Nestled in a glorious range of mountains Kelowna lies in an area of pristine lakes, pine forests, abundant gardens, orchards and vineyards, sandy beaches, and superb amenities. Kelowna is the largest city on the shores of the stunning Okanagan Lake, a recreational paradise with miles of beautiful parkland and several sandy beaches that provide wonderful opportunities for swimming, boating, water-skiing, windsurfing and fishing. Even Kelowna's mainstreet ends at the lake! The region is becoming one of Canada's premier golf destination, with 17 courses ranging from easy-going to ego-shattering. If you're a wine enthusiast, touring Kelowna is a must. There are more than 20 unique wineries offering tours and tastings for all palates.
Okanagan Lake
The stunning Okanagan Lake spans 110km from north to the south. The town of Vernon sits to the northern end with Penticton to the south. Kelowna sits just about half way between and the east and west sides of the lake are connected by the 5-lane William R. Bennett Bridge. The Lake is welcoming and refreshing during the hot summer, but it also has its mysteries; tombs and lake creatures, hidden coves and isolated beaches, with around 30 beaches in total ranging in size and scope. Many are equipped with playgrounds, shops & restaurants and public facilities.
On the water itself you will find houseboats, ski boats, personal water craft, sailboats, pedal-boats, kayaks and canoes - there is almost every kind of craft for water enthusiasts. If being in or on the lake isn't your thing, romantic lakeside patio dining or a leisurely boardwalk stroll is an equally enjoyable way to enjoy the lake while staying dry.
About Kelowna
Relatively undiscovered, Kelowna is never too crowded despite playing host to visitors the world over. The local Kelowna Airport may be the 10th busiest in Canada but is still small enough to be very easy to use and allows easy connects across Canada and North American. It is just a 60-minute flight from Calgary or Vancouver and 70 minutes from Seattle. Daily direct flights to Toronto are also available.
Kelowna has lots of accommodation options from luxury lakeside resorts to basic motels to suit all tastes and budgets. The city has miles of beautiful parkland, and several sandy beaches which provide wonderful opportunities for boating, swimming, water-skiing, windsurfing and fishing. If you are a keen golfer, you can hit the links at one of the many golf courses nine months out of the year. In winter, the snow-capped mountains and pine filled forests are a haven for skiers, boarders, snowmobilers and outdoor adventurists of all types and levels.
Orchards and vineyards thrive within a 10-minute drive from the downtown core and provide seasonal delights year round. You can pluck ripe cherries or juicy peaches from trees, or spend a day sampling the award-winning wares of the nearby internationally acclaimed wineries. The Spring, Summer and Fall Wine Festivals offer hundreds of activities focused on wine making, tasting and touring.
That’s not all. Kelowna’s growing Cultural District covers a six-block downtown area and features a concentration of galleries, museums, theatres, a casino, artists’ studios, fine dining, unique shops and a vibrant cultural life all year long. Prospera Place, a 6,000-seat multi-purpose facility that’s home to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, attracts major entertainers and events, and is also located in the heart of the city.
A trip to Kelowna would not be complete without taking the time to search for Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster that reputedly resides in Okanagan Lake. The myth dates back to the Interior Salish Native people who exchanged stories of a lake creature, or “N’ha-a-itk”, over 100 years ago. The creature later became known as Ogopogo and purported sightings over the years continue to strengthen the legend. To “see” Ogopogo for yourself, be sure to visit the statue of the creature found on Bernard Avenue near Kelowna’s City Park.
Kelowna has a semi-arid climate. Its summers are dry and sunny and winters are cold. It is a true 4 season location.
Daily Average Temperatures in Kelowna (low / high degrees Celcius)
Jan: -7 / 0
Feb: -5 / 3
Mar: -2 / 9
Apr: 1 / 15
May: 5 / 20
Jun: 9 / 24
Jul: 10 / 28
Aug: 10 / 27
Sep: 6 / 22
Oct: 1 / 13
Nov: -2 / 5
Dec: -6 / 1
