beaches
- On-site dining and takeout at Socialē
The Bowmont
- A 1950s-style motel across from Loco Landing, local lakeside restaurants and the famous S.S. Sicamous – just steps from Okanagan Beach
- Spacious kitchenette units, pet-friendly stays, and summer evening poolside vibes
- Nearby to the South Okanagan Event Centre
Four Points by Sheraton Penticton
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyffp-four-points-penticton-at-the-convention-centre/overview/
- On-site dining with Palmer Steakhouse Casual
- Indoor pool
- Perfect for events – walkable to the South Okanagan Events Centre and Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
Inclusive Bars and Restaurants
Penticton’s food and drink scene is relaxed, welcoming, and full of character. The Hub on Martin is a lively neighbourhood pub and live music venue that also hosts many of the city’s 2SLGBTQIA+ events. Orolo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar offers a refined yet approachable dining experience, while The Dream Cafe pairs live entertainment with locally sourced fare in a cozy setting. Stillfood Bistro & Cappuccino Bar, on colourful Front Street, serves seasonal, sustainability-focused dishes alongside beautifully crafted coffees, cocktails, and mocktails. Petresek Bakery, a family-run gem, handcrafts European-style breads, pastries, and now artisan sourdough pizzas, best enjoyed with local beer or wine. At Kin & Folk, chef-driven plates and creative cocktails bring people together in a vibrant, community-minded space.
The Hub on Martin
- Serving pub classics, healthy options, and late-night bites (till 11pm) with weekly wing nights and weekend brunch
- On the Lake-to-Lake Bike Path with indoor bike racks, plus free parking after 6pm and Sundays
- Regular Live Music and events such as Tuesday Trivia and regular Karaoke Nights
Photo: Visit Penticton
Orolo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar
https://www.timewines.ca/orolo-restaurant-and-cocktail-bar/
- Thoughtfully prepared dishes, seasonal ingredients, delicious wine pairings and creative cocktails
- Live music on Thursdays
- Happy Hour Wednesday-Sunday 2pm-5pm
The Dream Cafe
- Expect to see Jazz, blues, indie, R&B, folk, punk, spoken word, reggae, rock, country, comedy, and more
- Chef-driven menu featuring produce from nearby Summerland’s Local Motive Farm
- Walkable location in downtown Penticton
Stillfood Bistro & Cappuccino Bar
https://www.stillfoodbistro.ca/
- Locally sourced, seasonal menu featuring creative dishes from brunch and burgers to desserts, with a focus on sustainability.
- Craft beverages, including specialty coffees, cocktails, and mocktails, all made with premium ingredients and artistic presentation.
- Located on Penticton’s Downtown Colourful Front Street, perfect for coffee breaks, meals, or relaxed gatherings.
Petresek Bakery
https://www.visitpenticton.com/listing/petrasek-bakery/
- A family-run European bakery crafting every loaf, pastry, and treat by hand
- Traditional recipes meet hometown pride, with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers.
- Now serves artisan sourdough pizzas, paired with local beer and wine
Photo: Flex Photography/Visit Penticton
Kin & Folk
- Chef-driven dishes blending heritage flavours with local ingredients
- Playful twists on classic cocktails featured in happy hour specials
- A community-oriented gathering place to connect over great food and memorable moments
Photo: Visit Penticton
Osoyoos: Canada’s Warmest Welcome
Home to sun and sand, world-class wineries, and Canada’s only desert, Osoyoos is an excellent vacation destination. From cozy accommodations that wrap you in a warm hug to lively bars and restaurants that’ll have you sashaying with delight, your vacation will be set in this slice of paradise.
Accommodations that Embrace Diversity
When seeking a welcoming place to stay, Walnut Beach Resort offers luxury accommodations and a multitude of amenities. Walk through the front door and immediately feel transformed at the region’s top Okanagan destination for relaxation and leisure activities. Savour lakefront living at Sandy Beach Suites, where just steps from the warmest lake in Canada you can stroll through the beautiful property, enjoy a hot breakfast, or lounge in your fully-equipped suite.
Walnut Beach Resort
https://www.walnutbeachresort.com/
- Onsite dining at Pointe 49 Kitchen & Bar
- Sun arbour pool terrace and hot tub
- Guest barbeque area
Sandy Beach Suites
- Private beach with canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
- Beautiful gardens and orchards to frolick through
- Fully equipped in-suite kitchens
Inclusive Bars and Restaurants
This place not only serves up warm weather but also warm hearts and open arms. Get ready for a feast fit for queens and kings of all flavours at 15 Park Bistro with warm hospitality and a menu that’s as diverse as the community it welcomes. Backroads Brewing Co. serves up a diverse selection of handcrafted brews, ranging from crisp lagers to robust ales. With top-notch ingredients and cozy vibes, their taproom is the perfect place for locals and visitors to relax, sip, and savour every delightful pint or sample flight.
15 Park Bistro
- An exceptional dining experience, perfect for date night or a celebration
- Locally focused menu, including BC grown produce and meats, wine, and beverages
- Generous portions and excellent service
Backroads Brewing Co.
- Backcountry themed with sustainable and local decor
- Light lunch menu with sandwiches from 15 Park Bistro
- Two large dog-friendly patios to soak up the Osoyoos sun
The Bear, The Fish, The Root. & The Berry
https://www.bearfishrootberry.com/
- Modern vineyard cuisine inspired by Indigenous roots
- Daily happy-hour from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Thoughtfully crafted menu for every meal of the day
Barn Owl Eatery
https://barnowleatery.square.site/
- Freshly made breakfast and lunch favourites with vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Cozy indoor seating and relaxed vibe
- Locally roasted coffee, yummy smoothies and alcoholic beverages available
Experience the Vibrancy and Inclusivity of the Okanagan
The Okanagan region is much more than just stunning landscapes and award-winning wineries. Get ready to dive into a world where inclusivity reigns supreme, from cozy stays to bars and eateries that scream “You’re family!”. From lavish lodgings to eateries that echo “Welcome home,” the Okanagan is a haven of inclusivity that promises a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
Before you head out, be sure to check out the list of Rainbow Registered businesses—certified 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly spaces that go the extra mile to create safe and welcoming experiences for all. You can find the directory at rainbowregistered.ca.
