Peachland, BC
Peachland is a charming lakeside village in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Situated on the west shore of Okanagan Lake just 25 km south of Kelowna, Peachland offers stunning waterfront views and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. With about 6,400 residents, the community combines scenic mountain backdrops and a 7-mile stretch of sandy lakefront. The town’s name comes from the many fruit orchards planted here by early settlers, reflecting the region’s fertile soils and warm climate.
Today Peachland is known for its mild four-season weather (warm summers and short, mild winters) and its easygoing pace of life. Families and retirees alike appreciate the walkable downtown area along Beach Avenue, where shops, cafes and restaurants line the pedestrian lakeside promenade under shady trees. The beauty of the lake and hills draws many people to call Peachland home, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation, community events, and a friendly neighborhood feel.
Peachland’s shoreline along Okanagan Lake is lined with parks, beaches and a pedestrian boardwalk, making it ideal for lakeside strolls and family outings.
History of Peachland
Peachland’s history begins with the Syilx/Okanagan peoples, who have lived in the valley since long before European settlement. These Indigenous inhabitants traversed the region’s forests and lakes for fishing and trade. The modern settlement of Peachland emerged in the late 19th century. In the 1880s the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway brought more settlers to the Okanagan Valley. A farm called Lambly’s Landing (after settler Charles Lambly) was established here in 1884 and soon became a modest mining camp. One of the miners, J.M. Robinson, was struck by the abundance of juicy peaches growing in the orchards, and in 1898 the town was renamed Peachland in honor of that fruit. By that time the community had its first schoolhouse and a post office. The village grew slowly, and on January 1, 1909 Peachland was incorporated as a district with about 200 people. Over the next century it remained a small agricultural and forestry community, preserving its rural character even as nearby Kelowna expanded. In 2009 Peachland celebrated its centennial, and today the population is around 6,400. Families and volunteers maintain a strong interest in local history: the Peachland Museum (housed in an 8-sided heritage church built in 1910) displays artifacts and photos from the town’s early days. The museum’s collections and community history books capture life in Peachland from pioneer families through to modern times, underlining the town’s roots in orchards, railroads and lakefront living.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Peachland has a surprising number of parks and beach areas packed along its lakeshore, making outdoor recreation a major part of community life. Heritage Park (in downtown Peachland) is the hub of waterfront activity. It offers a playground and splash pad for kids, open green lawns and picnic tables, and the Ray Kandola Heritage Pier – a 120-meter wheelchair-accessible pier great for fishing or taking in lake views. On hot summer days families flock to Swim Bay, a supervised sandy beach with washrooms, a diving board, zipline and rope swing. It’s one of the only Okanagan beaches with a lifeguard in summer, and even has wheelchair beach access. Adjacent to the beach are walking trails and shady picnic areas.
Other parks dot the shoreline: Cenotaph Park features a lakeside gazebo and monuments honoring veterans; Cousins Park has sports fields and washrooms near the Community Centre; Peninsula Park (near Princeton Avenue) has an off-leash area and boat launch; and Chevallier Park (at Desert Pines Ave) offers a playground, picnic tables and space for community events. Across from Peachland Village Mall, Lambly Park contains tennis and pickleball courts, a skatepark and an outdoor fitness trail, making it a local sports hub year-round. The Peachland community takes advantage of these green spaces for walking, cycling, and family picnics by the lake.
For nature lovers, there are several wilderness parks and viewpoints just up the hills. Gladstone Provincial Park (near Peachland) and Hardy Falls Regional Park are a short drive away to the northeast; Hardy Falls has a short creek-side walk to a scenic waterfall. The Forest Hill Wilderness Park within Peachland includes trails through forested hills. In winter, Peachland’s higher elevations offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the Wilson Lake Trails, a rediscovered network from the 1960s. Overall, Peachland’s parks and outdoor spaces make it easy for residents to enjoy lake swimming, picnics, boating, and even winter sports without leaving town.
In winter, Peachland’s waterfront parks (like this gazebo at Heritage Park) overlook Okanagan Lake and the snow-dusted hills beyond. All seasons bring fresh outdoor experiences.
Hiking and Trails
Peachland is a paradise for hikers, with trails winding up into the mountains and along the lake. The most famous is Pincushion Mountain Trail, a moderately challenging hike that climbs about 245 meters through mixed forest. Near the summit (accessible from the Chateau on the Ridge area), you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the valley. Hikers often sign the guestbook at the peak where a Canadian flag stands, making for a classic Peachland snapshot. (Expect some steep sections and uneven terrain; good footwear is recommended.)
Closer to town is the Beach Avenue Waterfront Trail, a paved 3 km lakeside pathway perfect for a stroll or bike ride. Starting at Swim Bay, it follows the shore past beaches, parks and cafes all the way to Rotary Park at the south end. This level route is wheelchair accessible and even features free outdoor musical instruments and benches for resting.
Other popular trails include the Gladstone Trail, a 7 km loop just north of town. It gains about 300 m and passes through varied landscapes; an optional 1 km spur leads to a rare 400-year-old Ponderosa pine. The Fur Brigade Trail (an 8 km out-and-back) follows an old fur-trading route from Peachland up into the hills, offering history and rugged scenery. For a quick climb, the Stairway to Heaven on Victoria Street is a short hike of 158 wooden steps that still provides lovely views at the top. Nature lovers should also not miss Hardy Falls Regional Park, where a 0.6 km easy trail through cedar forest ends at a gentle waterfall – the creek here is famous for salmon runs in autumn.
From high ridges like these, you look out over the patchwork of orchards, vineyards and lakeshore homes. In total, Peachland’s trail network (from waterfront walks to mountain loops) is well-suited for all levels – from families enjoying a brief seaside hike to outdoor enthusiasts seeking longer wilderness routes. Snow covers many trails in winter, but local interest in cross-country ski and snowshoe trails (notably around Wilson Lake and Bedford Creek) makes Peachland a four-season trail town.
Sunrise over Okanagan Lake, seen from a Peachland viewpoint. Trails like the Beach Avenue boardwalk and mountain hikes reward residents with dramatic lake and canyon panoramas.
Community and Lifestyle
Peachland’s lifestyle is defined by its tight-knit community and year-round events. The town has a very active volunteer spirit: residents of all ages participate in local clubs, from gardening and arts groups to service organizations. One highlight is the Peachland Fall Fair, held annually on Labour Day weekend. Dating back over 100 years, this old-fashioned country fair showcases home-grown produce, baking contests, flower displays, and livestock, plus midway rides and entertainment – a beloved tradition that brings the whole valley together. In summer, Canada Day is celebrated with fireworks, free concerts in Heritage Park, and family activities. The Peachland Summer Series offers weekly outdoor concerts (often big-band, jazz or folk music) on Thursday evenings in July, gathering neighbors on the lawn. Each June the Peachland Beach Run draws runners for a fun 5K loop along the lakefront and back, followed by community barbecues. Around Christmas, a Christmas Light-Up and Santa parade along Beach Avenue is a festive highlight for families. Many smaller events – from charity river floats to pancake breakfasts at the Lions Hall – further foster a welcoming small-town feel. The local community spirit is also evident in grassroots projects like the Peachland Art Gallery (run by volunteers at the historic Old School) and the Peachland Yacht Club, which ties back to the town’s nautical heritage. Farmers and fruit farmers often share their harvest at the Peachland Farmers and Crafters Market (weekends in summer on the waterfront), where locals gather to buy fresh fruit, baked goods and crafts. Overall, there is a genuine “neighborly” vibe here: people wave as they drive by, kids play together on the splash pad, and organizations like Rotary Club and the Seniors’ Centre host ongoing social and recreation programs. Whether it’s a summer evening concert or a lakeside winter walk under holiday lights, Peachland residents cherish their strong community bonds and seasonal celebrations.
Activities and Attractions
Beyond its beaches and trails, Peachland offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities:
Heritage Park & Ray Kandola Pier
Central to town is Heritage Park with its playground, splash pad and picnic spaces. The adjacent Ray Kandola Heritage Pier is a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier extending into the lake. It has benches and cut-outs for casting a line – a favorite spot for anglers and scenic sunsets alike.
Swim Bay & Water Activities
Swim Bay (across from the historic Baptist Church building) has a sandy beach, supervised swimming in summer, and fun features like a diving board, rope swing and inflatable water park (Wibit floating aqua park). Local rentals offer paddleboards, kayaks and bikes, so families can explore the calm lake waters or cycle the shore.
Peachland Museum and Visitor Centre
Housed in the old 1910 Baptist Church, this museum display features artifacts from Peachland’s past, along with a large HO scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway. The adjacent Visitor Centre provides maps and information to newcomers. Both are staffed by volunteers keen to share local history.
Peachland Art Gallery
Located in “Our Space” community art center (the historic primary school), the gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of local artists and art classes. This cultural hub also holds live music evenings and seasonal craft shows.
Parrot Island Bird Sanctuary
Just north of downtown, Parrot Island is an exotic bird sanctuary run by local volunteers. It cares for rescued parrots and offers guided visits by reservation (spring to fall), giving visitors up-close encounters with colorful tropical birds.
Outdoor Adventure
Thrill-seekers enjoy ZipZone ziplines along Deep Creek Gorge (highest in Canada) and Okanagan ATV Tours into the backcountry. In winter, when snow falls, many head to the Wilson Lake trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Golf and Recreation
Peachland has tennis and pickleball courts at Lambly Park, and while a local golf course is planned, many golfers cross the lake to Kelowna. However, the Mirage Ranch and Country Club (nearby) offers riding trails and a rustic social scene.
Families with young children especially enjoy the Splash Pad and easy lakeshore walks, while those looking for quiet time can pack a picnic at tiny coves along the trail or watch boats at the marina. And of course, Peachland’s cafés and eateries (such as bakery cafés, ice cream shops, and a few lakeside restaurants) invite visitors to linger. All together, the “things to do in Peachland” range from laid-back leisure on the beach to cultural discovery and outdoor excitement, ensuring there’s something for every interest.
Schools and Education
Education in Peachland falls under the Central Okanagan School District (SD23). Peachland Elementary School (K–6) is the town’s only public elementary school, located behind the Peachland Village Mall. It serves around 400 students, with a modern playground and community use programs.
For middle school, most Peachland children attend Glenrosa Middle School (Grades 7–9) and then Mount Boucherie Secondary School (Grades 10–12), both located about 15–20 minutes north in West Kelowna. School bus transportation is available, and families often coordinate carpools for these daily commutes.
Peachland also has a small public library branch (Okanagan Regional Library) in the village mall, which hosts story times and summer reading programs for kids. Daycare and preschool options exist through a local Boys & Girls Club program, which offers preschool and after-school clubs on the waterfront as well as youth activities. Adult learners benefit from the community’s proximity to higher education: Kelowna’s Okanagan College and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus are both about a 25–30 minute drive away. In short, while Peachland itself is small, it sits within an educational network that spans all ages – providing local early education and easy access to middle/high school and post-secondary facilities in the Central Okanagan.
Shopping and Services
Peachland’s commercial offerings cover everyday needs without the bustle of a big city. The main shopping area centers on the Peachland Village Mall at Clements Crescent, which houses an IGA grocery store, a Shoppers Drug Mart, a liquor store, a bank/credit union ATM, and a few service shops. Just outside the mall are a hardware store and insurance agencies. The Beach Avenue downtown strip has several unique locally-owned boutiques and gift shops (for example, a women’s clothing store and a beachwear store), plus souvenir and craft shops. Seasonal fruit stands along the highway sell local peaches, apples, cherries and other produce in summer. Every summer weekend (May to October) a Peachland Farmers Market sets up right on the lakeside lawn, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, crafts and food stalls.
For daily essentials, Peachland has a pharmacy on Beach Avenue and a medical clinic (Peachland Wellness Centre). Residents relying on healthcare travel to the larger Kelowna General Hospital (25 km north) or Penticton Hospital (40 km south) when specialized care is needed. Transportation-wise, Peachland lies on Highway 97, giving it direct bus service north to Kelowna (BC Transit Route 22) and south toward Penticton. This highway corridor also means a 30-minute drive to downtown Kelowna for big-box shopping, professional services or the Kelowna International Airport.
Within town, daily life is convenient: a gas station and convenience store are available, along with a pharmacy, and a few café/diners for quick meals. The community is served by a volunteer fire department and policing by the West Kelowna RCMP detachment. In short, while Peachland retains its village charm, it provides all the shops and services a family needs for day-to-day living – with Kelowna’s full amenities just a short trip away.
Proximity to Kelowna
Ellison’s location is one of its greatest advantages. It sits roughly halfway between the city of Kelowna (about 12 km south) and the city of Vernon (about 35 km north), along the main Highway 97 corridor. Commuting and Travel: Driving to downtown Kelowna takes about 15 minutes under normal traffic via Highway 97 and Dilworth Drive. Commute times to Vernon are about 30–40 minutes. BC Transit runs regional bus routes up and down the valley (Lake Country Connector buses), so public transit options exist for those without cars – although schedules may be limited in rural areas. For drivers, Ellison’s roads feed directly into the busy Okanagan Highway, which is well-maintained year-round.
Living in Peachland means enjoying lakeside small-town life with easy access to a larger urban center. Kelowna, the Central Okanagan’s hub city, lies only about 25 kilometers to the north. By car it takes roughly 30 minutes on Highway 97 (barring heavy traffic) to reach Kelowna’s downtown or Oak and Spall industrial area. Many Peachland residents commute to Kelowna for work, college, or specialized services; conversely, Kelowna-area residents sometimes come south to Peachland for recreation. The commute is served by a regular bus route, and the scenic drive offers lake views almost the whole way. Benefits of Kelowna’s proximity are significant. The Kelowna International Airport (YLW), with daily flights around Canada and to some international destinations, is about a 50–60 minute drive. Kelowna’s larger shopping malls and big-box retailers supplement Peachland’s local stores for major purchases. For families, Kelowna provides alternative schooling options (French immersion, private schools, specialized programs) and cultural amenities like the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Waterfront Park and cultural festivals. Healthcare specialists and universities (UBCO, Okanagan College main campus) are in Kelowna as well. At the same time, Peachland offers a quieter, less hectic lifestyle. Residents value having restaurants, trails and beaches on the lakeshore just minutes from home, while still being close enough to commute to Kelowna if needed. This balance is often cited as a top reason people enjoy living in Peachland. In winter, the highway is well-maintained, and in summer it connects to a string of Okanagan wine towns (like Summerland and Penticton) beyond Kelowna. All told, Peachland’s location – by lake and mountain, yet near a city – makes it a uniquely appealing place to call home in the Okanagan Valley.
Benefits of Kelowna’s proximity are significant. The Kelowna International Airport (YLW), with daily flights around Canada and to some international destinations, is about a 50–60 minute drive. Kelowna’s larger shopping malls and big-box retailers supplement Peachland’s local stores for major purchases. For families, Kelowna provides alternative schooling options (French immersion, private schools, specialized programs) and cultural amenities like the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Waterfront Park and cultural festivals. Healthcare specialists and universities (UBCO, Okanagan College main campus) are in Kelowna as well.
At the same time, Peachland offers a quieter, less hectic lifestyle. Residents value having restaurants, trails and beaches on the lakeshore just minutes from home, while still being close enough to commute to Kelowna if needed. This balance is often cited as a top reason people enjoy living in Peachland. In winter, the highway is well-maintained, and in summer it connects to a string of Okanagan wine towns (like Summerland and Penticton) beyond Kelowna. All told, Peachland’s location – by lake and mountain, yet near a city – makes it a uniquely appealing place to call home in the Okanagan Valley.