Located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, approximately 380 km from Vancouver, Kelowna is a paradise waiting to be discovered. The city is the third largest in the province of British Columbia, with about 215,000 residents. Although not as popular among foreign tourists, Kelowna is an excellent place to live, offering a lower cost of living than major metropolitan areas. The city boasts beautiful parks, lakes, mountains, and one of Canada’s best climates, with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
The city is renowned for its fruit cultivation and award-winning wineries. The region produces apples, grapes, peaches, and berries that are exported to other parts of the country and around the world. Additionally, it is a vacation destination for many Canadians, especially in the summer, when the warm weather supports outdoor activities and sports.
Employment in Kelowna, BC
According to a BMO study, Kelowna’s job market was ranked the third best in Canada in 2019, behind Saskatoon, SK, and Guelph, ON. The BC government estimates the creation of 95,600 new jobs in the region by 2029.
The services sector is very strong in the area. The tourism industry employs about 12,000 people and generates over CAD $1.25 billion for the city’s economy.
The region is also a significant wine producer, with more than 200 wineries, often compared to Napa Valley in California. The Okanagan Valley accounts for about 90% of all wines produced in British Columbia.
In addition to wine, the region has over 800 fruit producers, generating more than CAD $130 million in sales and contributing approximately CAD $900 million to the city’s economy. The sector employs about 1,500 people in production, packaging, and processing processes.
The city provides a favourable environment for starting new businesses, with less competition and lower operating costs than in larger cities. The Okanagan Lake region offers startup and small business acceleration programs for entrepreneurs looking to establish and expand their operations.
For those seeking job opportunities, Kelowna has a dedicated website for job searches in the city. It is also possible to use WorkBC and BCJobs, which are exclusive to the province of British Columbia, in addition to well-known platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Job Bank.
Education in Kelowna, BC
Kelowna hosts a campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC), with about 10,000 students and more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields. The campus has undergone a series of expansions and has nearly doubled in size since its founding. UBC, whose main campus is in Vancouver, is ranked as the 34th best university in the world according to the Times Higher Education ranking in 2020.
Another key educational institution is Okanagan College, with about 8,500 students (approximately 1,000 of whom are international), making it one of British Columbia’s largest colleges. The institution offers one of the country’s only programs in sustainable construction.
The city is also a low-cost destination for those interested in study abroad programs, being about 40% to 50% cheaper than major Canadian cities. According to Statistics Canada, over 90% of residents speak English as their primary language (compared to about 50% in Toronto), which provides greater immersion for students wanting to learn English. The main language schools include VanWest College, Focus College, and International Gateway Kelowna.
It is important to note that international students in British Columbia have access to the public health care system for just CAD $75 per month, which is a significant advantage compared to other Canadian provinces.
Housing in Kelowna, BC
Despite a significant increase in housing prices in recent years, Kelowna remains one of British Columbia’s most affordable cities for rent, infinitely cheaper than Vancouver. A study showed that the average rent is CAD $1,233 for a one-bedroom apartment and CAD $1,912 for a two-bedroom unit.
According to RE/MAX, the average home sale price in Kelowna in 2019 was CAD $584,793, one of the lowest values in British Columbia. The number of sales dropped 33% compared to 2018.
The search for real estate is much less competitive than in Vancouver, where the housing market is one of the most challenging in the world. However, availability in Kelowna may be lower from May to August, when many owners rent their properties to tourists spending the summer in the city.
Although most of the city’s population is Canadian, foreigners note a stronger sense of community and integration among residents. The feeling of welcome in Kelowna is much greater than in major Canadian metropolises.
While safe by Brazilian standards, Kelowna has a high crime rate, ranked as the 35th most dangerous city in Canada. Most incidents involve property damage, such as vandalism, thefts, and break-ins. However, the situation has improved significantly in recent years.
Transportation in Kelowna, BC
As a low-density city, Kelowna residents rely heavily on cars. The city has the highest number of cars per capita in Canada, earning the nickname “Carlowna.” It is estimated that all drivers in the city collectively travel four times the distance from Earth to the Moon in a single week.
This is due to the city’s sprawling layout, which increases travel distances. For context, the metropolitan area of Kelowna is slightly larger than that of Vancouver, which has a population ten times greater. The advantage is that auto insurance and fuel are much cheaper than in Vancouver.
Those who do not want to own a car can use a car-sharing system like Modo, where you rent a vehicle only for the period needed—it could be just a few hours.
The city also has an excellent public transportation system operated by BC Transit. There are 29 bus lines and a BRT known as RapidBus. More express lines are planned for the future. A single fare costs CAD $2.50, while a monthly pass is CAD $70 (CAD $55 for students).
Kelowna also has its own airport, with regular flights to major Canadian destinations and some seasonal flights to vacation spots like Las Vegas, Cuba, and Mexico.
There have been no passenger trains in the city since 1967, when the Kelowna-Kamloops line ceased operations. Nevertheless, the old station has been designated a historic site and can be visited by tourists.
Climate in Kelowna, BC
Kelowna experiences one of Canada’s mildest winters, thanks to its location by Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains, which shield the valley from severe cold fronts. Negative temperatures typically last only a few days, and there is almost no rain in winter.
Summers are hot and sunny, with temperatures easily exceeding 30°C. Heat waves are common from June to September.
Leisure and Tourism in Kelowna, BC
Kelowna attracts nearly 2 million visitors annually, most seeking the region’s outdoor attractions and natural beauty. In winter, the surrounding mountains transform into excellent ski and snowboarding resorts. In summer, the city’s climate is ideal for activities like golf, canoeing, cycling, and touring the beautiful wineries.
Ski Resorts
Located about 60 km from Kelowna, Big White is one of Canada’s largest ski resorts, featuring a massive 777-metre descent and abundant snow. There are 119 runs, most at an intermediate level. One unique feature is night skiing, one of the few in western Canada. For non-skiers, there are options like tubing and sledding.
Another well-known resort is SilverStar Mountain Resort, which offers mountain biking and downhill trails in summer, in addition to ski and snowboarding runs in winter.
Kettle Valley Railway
An old railway built between 1910 and 1915, now decommissioned, offering about 650 km of recreational trails with stunning mountain views. One of the most famous sections passes through Myra Canyon, featuring about 18 viaducts and bridges.
Wineries
There are more than 40 wineries in Kelowna, all within 20 minutes of the city centre. They can be explored through guided tours or by following one of the trails suggested by the city’s tourism department.
Frequency Winery is a blend of recording studio and winery. The creators believe that musical sound frequencies influence the quality and flavour of the wine, so the wines age to the sounds of musical instruments on site.
Another unique winery is Summerhill Pyramid Winery, which features a large pyramid on the property. The owners study the effects of geometry on liquids, and various blind tests have shown that wines stored in the pyramid have better aroma and are smoother than those stored outside. The wines have won numerous international awards, so it must be true.
The Hatch is a modern winery known for its hipster vibe and cool branding. Tours are accompanied by hip-hop music and led by entertaining staff.
For those looking to splurge, options include a convertible tour or a helicopter ride. There is also a spa offering vinotherapy treatments using grape-derived products.
You can also visit the Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum to learn more about the region’s wine industry and orchard cultivation history.
Farms
In addition to wineries, visitors can explore fruit farms and artisanal producers. Some offer guided tours and experiences like fruit picking and picnics. Highlights include: Carmelis, where you can sample goat cheeses and gelatos produced on site; Okanagan Lavender, offering workshops and aromatherapy sessions; Arlo’s Honey Farm, producing honey and related products like propolis, candles, and soaps; and The Jammery, which makes fruit jams without added sugar. The full list of farms in the region can be found on this website.
Beaches
There are more than 30 beaches in Kelowna, which become very busy in the summer months. Among the most famous are Hot Sands Beach and Boyce-Gyro Beach, both equipped with playgrounds, sports courts, and public changing rooms. The full list of public beaches in the region can be found on this website.
Some beaches also feature floating water parks, ideal for children over 5 years old. Wibit Water Parks can be accessed by purchasing a pass starting at CAD $25.
Okanagan Heritage Museum
This museum, recently renovated, tells the story of the Okanagan Valley with a collection of artifacts including Kelowna’s oldest cabin and an original preserved Chinatown store.
Father Pandosy Mission
Kelowna’s first European settlement, founded in 1860 by three missionaries sent to the region. The mission operated until 1906, when it was deactivated. Today, it is a historic site where visitors can see the original chapel, barn, and houses from the era.
Arion Therapeutic Farm
At this farm, you can spend the day with animals like goats, llamas, sheep, and donkeys. Activities include feeding, grooming, or simply playing with the animals. There are also options like picnics, jam-making, and horse demonstrations.
Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
A market with over 165 local producers, where you can find fruits, vegetables, and crafts. It operates from April to October, Wednesday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., next to the Orchard Park Shopping Centre.
Kelowna Art Gallery
This is the region’s premier art museum, with an extensive collection of Canadian artists featuring about 850 works, plus temporary exhibitions and art classes.
Orchard Park Shopping Centre
Downtown Kelowna offers various shops and boutiques, but for the convenience of an indoor mall, visit Orchard Park, the largest in the region, with about 170 stores, including well-known brands like Sephora, Best Buy, and Foot Locker.