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Quick Facts about Kelowna

  • Kelowna is home to more than 130,000 people.
  • The Central Okanagan Regional District has a population of 198,344.
  • Kelowna encompasses 214 kms of land and 48 kms of water area
  • Kelowna is 344 meters (1,129 feet) above sea level.
  • Okanagan Lake is 110 km long.
  • The average daytime high during July and August is 27.4 C.
  • The average daytime high during December and January is -0.3 C. The average low is -7.7 C.
  • Kelowna receives over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and 28 cm of rain.
  • Total annual precipitation is 366.4 mm. (280.7 mm. of rain and 105.5 cm. of snow).
  • Serving over 1.6 million passengers and offering 66 daily non-stop flights to eight of the largest Kelowna International Airport North American gateway airport  is the 10th busiest airport in Canada

The Region
OKANAGAN VALLEY is one of the warmest regions in all of Canada.  Kelowna sits in the heart of British Columbia’s famed Okanagan Valley with a present population on almost 130,000.  The valley is renowned for its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, bountiful orchards, and world class vineyards.

The region’s long warm summers, short mild winters and abundant sunshine year-round provide unsurpassed opportunities for growing fruits and vegetables and having year-round outdoor adventure.

The Necessities and the Niceties
There is so much here to talk about. After all …what isn’t nice?

With more than 130,000 people, Kelowna has shopping, dining, and entertainment to suit to every taste and budget. Our local shops stock the latest fashions and unique gifts and restaurants celebrate local produce paired with award winning wines from the Okanagan valley. Enjoy the fun holiday atmosphere that the Okanagan is known for all year through.

Arts & Entertainment

Kelowna’s Cultural District is the city’s creative hub for musicians, artists and performers. There are many organizations and venues hosting year round events.  Just to name a few highlights.

Kelowna Community Theater host to theater productions, film festivals and is home to our very own Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.

The Rotary Centre for the Arts has the 332 seat Mary Irwin theatre, rehearsal hall, studios for art, pottery, and dance, and is hosts many cultural functions.

Kelowna Actors Studio, a 60-year-old former apple storage warehouse, is home to a professional theatre company offering a full season of dramatic entertainment and musicals.

Prospera Place, a 6,000-seat arena, hosting concerts, events, and is the home of our very own Western Hockey League’s Kelowna Rockets.

Kelowna has four Museums and many Art Galleries, which exhibit local, national and international works.

Kelowna has several amazing Farmers Markets showcasing the bounty of our culture here in the Okanagan.

Wineries

The Okanagan Valley is the oldest and largest wine growing region in British Columbia.  Our hot, dry weather has helped create one of North America’s most productive successful wine regions. Many of our wines winning national and international awards.

Our first winery, Colona Vineyards, opened in 1931. We have now grown to more than 120 sophisticated and charming wineries surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking scenery. There are always things to do, place’s to go and wine to sample, whilst exploring the region.

Wine Festivals held in the spring, summer and fall offer hundreds of activities focused on wine touring, making, tasting and food pairing.

Golfing

The Okanagan Valley is a golfer’s paradise. With an average of 2,000 hours of sun every year, the Okanagan offers one of the longest golf seasons in Canada and hosts world class courses.

The valley has more than 50 golf courses, fourteen of which are within a few minutes’ drive of Kelowna.  If you’re an expert golfer or giving it a try for the first time, there’s a course for you.

Winter Sports

Kelowna is situated half way along Lake Okanagan, a long narrow lake that stretches more than 110 kilometres up the valley, There are another 200 freshwater lakes in the region perfect for all kinds of fun on hot summer days.

With beaches spotted throughout the valley there are endless opportunities.  From extreme adventure of Jet packing and fly boarding to a tranquil canoe or kayaking ride on the lake.

If you’re a land lover you’ll experience some of the best hiking, biking and golf for all levels.

With its snow-capped mountains and inspiring views, the Okanagan Valley is an exhilarating place for skiing and snowboarding.

The light, dry powder snow of nearby Monashee Mountains challenges every level of downhill enthusiast. There are four ski resorts within a short drive of the city. Big White Ski Resort with 118 runs serviced by 15 lifts, enjoys more than 24 feet of powder snow a year.

For those who prefer to explore the forest on snowshoes or cross-country skis, local ski clubs provide 85 kilometres of groomed trails.

Summer Sports

Kelowna is situated half way along Lake Okanagan, a long narrow lake that stretches more than 110 kilometres up the valley, There are another 200 freshwater lakes in the region perfect for all kinds of fun on hot summer days.

With beaches spotted throughout the valley there are endless opportunities.  From extreme adventure of Jet packing and fly boarding to a tranquil canoe or kayaking ride on the lake.

If you’re a land lover you’ll experience some of the best hiking, biking and golf for all levels.

Kelowna is situated half way along Lake Okanagan, a long narrow lake that stretches more than 110 kilometres up the valley, perfect for swimming and boating on hot summer days.

There are another 200 other freshwater lakes in the region.