| 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.
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