Before it was Kelowna International Airport, it was Ellison Field. Now, Ellison Field Taphouse is bringing a taste of BC straight to the terminal!
In 1947, the first commercial flight took off from this historic airstrip. By 1949, the original terminal building opened with a 3,000-foot grass runway, marking the start of Kelowna’s aviation story. Today, Ellison Field Taphouse brings that history to life with a modern twist. Now open pre-security, this beer-forward restaurant honours the airport’s roots while giving travellers a place to relax, enjoy craft BC beers, and savour a menu for every part of the day.
Step in, raise a glass, and experience a taste of Kelowna’s aviation past.
Airport History
Kelowna International Airport’s (YLW) story began in 1946 when residents voted to purchase the 320-acre Dickson Ranch in Ellison. The first flight took off in fall 1947, and by 1949, the airport celebrated its grand opening with a terminal building, a 3,000-foot grass airstrip, and a fleet of small aircraft. The real game-changer came in 1958 when Canadian Pacific Airlines launched daily DC-3 service to Vancouver, which kicked off negotiations with the federal government for a proper paved runway. By 1960, the city had extended and paved the runway to 5,350 feet and expanded the taxiway and apron—a major upgrade that set the stage for serious growth.
The 1970s brought modern amenities like an air traffic control tower and on-site weather office, and in 1975, a Track Guidance Localizer was installed to improve flight reliability in poor weather. The ’80s and early ’90s saw over $10 million invested in upgrades to the terminal, runway, and airline facilities, fueling growth in both passenger traffic and the airport’s commercial sector. By 1997, YLW was handling more than 800,000 passengers annually, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in North America. A $20-million expansion in 1998 prepared the airport for the anticipated milestone of one million passengers by 2011.
Fast forward to today, and YLW has become Canada’s 9th busiest airport, serving 2,133,582 passengers in 2024. From a grass airstrip to an international hub, Kelowna’s airport has come a long way—and it’s still climbing.
Ellison Field Taphouse
YLW’s newest food and beverage spot, Ellison Field Taphouse, is now open in the former White Spot location before security. The name pays homage to the historic Ellison Field—the very ground the modern airport sits on today. With a complete renovation that includes expanded seating and a full kitchen, the taphouse celebrates both the region’s aviation heritage and its thriving craft beer scene.
Beer lovers will appreciate the taphouse’s partnership with The BC Ale Trail, which brings an exclusive lineup of draught beers straight from seven nearby Okanagan breweries. It’s a beer-forward menu that showcases local craft brewing talent, making it a perfect spot to relax before your flight, or the perfect first stop when you get to town to experience a true taste of place, and set the tone for your visit.
Enjoy craft beer from:
- Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. (Penticton)
- BNA Brewing Co. (Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton)
- Cannery Brewing (Penticton)
- Copper Brewing Co. (Kelowna)
- Kelowna Beer Institute (Kelowna)
- Tin Whistle Brewing (Penticton)
- Yellow Dog Brewing (Penticton and Port Moody)
The food menu offers something for every time of day and taste. Breakfast options include avocado toast, breakfast brioche, Greek yogurt, strawberry whipped ricotta toast, and a hearty farmer wrap. For lunch and dinner, guests can choose from contemporary appetizers like burrata, honey sriracha lime wings, and loaded hummus, along with mains like flatbreads, a honey dijon chicken sandwich, smoked turkey club, Mediterranean grain bowl, and roasted beet and orange salad.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in with a local brew, Ellison Field Taphouse brings a taste of the Okanagan to your travel experience.
Every Pint Tells a Story
