Canada is continually recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world and Kelowna is certainly one of the most desirable cities to reside in. Kelowna, British Columbia is located in the heart of the sunny Okanagan Valley. Kelowna was incorporated in 1905 and means "Grizzly Bear" in the language of the Interior Salish. When the City of Kelowna was first incorporated the entire Okanagan Valley was undergoing major economic changes. Kelowna was moving from a cattle ranching and grain growing region to orcharding. As a result, many extensive irrigation systems were laid out across the benchlands and valley bottoms to support the new agricultural initiatives. Before long, the dry arid Kelowna landscape was being transformed into lush green fruit producing orchards. Today, those same orchards are now being rivaled by large grape growing vineyards to support the famous wines of the region.
With seemingly limitless amenities, it's no wonder Kelowna is often referred to as "Canada's four season playground".
The Central Okanagan Valley is comprised of four communities: Peachland, Westbank, Kelowna and Lake Country with an estimated population of 180,000. These communities are surrounded by gorgeous mountain ranges and the always inviting waters of the world famous Okanagan Lake. Leisure time is typically spent on one of several championship golf courses, boating, sailing, fishing or any water-sport than one can think of. If water-sports don't intrigue you then perhaps one of our world-renowned wineries, local shops or exceptional fine dining experiences will. Don't forget to make your way to the Downtown Cultural District or stop by the annual Life and Arts Festival. Be sure and check out the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market which runs year round in various locations throughout the city. Enchantment and discovery await you at Elysium Gardens and Okanagan Lavender. Perhaps hiking or biking through trails or enjoying a nice walk in a park is what you like to do, we certainly have plenty of that too! Head out for a day trip to the famous Kettle Valley Railway and travel back in time and style. Looking for a little gaming excitement? Then Lake City Casinos is where all the action and fun can be found! Visitors from all over the world rave about the numerous sandy beaches to be found all along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Be prepared though, you just never know when the "Ogopogo" may decide to surface and visit! Having the time of your life and want to stay a little longer? Then check into one of several first class Resort Accommodations in town or its surrounding areas.
Over the Spring and Fall months wineries throughout the Okanagan region host various Wine Festivals. Don't feel like driving from winery to winer? Be sure and book a guided tour with Okanagan Wine Country Tours. During the winter season, Kelowna is a 45 minute drive to Big White Ski Resort, home to some of Canada's best champagne powder skiing, truly a skiers dream come true! Regardless of your favorite past time, the Okanagani Valley and the City of Kelowna offers something for everyone.
Kelowna at a glance:
- Kelowna is home to approximately 106,000 people.
- The Central Okanagan Regional District has a population of 167,000.
- Kelowna is well known for its hot summers and temperate winters.
- The average daytime high during July and August is 27.4 C (81.32 F).
- The average daytime high during December and January is -0.3 C (31.46 F). The average low is -7.7 C (18.14 F).
- Kelowna receives over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and 28 cm. (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 only floating bridge in Canada, with a floating section of 640 m. (2100 feet)
- A new five-lane bridge is to be in operation in 2008.
- Kelowna encompasses 262 square km. (101 square miles)
- Kelowna is 344 m. (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, museums and numerous art galleries.
- Okanagan College offers university and transfer programs, as well as a wide range of adult education and trades courses.
- UBC Okanagan opened September 2005.
OKANAGAN LAKE:
Surface Area - 87000 acres Mean Depth - 76 Meters/249 feet Maximum Depth - 230 Metres/755 feet Total Volume - 24,644 km (cubed) Water Residence or Renewal Time - 52.8 Yrs Shoreline Length - 270 km/168 miles Maximum Width - 5 km/3 miles Minimum Width - 1.5 km/1 mile Average Width - 3.2 km/2 miles
BLOSSOM AND HARVEST DATES:
Blossom Dates Harvest Dates
Apricots Apr 10 - Apr 25 July 20 - Aug 10
Cherries Apr 20 - May 7 July 01 - Aug 01
Peaches Apr 20 - May 2 July 25 - Sept 01
Pears Apr 25 - May 10 Aug 15 - Sept 30
Plums Apr 28 - May 10 Aug 15 - Sept 10
Apples May 05 - May 20 Aug 15 - Oct 30
KELOWNA INFORMATION WEBSITES:
Tourism Kelowna
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Kelowna
KelownaBC.com
Kelowna International Airport
Okanagan Map Guides
City of Kelowna
UBC Okanagan
Okanagan College
Rotary Centre For The Arts
Kelowna Art Gallery
Kelowna Community Theatre
Kelowna Museum