KELOWNA Community Info

Kelowna & the Central Okanagan
Explore the Sections of this Guide to find listings and exact map locations for Accommodations, Attractions, Parks, Golf, Wineries, Shopping, Museums, History, Art Galleries, Restaurants, Real Estate, Services and more...in the Central Okanagan Valley. Click on the “Calendar of Events” and mark your Calendar for the event of your choice.

The Central Okanagan Valley is comprised of 4 communities including Kelowna, West Kelowna (formerly Westbank), Peachland and Lake Country, with a total population of approximately 184,000. Kelowna is the largest City in the Central Okanagan with an airport elevation of 430m (1410ft) above sea level and a population of approximately 120,000. Kelowna lies on the East side of Okanagan Lake which stretches 270 km (168 mi) along the shoreline from Penticton a short distance south, through to Vernon, a short distance north. Driving time is 4 hrs from Vancouver and 8 hrs from Calgary. Kelowna’s International Airport is Canada’s 10th busiest airport with close to 1.5 million passenger volume offering non-stop service from Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto & Seattle. Kelowna receives 2,000 hrs of sunshine annually and only 11” of rain. Average daytime temperature in the summer months is 27C (81F) and winters are temperate. With four season recreation, an enviable climate and vibrant economy, Kelowna and the Central Okanagan are not only a popular tourist destination, but also becoming a preferred choice to visit, conduct business or call home.

Seasons are well defined here and beckon your year round recreation. The advent of Spring brings blossom to cherry, apricot, peach, pear, plum and apple trees in surrounding orchards. The “Okanagan Sunflower”, Kelowna's Official Flower, showers a golden haze across hillsides and mountainsides to the delight of hiking and biking enthusiasts. Golfing season is endless beginning as early as March and ending as late as November. Choose from 15 Golf Courses all within a 30 minute maximum drive time. July marks the beginning of fruit harvest starting with cherry harvest in July, through to apple and grape harvest in October. Kelowna receives 2,000 hrs of sunshine annually and only 11” of rain. Average daytime temperature in the summer months is 27C (81F) and winters are temperate.

The Okanagan Valley's Annual Fall Wine Festival coincides with fall grape harvest and continues to be ranked as one of the top 100 events in North America. Over 150 events are scheduled throughout the area offering education and entertainment. Grapes are also harvested in winter conditions of -8 degrees C (18 degrees F) or lower to produce ice wines of international distinction. View detailed information on Kelowna and other Okanagan Wineries on page 37 of this Guide.

Big White Ski Resort located just 56 km (35 mil) SE of Kelowna, is a world class ski resort with 118 runs and 16 lifts. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort located just 15 minutes from West Kelowna offers 21 runs and 470 acres of trails.