Concept photo of the Okanagan Gondola. (Image Credit: Submitted/Ridge North America)

By Liam Verster

Tourist Attraction

Okanagan Gondola expected to be running by April 2027: VIDEO

Mar 6, 2026 | 3:48 PM

Anticipation is growing for the Okanagan’s next major tourism attraction.

The Okanagan Gondola, which will see a cable car lifted up over the valley, is set to be ready and operational in April of 2027.

“This is really a new, year-round anchor attraction for the region, and the concept is centred around highlighting, sharing and celebrating what makes this region quite special,” Rupert Harper, GM of Okanagan Gondola, said at an announcement of the project status Friday.

“Opening in 2027, in the spring, we’re going to be inviting guests into a beautiful arrival area and plaza (near Bailey Road) and then transporting them just over a kilometre up the mountain to a viewpoint with panoramic views over Kalamalka Lake, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.”

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At the summit will be a facility featuring two dining outlets, a viewing deck, and access to a network of trails.

“We’re going to be encouraging people to get outdoors,” Harper stated.

“We want to share the flora, the fauna, and the natural ecosystem that makes this area of Canada quite so special and unique,” he added. ” So, we’re going to be designing a trail network that has interpretive experiences and educational elements to help us share what makes the area what it is and quite so special, and how to preserve it and take care of it and be stewards of the land.”

Once the gondola is open, the developer, Ridge North America, will then begin work on an adventure park at the peak featuring zip lines, a mountain coaster, a net park, and “an all-natural playground.” Harper said that could be operational sometime in 2028, offering a multi-generational experience and drawing in locals, regional guests and visitors of all ages.

David McKenna, President of Ridge North America, acknowledged that the gondola was being built in the Okanagan Indian Band territory, and that the local First Nation, the company, and the Regional District of North Okanagan were working together to deliver this new attraction.

The company representative added the $100-million project aligns with their vision of Play, Stay, Live, and will create lots of local jobs.

“[During the building phase of the gondola and the adventure park] we’ll have close to 200 local construction jobs,” McKenna explained during the announcement.

“Then once we’re done, Rupert and his team will have close to 100, 125 full-time year-round jobs, mostly professionals in culinary, hospitality, and also the trades. This sort of activity needs journeymen and ticketed trades like millwrights and electricians and that sort of thing.” 

McKenna went on to add that the gondola will add another year-round tourism draw to not only Vernon but the entire Okanagan.

“The key message for us is that what we build, wherever we go, is that we build it for everyone. This isn’t something that we’re going to be tied to a niche market for. We’re really trying to speak to both the local community and visitors from around the world,” McKenna stated, adding it will be more than just the view but also the activities, dining, education, exploration, and OKIB cultural experiences on offer.

The project was first envisioned in 2019. In 2022, it received preliminary approval from the RDNO, and ground was broken for the Okanagan Gondola in the summer of 2025.

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