The KF Centre for Excellence opened in Kelowna in August 2022 and we were lucky enough to plan a visit one week after its grand opening.
About the Centre
The 60,000-square-foot aviation exhibit is located near the Kelowna International Airport. There are two hangars where you can view vintage airplanes and several interactive exhibits and activities to try.
The facility is wheelchair accessible and open year-round, Tuesday to Saturday. Please be sure to check their website before visiting for special event exceptions to these hours.
Location and Parking
Drive towards the Kelowna International Airport and turn onto Airport Way. Turn left to stay on Airport Way. As you follow this road, you will drive past the KF Aerospace building on your right. Please note that this is not the KF Centre for Excellence, but our family stopped and took a few pictures.
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Drive past the KF Aerospace building for another minute and you will see the KF Centre for Excellence on the left, you can’t miss it! Turn left on Lapoint Drive, the building is large and is shaped like an aircraft.
The Centre’s paved parking lot is in front of the building, on the south side, and offers plenty of parking.
Admission & Tours
Admission is $10 per family or $5 per person and in our opinion, this is an excellent value with the number of activities to try and different areas to explore. Our family spent just over an hour there and we could have stayed longer, but the girls were starting to get hungry.
Start with a self-guided tour on the lower level, where you can view their historic aircraft collection under the hangars. Indoors, families can enjoy interactive exhibits and learn more about aviation.
#1 – Multi Sensory Valley Fly-over
A highlight for our family was the fly-over of the Okanagan Valley. Our girls loved jumping and running across the projected views.
#2 – Motion Activated Animation
#3 – Mechanized Helicopter Model
Interact with the mechanized helicopter model. Children can press the button to watch the helicopter at work – drying cherry trees with the turbulence of air.
#4 – Flight Simulators Hop in the Cockpit
Ever wondered what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat? This hands-on experience lets you step inside a real aircraft cockpit, explore the controls, and press all the buttons. Getting the kids to leave this area might be the toughest part of your visit!
#5 – Plane Identification Activities
#6 – Hologram Message Barry Lapointe
Aircraft Collection
- The Convair CV580
- The Odyssey DC-3
- The De Havilland Mosquito
- The Hawker Tempest MKII
Cafe Seating Area
While exploring the incredible exhibits and aircraft at KF Centre for Excellence, it’s important to note that food and drinks are not permitted in the exhibit areas or hangars. However, visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy in designated areas.
For a comfortable spot to take a break, head to the café-seating area upstairs or step outside to the outdoor observation deck, where you can take in stunning views of the airfield while you refuel.
Group Tours
Arrange a tour for a group, class, program, or event. This could be a great field trip for your kids at their school. Contact info@kfcentre.ca to request a booking.
Family Fun Tips
- Allocate 1-2 hours to explore the Centre
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms on both levels
- Bring snacks and water (only permitted in the cafe-seating area upstairs)
- They are open Tuesday through Saturday. Please check their website for special event exceptions.
KF Centre for Excellence
5800 Lapointe Drive
(250) 807-5353
kfcentre.ca
