Welcome to Kelowna BC…
Located in the heart of the Sunny Okanagan
Kelowna is situated on the legendary Okanagan Lake; its wonderful year round climate is enhanced by majestic mountains, lush orchards, and world renowned wineries. The rapidly growing population has resulted in lots of exciting changes within the city, all the while maintaining its laid back, small-town charm.
Paradise to vacationers and residents alike, Kelowna offers a wide range of attractions and outdoor activities including golf, water skiing, boating, sailing, cycling, hiking, fishing, camping, downhill skiing and snowboarding. Believe it or not, there are often times throughout the year when you can water ski and snow ski on the same day!
As a result, the Okanagan generally features two types of people; those that already live here, and those that wish they did!
- Kelowna is home to approximately 110,000 people
- The Central Okanagan Regional District has a population of over 167,000
- Included on the list of the top 12 most desirable places in the world by Frommer’s Travel Guide
- One of the fastest growing cities in North America
- Well known for its hot summers and temperate winters
- Fruit production is the hallmark of the Okanagan Valley
- Hot summers and terraced landscape provide the ideal mix for the production of world class wines
- The average daytime high during July and August is 27.4 C (81.3 F)
- The average daytime high during December and January is -0.3 C (+31.5 F) The average low is -7.7 C (+18.1 F)
- Kelowna receives over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and 280 mm. (11.2 inches) of rain
- Total annual precipitation is 366.4 mm. (14.4 inches) - 280.7 mm. (11.2 inches) of rain and 105.5 mm. (4.2 inches) 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 (Opened May 25th 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
- Home to several local theatre groups, a symphony orchestra, museums and numerous art galleries
- UBC Okanagan opened September 2005
- Okanagan College offers university and transfer programs, as well as a wide range of adult education and trades courses
- Kelowna is a 4 hour drive to Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean, and a 7 hour drive through the Rocky Mountains to Calgary
- The city also features an International Airport making it easy to travel anywhere in the world