Concept design of Okanagan Gondola. (Image credit: Ridge North America)

By Pete McIntyre

major project

Idea for Okanagan Gondola launched by developer

Feb 8, 2022 | 11:00 AM

A project being billed as a “world class tourist destination” is being proposed for a site south of Vernon.

Okanagan Gondola is the creation of the Kelowna-based development company Ridge North America, planned for 285 acres off Bailey Road in the Regional District of North Okanagan.

The investment in phase one is estimated at $50 million.

Viewing site for Okanagan Gondola (Image credit: Ridge North America)

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

Dec 14, 2025

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

A gondola would take visitors from a base site above Highway 97 up the hillside on the west side of Kalamalka Lake. There would be three stations, with the entire journey spanning 1,600 metres.

“The Okanagan Gondola guest experience will begin at the base, where visitors will enter through a guest services building leading to the plaza. This family-friendly, resort-inspired space will feature an amphitheatre, a cafe, a farmers and artisan market with locally-produced crafts, as well as food and beverage and retail outlets. The project will provide multiple opportunities for local community engagement.” (Ridge North America, developers of proposed Okanagan Gondola)

Another gondola ride past the mid-station will take guests to the summit, where they can enjoy a meal or a drink, more viewing platforms, walking trails and bike trails.

The project has yet to be given approval to proceed from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO).

Concept design of Okanagan Gondola’s base site (Image credit: Ridge North America)

Rav Soomal, vice president of operations for Ridge North America, said a development permit has been submitted and the project is currently going through the permit stages and awaiting review and approval from RDNO.

“Pending approval and with the support of the RDNO, the goal is to start site work in 2023, and by 2024 have some early amenities, activities and services open,” Soomal said.

The project area would be 285 acres, but the developer says 275 acres would be untouched.

(Image credit: Ridge North America)

Ridge North America says the buildings will be constructed using natural materials and showcasing the most energy efficient technology. The company says they have been designed in a manner to minimize their overall visual impact to the surrounding area and will be nearly invisible from afar.

“We really love connecting iconic destinations that utilize the natural beauty of the landscape as the main attraction,” said Paul Deutsch, a Predator Ridge golf member and president of Ridge North America. “The location of this project is beautiful, showcasing the Okanagan valleys, beautiful rolling hill landscapes and majestic views of Kalamalka Lake.”

Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President for Wesbild Okanagan, which owns Predator Ridge Resort, is fully supporting the project. He says just like the Okanagan Rail Trail partnership Predator has, adding more amenities for their community to enjoy is very beneficial.

“I look at it this way, for over 20 years of our history, it was only Predator Ridge doing business up in this Commonage corridor. In 2010, we welcomed Sparkling Hill Resort and the emergence of a lot of great wineries. Now the next stop is the potential of the Okanagan Gondola project, which if approved, would be another transformational tourist amenity and an additional amenity for our residents,” said Pelletier.

Benefits of Okanagan Gondola (Image credit: Ridge North America)

After meeting with Deutsch, Pelletier said he quickly realized it was the ideal potential strategic partnership for Predator Ridge.

“They are looking to build something similar to the Squamish Gondola, but this would be an amazing multi-faceted experience showcasing the glorious Kalamalka Lake,” Pelltier said. “If there is any viewpoint deserving of a gondola, it’s the jewel of the Okanagan, Kalamalka Lake.”

Click here to view the Okanagan Gondola master plan.