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Guide to Kelowna, Canada
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Kelowna
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KelownaKelowna
A few hundred miles from the westernmost portion of US/Canada border is the British Colombian city of Kelowna, located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, a sliver of chilly freshwater often mistaken for a river by passers-through. Though it is far from the closely-knit community of provincial capitals within the nation's eastern half, there's little to discourage anyone from making a lengthier flight to Canada's western end, especially when its superb variety of seasonal crops is among the choicest in the hemisphere. The unique, canyon-like valley in which Kelowna sits - we think appropriately given the moniker Okanagan Valley, if only to make a splendidly charming series of attractions an easily accessible bundled package - is where magic happens. For some, the brisk atmosphere is too much. For others, a place which turns the phrase "winter wonderland" into reality, a city whose backyard consists of millions of acres of undeveloped terrain is the closest one can get to heaven's doorstep. Lovers of nature whose diets also have ample room and need for a strict city environment will also be fond of Kelowna. Even if the chance for exploration of the wilds beyond its limits never comes to be, the city has patches of greenery and galleries, museums, as well as a few historic sites and finds to keep those yearnings for the great outdoors at bay.
When to go:
Canadian summers are pleasant, but the rest of the year is really up for grabs. Only the most intense Pacific storms make their way far enough inland to affect Kelowna heavily, but not to worry. The mountainous landscape Ice Age crustal shifts created in this neck of the world is to blame for the variants in weather. Humidity levels are far lower here in than locations further south, as intense warmth is mostly absent. When the sun's out, whether it is the middle of winter or the peak of summer, Kelowna seems more attuned to shine, showcasing street life in a climate cities elsewhere would have little sidewalk activity to show for.
Getting there and around:
Kelowna Airport, a short distance from the city's downtown sector, is often referred to as a regional airport with international specials. Though the latter are only connections to the US, they still make up a roster other regional terminals of the country envy. Airport taxis, or shuttles, are the most popular form of transit from flight check-in to hotel check-in; buses are increasingly scarce as a result, and in turn are crowded because of their dwindling numbers. Renting a vehicle isn't such a bad idea if you're willing to sacrifice time for parking space scouting. Walking each of Kelowna's districts is entirely possible.
Attractions:
A little known fact among the populace outside of British Colombia is the Okanagan valley's thriving agricultural industry. Year after year, the region's farms churn out some of the most savory fruits and veggies North American folk have produced. This calls for a visit to the B.C. Orchard Industry Museum. That's right, a "historic" apple plant was converted to provide Kelowna's visitors with a visual tour of the tools used in the trade (Sounds boring? We apologize.) along with plenty of photographs of people wielding sweet, tart, juicy spheres. People who aren't crazy about apples will find comfort in known the city isn't wholly fanatical about the things. The Kelowna Museum and the Kelowna Art Gallery are both well-rounded attractions that make it unnecessary to trek to Vancouver for great exhibits.
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