All About Kelowna
Welcome to Kelowna!! In the early 1900’s, First Nations people named Kelowna after the “Grizzly Bear”. Today Kelowna translates into “BC’s most popular playground” for those who live and vacation here.
Kelowna is the largest city in the BC interior with all the lifestyle advantages, infrastructure and facilities to support a growing population of more than 144,576 (2021 census).
Kelowna is situated on the eastern shore of spectacular Okanagan Lake which is 110 km Long running north to south through the Okanagan Valley from Vernon at the north end to Penticton at the south end. The city lies in a fertile agricultural bowl, ideal for orchards and vineyards, sheltered by ridges of dry grassland, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir forest that rise to forested highland plateaus. Here the rolling terrain is punctuated by small fishing lakes and the occasional mountain peak like Big White.
The Monashee Mountains, a range in the Columbia Mountains, lie to the east while the Cascades and Coastal Mountains to the west, cause the rain shadow effect that produces the area's semi- arid climate.
Kelowna is a recreational lakeside paradise with miles of beautiful parkland and sandy beaches that provide wonderful opportunities for every type of water sport. Stroll along the lakefront boardwalk, explore local markets for local produce and crafts sold be local artisans or enjoy a free concert in the park.
Climate
Kelowna experiences four distinct seasons, however, summers are long and hot with average daily highs in July of 27.6˚C/81.7˚F, and many days well into the 30˚C/90˚F. Humidity is very low. Winters are short and mild with average January highs of -2˚C/28.4˚F and little snow. Spring is marked by an abundance of showy wildflowers, especially the brilliant yellow arrow leaf balsam root that carpets the hillsides, while stands of aspen and cottonwood turn golden in autumn. Precipitation averages just 340mm/13in annually.
Variations in altitude make the seasons somewhat elastic. It is perfectly feasible to play a morning round of golf in Kelowna, followed by an afternoon of skiing at Big White Ski Resort. This changing climate also means it is necessary to bring layers when visiting the mountains in summer. Temperatures and weather conditions can vary quite dramatically.
Winter tires are strongly recommended when heading to Big White from early autumn through late spring. Road conditions at higher elevations can be treacherous even when excellent in the valley.
Up to date weather forecasts are available at Environment Canada.
Transportation
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) plays a vital part in the economic development and prosperity of the Okanagan Valley. YLW is the tenth busiest airport in Canada with over 1.6 million passengers travelling through each year.
Kelowna is located approximately 400 km (240 miles) from Vancouver, 600 km (360 miles) from Calgary, 150 km (90 miles) north of the USA border and is easily accessible via highways 1, 3 or 5.
By taking a ride on the Kelowna Regional Transit System you can avoid the hassle and stress of driving yourself, save money and do your part for the environment. There are 26 regularly scheduled routes connecting between Downtown Queensway Exchange and UBC Okanagan Exchange.
Government
The City of Kelowna is governed by an elected Council comprised of a Mayor and eight Councillors. Councillors are elected for three-year terms and each member represents the city at large.
Emergency Services
Call 911 if you require fire, police, or an ambulance!
HealthLink BC
Phone: 811 or visit: Website
HealthLink BC provides free non-emergency health information and referral services. You can get help and information nay time of the day or night, every day of the year. Call 8-1-1 to ask a registered nurse your health questions.
City of Kelowna
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Shopping
As the center of commerce in the Okanagan, Kelowna offers great shopping with something for almost every occasion and taste for those that love to shop. Kelowna is home to a number of shopping centres as well as an abundance of small, leading and specialty stores.
There are a number of districts to explore that each have their own character for you to explore.
Bernard Avenue:
Downtown Kelowna’s waterfront location and trendy Bernard Avenue are Just steps from the beach and City Park. Kelowna's downtown shopping core has a blend of retail shops, galleries and charming one-of-a-kind boutiques. You'll know you've reached the end of Downtown Kelowna when you reach Okanagan Lake and the beach! Shoppers can cruise Bernard Avenue’s many boutiques for the hippest fashions amidst the quite bustle of Kelowna’s business district. There is no shortage of coffee houses or pubs and food lovers have a United Nations of restaurants to choose from.
Pandosy Village:
Pandosy Village in the Mission area offers many unique shopping delights. A walk down Pandosy is a boutique shopper’s dream with stores such as Serendipity, Cranberry Junction and Urban Hut Design to browse. Tired shoppers can sip drinks and nibble goodies on outdoor patios at bakeries and coffee shops. The Mission Park plaza has a Blockbuster, liquor and grocery stores and other specialty stores to visit. Leave your car parked and explore Pandosy Village by the Lake on foot.
Ellis and Tutt Streets:
These charming streets are also lined with quaint shops, popular brands, and funky boutiques.
Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafters Market:
This market offers a huge variety of farm products and organic produce, jams, baking, meats, ethnic foods, soaps, body products, flowers, plants, concessions, entertainment, festivals and much, much more. You will not be disappointed! Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am-1pm from April to October on the corner of Dilworth and Springfield
Shopping Malls
Orchard Park Mall
Orchard Park Mall on Harvey Ave. is the region’s largest shopping centre filled with over 170 stores ranging from fashion, accessories, shoes, beauty products and electronics. Of course a big shopping centre needs big names including Old Navy, Sephora, BCBG Max Azria, Gap, Mexx, Pandora and more! Take a break from shopping and satisfy your hunger in the 500-seat food court with a great selection from 11 different options. Anchored by The Bay, Best Buy and Chapters, Orchard Park has something for everyone.
The District on Bernard
The District on Bernard provides an indoor boutique shopping experience, and it is located in downtown Kelowna, at the east end of Bernard Avenue, in the Kelowna North real estate neighbourhood. Jewelry, shoes, fashions, and toys can be purchased in this quaint mall that was once the retail hub of Kelowna. One of the city’s finest pieces of public art, a 3- dimensional cottonwood sculpture, stands tall in the mall’s food court.
Capri Centre
The Capri Centre mall is located at the intersection of Gordon Drive and Harvey Avenue. A Winners department store and an Extra Foods grocer are the mall’s largest retail tenants, and it has a number of food and specialty stores. Kelsey’s and DeDutch restaurants are close by, and the Blue Lines Sports and Comedy Club is a convenient place to laugh at Yuk Yuk’s comedy. About one third of the mall is occupied by medical, business and consumer services. Kelowna’s largest employer, Interior Health Authority, has offices in the Capri Centre.
Dilworth Centre
The Dilworth Centre plaza is located at the intersection of Dilworth Drive and Harvey Avenue. Boston Pizza provides a great lunch spot for shoppers at Safeway, The Shoe Company, JYSK, Dollar Store, and other shops.
Spall Plaza
Spall Plaza is located near the intersection of Spall Road and Highway 97. London Drugs, Toys “R” Us and PetSmart are this outdoor plaza’s main anchors. Fashion lovers feel at home with stores like Melanie Lynne, Shoe Warehouse, Mexx and Moores. The Second Cup and McGavins Breadbasket are two great places to pick up a coffee and treat. There is also a Choices Markets natural food store across the highway.
Arts & Entertainment
Live music fills Kelowna parks every summer with the much-loved “Parks Alive” program. Music is also celebrated every day of the year on stage at Prospera Place, a 6,000-seating capacity arena that hosts artists the world over. In addition, the Okanagan Symphony provides residents and visitors alike with some of the most glorious sounds in the area. For jazz, blues, rock and contemporary music, Kelowna, BC, also boasts a selection of bars and clubs.
Kelowna Community Theatre
The Kelowna Community Theatre is Kelowna’s professional presenting house and the Interior’s largest performing arts venue. Each year the Theatre is home to over 250 events ranging from comedy to music, dance, theatrical performances and everything in between. Since opening its doors on September 13, 1962, the Theatre has grown from a small community theatre to a vibrant performance hub in the heart of the Cultural District. For 50 years, people have been entertained and inspired by their peers, first class presenters and performers from around the world.
With exceptional local, national and international artists scheduled to perform this year, everyone is sure to be entertained.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
A home for arts, music, education and entertainment in the Okanagan. Located in the heart of Kelowna's Cultural District, the Centre is becoming a focal point in the growing downtown area, a place where people of all ages can meet, gain inspiration and learn about the arts. The Centre houses the 332-seat Mary Irwin Theatre, eight resident artists, a bistro, box office, pottery studio, a board room, galleries, dance studio, rehearsal hall, greenroom and set shop. Please contact us for events, course information and room rentals. www.rotarycentreforthearts.com
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra
The Okanagan Symphony is the third largest professional Symphony Orchestra in British Columbia and has entertained residents and visitors from around the globe with symphonic music since 1960. Through an annual series of concerts, Okanagan Symphony brings the passion of classical music to life throughout the Valley. www.okanagansymphony.com
Museums
BC Orchard Industry Museum
The early settlers in the Okanagan region nurtured the first seeds of agricultural opportunity. Orchards gradually replaced rangeland with a bountiful selection of fruit, introducing a new industry into the Valley. This museum offers reflective and interactive interpretations of local orchard industry - past, present and alive with history!
Okanagan Heritage Museum
Enjoy unique regional collections and exhibitions. The museum explores the natural and human history of the Okanagan region, and regularly features visiting displays from around the world. Offering events and educational programs to the public, this facility provides an interesting approach to the preservation of past and present, alive with history! Website
Okanagan Military Museum
The Okanagan Military Museum is a non-profit, charitable, volunteer organization committed to collecting, displaying and interpreting memorabilia related to the military service of Okanagan residents for present and future generations. Our collections include small arms, photo and text, primary materials and an extensive reference library.
Parks
Kelowna is blessed with many beautiful City parks and beaches as well as six Regional Parks and two Provincial Parks.
Provincial Parks
Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park
The KLO Creek (Myra) Canyon, Bellevue Creek corridor and the Kettle Valley Railway are special features with special character, fragility and heritage values. Angel Springs has mineral deposits with pools, steps, sink holes and small caves.
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
A boater’s paradise, this wilderness park dominates the east side of Okanagan Lake between Kelowna and Penticton. Six marine campgrounds and secluded bays and sheltered sandy beaches tucked into the 33 km of undeveloped shoreline make water exploring a true adventure. Website
Regional Parks
- Bertram Creek Regional Park
- Cedar Mountain Regional Park
- Mill Creek Regional Park
- Mission Creek Greenway
- Robert Lake Regional Park
- Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park
