About Kelowna

Kelowna boasts 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, while several championship golf courses draw enthusiasts from all parts of the globe.

Situated on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake mid-way 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 descriptions. Three major ski hills are within a one-hour drive.

Amenities

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 to the heart of our Cultural District.

The new Rotary Centre for the Arts is a significant feature of the district, which was named a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2003.

Waterfront Park is a showcase of the area with lagoons, an outdoor amphitheatre and a wooden boardwalk that links Tugboat Beach and the residential area to the north with the Grand Okanagan Hotel and the downtown.

Stuart Park, located on the Waterfront Promenade across from City Hall on Water Street, will be developed over the next several years.

History

Kelowna was incorporated in May 1905 when the population consisted of 600 people and farming was the economic mainstay of the region. Today over 100,000 people call Kelowna home and it’s considered by many to be one of the most livable cities in Canada.