The city of Kelowna is the Okanagan’s largest population centre and a very popular destination for all types of travelers. One of Kelowna’s first settler was Father Pandosy who established a home in Lower Mission near Mission Creek in the 1860s. This area was quickly one of the largest farming operations in the valley. The earliest settlers began with cattle ranching – which was an industry needed to feed the Cariboo gold miners and other people who soon settled in the Kelowna area. With the Kettle Valley Railway line soon connecting Kelowna to Okanagan Landing, Kelowna became a new town in 1892. Kelowna became a city in 1905 and continues to this day to experience continued growth.

There is truly something for everyone in every season. From biking, hiking, lake activities, golfing and winery tours to skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding – Kelowna offers a plethora of activities. There are always festivals on the go, wonderful restaurants, great shopping, museums, galleries and spas where you can relax away the day.

Okanagan Lake is home to Ogopogo, the Okanagan Valley’s own version of the Loch Ness Monster. So keep you eyes open, maybe you’ll be the one to solve the legend.
Crossing the great Okanagan Lake is the longest floating bridge – opened in 1958 it gave Kelowna the ability to expand relationships with Westbank on the other side of the Lake.

Westbank was initially settled by the Allison Family in 1870. They built a log cabin on the bench overlooking Okanagan Lake. Their original family home still stands today and is now the home of Quail’s Gate Winery. With hiking, lake activities, golfing, wineries, provincial parks, camping and many more activities there is plenty of things to do when visiting the west side of the lake. Bear Creek Provincial Park is a wonderful place to camp or just have a picnic. With over 23 km of hiking trails, you are bound to see some wonderful things nestled in amongst their natural habitat.

Westbank has two main golf courses: Shannon Lake Golf Course is 5,506 yards, par 72, 18-hole championship course. It offers panoramic views and is a challenge for all levels of play. Vintage Hills Golf Course is 4,661 yards, par 63, 18-hole course. It has views of the lake and hills with a wonderful design by Les Furber.

Whether you are an avid adventurer, a wine connoisseur or just looking for a bit of relaxation and fun, Kelowna and Westbank offer a wonderful vacation or better yet a whole new lifestyle.