About the Area...

The Okanagan Valley lies along the shores of Okanagan Lake and the Monashees, Cascade and Coastal mountain range. Just a 3½ hour drive from the Vancouver Lower Mainland, this area enjoys a climate of hot, sunny summers and mild winters.

The Okanagan enjoys a harvest of fresh fruits during the summer, and grapes in the fall for producing fine wines. Many of our wineries have won international awards and this area is becoming one of the more recognized wine-making regions in the world.

The Central Okanagan is made up of 5 communities: Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westside/Westbank, and Joe Rich. Kelowna is the largest city of approximately 150,000 residents.

The Okanagan Valley has become known as a top rate golfing and skiing destination, and world class wine producer. A high tech sector has been merging into the community at a rate higher than all of BC’s. This growing sector includes aerospace development and services, as well as engineering and scientific/technical services.

A recent airport expansion has now designated Kelowna one of the busiest airports in British Columbia as well as in Canada in terms of air traffic. Our arts and cultural community includes a new multi-purpose facility, Prospera Place welcoming entertainers such as Bryan Adams, The Guess Who, Rod Stewart and in the summer of 2002, Sir Elton John. The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is the 3rd largest in BC, and there are numerous professional theatre companies, museums & art galleries.

Major employers include the Okanagan University College and Interior Health Authority. Kelowna General Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive hospital in southern BC’s interior and includes a full treatment cancer clinic.

This area is expected to grow & prosper with the influx of more professional and trades people. We invite you to our region to experience the Okanagan lifestyle!