5 Reasons To Live In The Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley is one of the most beautiful destinations in Canada. Stretching over 200km from Osoyoos to Sicamous, the scenery of interior B.C has captured the hearts of vacationers, retirees, and people relocating here from all over the world. There are 14 municipalities within the Okanagan Valley, including Penticton, Vernon, and the city of Kelowna. Whether it is the lakes, mountains, the wineries, hot summers and mild winters – the Okanagan Valley has much to offer.
We’ve compiled a list of 5 of the many reasons to live in the Okanagan down below.
REASON #1: HIKING AND ADVENTURE AROUND EVERY CORNER
The Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in Canada – which makes it a great place to get outside and explore the natural beauty. Especially in one of the 30+ provincial parks in the region.
Hike the Fintry Park forested trails to view the three spectacular Fintry waterfalls in West Kelowna. Head into south east Kelowna to Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, home to the Kettle Valley trestles. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail can be hiked or biked, and offers stunning views from the abandoned railway corridors. Pack a lunch and make it a day trip with the family. Start in Myra Canyon in Kelowna and follow the trails all the way to Penticton.
REASON #2: THE LAKES
From May through September, water is an ever-present reality in the Okanagan Valley. In most of the major valley communities, your time in (or on) the water is not limited to one lake. Spend your day in Penticton and lake hop between Skaha Lake and the south tip of Okanagan Lake. Head north into Kelowna with over 30 beaches and beach access points to Okanagan Lake within city limits.
In the mood to work for your swim? Hike up Crawford Falls to Jack Smith Lake, a small watering hole tucked away into the mountains of south east Kelowna.
At the north end of Okanagan Lake, you’ll find the town of Vernon, home to the stunning Kalamalka Lake. Referred to as “the lake of a thousand colours”, depending on the time of year the water appears anywhere from a greenish-teal blue to deep indigo. And sometimes the multiple hues intertwine for a truly breathtaking scene.
REASON #3: THE KELOWNA BOARDWALK
This 2 km relaxing walk – or bike ride – winds along the edge of Lake Okanagan through the heart of Downtown Kelowna. We’ve got some insider tips to make the most of your time there. First, find parking off Sunset Drive and start in the Rotary Marshes wildlife park. This sanctuary is where Brandt’s Creek meets Okanagan Lake and is home to ospreys, herons, and beavers. We suggest starting here in the morning when the lake is quiet. The waves on the beach are the only sounds, and the birds are your only company. Continue towards Waterfront Park where you’ll come across Rhapsody, a.k.a “the dolphin fountain”. The rolling hills are your cue to the first beach access of the walk. Next, move through the cultural district to Stuart Park. We love to visit in the winter and lace up for a quick skate lakeside under Christmas lights.
Stop for a quick rest when you reach the Kelowna Sails, or wander down the dock at the downtown Marina. Finish off your adventure with a swim at Kelowna City Park. And if you’re feeling like it’s time for a snack, head down Bernard Ave and pop into The Bean Scene for a cookie, vegan breakfast wrap, or coffee. This short stretch is popular with locals, tourists, and people who want to enjoy the lake view up close!
REASON #4: WINERIES & VINEYARDS
Named the #1 wine destination in the world by the Huffington Post in 2013, there is no shortage of wine tours and vineyards to explore. And don’t worry if you’re not a wine fan. With unique restaurants, outdoor entertainment, and gorgeous views, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of our favourite wineries in the Okanagan:
Located between Penticton and Summerland on the east side of Okanagan Lake is MOCOJO Winery. It offers up the perfect spot for a breathtaking photo op. The rolling hills of the vineyards melting into the lake, with the purple hues of the mountains in the background. This family-owned winery has an intimate tasting room that takes full advantage of the views and shares the personality of the owners. Kimberley’s family values fit right in a MOCOJO. Their family is built right into the name, with the Oh’s children’s initials combined to create MOCOJO.
As you weave through the winding roads of orchards and vineyards in south east Kelowna, you will stumble across a winery like no other. Handed 3-D glasses as you walk through the tasting room door, it feels as though you’ve entered an Alice in Wonderland art gallery. As its name suggests, vibrant and colourful artwork covers the walls of the tasting room. And is featured on the labels of the bottles, which are a 3D experience as well! Once you actually remember you are in the tasting room you can try the award-winning whites this winery is known for. Or head out to one of the two outdoor stages to enjoy your wine with some live music.
Head north into Lake Country and you will find this impressive 61 acre property. Their award-winning Pinot Noir, making up about 35% of the winery’s production, is the only red wine produced here. Indulge in a meal at Block One, open year-round with an impressive cantilever overlooking the vineyards. When you visit in the summer, take advantage of the short distance to Coral Beach and enjoy your wine with sandy toes.
REASON #5: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
In 2021, building permit values in Kelowna exceeded $1 billion for the first time. With growth in sectors like tech, healthcare, and education (UBC-O’s student population increasing from 3500 to 12,000 since its opening in 2005), families from all over Canada, particularly the lower mainland, have taken advantage of the growing opportunities in the Okanagan Valley. The benchmark price of single-family homes in Metro Vancouver stands at approximately $1.95M whereas Kelowna’s single-family averages almost $1M less comparatively, and municipalities in South and North Okanagan well under $1M.
New home developments across the valley take you away from the high density of the downtown cores, up the mountainside, where breathtaking lake and orchard views stretch for miles.
All of these reasons add up to an experience that is second to none in Canada. Kimberley’s mission to provide a homebuilding experience that is second to none is a great fit for people who call – or want to call – the Okanagan Valley “home”.
Building your custom, dream home in this magical setting is just a short phone call away! Visit Kimberley Homes – Okanagan to get in touch with one of our New Home Experts to begin your journey to lakeside living.