Life in Kelowna
Okanagan Lake
The beautiful Okanagan Lake spans 110 km (68 miles) with the northernmost end reaching the quaint city of Vernon and at the southern tip of the lake, Penticton. Kelowna is situated almost halfway between these two cities. Okanagan Lake is enjoyed by many for all water sports including: boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding and even the new sport of paddle board yoga! It is refreshing during the hot summer and it keeps Kelowna’s climate mild during the winter. Okanagan Lake is most famous for harboring the legendary lake creature – Ogopogo!
Orchards & Vineyards
Kelowna is home to over 25 wineries along with a selection of breweries and distilleries to choose from. Kelowna wineries produce premium quality wines that regularly win national and international wine competitions and recognition. The sun-drenched valley surrounding Kelowna is dotted with farm-gate wineries, where each vintage is lovingly bottled by hand. Many wineries have unique and delicious food services available. Once your friends and family realize you live in Kelowna, the wine aficionados quickly appear!
In addition to the numerous wineries, the region’s micro-climate and predisposition for a long growing season allows for many different types of fruit to flourish. Throughout Kelowna it is very common to see orchards filled with fruits such as apples, cherries, peaches, plums and apricots. A growing number of agri-tourists are attracted to the Okanagan Valley as it has become one of the most prominent agricultural regions in BC.
Famous Mountain Resorts
The Okanagan is legendary for champagne powder at both Big White Ski Resort and Crystal Mountain Resort. Both resorts are less than 60 km away from Kelowna and offer skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, hiking, snowshoeing and other opportunities. Big White Ski Resort boasts 118 marked downhill trails with 16 lifts including a gondola. You can enjoy scenic helicopter tours or learn how to mush a dogsled! If you prefer more leisurely activities, treat yourself to a massage
Within an hour’s drive of Kelowna are two more world class resorts – Silver Star and Apex Mountain Resorts. Spring skiing is always an exceptional experience. Kelowna is one of the rare locations in the world where you can ski in the morning and tee up a golf game in the afternoon! Activities abound in the winter time due to Kelowna’s mild climate and varied geography!
Golfing & Hiking
With over 19 golf courses and 2,000 hours of sun every year, Kelowna can boast the longest, driest (only 11″ of rain per year) golf season you’ll find anywhere in Canada! Many of the golf courses offer incredible views of the lake, vineyards, orchards and cityscapes. You can find a golf course for every skill level and courses are often open eight months of the year.
Hiking around Kelowna provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy varied landscapes, panoramic views, and historic sites. Trails around Kelowna lead to lookouts, waterfalls, historic irrigation flumes, abandoned homesteader’s cabins, unique volcanic formations and the deep forest. Most hikes are designed for day hikes, although there are longer overnight routes for the serious hikers. Knox Mountain is in the heart of the city and offers amazing views of the city, mountains and lake.
Biking
If you are not a golfer or hiker, biking is always a popular activity. Kelowna is ultra-cycle friendly with more than 280 km of bicycle lanes on city streets, greenspace bike paths for a relaxing ride through nature and mountain biking trails for the more energetic. Kelowna is filled with people who love to participate in casual weekly rides, riding groups, triathlons or other races. For kids there are even mini-triathlons available!
In the garages of most area residents, you will most likely find a road bike, mountain bike, hockey and soccer equipment, skis or snowboard and golf clubs. All the necessary equipment you must have to enjoy Kelowna to the fullest!!
