Area Information

 

Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley boasting 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, or you may wish to visit one of many championship golf courses in the area.

Situated on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake midway 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 kinds. 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, manufacturing of trucks, boats, plastics, Fiberglas, body armour and oil-field equipment, Kelowna also has a growing high technology sector that includes computer software development as well as aerospace development and service.

Kelowna's airport is the 12th busiest in Canada with over 40 flights a day; it's also one of the fastest growing in North America. We have recently embarked on a multi-year airport expansion plan to better serve the needs of the traveling public; this will soon include direct flights to and from Europe and Australia.

With new and modern facilities such as Prospera Place, a 6,000 seat multipurpose facility, the Rotary Arts Centre, plus our scenic Waterfront Park, and more, the downtown core has a lot to offer to anyone living in the area.