Welcome to Kelowna!

Kelowna is the largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, which is located in the south central region of the province. Easily accessible by car, bus and air, we’re 150 km. (90 miles) north of the United States border and 395 km. (247 miles) east of Vancouver.

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Kelowna boasts all the amenities of a major city - fine dining, unique shops and a vibrant cultural life - yet orchards and vineyards thrive within a 10-minute drive of the downtown core. Spectacular vistas await those ready to explore. A delightful day can be spent sampling the award-winning wares of our numerous internationally-acclaimed wineries, while several championship golf courses draw enthusiasts from all parts of the globe.

Situated on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake mid-way between Penticton in the south and Vernon in the north, Kelowna residents and tourists alike find the lake offers wonderful opportunities for boating, swimming or fishing. The nearby mountains attract hikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions. There are three major ski hills within a one-hour drive - Big White, Silver Star and Apex.

Kelowna has become the main marketing and distribution centre of the Okanagan Valley, with a flourishing tree fruit industry and a growing light industrial sector that competes on a world scale. Best known for forestry and the manufacture of boats, plastics, fibreglass, body armour and oil field equipment, Kelowna also has a growing high technology sector that includes aerospace development and service.

Kelowna's airport is the 11th busiest in Canada with approximately 35 scheduled flights a day; it's also one of the fastest growing in North America and a multi-year expansion plan is nearing completion. In addition Skyreach 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. The new Rotary Centre For The Arts is a significant feature of the downtown cultural district, and Stuart Park on the Waterfront Promenade will be developed over the next several years.

Additional Facts:

·  Kelowna is home to 96,000 people.

·  The Central Okanagan Regional District has a population of 147,000.

·  Kelowna is well known for its hot summers and temperate winters.

·  The average daytime high during July and August is 27.40 C.

·  The average daytime high during December and January is -0.30 C. The average low is -7.70 C.

·  Kelowna receives over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and just over 11 inches of rain.

·  Total annual precipitation is 366.4 mm. (280.7 mm. of rain and 105.5 cm. of snow).

·  Okanagan Lake is 110 km. (68 miles) long.

·  Okanagan Lake Bridge (built in 1958) is the longest floating bridge in North America (7/8 mile).

·  Kelowna encompasses 101.2 square miles.

·  Kelowna is 1,129 feet above sea level.

·  Kelowna General Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive in the southern interior of B.C. with a full treatment cancer clinic.

·  Kelowna is home to several local theatre groups, a symphony orchestra, a museum and numerous art galleries.

·  Okanagan University College has two Kelowna campuses and offers university and transfer programs, as well as wide range of adult education and trades courses.