Getting to Kelowna
Getting to Kelowna is easy. Whether you’re arriving by air, road, or bus, the journey is as scenic as the destination. Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and sparkling lakes that make every route here a beautiful one.
By Air
The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) welcomes direct flights from major cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Victoria, as well as seasonal routes from other destinations. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, YLW makes it quick and convenient to start exploring as soon as you land. Car rentals, shuttles, taxis, and rideshares are available at the terminal.
By Road
If you’re driving, Kelowna is easy to reach from anywhere in British Columbia or Alberta. The drive is part of the experience, offering mountain passes, lakeside stretches, and plenty of scenic stops.
- From Vancouver: about 4.5 hours via Highway 1 and 97C (the Okanagan Connector).
- From Calgary: about 7.5 hours via Highway 1 through Revelstoke.
- From Kamloops: about 2 hours via Highway 97.
Bus service is also available through Ebus and other regional operators.
Getting Around Kelowna
- By Car: Drive to nearby wineries, orchards, and lakeside lookouts. Parking is widely available across the city.
- By Transit: BC Transit offers reliable routes throughout the Central Okanagan.
- By Bike or E-Scooter: Explore Kelowna’s network of bike paths and lakeside trails, such as the Okanagan Rail Trail.
- By Foot: Discover downtown’s walkable streets, local cafés, and parks at your own pace.
- By Shuttles, Taxis & Rideshares: Find convenient options for airport transfers, wine tours, and quick trips around the city.
Visa Information
If you plan to attend ANTEM 2027 in Canada and are traveling from outside the country, please follow these steps to determine your entry requirements and prepare your visa application.
Step 1: Check If You Need a Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need either:
- A Visitor Visa, or
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Step 2: Register & Request an Invitation Letter
Once you’ve completed your registration and payment, you may request an official invitation letter to support your visa application. Note: Invitation letters are only issued to confirmed, paid registrants.
The invitation letter will include a Special Event Code issued by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which helps prioritize your visa application. Do not share this code publicly (e.g., on websites, social media, or printed materials).
Step 3: Apply for a Visa or eTA
Start your application through the official Government of Canada website:
Step 4: Biometrics (if required)
Some applicants must provide biometric data (photo & fingerprints).
- If required, you’ll receive a Biometric Instructions Letter (BIL) after submitting your visa application.
- Follow the instructions promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5: Submit Your Visa Details to the Organizers
To assist with visa processing, send us the following info at least two months before the event:
- Full legal name (as on passport)
- Visa application number
- Country of passport issuance
Send this information as an email to _____. We submit these lists securely to IRCC to help verify your application and ensure timely processing.
Important Notes
- Fraud Protection:
IRCC has seen fraudulent invitation letters & registrations paid using stolen credit cards. Any suspicious activity will be reported, and those registrations canceled. - Privacy Notice:
Participant information may be shared with IRCC under the Privacy Act, solely for visa coordination. - Do Not Contact IRCC’s Special Events Unit:
The unit does not respond to event attendees. For visa questions, contact:- Your visa application processing office, or
- The IRCC Client Support Centre (for applicants inside Canada).