Welcome to the Father Pandosy Mission

Discover more than a historic building — discover the stories that shaped the Okanagan.

The Father Pandosy Mission is widely regarded as one of the most important heritage sites in the Okanagan.

It was established in 1860 by Father Charles Pandosy and fellow Oblate missionaries as the Mission of the Immaculate Conception. From this base, missionary activity extended across a wide region, from Kamloops to the American border.

As the first permanent European settlement in the Central Okanagan, the mission is associated with many regional “firsts,” including the first church, the first school, and the first planting of fruit trees, grapes, and tobacco.

For about 30 years, the mission was a central focus of settlement in the area, until the development of nearby townsites such as Benvoulin and Kelowna. Over time, it also became a place where early settlers, Indigenous peoples, and travellers came together.

Today, the site is preserved as a heritage destination where visitors can explore historic buildings, walk the grounds, and learn about the many cultures and events that shaped the community we know today.

Plan Your Visit

Open 7 days a week daylight hours.

Access building interiors: 8am–4pm March 1^st - October 31^st.

Voluntary admission fee $5/person.

School bookings: max $50 per group.

Please see the events page for information about other options.

How to get here?

From Harvey Avenue (Hwy 97), turn onto Benvoulin Road, go straight across K.L.O. Road (traffic light) towards the Casorso roundabout.

Shortly before the roundabout, you will see the site on the left.

FREE parking is available next to the fence.