From Historic Retreat to an Enduring Okanagan Destination
Along much of the Okanagan Lake waterfront, the prevailing atmosphere is distinctly modern, shaped by Kelowna’s rapid growth over recent decades. That contemporary rhythm softens the moment one steps off the boardwalk and approaches the historic doors of Hotel Eldorado. Opened in 1926, the property now approaches its centennial year with a quiet confidence rooted in nearly a century of hospitality. What began as a European-inspired lakeside retreat has evolved into a layered destination that reflects both its modest beginnings and its enduring role within the community, offering continuity in a city defined by change.
The origins of the Eldorado are steeped in local lore.
In the mid-1920s, an aristocratic Austrian Countess named Bubna-Litic arrived in Kelowna with a vision to introduce Old World refinement to the Okanagan shoreline. Her ambition materialized in the form of a modest yet elegant inn that quickly became a social anchor.
Guests arrived by steamboat and carriage, drawn by the promise of lakeside glamour and a setting that felt worlds away from the orchards and emerging town beyond its doors. From its earliest days, the Eldorado was less about accommodation and more about gathering.
By the 1950s, it had established itself as a natural meeting point for West Coast personalities, visiting dignitaries, and generations of families returning year after year. As Kelowna transformed from a small agricultural centre into one of Canada’s most sought-after resort cities, the Eldorado remained a constant. Its most defining moment of resilience came in 1989, when the original Eldorado Arms was relocated by barge across Okanagan Lake to its current Cook Road site. Though the historic structure was lost to fire shortly thereafter, it was thoughtfully rebuilt by 1990, preserving its character and reinforcing its place as a living landmark where memory and modernity continue to intersect.
Today, the Eldorado is more than a hotel. It operates as a complete resort experience, integrated into the daily rhythm of the city while remaining distinctly its own world. The marina remains a defining feature, where contemporary vessels sit comfortably alongside heritage boats that echo the region’s recreational past. Among them, a meticulously preserved 1952 Chris Craft Sedan Cruiser offers a quiet nod to the Kelowna Regatta era and the hotel’s longstanding relationship with lake culture. Throughout the property, historic photographs, memorabilia, and carefully preserved details reflect a deep respect for the past without feeling static or staged.
Generations of families have marked milestones here, from weddings and anniversaries to graduations and reunions. The Eldorado has welcomed notable guests and dignitaries over the decades, adding to its folklore and reinforcing its reputation as a place with a story behind every door. While renovations and expansions have modernized the experience, they have been guided by restraint, ensuring that heritage details remain integral rather than ornamental.
As the Eldorado approaches its 100th year, the milestone is viewed not simply as a celebration of longevity, but as a moment of reflection and intention. “The 100th anniversary of the Hotel Eldorado is not only a time to reflect on where we’ve come from, but also to set the stage for the next century of hospitality on Okanagan Lake,” said Gil Vallee, Director of Hospitality at Hotel Eldorado. “This property has always been about more than bricks and mortar - it’s about people, moments, and a spirit of belonging. We are proud to celebrate this legacy with our community and invite the world to be part of our story.”
Throughout 2026, that legacy will be marked through a series of centennial moments, including vintage-inspired soirées, Regatta Lake Days, the Innkeeper’s Gala, and a thoughtfully curated culinary series that revisits 1920s classics through a contemporary lens. Together, these celebrations reflect not nostalgia, but continuity, reinforcing the Eldorado’s enduring role as a place where history is honoured, community gathers, and belonging remains at the heart of the experience.