Ellison, BC
Nestled midway up the Okanagan Valley, Ellison is a largely rural, unincorporated community in British Columbia’s Central Okanagan. Surrounded by rolling hills and lakes, Ellison lies northwest of Kelowna proper (only about a 15–20 minute drive from downtown) and southwest of Vernon. The community covers roughly 80 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 3,300 people (2021). First settled by Syilx (Okanagan) Indigenous peoples, Ellison’s non-Indigenous history began in the mid-1800s when pioneers were drawn to the area’s fertile land.
One early settler, Price Ellison (1852–1932), arrived in 1876 as a stock raiser and wheat farmer; his name was later adopted for the community. By the early 1900s Ellison was known for farms and ranches, and it has largely retained that rural, agricultural character. The heritage of orchards, vineyards and small-acreage farms still shapes Ellison today, even as pockets of residential subdivisions have grown up along quiet country roads.
Community Overview
Ellison’s community is best characterized by a laid-back, country lifestyle. Many residents live on hobby farms, vineyard estates or wooded acreages. You’ll still see fruit trees and grape vines alongside horse stables, beehives and small herds of cattle. The population is a mix of long-time locals (families and retirees who enjoy the tranquility) and newcomers attracted by rural space close to city amenities.
The median age is in the low 50s, reflecting a community of both active families and older residents who appreciate the slower pace. Compared to Kelowna’s urban core, housing in Ellison is more spread out: property sizes range from one-acre lots up to sprawling agricultural parcels. Despite the open landscape, the community is well-connected – Kelowna International Airport actually lies within Ellison, and Highway 97 runs through the area. This convenient location means residents enjoy a true country lifestyle without feeling remote. In practice, people drive to nearby Winfield or Kelowna for shopping and services, but many return home to enjoy Ellison’s quiet evenings, starry skies and friendly neighbourhood spirit.
Parks and Nature
Ellison’s scenic setting offers abundant outdoor spaces and parks. The defining natural feature is Okanagan Lake, whose shoreline forms Ellison’s eastern border. Although Ellison itself has only a few small public beach accesses, residents have easy lake access via neighboring Winfield or other Lake Country beaches. Across the lake (about 30 minutes’ drive north via Vernon) is Ellison Provincial Park – a large forested park with rocky headlands, beaches and hiking trails – which locals often visit for camping, picnicking and swimming in Okanagan Lake. Closer to home, the region’s unique dryland ecosystems are protected in spots like Mill Creek and Scotty Creek corridors: trails and viewpoints along these creeks highlight open grasslands, ponderosa pine forests and cottonwood wetlands. Wildlife is plentiful; one might spot deer, squirrels or a variety of birds among the creeks and ponds.
Lake Country’s parks network also serves Ellison residents. Notable nearby parks include:
Okanagan Rail Trail (Lake Country section)
This flat, multi-use trail follows the old railway line through Ellison. It’s ideal for biking, walking or horse riding. The trail runs north-south along scenic benches above the valley, with lake views at several points. (In total the Okanagan Rail Trail connects Coldstream through Lake Country to Kelowna and beyond.)
Pelmewash Parkway
A paved lakeside path on the west side of nearby Wood Lake. This gentle trail is great for families, offering lake access and connections between Winfield and Oyama.
Rose Valley Park (Winfield)
A small park and regional campground with lakeside beach access on Kalamalka Lake. It’s a popular spot in summer for BBQs, picnics and swimming
Spion Kop (Oyama)
A challenging hiking and biking trail with an elevation gain of about 200 meters. The summit of Spion Kop offers panoramic views over Wood Lake, Okanagan Lake and the valley beyond.
Beaches and Lakes
Ellison is within a short drive of lovely Okanagan Lake beaches (such as Fintry Falls Park to the south) and Wood Lake (which has warm, swimming-friendly waters).
In all seasons, Ellison’s nature-rich landscape is a major draw. Residents enjoy birdwatching (golden eagles, herons, hummingbirds and more), wildflower meadows in spring, fall harvest scenes in the vineyards, and even cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in open fields when the snow comes. The combination of dry, sunny benches and pockets of lush creekside habitat makes Ellison a gateway to many typical Okanagan ecosystems.
Activities and Recreation
Outdoor recreation is a way of life in Ellison. Because the community is essentially a large rural neighbourhood, many activities are home-grown – exploring backroads, riding ATVs, working in gardens and orchards – but there are also plenty of organized options nearby. Seasonal highlights include:
Hiking and Biking
The trails listed above (Rail Trail, Spion Kop, Pelmewash) are popular outings. In addition, the broader area offers hikes like Black Mountain (near Kelowna Airport) for lake views, and cross-training in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park to the south.
Water Sports
Okanagan Lake and Wood Lake are playgrounds in summer. Locals swim, paddleboard, kayak or fish (kokanee and trout) on warm summer days. Boat launches at Kalamalka and Wood Lakes are just minutes away by car. Fishing lodges and tackle shops in Lake Country support anglers hoping to catch rainbow trout or salmon.
Golfing
There are several highly rated golf courses within a short drive. Predator Ridge (in nearby Oyama) is a championship resort course with stunning views. Within 20–30 minutes you can also reach Kelowna area courses like Okanagan Golf Club (and its three Nicklaus-designed courses) and Gallagher’s Canyon.
Winter Sports
While Ellison itself has no downhill ski hill, the community serves as a convenient “home base” for winter getaways. Big White Ski Resort is about 80 km (roughly 1.5 hours) east, and SilverStar Mountain Resort is about 75 km north. On quieter winter days, local trails double for snowshoeing or fat-tire biking when snowpack is shallow.
Recreational Clubs
The Ellison Community Hall (on Old Vernon Road) hosts local gatherings, dances and events year-round. Nearby Winfield Arena is Lake Country’s ice rink for hockey and public skating. Equestrian enthusiasts enjoy horse trails on private and Crown land around Ellison.
Year-Round Parks
The Parks and Recreation department of Lake Country (which administratively covers Ellison) maintains sports fields, playgrounds and a seniors’ center in Winfield (just east of Ellison) for volleyball, badminton and community fitness classes. The seasonally busy Lake Country Farmers Market (in Winfield) is a popular Friday outdoor market from May to September, offering local produce, crafts and artisan foods – a community hub that Ellison residents frequent.
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.
Local Culture and Community Life
Though sparsely populated, Ellison has a close-knit, welcoming feel. The culture here reflects the rural Okanagan way of life. Neighbors often gather for community potlucks, barn dances, and small local fairs. For example, the nearby Lake Country Light Up (holiday light competition) and Spring Fever events attract families. Seasonal festivals tie into Ellison’s agricultural roots: harvest fairs (celebrating fruit picking), wine harvest events at local estates, and craft markets highlight farm-to-table values. The area also honours its Indigenous heritage; the Okanagan Indian Band and neighbouring Westbank First Nation host pow-wows and cultural gatherings in the larger region that many Ellison families attend. Art and tradition mingle in Lake Country’s Villages – for instance, Winfield’s popular September ArtWalk showcases hundreds of local artists, and the Creekside Theatre (Lake Country’s community theater near Winfield) offers live music, drama and cultural events to the area, including Ellison residents. The Lake Country Museum & Archives (in Winfield) preserves the history of the entire district, including Ellison’s pioneer stories. Many residents of Ellison are involved in farming communities and volunteer clubs; there’s a pride in producing local cherries, apples, grapes and peaches. Overall, Ellison’s culture balances “small-town values” – where people know their neighbors by name – with a progressive embrace of outdoor living and sustainable agriculture.
Schools and Education
Education in Ellison falls under School District 23 (Central Okanagan Public Schools). Children in the Ellison community typically attend nearby schools:
Ellison Elementary School
Located in Kelowna (on Parkdale Road), this K–7 school serves many Ellison-area kids. It is known for a rural campus setting and community involvement.
Middle School
After grade 7, students may attend one of the catchment middle schools in Lake Country or Kelowna (for example, Ecole H.S. Grenda Middle in Winfield or Dorothea Walker Elementary with middle grades, or Kelowna’s middle schools depending on address).
High School
Older students usually attend George Elliot Secondary School in Winfield (Lake Country’s public high school) or possibly other Kelowna high schools (such as Okanagan Mission Secondary) depending on exact location. George Elliot offers academic and vocational programs and is about a 15-minute drive away.
Post-Secondary
Ellison’s location provides easy access to higher education. The University of British Columbia Okanagan campus and Okanagan College Kelowna campus are both just 20 minutes south. Lake Country also has a Vernon campus of Okanagan College. The presence of these institutions adds cultural and educational opportunities for Ellison families.
While there are no schools within the Ellison acreage itself, parents value the short commutes to these quality institutions. Bus routes connect neighborhoods to school sites, though many residents drive to school pickup zones. Additionally, Lake Country has a public regional library (in Winfield) and Lake Country Family Resource Center, which support children and families in the area.
Shopping, Services and Amenities
Ellison is primarily rural, so most shopping and services are found in the nearby towns of Lake Country and Kelowna. However, life in Ellison is surprisingly convenient:
Airport and Travel
As mentioned, Kelowna International Airport (IATA: YLW) sits within Ellison. This major airport has several shops, restaurants (like a White Spot and Starbucks in the terminal), car rental services and gas stations. It provides regular flights to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Seattle and other destinations, making travel easy for Ellison residents.
Local Commerce
In the heart of Ellison on Old Vernon Road sits a modest convenience store and gas station for basic supplies. A few rural businesses – such as farm stands, wineries (for example, Ancient Hill Estate Winery right beside the airport) and a coop store – serve local needs.
Groceries and Retail (Winfield/Oyama)
Just 10–15 minutes away in Winfield, Lake Country’s commercial center, you’ll find a Sobeys supermarket, Save-On-Foods, Home Hardware, drug stores, cafes and restaurants. Winfield has big-box stores (Home Depot, bulk stores, liquor stores) and small boutiques. Across Wood Lake, Oyama’s small village offers a general store, ice cream shop, and grainery.
Healthcare
Kelowna’s main hospital (Kelowna General) is roughly 15 km south on Highway 97 (about a 20-minute drive). In Lake Country, there are walk-in clinics and a BC Ambulance station. The proximity of Kelowna’s medical services is an asset for Ellison families.
Recreation and Fitness
Besides the parks already mentioned, there are gyms and fitness centers in Winfield and Kelowna. Golf driving ranges, riding arenas and farm-themed park spaces are frequented by Ellison locals. For entertainment, Kelowna’s shopping malls (Orchard Park, Downtown) are 10–15 minutes away, and boutique shopping and farmers’ markets are a weekend option.
Services
Utilities and municipal services are managed by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (for water, waste, etc.) and by Lake Country for community programs. There is reliable high-speed internet and cell coverage throughout Ellison, making home offices and remote work feasible.
In summary, Ellison residents balance rural living with access to modern conveniences: a grocery run or a night out is just a short drive, while home means spacious yards, clean air and quiet country roads.
Proximity to Kelowna and Transportation
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.
Highways
Highway 97 provides quick north-south travel through Ellison. From Ellison you can reach Kelowna via Dilworth Drive/Highway 97, or drive north toward Vernon via Highway 97 North. (Notably, a short stretch of “Old Vernon Road” still preserves the original route through the community.)
Airport
As noted, Kelowna International Airport is effectively within Ellison. The main runway and terminal are only a few minutes from Ellison homes, and an industrial/business park near the airport provides additional local jobs. (The airport also has a section called Flightcraft, offering pilot training and flight tours in vintage aircraft – a unique local attraction.)
Cycling Routes
The Okanagan Rail Trail is a safe cycling alternative for commuting into Kelowna or Vernon without cars. Many cyclists use it for exercise or for commuting to work and school.
Connections
Lake Country lies directly east of Ellison (across Wood Lake), giving access to Oyama, Winfield and Oyama neighborhoods. These serve as stepping stones to Kelowna. Westside Road (to the west of Ellison, on the other side of Okanagan Lake) is a longer route around via the Glenmore / Shannon Lake area, usually taken by those heading to West Kelowna or Peachland.
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.