Kelowna International Airport (YLW/CYLW) is a regional airport of the town of Kelowna close to the Rockie Mountains famous National Parks Banff and Jasper. With just over 2 million passangers its the 10th buissiest airport in Canada in 2024.

The Airport is served by several Canadian Airlines connecting some regional routes as well as some to Mexico, USA and the Canadian East Coast.  Beside that some shorter cargo routes served as well. With KF Aerospace changing from Convair to ATR soon, which making the ATR the largest cargo plane to operate their with some additional smaller comuter cargo planes.

Written by Patrick Weis. Last change: July 2025

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
16/34	2.755 m (9.039 ft) Asphalt
Terminals	One for all flights
Spotting Information
Ladder	You can easy get this done without
Car/Public Transport	A car is needed for most spots.
Drinks/Food	Plenty of restaurants, shops and coffee shops west of the airport
Hotels	There are some hotels on the opposite side of the terminal.
Season	Best to visit during the summer months between April and September and the north/south direction of the main runways. Just a few hours in the winter on each side as the sun is coming from the south all day long. Freezing temperatures between December and February are likely to put off all but the hardiest of enthusiasts. Best months in terms of sunshine percentage are July and August.
Security	Usually no problems with security as long you not block gates. Just carry an ID with you just in case it’s needed.
Runway Usage
16/34	Used in both directions depending on the wind.

	Spot #1 – Old Vernon Rd – 16 arrivals
WHERE	This spot is located along the Old Vernon Rd. There is a gravel shoulder of the street where you can take your arrival shots.
WHAT	Best for 16 arrivals and line-ups over the fence.
TIME	Depending on the sun position you can photograph from each side of the runway the whole day. Except noon when the sun is over the runway axis.
MISC.	No facilities at the spot. Bring everything with you and do not block the farm entry with your car.
FOCAL LENGTH	150 – 400 mm (400 for small aircraft)

Morning Side:

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Afternoon side: https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11326214

	Spot #2 – Optic Ct/Bakery – 16/34 movements
WHERE	This spot is in an industrial zone at the end of Optic Ct right next to Hwy 97. There is a gravel area where you can park and stay. The position is elevated with a good view on the runway.There is also a bakery at provides a nice place to sit outside, have a coffee and watch the traffic.
WHAT	Great spot for almost all runway movements. You might miss some 34 arrivals but the rest should be no problem. For the taxiway you have most of the times trees in your pictures
TIME	Best from afternoon until sunset.Heat haze in the early afternoon
MISC.	The bakery is run by Swiss Manager. Hence, quality of breaad is good and convenient for visitors from Germany/ Switzerland.
FOCAL LENGTH	300-600 mm depends on the angle. Better to have more for different angles

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	Spot #3 – Bulman Road – 34 arrivals
WHERE	Park your car on the side of Bulman Road on the gravel next to the street. The road is next to the Shadow Ridge Golf Club, south of the airport. Find the preferred position along the road but do not block the farm roads entrances, which can be quite busy.
WHAT	Runway 34 arrivals only.
TIME	Depending on the sun position you can photograph from each side of the runway the whole day. Except noon when the sun is over the runway axis.
MISC.	No restrooms or food available nearby. Employes will come and ask what you are doing but they are ok with it.
FOCAL LENGTH	180-400 mm

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