New Kelowna to Montreal flights celebrated at YLW

More people from Quebec are expected to visit the Okanagan—and vice versa—with the launch of Air Canada’s newest domestic route.

The national company is now providing non-stop service between Kelowna and Montreal, eventually providing five flights per week.

Sam Samaddar, Airport Director at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), said the service marks a vast milestone for YLW to bring travel between Quebec and the Okanagan.

“Montreal has been a significant region for tourism in the Okanagan and we have worked numerous years to achieve this community connection. I look forward to welcoming residents of Quebec and those who connect through Montreal to our four-season paradise,” Samaddar said.

Members of the tourism sector are pleased.

“This new direct flight will provide greater access to the Thompson/Okanagan region and our world-famous Okanagan champagne powder,” Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President at Big White Ski Resort, said.

Ballingall said the scheduled flight times are excellent as Quebec travellers can work the whole day before departing for their B.C. holiday, saving themselves a travel day. The return is also very well timed for ski traffic coming from the mountain.

An Air Canada news release said the new flights will start at three times weekly, increasing to four times in mid-July and five times in August. Passengers will fly on an Airbus A220-300 fleet featuring business class and economy cabins.

Ballingall said before COVID-19, Air Canada provided significant benefits to Kelowna’s local economy and for travellers looking to gain access to all the opportunities at Big White.

“These new flights to Kelowna will now connect the Okanagan Valley directly to Air Canada’s vast global network with just one stop and at a great price point.”