Kelowna acts as the administrative center for the Regional District of Central Okanagan. The name 'Kelowna' has its roots in the Okanagan language, with 'kiʔláwnaʔ' signifying a female grizzly bear.

Ranked as the third-largest metropolitan area in the province, following Vancouver and Victoria, Kelowna is also the seventh-largest city and the largest one in the interior region. On a national scale, it's the 20th largest metropolitan area in Canada. The city proper covers an area of 211.85 square kilometers, while its census metropolitan area stretches over 2,904.86 square kilometers.

As of 2022 estimates, the city and metropolitan area's populations are 148,340 (2.9% of BC’s total population) and 235,473 respectively. 6% identify as aboriginal.

Over the years, Kelowna expanded into the encircling mountainous regions. However, the city council has recently decided to prioritize increasing density, particularly in the downtown core. This shift in strategy has led to the construction of taller structures, including One Water Street, a 36-story building that currently holds the title as the tallest building in Kelowna. Since this development, numerous high-rise projects have either begun construction or received approval, including a 42-story tower on Leon Avenue that will surpass all others in height.

Neighbouring communities to Kelowna include the City of West Kelowna (also known as Westbank and Westside) located to the west across Okanagan Lake; Lake Country and Vernon to the north; Peachland to the southwest; and Summerland and Penticton to the south.

• Kelowna is a bustling city with a population exceeding 148,000 residents.
• The larger Central Okanagan Regional District is home to 222,162 people.
• The city's total area includes 214 square kilometers of land and 48 square kilometers of water.
• At an elevation of 344 meters (or 1,129 feet) above sea level, Kelowna offers picturesque views.
• The city is nestled along the 110 kilometer long Okanagan Lake.
• During the peak of summer in July and August, the average daytime high reaches a pleasant 27.4 degrees Celsius.
• In contrast, the winter months of December and January see an average daytime high of -0.3 degrees Celsius, with lows around -7.7 degrees Celsius.
• Kelowna enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, accompanied by 28 cm of rainfall.
• The city's annual precipitation sums up to 366.4 mm, comprising 280.7 mm of rain and 105.5 cm of snow.
• Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is amongst Canada's top 10 busiest airports, serving over two million passengers a year through more than 70 daily non-stop commercial flights with 10 airline partners. Its economic contribution includes 4,545 jobs and $789 million in economic output for British Columbia.
• The Kelowna General Hospital, the largest and most comprehensive medical facility in southern B.C., is equipped with a full treatment cancer clinic.
• The city's cultural scene includes several local theatre groups, a symphony orchestra, and various museums and art galleries.
• UBC Okanagan, a top-tier university, caters to over 10,000 students annually.
• Okanagan College, the second-largest trades training institution in the province, hosts a world-class health sciences center and the renowned Okanagan Chef school.
• Together, the Kelowna campuses of UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College have an enrollment of over 23,000 post-secondary students.
• The technology sector significantly contributes to the local economy, having a $1.6 billion economic impact in the region.
• Kelowna proudly flaunts the Okanagan Sunflower as its official floral emblem. This indigenous plant, also known as the Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), is found exclusively in the Okanagan area of B.C. and the Okanogan region of Washington State.

Located in the heart of British Columbia's wine country, nestled between rolling mountains and the crystal clear Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, exceptional outdoor recreational activities, and a climate that is as inviting as the city itself.

Kelowna, situated 344 meters above sea level, boasts a climate that is influenced by its geographical features. The city experiences a humid continental climate which is rather mild by Canadian standards. With four distinct seasons, it provides the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year.

In summer, from June to August, Kelowna experiences long, sunny days and warm temperatures. The average daytime high during July and August reaches a pleasant 27.4 degrees Celsius. These temperatures, combined with more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, make Kelowna a paradise for sun-seekers. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the region to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and of course, water activities on the 110-kilometer-long Okanagan Lake.

As the golden hues of autumn sweep across the vineyards in September and October, the climate remains mild, providing an extended season for wine tours and outdoor exploration. The vibrant fall foliage juxtaposed with the city's modern architecture creates a picturesque spectacle not to be missed.

Winter in Kelowna, from December to February, is typically milder than in many other Canadian cities. The average daytime high during December and January hovers around -0.3 degrees Celsius, with an average low of -7.7 degrees Celsius. Despite the chill, the city receives only 105.5 cm of snow annually, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing without facing extreme cold or heavy snowfall.

Spring is a time of renewal in Kelowna, with temperatures gradually warming up and the Okanagan Sunflower, the city's official floral emblem, starting to bloom. This season also sees the start of the city's annual 28 cm of rain, contributing to the region's lush greenery and helping to cultivate its renowned vineyards.

Kelowna's climate, marked by moderate rainfall and abundant sunshine, is a key factor in the region's successful agriculture sector, particularly its world-class vineyards. The consistent weather conditions promote the growth of a variety of grapes, which local winemakers transform into award-winning wines.

In terms of annual precipitation, Kelowna receives a total of 366.4 mm, which includes both the rain and snowfall. The region's moderate climate plays a vital role in maintaining the area's biodiversity, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Population 148,340, 2.9% of BC’s Total Population, 6% Aboriginal Identity

Median Age 42 years

Households 61,318

Have Children 32%

Homes Owned 67%

Homes Rented 33%

Houses 56%

Apartments 42%

Post-secondary Education 58%

Average Income $108,814

Labour Force Participation 68.2%

Travel to work by car (as driver) 78%

Travel to work by walking 6%

Travel to work by cycling 2%

Sources:

• Environics Research, 2022 Community Snapshot, 2021 Stats Report

Bellevue Canyon

Black Knight Mountain

Crawford Falls

Gallagher's Canyon

Knox Mountain

Layer Cake Hill

Maude-Roxby Wetlands

Mission Creek

Mission Creek Falls

Myra Canyon

Okanagan Lake

Pinnacle Rock

Kelowna is a city of diverse neighbourhoods, each possessing its own unique charm. From thriving arts scenes to peaceful, natural retreats, Kelowna's neighbourhoods cater to a broad spectrum of lifestyles and preferences.

• Belgo
• Benvoulin
• Black Mountain
• Braeloch
• Central City
• Clifton
• Crawford
• Dilworth Mountain
• Downtown
• East Kelowna
• Glenmore
• North Glenmore
• Kettle Valley
• KLO
• McKinley Landing
• Midtown
• Mission
• North End
• Pandosy
• Poplar Point
• Rutland
• South Kelowna
• Southridge
• Quail Ridge

These neighbourhoods are located in one of ten city sectors:

• Black Mountain
• Central City
• Glenmore - Clifton
• Highway 97
• McKinley Landing
• North Mission - Crawford
• Pandosy KLO
• Rutland
• SouthEast Kelowna
• SouthWest Kelowna

Okanagan Mission Secondary School 4544 Gordon Dr

Dorothea Walker Elementary School 4346 Gordon Dr

South Kelowna Elementary School 4176 Spiers Rd

Casorso Elementary School 3675 Casorso Rd

KLO Middle School 3130 Gordon Dr

Black Mountain Elementary School 1650 Gallagher Rd

Hollywood Road Education Services Centre 1040 Hollywood Rd

Belgo Elementary School 125 Adventure Rd

Old Central School Property 1825 Richter St

Springvalley Middle School 350 Ziprick Rd

Springvalley Elementary School 470 Ziprick Rd

South Rutland Elementary School 200 Mallach Rd

Bankhead Elementary School 1280 Wilson Ave

Rutland Middle School 715 Rutland Rd N

Rutland Senior School 650 Dodd Rd

Glenmore Elementary School 960 Glenmore Dr

Pearson Road Elementary School 700 Pearson Rd

Watson Road Elementary 475 Yates Rd

Kelowna Secondary School 1079 Raymer Ave

Rutland Elementary School 620 Webster Rd

Dr. Knox Middle School 121 Drysdale Blvd

Ecole de l'Anse-au-Sable 675 Lequime Rd

Chute Lake Elementary School 5240 Lark St

North Glenmore Elementary School 125 Glenmore Rd N

Anne McClymont Elementary School 4489 Lakeshore Rd

Raymer Elementary School 657 Raymer Ave

A. S. Matheson Elementary School 2090 Gordon Dr

Canyon Falls Middle School 1211 Frost Road

Sources:

• Kelowna Schools Data

The city of Kelowna harbours a rich history. This scenic region was first inhabited around 9,000 years ago by the Syilx Indigenous people, and their descendants continue to reside there.

The area's contact with Europeans started when David Stuart journeyed to the Okanagan Valley in 1811. However, it wasn't until 1859 that the first European settler, Father Pandosy, a French Roman Catholic Oblate missionary, established his settlement. Known as l'Anse au Sable or Bay of Sand, it was named in reference to the sandy shoreline.

Though the population remained modest throughout the 19th century, sustenance fruit growing took off in Kelowna in the 1870s, and by the 1890s, commercial agriculture was firmly rooted. This marked the inception of Kelowna's reputation as a crucial hub for fruit growing, which it maintains to this day.

On May 4, 1905, Kelowna was officially incorporated with a population of 600, and its inaugural mayor was Henry Raymer. In 1893, the Canadian Pacific Railway launched the steamer SS Aberdeen, the first significant transportation link between Kelowna and Penticton, contributing to Kelowna's growth.

Despite agriculture's increasing influence on the region, Kelowna remained entirely dependent on transportation across Okanagan Lake until on September 11, 1925, when the Canadian Pacific Railway extended to Kelowna. This ended Kelowna's reliance on the lake for transportation and trade and further accelerating its growth.

Pasquale 'Cap' Capozzi was a prominent businessman and civic leader who immigrated to Canada from Italy in 1907 when he was just 18 years old. After managing grocery stores in Revelstoke, Trail, and Phoenix, he moved to Kelowna in 1919 and setup a grocery store in the old Lequime building at the end of Bernard Avenue. Initially named the City Grocery, it was later renamed Capozzi's Cash Grocery and operated in this location until 1962.

Capozzi expanded his business interests during the 1930s. In partnership with Guiseppe Ghezzi and W.A.C. Bennett, he established Domestic Wines and By-Products Ltd. (later known as Calona Wines) in 1931. The original plan for the company was to produce apple wine, but they pivoted to grape wine in 1934. This visionary shift marked the birth of the flourishing Okanagan Valley wine industry.

W.A.C. Bennett went on to become the 25th premier of British Columbia from 1952 to 1972. Bennett remains the longest-serving premier of British Columbia with just over 20 years in office. His son, William R. Bennett, became the 27th premier of British Columbia serving from 1975 to 1986.

In May 2005, Kelowna celebrated its centennial. To address the city's growing population and transportation needs, construction began on the five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge that same year, replacing the three-lane Okanagan Lake Bridge. The new bridge was completed in 2008, providing an improved transportation link.

• Calder House
• First United Church (multiple locations?)
• Brent’s Grist Mill
• Father Pandosy (Provincial Heritage Designation)
• Conservation Covenant
• J.D. Pettigrew House
• Glenn Ave School
• Copeland House
• Charles Harvey House
• Guisachan Heritage Park
• Thomson Farm House
• WAC Bennett House
• W.R. Foster House
• Hughes-Games House
• Benvoulin Church
• Tabacco Barn on G Thomson Farm
• Central Elementary (multiple locations?)
• Kelowna Train Station (aka CN Station)
• St. Aidan's Church
• DeHart House
• Leckie House
• Laurel Packinghouse
• Water Street Firehall (aka Kelowna Fire Hall)
• J.N. Thompson House
• G.D. Loane House
• Murchison House
• J.W. Hughes House
• Cross House

• Sources: Heritage Data

• 770 Bernard Avenue
• Annie Sterling House
• Capozzi House
• Dr Shepherd House
• Foster Block
• H.C. Cooper House
• J.W. Jones House
• Lequime’s Store

Sources:

• Other Historic Places