{"id":62676,"date":"2026-01-07T05:00:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T13:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/?p=62676"},"modified":"2026-01-15T11:35:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T19:35:23","slug":"ellison-field-taphouse-feature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/ellison-field-taphouse-feature\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Kelowna’s Ellison Field Taphouse – From Historic Flights to Beer Flights"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before it was Kelowna International Airport, it was Ellison Field.\u2060 Now, Ellison Field Taphouse is bringing a taste of BC straight to the terminal!\u2060<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1947, the first commercial flight took off from this historic airstrip. By 1949, the original terminal building opened with a 3,000-foot grass runway, marking the start of Kelowna\u2019s aviation story.\u2060\u00a0 Today, Ellison Field Taphouse<\/a> brings that history to life with a modern twist. Now open pre-security, this beer-forward restaurant honours the airport\u2019s roots while giving travellers a place to relax, enjoy craft BC beers, and savour a menu for every part of the day.\u2060<\/p>\n

Step in, raise a glass, and experience a taste of Kelowna\u2019s aviation past. \u2060<\/p>\n

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Airport History<\/h4>\n

Kelowna International Airport’s (YLW) story began in 1946 when residents voted to purchase the 320-acre Dickson Ranch in Ellison. The first flight took off in fall 1947, and by 1949, the airport celebrated its grand opening with a terminal building, a 3,000-foot grass airstrip, and a fleet of small aircraft. The real game-changer came in 1958 when Canadian Pacific Airlines launched daily DC-3 service to Vancouver, which kicked off negotiations with the federal government for a proper paved runway. By 1960, the city had extended and paved the runway to 5,350 feet and expanded the taxiway and apron\u2014a major upgrade that set the stage for serious growth.<\/p>\n