Relocation Guide

Located between Vancouver and Calgary along the east shores of Lake Okanagan one finds where we call home. Our endless summers, boardwalks, orchards, wineries, mild winters and countless recreational pursuits all year round from beaches to back country ski bowls is what keeps us here. We appreciate clean air, access to excellent physicians, world class health care, easier urban commutes, flip flops, an international airport, parks, restaurants, and shopping. We know you will as well!

Getting Here

Easily accessible by major transportation, getting to Kelowna couldn’t be easier. Vancouver is just a 4-hour drive away and Calgary just slightly longer at 6.5 hours. For visits from farther afield, the Kelowna Airport (YLW) offers regular flights to major cities across North America and connections throughout the world. Several smaller airlines also service the region for quick access to smaller communities throughout British Columbia and Alberta. Regardless of where you need to go, Kelowna has all the access to transportation you need to get there quickly.

Topography

The city center itself is relatively flat valley bottom – meaning that many people living in the downtown core find it easy to walk or bike to work, school, or shopping. Several surrounding hillsides provide the opportunity to enjoy the expansive views down Okanagan Lake or across the valley. Higher up in the hills you’ll find Big White Mountain, which offers year-round pursuits for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and mountain bikers. The Kelowna area is an excellent place to consider purchasing property – as it has a variety of options so you can find the perfect location.

Crime & Protection

Kelowna residents can feel safe knowing that the RCMP is a short distance away. The area is protected by three policing stations located throughout the city. Due to an increased police force and changes in approach, Kelowna has seen a steadily falling crime rate in the past few years, with a 12 percent reduction in the crime severity index and 13 percent reduction in overall crime as of 2014.

Jobs & Economy

Major economic contributors in the Kelowna area include a large fruit growing industry, tourism, forestry, light industrial, and manufacturing. Kelowna also is home to a burgeoning high tech sector which has resulted in Kelowna’s nickname as the “Silicon Valley of the North.” With easy access to Vancouver and other major cities throughout Canada and the US, Kelowna is a terrific place for new businesses looking to find a toehold. According to Kelowna’s 2014 Community Trends Report, Kelowna offers wages on par with the rest of the province, while the unemployment rate is below the Canadian average.

Health

As a major city, Kelowna offers a variety of health care options. The city has recently renovated Kelowna General Hospital, including adding a new, 360,000 square-foot consolidated health services building as well as a medical teaching facility. Outside of the acute care at the hospital, residents will find a variety of health clinics, pharmacies, dentists, alternative health care services, and more within the downtown core, as well as services near their local neighborhood. As a popular retirement location, Kelowna also features a range of nursing homes and in-home health care services so families can find assistance for their loved ones in their golden years.

Shopping

Kelowna’s Orchard Park is the largest shopping mall between Vancouver and Calgary, offering over 170 stores. Throughout Kelowna, you’ll find a range of big box stores to meet your needs, including Costco, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Superstore. For a more personal experience, try visiting some of the many boutique and locally-owned shops throughout the area, or visit one of the year-round farmer’s or crafter’s markets to buy directly from the producer and strengthen the local economy. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Kelowna.

Education

Kelowna is part of School District 23 and includes 41 public schools. Parents also have the option of enrolling their children in one of the many private and independent schools in the area. The area offers Waldorf, Montessori, French Immersion, and religious-based schools to suit your needs. Within the Kelowna area, students can further their studies at Okanagan College, the University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus), or one of many trade or community colleges. Many continuing education options are also offered for adults looking to increase their skill level or learn something new.