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Kelowna, British Columbia

© Andrea Jones

The Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia has many wonderful communities contained within its boundaries. Kelowna in the Central Okanagan, is the first city I will be writing about in a series of several articles about this region. I will later be writing about the areas to the north of Kelowna and those to the south.

Kelowna is one of Canada’s hidden jewels. Located in the Okanagan Valley, in the interior of British Columbia, Kelowna is a four-hour drive from Vancouver and an hour and a half from the US border. Kelowna provides the discerning traveller with an unforgettable holiday experience. This lakeshore city offers a wide variety of recreational activities, year round. Kelowna’s recently expanded airport provides access to visitors both locally and internationally.

Situated on Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is the home of the legendary lake monster, “Ogopogo”. The natives who first settled the area called him (or her!) “N’haaitik” meaning “monster of the lake”. Gifts for N’haaitik were carried with the natives to offer the monster should they encounter him on their crossing. They were happy if they didn’t see him. These days, cameras, sonar equipment and mini-subs occasionally show up on the lake as film crews hope the monster will appear, so they can obtain the documentary film of the century! So far, Ogopogo has remained elusive, although some folks living along the lake have some convincing footage! Okanagan Lake stretches 82 miles, (106km) from Vernon in the north to Penticton in the south. Water activities are easily accessible and plentiful. The lake is extremely deep in parts but is very safe for swimming. Boaters need to be aware that they should use caution when the wind comes up as it can become extremely choppy! That’s great though for those of us who enjoy to body surf near the shores!

Well known for its production of fruit and wine, orchard and winery tours are a wonderful way to explore the beauty around Kelowna. Many wineries are situated on the hillsides around the city and sipping a glass of valley wine, while sitting on a patio with a panoramic view of the lakeshore, is a wonderful way to spend an evening. For those who prefer, a glass of locally produced fruit juice also goes well with the view!

To appreciate the size and beauty of the lake, a houseboat trip is a wonderful and relaxing way to spend a holiday. There are many coves along the lakeshore to stop at overnight and the possibility of spotting wildlife on the shore is excellent. Almost certainly one will get a chance to watch an osprey on its evening fishing expedition.