At a time when Kelowna has just been named Canada’s first UNESCO Creative Cities Network City of Gastronomy, the spotlight on the region’s culinary identity has never felt more deserved or more exciting.
The designation recognizes something locals have long understood. This is a place where agriculture, wine, and food culture are not simply part of the landscape, they define it. And increasingly, experiences are emerging that invite people not just to dine, but to participate in that culture in a deeper, more meaningful way.
One of the most compelling examples of that is the Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School.
Perched above the hum of Bernard Avenue, Lakehouse is not what most people expect when they hear the words “cooking class.”
The space is striking. Thoughtfully designed, highly polished, and equipped with top tier culinary tools, it feels closer to a private culinary studio than a traditional classroom. But what truly sets it apart is its dual concept.
Guests can choose between hands-on, MasterChef style classes where they cook their own meal at fully equipped stations, or opt for the chef’s theatre experience, where they sit back and enjoy a multi course meal while watching it come together in front of them.
“There is nothing like this,” says Travis Pye. “Having both a hands on kitchen as well as a beautifully designed chefs theatre allows us to capture many types of classes and events.”
That flexibility is part of what makes the experience so widely appealing. It meets people exactly where they are, whether they want to be fully immersed or simply enjoy an elevated night out.
While the space itself is impressive, the intention behind it is what resonates most.
“This facility was created to share and celebrate the local chefs, local food and beverages, along with the purveyors of this beautiful valley we get to call home,” Pye explains.
In practical terms, that value shows up everywhere. In the quality of ingredients. In the thoughtful curation of menus. In the diversity of classes that span global cuisines, techniques, and seasonal inspiration. And in the atmosphere, which manages to feel both refined and entirely welcoming.
On any given evening, the room fills with a mix of couples, groups of friends, parents and children, and those arriving solo who quickly find themselves in conversation with the table beside them. It is social, communal, and built around the universal language of food.
Despite its elevated feel, Lakehouse is intentionally approachable.
“This is a teaching kitchen,” says Pye. “We are sharing tips, tricks and culinary insights.”
Classes typically begin with a guided demonstration before guests step into the process themselves, tasting, adjusting, and engaging with each step along the way. It is structured, but never rigid.
“A recipe is never a rule, it is a guideline,” he says. “We are engaged with what we are doing each step of the way. Tasting, smelling, watching, touching. Adjusting as needed and most importantly cooking food we each like to eat.”
Even experienced home cooks walk away with new techniques, knife skills, a deeper understanding of flavour, and a renewed confidence in the kitchen.
From the outside, spaces like this can feel effortless, even romantic. The reality, as Pye describes it, is far more complex.
“Every day we travel to a different part of the world with over 135 different classes,” he says. “We are planning, setting up and cleaning up something out of routine every day.”
The operation spans far beyond public classes, encompassing private events, a culinary café, and retail, all while catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels.
“Patience is key,” he adds. “Promoting fun and that it is okay to make mistakes, but ultimately giving people the tools to think on their feet and create something delicious.”
What emerges from the experience is something that goes beyond technique.
“Being more comfortable in the kitchen,” Pye says when asked what he hopes guests take away. “This has also become a social outing. Meeting new friends in the kitchens and sharing a meal at a table together brings out memories around food that we all have.”
It is this intersection of education and connection that defines the experience. You are not just learning to cook. You are participating in something shared.
And in a region now globally recognized for its food culture, that feels particularly meaningful.
Lakehouse manages to strike a balance that is surprisingly rare. It delivers a high quality, elevated experience without losing warmth or accessibility. It offers value not just in the meal itself, but in the skills, confidence, and memories guests take home with them.
“You are not going to spend more here than going out for a nice dinner,” Pye notes. “But what we can offer on top of that is valuable life skills, dinner and a show, and a very fun and unique environment where you are encouraged to ask questions.”
In a city stepping into its identity as a global culinary destination, this is more than just a class. It’s a bucket list experience.
Explore upcoming classes and reserve your spot here. Use my code WILDPASSPORT15 for 15% off your class! The upcoming, hands-on, Neapolitan Pizza Masterclass is going to be unbelievable!
Follow @thiswildpassport for more local Okanagan inspiration and check out www.thiswildpassport.ca if you’re interested in joining me as I host an incredible group of women through Portugal this July 2-11th. A few spots remain and I would love to include you in our travel girls community!
