Construction Begins on the Okanagan Gondola: A Major Tourism and Infrastructure Project
One of the most talked-about construction projects in the Okanagan is officially underway. The Okanagan Gondola — a sightseeing and recreation attraction nestled in the hills above Kalamalka Lake, between Kelowna and Vernon — broke ground in July 2025 and is now in active construction.
The project is expected to open to the public in Spring 2027, with a full-scale adventure park expansion planned for Summer 2028.
Project Scope and Design
The Okanagan Gondola is designed to be a year-round destination, offering panoramic views of Kalamalka Lake, Wood Lake, and the surrounding Okanagan Valley from an elevated vantage point. The attraction will feature scenic gondola cabins, mountaintop dining facilities, and a network of trails accessible from the upper terminal.
From a construction standpoint, the project involves significant civil and structural work:
- Mountain-grade earthworks and reinforced concrete tower foundations
- Steel cable infrastructure and mechanical drive systems
- Terminal station construction at both base and summit
- Hospitality facility build-out — including a restaurant and elevated viewing platform
The adventure park phase (2028) will add additional construction scope, including zip-line infrastructure, ropes courses, and family-oriented recreational installations.
A Multi-Discipline Opportunity for Local Trades
Tourism infrastructure projects of this scale are uncommon in the Central Okanagan. The Gondola project requires a cross-section of construction disciplines that spans well beyond standard residential or commercial building:
Trade Opportunities by Phase
| Discipline | Phase 1: Gondola (2025-2027) | Phase 2: Adventure Park (2027-2028) |
|-----------|------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Civil and Earthworks | Mountain access roads, grading, site stabilization | Trail construction, terrain features |
| Structural Steel and Concrete | Tower foundations, terminal stations | Zip-line anchors, platform structures |
| Electrical and Mechanical | Drive systems, backup power, lighting | Activity zone power and safety systems |
| Hospitality Finishing | Restaurant fit-out, commercial kitchens | Retail and ticketing facilities |
| Safety and Specialty | Fall protection systems, cable rigging | Ropes course fabrication, safety netting |
For local trades, the project is a multi-year engagement opportunity with diverse scope. Subtrades across excavation, concrete, steel, electrical, mechanical, and finishing should be watching this one closely.
Economic Impact Beyond the Build
Beyond the construction phase, the Okanagan Gondola is projected to become a year-round economic driver for the region, attracting both tourists and locals. The ripple effects for surrounding communities — including hospitality, retail, and support services — are expected to be substantial, further reinforcing the Okanagan's position as a premier destination in British Columbia.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 10, 2025, and construction is progressing on schedule.
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