Rightly so, 'Miss El' -- the float plane and the 1940s pin-up girl pictured on her fuselage -- landed on Okanagan Lake this week to applause, mimosas and photos galore.
'Miss El' is a 1948 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver airplane named for her owner -- the Hotel Eldorado.
As well, 'Miss El' is the curly haired brunette beauty queen in white shorts, captain's hat and red high heels depicted on the right side of the plane.
'Miss El' spent the winter sheltered at the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence at Kelowna International Airport.
Then, this week, she took flight to soar to the Hotel Eldorado, located waterfront in the Lower Mission.
She landed on the water to fanfare and has now taken up residence at the hotel's dock for all to see.
The Eldorado's owner -- Argus Properties -- bought the plane and had it restored in anticipation of the hotel's 100th birthday next year..
The 'Miss El' name and pin-up girl is a tribute not just to the hotel's centenary, but to the Miss Kelowna Lady of the Lake pageants that started as Regatta Queen in 1931 and was renamed in 1934.
"Miss El's fuselage proudly bears her name in homage to the Lady of the Lake pageants, a cherished Okanagan tradition celebrating the region's rich community spirit," said Argus Properties CEO Ted Callahan.
"This unveiling also marks a significant moment as the Hotel Eldorado enters its 99th year, with preparations underway for its 100th anniversary in 2026 -- an enduring symbol of history and hospitality."
Sealand Aviation in Campbell River rebuilt, refurbished and repainted the plane to the Hotel Eldorado's specifications.
The all-metal, small, turboprop plane looks shiny and new, as well as retro, all at the same time.
As the hotel says: 'Miss El' is a striking tribute to Canadian aviation legacy, bridging past and present on the shores of Okanagan Lake.
The De Havilland Beaver is one of Canada's finest aviation designs -- a tough and versatile bush plane, purpose-built for short takeoff and landing (STOL) in this country's wilderness on either wheels for remote runways, floats for the water or skis for the snow.
The particular plane that would become 'Miss El' started her flying life in early 1949 for the Government of Canada's Department of Transport , serving in Ottawa, Toronto, Moncton and Goose Bay.
"Restoring 'Miss El' is not just about bringing an aircraft back to live, it's about celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire generations," said Callahan.
