Dr. Alana Hendrickson

Kelowna is a city in the southern part of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated along the alluring banks of Okanagan Lake, in the middle of the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The name of the city was derived from an Okanagan word that translates to “Grizzly Bear” in English. The city is inhabited by the Okanagan/Syilx people.

Alongside Lake Country, Peachland, and West Kelowna, Kelowna forms part of the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Kelowna has a population of about 142,000, making it the largest community in the Regional District.

Although there are no clear records of the first settlement in this region, it could be traced that migration to the Okanagan Valley happened about 9,000 years ago. The Syilx people were the first to move to the region, hence, they are the indigenous people of Kelowna and its surrounding communities. 

The first European to travel to the Okanagan Valley was David Stuart, in the year 1811. However, Stuart didn’t settle in the Valley. After about 48 years from the time Stuart visited, another European from France, Father Pandosy, became the first to settle in the Valley. It was at the beginning of the 20th century the population of Kelowna began to experience some significant growth, thanks to fruit farming and commercial agriculture. 

On May 4, 1905, Kelowna became a Municipal Corporation with a population of just 600 and had its first Mayor as Henry Raymer. The beautiful city of Kelowna has vegetation that is characterized by Balsamorhiza Sagittata, a flower that is popularly known as Arrowleaf Balsamroot. 

According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Kelowna has what is known as an inland oceanic climate or humid continental climate. Kelowna City is classified as an inland oceanic climate because the city’s coldest month has an average temperature of about 28.4 ^oF (-2 ^oC). Just like every other city in Canada, Kelowna has four seasons, and it is considered as one of the non-coastal cities with the mildest winter. 

The economy of Kelowna is largely dependent on tourism and most of the inhabitants of the city work with the service industry. The Silver Star and Big White Ski resorts are popular spots for snowboarding and skiing during winter. In Summer, activities such as biking, boating, hiking, and golf are common in Kelowna. The tourism industry generates over $1bn every year for Kelowna.

Aside from tourism, Kelowna is known for fruit farming. There are vineyards and multiple wineries located in the city, and the wines produced from these facilities have given Kelowna international recognition. Also, Sun-Rype, a popular Canadian beverage and snack company is located in Kelowna. 

In terms of education, The University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus and Okanagan College are popular centers for tertiary education. Both institutions have a combined population of over 17,000 students, making the region vibrant and youthful. 

Kelowna City is growing rapidly and it is regarded as one of the fastest developing cities in North America. The quality of life in the city of Kelowna is termed “very good”, thanks to the safety and easy accessibility of the location. The great weather of Kelowna coupled with job opportunities and recreational activities makes it one of the nicest places in Canada. 

FAQ

How Good is it to live in Kelowna BC?

Apart from being known as one of the top spots in Canada for vacation destinations, Kelowna is also an amazing place to live. Most tourists that come to Kelowna for vacation always desire to relocate to the city. Kelowna is located in the heart of the Okanagan valley, thus, having beautiful beaches and access to nature. If you love nature a lot, Kelowna would be a great place for you to live.

However, to every good thing, there is at least a downside to it. Due to the amazing features of Kelowna, living in the city comes at a slightly higher price. Nevertheless, it is not as expensive as in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. 

Kelowna is inhabited by friendly people and the weather is perfect for different outdoor activities. The city is a good place for families, home buyers, and retirees. In terms of education, you have good options for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education. 

Is Kelowna an expensive city to live in?

Kelowna is one of the most preferred places to live in Canada. It has amazing features that make it an exciting place all year round. For this reason, the price tag for things like accommodation is somewhat high when compared to some places in Canada.

However, Kelowna is not as expensive as places like Toronto and Vancouver. Therefore, it is a city that is affordable for an average earner. 

What is the city of Kelowna Known for?

Kelowna received international recognition for its vineyards and wineries. If you are a wine lover, visiting Kelowna would be a beautiful experience because there are wines in abundant. You will hardly find foreign wine in Kelowna especially when you are at a local gathering. Most of the wines are locally made with great taste.

Apart from the vineyards and wineries, Kelowna is known for other recreational activities such as boating, hiking, skiing, golfing, etc.