The BC Orchard Industry Museum
Since the 1970s, the Kelowna Museums Society has looked for avenues to interpret the region’s long and strong connection to the tree fruit industry. In the early 1980s, the Kelowna Museums Society took over restoration of the historic Laurel Packinghouse, a fitting tribute to the thousands of pioneers who worked in the industry. By 1985, plans to open the BC Orchard Industry Museum in the historic Laurel Packinghouse were initiated, and on May 5, 1989 this new specialty museum was officially opened to the public.

Exhibitions on packing, processing, home preserving, picking, orchards, marketing, and awards won by BC growers tell the story of the Okanagan Valley’s transformation from wide open cattle range to beautifully manicured, symmetric orchards. Children of all ages will love the 50-foot working model railway, and everyone will enjoy a browse in the Gift Shop which is full of uniquely Okanagan items, such as original fruit crate labels.

Since 1989, the BC Orchard Industry Museum has hosted thousands of visitors and brought a greater understanding of the region to hundreds of thousands more through its traveling exhibitions and programs. Like the Okanagan Heritage Museum, the BC Orchard Industry Museum provides the public with a full array of exhibitions, public programs, and special events. These events have included lecture series, the annual Cherry Fair and Apple Fair, industry reunions, and special and traveling exhibitions.

Admission is by donation.