Lake Country, BC
Lake Country is a picturesque district municipality in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, situated between Vernon to the north and Kelowna to the south along Highway 97. Surrounded by lakes, orchards, and vineyards, the community enjoys a sunny four-season climate and has been one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, reaching a population of about 15,817 by 2021. Nearly half of Lake Country’s land base remains within the Agricultural Land Reserve, preserving its orchards, farms, and wineries.
The district was incorporated in 1995, joining four historic communities, Winfield, Oyama, Carr’s Landing, and Okanagan Centre, each offering its own character, from waterfront neighbourhoods to hillside views. With its rural charm and quick access to Kelowna’s amenities, including Kelowna International Airport just minutes away, Lake Country is a popular home base for families, professionals, and commuters.
History and Heritage
Long before European settlement, the Lake Country region was home to the Syilx (Okanagan) people for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows Indigenous settlements dating back 7,000–8,000 years, with communities relying on the lakes and creeks for food, travel, and trade.
European settlers arrived in the late 1800s, bringing cattle ranching and early logging operations. Pioneer families such as the Woods and Brents established ranches and small mills across the valley’s grasslands. By the early 1900s, irrigation projects and new road networks supported fruit farming, leading to the growth of small orchards, packing sheds, and ferry routes along Okanagan and Wood Lakes. Small townsites grew in Winfield, Oyama, and surrounding areas.
As decades passed, ranchlands evolved into orchards, vineyards, and eventually residential neighbourhoods. Though early canneries and ferry services have faded, the legacy of agriculture remains highly visible across the district. In 1995, Lake Country formally incorporated and united its four wards under a single local government.
Parks, Lakes, and Natural Attractions
Lake Country is known for its stunning natural surroundings: shimmering lakes, forested highlands, and rolling farmland. The district borders three major lakes—Okanagan Lake, Wood Lake, and Kalamalka Lake—each offering beaches, boat launches, and scenic shorelines.
Kaloya Regional Park at the south end of Kalamalka Lake provides a popular sandy beach and day-use area. Along Wood Lake, Reiswig Park and Beasley Park in Oyama offer playgrounds, picnic spaces, sports fields, and easy access to the water. Waterfront Park in Okanagan Centre features beautiful lakeside scenery and walking paths.
Vineyard-covered benchlands and orchard-filled slopes shape Lake Country’s iconic landscape. These natural features create panoramic views and provide abundant opportunities for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and families enjoying the outdoors.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
With its lakeside setting and wide open spaces, Lake Country is a year-round recreation hub. Residents enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming on Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka Lakes. Fishing is popular in all seasons, and in winter, some lake areas offer ice-skating and ice-fishing when conditions permit. Community facilities include the Winfield Arena, sports fields, tennis courts, a skateboard park, splash park, and dog parks. Nearby golf options include championship courses at the Okanagan Golf Club, along with several local and regional courses. Outdoor lovers are within driving distance of hiking, biking, and skiing areas, including Big White Ski Resort about 60 km east. Whether enjoying warm-weather water sports or snowy winter recreation, Lake Country residents have access to diverse, family-friendly activities all year.
Hiking and Trails
Lake Country offers an extensive network of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, cycling, jogging, and leisurely strolls. A major highlight is the Okanagan Rail Trail, a flat lakeside path that follows a former rail corridor. It runs through Lake Country, connecting Vernon to Kelowna, and offers car-free travel with stunning views over Wood and Kalamalka Lakes. The Pelmewash Parkway—a lakeshore route along Old Highway 97—features a paved multi-use path from Winfield to Oyama. This scenic path is a favourite for cyclists, walkers, and families. For hikers seeking elevation, Spion Kop near Oyama provides a series of forested trails leading to a rocky summit with sweeping views of Wood Lake and surrounding valley landscapes. Other local parks offer short woodland paths, birdwatching, and quiet nature escapes.
Local Culture and Community Events
Lake Country is known for its vibrant small-town community spirit supported by weekly and annual attractions.
During summer, the Live! in Lake Country concert series brings free outdoor performances to Swalwell Park on Friday evenings. These family-focused gatherings feature live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and opportunities to meet neighbours.
The Lake Country Farmers & Crafters Market runs weekly through summer and early fall, offering local produce, baked goods, crafts, plants, and artisan items.
One of the largest cultural events in the Okanagan region is Lake Country ArtWalk, held each September. This festival brings together over 200 artists and thousands of visitors for two days of art exhibitions, workshops, performances, and community celebration.
The district also hosts Canada Day festivities, winter markets, theatre performances at the Creekside Theatre, and neighbourhood gatherings at community halls. With frequent events throughout the year, residents enjoy a lively and engaged cultural atmosphere.
In short, whether it’s cycling to a vineyard, boating on the lake, or skiing in the snow, Ellison offers a wide variety of activities. Outdoor enthusiasts have direct access to nature, and events like the annual Winfield-Oyama Parade (a local tradition in September) or Canada Day celebrations in the district (on Wood Lake Park) connect residents to larger community gatherings.
Education and Schools in Lake Country
Lake Country is part of School District 23 (Central Okanagan), offering families a strong selection of well-regarded public schools and convenient access to post-secondary options nearby. Elementary-aged students are served by Davidson Road Elementary, Oyama Traditional School, and Peter Greer Elementary, each known for supportive learning environments and active community involvement. George Elliot Secondary School in Winfield provides education for Grades 8–12 and offers academic, arts, trades, and athletics programs that prepare students for both university and career pathways. For younger children, several preschools, childcare centres, and early learning programs operate throughout the district, giving families flexible options close to home. Lake Country also benefits from its short proximity to UBC Okanagan, only minutes to the south, which provides residents with access to degree programs, continuing studies, and community learning resources. Combined, these offerings create a well-rounded, accessible education network that supports students from early childhood through post-secondary.
Shopping, Services, and Dining
Lake Country maintains a small-town feel while still providing essential shops, services, and dining options.
In Winfield, residents have access to a grocery store, pharmacy, banks, pet stores, cafés, liquor stores, fitness facilities, boutiques, and professional services such as dental clinics and legal offices. The Winfield Shopping Mall and Lake Country Town Centre house many everyday conveniences.
Neighbourhoods like Oyama and Carr’s Landing offer cafés, eateries, corner stores, marinas, and wineries. For major retail and big-box shopping, Kelowna’s shopping districts are a short drive away.
Dining options emphasize local ingredients and Okanagan flavours. Popular restaurants include Italian, Thai, and pizza establishments, as well as winery dining rooms and lakeside pubs. With abundant vineyards and orchards in the region, farm-to-table cuisine and local wine tasting are part of everyday life.
Lake Country’s Proximity to Downtown Kelowna
Lake Country’s proximity to downtown Kelowna is one of its biggest advantages, especially for commuters and homeowners seeking a balance between quiet living and city convenience. The district sits roughly 20–25 km north of Kelowna’s downtown core, with most central areas of Lake Country only a 20–30 minute drive via Highway 97. Winfield, the southernmost village centre, offers the quickest access and often sees commute times closer to 20 minutes, while neighbourhoods such as Oyama or Carr’s Landing—located slightly farther north or along the lakeshore—typically range from 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. This straightforward highway connection makes daily travel into Kelowna practical for work, business, dining, or entertainment. In addition to driving, Lake Country is supported by regional public transit routes that link residents directly to Kelowna, UBC Okanagan, and the Kelowna International Airport. Cyclists and pedestrians also benefit from the Okanagan Rail Trail and Pelmewash Parkway, which provide scenic, safe, and accessible routes toward Kelowna. Altogether, the short commute paired with strong transit and trail networks makes Lake Country an ideal location for those who want a peaceful, nature-focused community without sacrificing quick access to the amenities and opportunities of downtown Kelowna.
Ellison’s position makes urban amenities and employment centers reachable. Kelowna’s tech sector, healthcare facilities, wineries and tourism businesses are commuting distance. Many families move to Ellison specifically to enjoy country living while keeping a short commute. In bad weather (snow or heavy rain), Highway 97 is usually plowed quickly due to its importance, keeping the community well-connected year-round.