The Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley is located in the south central region of British Columbia and stretches 200kms from Osooyoos' desert climate in the south to Vernon's vast boreal forests in the north. The
Central Okanagan is comprised of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland, with Penticton, Summerland, and Vernon nearby. Just a 3 1/2 hour drive from Vancouver, the Okanagan is a world-class vacation destination known for its hot sunny summers,
short mild winters, lakeshore communities and particular lifestyle.
Nature is a big selling point of the Okanagan and it offers tourists and residents many opportunities to hike, fish, mountain bike, ski or swim in any of the 200 freshwater lakes located throughout the Valley. It is a recreational paradise and you will
find it a haven for every pastime imaginable. You can hit the links at one of our championship golf courses (over 50 challenging courses) nine months of the year. There are three major/world-famous ski resorts nearby (Big White, Silver Star, and Apex)
which attract skiers, boarders, snow shoeing and snowmobilers of all levels. There are numerous organized sports leagues and tournaments including softball, soccer, ultimate, all-sport, and ice hockey. We also have rollerblade paths, biking trails, tennis,
sailing, boating, camping and anything in between...it's the Okanagan!
With a booming economy and the best weather in Canada, the Okanagan is attracting many tourists and people who want to make the Valley their home. The service industry employs the most people in the tourist-oriented Okanagan Valley. Health and education
institutions are among the largest employers and Kelowna General Hospital is a comprehensive hospital which includes a full treatment cancer clinic. The Okanagan has a rapidly growing high technology sector that includes aerospace development and service.
It is well known for forestry, along with truck and boat manufacturing and is the home of Sun-Rype, a popular manufacturer of fruit juice and snacks.
This lush area offers many chances for ecotourism and the Okanagan lifestyle welcomes a bounty of fresh fruits grown in local orchards during the summer and celebrates the harvest of grapes for producing fine wines at local vineyards in the fall. You
can pluck ripe cherries or juicy peaches from trees, or spend a delightful day sampling the award-winning wares of our internationally acclaimed wineries. The Spring, Summer, and Fall Wine Festivals offer hundreds of activities focused on wine making,
tasting and touring.
Kelowna
Kelowna is the third-largest metropolitan area in British Columbia (after Vancouver and Victoria). With scenic lake vistas, a dry, mild climate, and vineyard-filled scenery, Kelowna has drawn comparisons
to California, and has seen it become one of the fastest growing cities in North America.
The primary city in the Valley is Kelowna boasting a new airport expansion; Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is the 10
th busiest airport in Canada. With daily flights it is just a sixty minute trip to Vancouver (395kms) and Calgary (602kms),
with regular flights to Toronto, Seattle (504kms), Edmonton, Victoria, Las Vegas and Mexico.
The University of British Columbia took over the north campus of Okanagan College on July 1, 2005. UBC Okanagan offers Engineering and Management undergraduate programs among other renowned faculties and has developed Graduate programs in most disciplines.
Kelowna's growing cultural district covers a six-block downtown area and features a vibrant cultural life all year long including a concentration of art galleries, museums, theatres, fine dining, a casino, artists' studios, and unique shops. In the
heart of the city, Prospera Place, a 6,000 seat multi-purpose facility that's home to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, attracts major entertainers and events. Evangeline Lilly of the hit TV show Lost was discovered on the streets
of Kelowna.
A trip to Kelowna would not be complete without taking the time to search for Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster that reputedly resides in Okanagan Lake. The myth dates back to the Interior Salish Native people who exchanged stories of a lake creature,
over 100 years ago and purported sightings over the years continue to strengthen the legend. To "see" Ogopogo for yourself be sure to visit the statue of the creature located on Bernard Avenue near Kelowna's City Park.
West Kelowna
Incorporated in 2007, West Kelowna is a fabulous place to call home. Nestled amongst vineyards and offering endless amenities, the "Westside" is growing in popularity. Tourist attractions
including Mission Hill Estate Winery, Gellatly Nut Farm, Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and Bear Creek Park are just some of the reasons residents love living in West Kelowna. The short drive to downtown Kelowna allows you to work downtown but live in
a small town.
Lake Country
Located north of Kelowna is the picturesque community of Lake Country that borders on the gorgeous Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake, Wood Lake and Duck Lake. Incorporated in 1995, the previously
unincorporated communities of Winfield, Okanagan Centre, Oyama, and Carr's Landing remain as separate wards within Lake Country. Offering quaint farmers markets, an abundance of parks, trails and orchard vistas, Lake Country has a bit of everything!
