INTRODUCTION TO KELOWNA

The Central Okanagan, located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in the heart of Southern B.C., is comprised of the following areas:

1. Kelowna
2. Westbank
3. Peachland
4. Lake Country (incl. Joe Riche & Ellison)
5. Lakeview Heights

Kelowna is located approximately 325 kilometers north east of Vancouver, 60 kilometers north of Penticton and 50 kilometers south of Vernon. Kelowna is the largest city in the Central Okanagan and has developed into a major commercial and regional centre. The Central Okanagan has an estimated population of about 167,936.

Situated in the Central Okanagan on the eastern shores of Lake Okanagan, along Highway 97, is a spot blessed with spectacular mountain scenery. Here nature cradles pristine lakes and trims them with warm, sandy beaches and blossom - dusted hillsides.

Kelowna, the largest city in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, is well known for it's beauty and recently placed second in the Nations Bloom International competition. It is a haven for year round wine touring and outdoor adventure, golfing and agri-tourism, skiing and of course summer boating, swimming, camping and family attractions and anything in between .

Harvest Golf Course

Kelowna has miles of beautiful parklands, many of which are on sandy beaches with grassy picnic areas, playgrounds, washrooms and concession stands. The public City Park also offers a kid's water park, skateboard park, sports field and restaurant. Then take a stroll through serene gardens in an orchard setting, surrounded by mountain views and pastoral countryside, at Elysium Garden and Nursery.

Watch Kokanee Salmon make their way up to the spawning channel in the fall at Mission Creek Regional Park or go to the Environmental Education Centre with it's drought - tolerant demonstration garden, nature trails and ponds. Visit Kelowna Land and Orchard Co. where your family can learn about fruit production while taking a ride through this working orchard. A petting zoo, teahouse restaurant and gift shop are also available. Not far away, The Jammery turns this fruit into jams and preservatives.

The nearby mountains attract hikers, mountain bikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions. Enjoy an easy stroll in Knox Mountain Park with its unparallel view of the city, or take an overnight backpacking trip through Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

In the winter, this mountainous terrain can also be explored with excellent cross-country tracks and some of the most exhilarating downhill skiing around. Big White Ski Resort, the second largest ski resort in British Columbia, spreads out over a distance of more than 10 kilometers. Take a ride above the cloud line, with beautiful mountain vistas aboard Canada's longest high-speed quad chair lift. There are also three other major ski hills within a one-hour drive from Kelowna.

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.

Kelowna was incorporated in May 1905 when our population consisted of 600 people and farming was the economic mainstay of the region. Today more than 100,000 people call Kelowna home and we're considered by many to be one of the most livable cities in Canada.

Additional Facts

• Kelowna is home to over 109,000 people
• The Central Okanagan Regional District has a population of 167,936
• Kelowna is well known for its hot summers and its temperate winters
• The average daytime high during July and August is 27.40 C
• The average daytime high during December and January is -0.30 C. The average low is -7.70 C
• Kelowna receives over 2000 hours of sunshine annually and just over 11 inches of rain
• Total annual precipitation is 366.4mm. (280.7mm. of rain and 105.5cm. of snow
• Okanagan Lake is 110 km. (68 miles) long
• Okanagan Lake Bridge (built in 1958) is the longest floating bridge in North America (7/8 mile)
• Kelowna encompasses 101.2 square miles
• Kelowna is 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
• Kelowna is home to several local theatre groups, a symphony orchestra, a museum and numerous art galleries
• Okanagan University College has two Kelowna campuses and along with degree programs, offers a wide range of adult education and trades courses