Kelowna & Area

Kelowna is the heart of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, the third-largest metropolitan area in British Columbia (after the Vancouver and Victoria), and the largest in the British Columbia Interior. With scenic lake vistas and a dry, mild climate, Kelowna has become one of the fastest growing cities in North America. The Okanagan’s climate and vineyard-filled scenery has been compared to California.

First settled by missionaries in 1859, Kelowna was officially incorporated in 1905. Nearby communities include Lake Country and Vernon to the north, West Kelowna and Peachland to the southwest. and further to the south you’ll find Summerland and Penticton. As the largest city in the tourist-oriented Okanagan Valley, the service and tourism industries employs the most people in Kelowna. Boating is popular in the summer, and in winter locals enjoy alpine skiing at Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Ski Resort.

Kelowna produces wines that have received a worldwide recognition. Vineyards are common around and south of the city where the climate is ideal for the many wineries. Notable ones include the Mission Hill Estate Winery, specifically for its unique architectural design and world-class wines. Kelowna is also the home of Sun-Rype, a popular manufacturer of fruit juice and snacks.

With roots dating back to 1965, Okanagan College is the predominant centre for vocational and undergraduate post-secondary education in Kelowna. With over 5000 full-time students it constitutes the largest college in British Columbia outside the Lower Mainland and Victoria. The University of British Columbia took over the North Kelowna campus of Okanagan University College (now Okanagan College) on July 1, 2005. While UBCO continues to offer many of OUC’s undergraduate programs, UBC Okanagan also offers Engineering and Management undergraduate programs and has developed Graduate programs in most disciplines.