Shaped by time and water, the Okanagan Valley was carved by glaciers and influenced by tectonic movement, leaving behind fertile benches and the deep waters of Okanagan Lake. This fjord lake stretches about 135 kilometres, plunges more than 230 metres deep, and is lined with bays, beaches, and bluffs that invite you to linger from sunrise to starry nights.
Kelowna’s climate is defined by its place in the rain shadow of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, which block much of the Pacific moisture. That creates hot, sunny summers and comparatively dry conditions, while nearby Monashee peaks add local influence and winter snow to higher elevations. This blend is a big part of why our fruits ripen so beautifully and why days often feel bright and generous.
This land has sustained people for thousands of years. The syilx/Okanagan people have lived in close relationship with the tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) and kɬúsx̌nítkw (Okanagan Lake), caring for the valleys, waters, and wildlife that continue to support us all today. Visitors are invited to learn and travel with respect, choosing experiences that give back and tread lightly.
You can taste the landscape in every season. Spring blossoms hum with bees across farms, orchards & markets as growers prepare for another abundant year. Long summer days call for lake time and easy bike rides, while fall glows gold in Myra Canyon and across hillside vineyards, a perfect match for harvest menus and wine touring. Winter brings quiet trails and crisp, blue-sky days. To plan by season, explore our guide to seasons in Kelowna.
Urban energy meets nature here. Start with a lakeside stroll or paddle, then wander for art, coffee, and cuisine downtown before a golden-hour tasting at a winery. Prefer a little extra guidance? Local experts can lead you to hidden viewpoints, signature pours, and the stories behind them on guided tours. If you’re craving fresh air, our active & outdoors ideas make it easy to hike, ride, or simply slow down and take it all in.
Come curious. The more you explore, the more Kelowna’s land reveals—layer by sun-lit layer.
