Kelowna — city in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley

Geography and neighbouring communities

Kelowna occupies a narrow corridor between the lake and surrounding hills. Nearby communities form a continuous urban and rural region; these include:

• West Kelowna (also called Westbank or Westside) across Okanagan Lake
• Lake Country and Vernon to the north
• Peachland to the southwest, and Summerland and Penticton farther south

Economy and land use

Kelowna's economy blends services, light industry, education and agriculture. The surrounding valley is a productive fruit- and grape-growing region: orchards and vineyards contribute to the area's food and wine industries and to tourism. The city also supports health care, retail, construction and a growing technology and creative sector. Post-secondary institutions and research facilities add to the local knowledge economy.

Climate, recreation and culture

The climate is relatively dry for coastal British Columbia, with warm, sunny summers and cool winters—conditions that favour outdoor recreation and viticulture. Residents and visitors use the lake for boating, fishing and swimming, while nearby mountains provide skiing, mountain biking and hiking opportunities. Kelowna hosts cultural events, farmers' markets, galleries and festivals that reflect its mix of local agriculture, Indigenous heritage and contemporary arts.

Transport links include highways and a regional airport that connect Kelowna to other parts of the province and beyond. Locally it is sometimes nicknamed "Ktown." While it is not among Canada's largest metropolitan areas, Kelowna is notable for its scenic setting, growing economy and role as the urban centre of the Okanagan region.