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
URL: https://www.thevistainn.com/
- Locally owned
- Dog-friendly
- Grab-and-go breakfast
Photo: Vista Inn
Delta Hotel
URL: 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
URL: https://www.thompsonhotel.ca/
- Locally owned
- Indoor pool, games room and movie theatre
- Hot breakfast
- Walkable location
Photo: Kathleen Fisher
Inclusive Bars and Restaurants
When it comes to bars and restaurants that celebrate diversity, Kamloops has fantastic options to choose from. Sample the sophistication at Stills Co. Tapas and Cocktails, where the ambiance matches the whimsy of its drink names and the delight of its seasonal plates. 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 Cafe melds the magic of a pub, café, and bistro into one inclusive and relaxed haven for all.
Stills Co. Tapas and Cocktails
URL: https://stillsco.ca/
- Classy and unique lounge
- Elevated tapas and cocktails
- Chef’s choice tasting menu
Bright Eye Brewing
URL: 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
URL: https://redbeardcafe.wixsite.com/redbeard
- Options for everyone – coffee, pub, and restaurant
- 18 rotating taps
- Dog-friendly patio
Vernon: Inclusive Vibes in Scenic Splendor
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
URL https://www.prestigehotelsandresorts.com/locations/vernon-lodge/overview/
- Indoor pool and hot tub in a stylish atrium
- Airport and ski shuttle
- Games room with arcade games
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. Ratio Juicewall Restaurant, the local caffeine meets cuisine hub, plates up farm-to-table goodness in a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Silverstar Brewing Company
URL https://silverstarbrewing.com/
- Convenient location in downtown Vernon
- Daily happy hour from 2pm-5pm
- Weekend brunch
Cambium Cider Co
URL https://www.cambiumcider.com/
- 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
Ratio Juicewall Restaurant
URL https://www.ratiocoffee.ca/restaurant
- Rotating menu highlighting seasonal, local produce and meats – sharing encouraged!
- Large selection of natural wine
- Coffee and pastry in the morning, wine bar and dinner at night
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
URL. 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 kid’s 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
https://www.dunnenzies.com/community-engagement
- 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
URL: 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
Four Points by Sheraton Penticton
URL: 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 bars and restaurants are known for their laid back and cool atmospheres. Slackwater Brewing, a popular brewery and eatery, attracts a diverse crowd making it a fantastic space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Orolo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar, a local favourite for casual dining, offers food and wine lovers a premium dining experience in a comfortable setting. The Dream Cafe is a premium live entertainment venue that serves up fresh, local fare in an welcoming setting, making it a great spot for all patrons.
Slackwater Brewing
URL: https://slackwaterbrewing.com/
- Two floors of seating and two patios
- Twelve rotating taps of Slackwater Beer and guest beer and cider
- Drag shows and live music performances
Orolo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar
URL: 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
URL: https://www.thedreamcafe.ca/
- 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
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
URL: https://www.walnutbeachresort.com/
- Onsite dining at Pointe 49 Kitchen & Bar
- Sun arbour pool terrace and hot tub
- Guest barbeque area
Sandy Beach Suites
URL: https://sandybeachsuites.ca/
- 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
URL: https://www.15parkbistro.com/
- 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.
URL: https://backroadsbrewing.com/
- 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
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.
