West Kelowna, BC
West Kelowna’s history stretches back thousands of years on the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) people. In the 1800s European settlers arrived; for example, the Allison family homesteaded in 1872 in what is now Lakeview Heights. Early settlers built orchards and farms – the first school appeared in 1897 – and the area’s first post office opened at Shannon Lake in 1902 under the name Westbank, marking the community on the west bank of the lake. Through the 20th century, the settlement grew slowly, aided by road improvements and ferry links to Kelowna.
A bridge opened in 1958 (later replaced in 2008 by the William R. Bennett Bridge) to connect Westbank with Kelowna permanently by Highway 97.
After decades as an unincorporated area of the regional district, Westbank joined the Central Okanagan Regional District. Local residents voted to incorporate in 2007, and on December 6, 2007 the new municipality was formed as “Westside District Municipality.” In 2009 it was officially renamed the District of West Kelowna, and by 2015 its growing population and infrastructure earned it city status as the City of West Kelowna. Today it spans the lake’s western shore and includes nearby communities (and Westbank First Nation reserve lands) under its city government.
Community Overview
West Kelowna (often called the “Westside”) is a city of over 35,000 residents (2021 census) in the Central Okanagan region. It lies just across Okanagan Lake from Kelowna’s downtown core. The terrain is varied: lakeside flats, rolling hills covered in vineyards and orchards, and forested hillsides. Neighbourhoods include the original Westbank Centre (historic town core), Shannon Lake and Lakeview Heights (above the lake), Glenrosa to the southwest, rural West Kelowna Estates, and Smith Creek near Bear Creek Park. The climate mirrors Kelowna’s: warm, dry summers and mild winters, making it well-suited to fruit growing and outdoor living.
Economically, West Kelowna has diversified from its agricultural roots into tourism, viticulture, and light industry. The Westside Wine Trail of family-run wineries and cideries highlights the city’s agritourism. A wood products plant (pellet mill) and business parks provide local jobs, though many residents commute to Kelowna or other areas for work. Housing ranges from modest family homes and condos in Westbank Centre to luxury lakeview estates on the hillside. In recent years, the West Kelowna real estate market has grown briskly, driven by demand for lake and mountain views, although prices remain generally more affordable than downtown Kelowna. Despite growth, the community retains a friendly, small-town vibe.
Parks and Natural Beauty
West Kelowna’s parks and natural areas highlight its scenic setting. The city is ringed by forested hills, vineyard-covered slopes, and more than 20 km of Okanagan shoreline. These green spaces offer family-friendly beaches, trails, and nature reserves for recreation and relaxation. Popular parks and reserves include:
Bear Creek Provincial Park
A large park on Okanagan Lake with camping, sandy beaches, and picnic areas. It features the “Canyon Trail” with scenic waterfalls and shaded groves along Steele Creek. In summer families enjoy swimming and boating here, while fall colours draw hikers.
Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park
A historic lakeside orchard park. Old walnut and chestnut trees dot the hillside, and trails wind through heritage nut groves. This park also has picnic spots and easy beach access. The West Kelowna Yacht Club mooring is at the bottom of the park, making it a popular launch point for boats.
Glen Canyon Park
A peaceful creekside park in the Glenrosa area. Gravel trails and old logging roads loop through cedar and fir forests alongside Steele Creek. The park is prized for birdwatching and dog walks (off-leash sections), with shaded paths and stream crossings.
Kalamoir Regional Park & Beach
A scenic waterfront peninsula park on Vaseux Bay (Okanagan Lake). It offers grassy fields, sandy beach, and forest trails. A marina at the end provides boat moorage. Its lakeside views and open picnic spaces make it a favorite summer spot.
Rose Valley and Shannon Lake Parks
Neighborhood parks with lakeside beach access. Shannon Lake Park has a small beach, playground and ballfields, providing family recreation near the Shannon Lake community.
Other green spaces
The city maintains many smaller parks and viewpoints, including hilltop lookouts with benches (e.g. at West Kelowna Estates) and natural areas in residential districts. Residents enjoy orchards and open spaces throughout the hillsides.
These parks are complemented by Okanagan Lake’s beauty: from any shore of West Kelowna one can enjoy sunrise over the lake’s calm waters and mountain backdrops
Hiking and Trail Systems
West Kelowna is a hiker’s paradise, with trails weaving through its mountains, canyons and along the lake. One of the most popular hikes is Mount Boucherie – an extinct volcanic hill at the city’s north end. Multiple routes of varying difficulty ascend Mount Boucherie’s 2 km radius, from forested switchbacks to rocky ridge trails. All lead to a ridgeline viewpoint with sweeping panoramas of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna on the east shore, and the surrounding valley.
Beyond Boucherie, there are many other trail options:
- Glen Canyon Trails – A network of gentle forested paths along Steele Creek. These loops are ideal for family hikes or mountain biking through cedar glades. Interpretive signs explain the old-growth forest features.
- Hardy Falls Trail – A short trail on Shannon Lake Road (near Westbank) leads to a picturesque creek and waterfall. It’s a popular spot for a quick nature outing (while technically just east of the bridge, it’s easily reached from West Kelowna).
- Shannon Lake Loop – A flat trail circumnavigating Shannon Lake. Good for casual walks and birdwatching along this small freshwater lake.
- Mountain Biking – In addition to hiking, many trails cater to cyclists. Undeveloped forest roads and paths above Glenrosa and Upper Glenrosa offer mountain biking loops. Some adventurous riders use the Myra Canyon to Kelowna Rail Trail via bike paths from West Kelowna.
- Okanagan Rail Trail Access – While West Kelowna itself doesn’t have miles of rail trail, cyclists and hikers often connect via Kelowna’s section of the Okanagan Rail Trail, which begins near Vincent and travels north along the lake. A continuous lakeside multi-use path now links West Kelowna to downtown Kelowna via the Bennett Bridge for cycling and walking.
In winter, several trails (like Mount Boucherie) are used for snowshoeing and winter hiking when conditions allow. In all seasons, trail signage and parking are ample at main trailheads, making exploring easy for all skill levels.
Outdoor and Recreational Activities
Residents enjoy a full roster of outdoor recreation year-round. The city’s location on Okanagan Lake makes water sports especially popular in summer: boating, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding are common pursuits. The West Kelowna Yacht Club at Gellatly and public boat launches (such as Bear Creek Park) provide water access. Swimming and picnicking are favorite lake activities, with beaches like Raymer Bay and Kalamoir attracting families and boaters. Several nearby campgrounds (notably at Bear Creek Park) allow local camping getaways.
On land, local sports and leisure abound: the Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre in Westbank Centre offers a pool, waterslides and fitness programs for all ages. Miles of cycling and running paths follow the waterfront road and penetrate into rural areas. A small network of tennis courts, soccer fields and baseball diamonds serve youth sports leagues. Golfers have a scenic option at Shannon Lake Golf Club – a nine-hole course with mountain views in Lakeview Heights.
In winter, skiers and snowboarders drive about 60 km up Hwy 97 to Big White Ski Resort, the nearest downhill ski area. For a local workout, winding roads on Boucherie and Glenrosa see cross-country skiers and snowshoers during snowy months. The mild climate also allows year-round walking and biking; even winterdays are often clear and sunny in the valley.
Local Culture and Lifestyle
West Kelowna’s culture centers on its laid-back Okanagan lifestyle. Vineyards and farm markets are a way of life here: the Westside Wine Trail runs through West Kelowna with award-winning wineries, cideries and a distillery, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage. Residents enjoy farm-to-table dining, winery tours, and community farmers markets in summer.
The city has a lively arts and events scene for its size. The Sncəwips Heritage Museum (located in Westbank) celebrates Syilx/Okanagan heritage and local history, and the Westbank First Nation community regularly hosts cultural events. Arts in public life includes local galleries, outdoor concerts and festivals. For example, annual summer events like Westside Daze (a summer fair) bring the community together, and seasonal farmers markets offer fresh produce and crafts. Sports and fitness also play a big role: local minor hockey, lacrosse, and soccer clubs keep families active, and recreational programs are offered by the city’s Leisure Centre.
Residents appreciate the small-city charm and sense of community. West Kelowna’s pace is more relaxed than downtown Kelowna’s urban bustle, yet everything in Kelowna is just a short drive away. Craft breweries and cideries have popped up locally (e.g. Okanagan Spirits Co.), adding to the social scene. In short, living in West Kelowna means embracing the Okanagan’s outdoor, wine-country lifestyle: lake access, vineyard views, and a warm community spirit.
Educational Institutions
Education in West Kelowna is part of School District 23 (Central Okanagan). The city currently has eight public elementary schools (e.g. Glenrosa, Chief Tomat, Helen Gorman, Hudson Road, Mar Jok, Shannon Lake, Webber Road, and Rose Valley Elementary), two middle schools (Constable Neil Bruce and École Dr. Knox), and one high school (Mount Boucherie Secondary for grades 8–12). Due to population growth, the District is building a second Westside high school expected to open around 2027.
Several private and independent schools serve the area. The Roman Catholic Our Lady of Lourdes School (K–7) in Westbank is a well-known elementary option, and Aberdeen Hall (K–12) offers an independent international curriculum just south of town. For post-secondary education, nearby Kelowna has extensive options: University of British Columbia Okanagan and Okanagan College are both within a 15–20 minute drive. Overall, families in West Kelowna have a wide range of school choices, from local public schools to private academies and university access just across the bridge.
Shopping and Commercial Amenities
West Kelowna provides plentiful shopping, dining and services spread across several commercial centres. The heart of retail is Westbank Town Centre (the historic downtown near Glencoe Road), which houses local banks, restaurants, and municipal services. A full-service Save-On-Foods supermarket anchors this area (at 2475 Dobbin Road) alongside shops like Shoppers Drug Mart, a Starbucks, liquor store, and diverse eateries – everything residents need for daily errands. Nearby is the Westbank Lions Recreation Centre, public library and City Hall, making Town Centre a community hub.
Major shopping plazas are found along Dobbin and Louie Drives (west of the city). These include the Westbank Towne Centre plaza (with Save-On-Foods, a post office, pharmacies and restaurants) and the Governors Market plaza (on Louie Drive, with Rexall and various stores). Big-box retail lines Louie Drive as well: the Walmart Supercentre (2170 Louie Drive) and Home Depot (3550 Carrington Road) serve West Kelowna and surrounding areas. A Canadian Tire is also nearby on Highway 97. In the Shannon Lake area, a shopping center anchored by Safeway (at 1707 Shannon Lake Road) caters to Glenrosa and Shannon Lake neighbourhoods.
Smaller services are spread throughout the city: gas stations, bakeries, local cafes and a handful of independent shops. Additionally, West Kelowna is adjacent to the commercial developments of the Westbank First Nation (such as the Snyatan Shopping Centre), expanding retail and dining options. Overall, residents have access to modern amenities and a variety of shops without needing to leave the community.
Proximity and Accessibility to Downtown Kelowna
One of West Kelowna’s advantages is its easy access to Kelowna’s urban center. The William R. Bennett Bridge carries Highway 97 across Okanagan Lake between the two cities. By car, downtown Kelowna is roughly a 10–15 minute drive (about 10 km) from West Kelowna in normal traffic. Highway 97 links West Kelowna directly to Kelowna’s business and shopping districts, making commuting straightforward.
Public transit is also available: the Kelowna Regional Transit System operates several bus routes over the Bennett Bridge and through West Kelowna’s main roads, connecting to Kelowna’s Uptown and downtown transit exchanges. For air travel, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) lies about 15 km east of West Kelowna (a 15–20 minute drive via Hwy 97C). To the south, Highway 97C (the Okanagan Connector) provides a route toward Highway 5 (Coquihalla) for travel to Vancouver or other BC destinations.