Kelowna is the third largest Metro area in the Province of British Columbia, with a population estimated around 170 000 currently.
Kelowna is located in the Okanagan valley, often referred to as Napa north locally, due to its semi-arid climate (only 12 inches of rain a year), hot summers, numerous vineyards / orchards, and the presence of many great basin species that are at or near their northern extent (antelope brush, sagebrush, cactus, rattlesnakes, bull snakes, rubber boa, ponderosa pine, etc...). Kelwona is actually the wettest part of the Okanagan valley, which is very dry to the south and north of the city.
Kelowna has recently been focussing hard on proper urban development in the downtown core. Several new condo towers have been added over the past 5 years and there are several more proposed (along with an 18 floor office tower that is now u/c in mid town). While there is still a lot of work to be done to reach this goal, Kelowna is a fun city that has something to offer to all walks of life, from amazing hikes in the local parks and hills, to a surprisingly active night life, to the countless summer beach / water activities along to the lake, to wine tours, to visiting such historical areas as the Kettle Valley railroad.
I took these pics just a few days ago as I was staying up there with a few friends, enjoy!
We will start with a few shots of downtown Kelowna from Knox Mountain, a beautiful provincial park directly west of downtown (and easily accessible)
As one continues to walk through the park you are treated to beautiful grassland / ponderosa pine landscapes.
Then, as the trail wraps around the west side of the mountain, there are even ore views to behold. About 2 km from here the trail ends at a wonderful swimming spot called Paul's Tomb."
Later the same day I went to a local winery for some wine tasting, always a fun activity, and again, the setting is not what one would expect from Canada!
Of course house boating is a major attraction in Kelowna during the summer months.
Downtown is a very fun place to be, with a very relaxing lake shore walk and many nice local stores. (PS - That is Knox Mountain in the background)
A couple new condos creating a new street wall downtown.
A big surprise here, but nestled away downtown beside city hall is a very lovely Japanese garden.
High up in the hills to the east of the city is the famous historical Kettle Valley Railway, which has now been turned into a very popular cycling trail. One crosses over 18 trestles and travels through several tunnels along the Kelowna portion alone!
As you may have noticed this entire area was burned by a natural forest fire in 2003 (many of these trestles were re-built after they burned down) This picture is taken from the trail, looking down into the valley. You can see the downtown towers if you look hard.
If anyone here is planning to come to Canada, be sure to visit BC in the summer, not only is there Vancouver, Victoria, the mountains, etc... but the Okanagan Valley has many attractions to offer, and is indeed my favorite place in Canada!
All pics are my own: My flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3063463...th/5925647202/
Cheers!
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Might be back for Peachfest. Checked out the Carls Jr. in Kelowna.. hehe, its like a more expensive Burger King. Kelowna just keeps growing so much, its very lively, and the downtown is great. Was in Kelowna last Canada Day too for the fireworks, they were great.
January is the coldest month, in the city area the average high is +1 Degrees C with an average low of -5 degrees C.
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