The Willow Inn and Lodge

By the late 1920s, Mrs. Madeline DeMara decided Kelowna was ready for a new hotel. She oversaw the building of the Willow Inn and then ran the busy and popular hotel, which added a touch of elegance to the community. A large veranda was soon added along the front, cottages were built in the rear and a coffee shop was opened. With the ferry wharf across the street, Mrs. DeMara saw another opportunity and bought the adjacent land from the Kelowna Saw Mill. The Willow Lodge was built on the beachfront. The fine log building was a popular gathering place for families and visitors for many years. A.H. DeMara Insurance, a BA gas station and the Snack Bar were soon built alongside. | Kelowna Public Archives 1164