WEST KELOWNA Community Info
West Kelowna & Peachland
Explore the Sections of this Guide to find listings and exact map locations for Accommodations, Attractions, Parks, Golf, Wineries, Shopping, Museums, History, Art Galleries, Restaurants, Real Estate, Services and more...in West Kelowna and Peachland. Click on the “Calendar of Events” and mark your Calendar for the event of your choice.West Kelowna
The District of West Kelowna (formerly known as Westbank) is located just 10 minutes south of Kelowna and was incorporated in 2007. It is comprised of the communities of Westbank, Shannon Lake, Glenrosa, Casa Loma, West Kelowna Estates, Rose Valley and Lakeview Heights. The community of Westbank has close to half the total population of 27,000.00. The completion of the new five lane William R. Bennett Bridge on Canada Day, 2008 is projected to accommodate an average of 69,000 vehicles per day by 2017, an increased capacity of 23,000. Bridge replacement has relieved highway congestion, increased economic activity in the area and attracted a massive new retail component.
Though smaller than its neighboring City of Kelowna across the bridge, West Kelowna is home to 8 wineries, including the architecturally dazzling Mission Hill Winery, 2 executive 18 hole golf courses, a championship natural grass putting course as well as numerous beaches, scenic parks and hiking trails. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort now offers 22 runs with plans to expand and become an all season resort including a new lodge, 18 hole golf course and boutique hotel. Both Crystal Mountain and the Telemark Cross country Ski Club are within 20 minutes driving distance. The Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre is the main recreational facility and includes a 25m swimming pool and skateboard park. The Mount Boucherie Community Centre recently completed construction of Royal LePage Place, the new home to the BCHL team “Westside Warriors”. This facility provides maximum capacity of 1520 plus standing room and a new venue for concerts, tradeshows and community events.
Coincident with demand by vacationers to experience the beauty of this lakeside community, numerous former waterfront RV and camping facilities have been transformed into world class vacation resort destinations with more in planning stages. The area’s lakeside setting continues to attract new families and retirees looking for opportunities to make West Kelowna their home.
Peachland
The municipality of Peachalnd is situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake, 10 km south of West Kelowna. Directly opposite Squally Point on the Okanagan Mountain Park reputed home to the famous Ogopogo. A quaint lakeside community of 5,000, Peachland offers some of the Valley's most spectacular lake views. Its downtown core on Beach Avenue is on the waterfront with a newly completed promenade to stroll the downtown waterfront, explore shops, boutiques and popular restaurants including the recommended Bliss Bakery & Bistro coffee shop. Parking is free all along Beach Avenue. Peachland offers 11 km of continuous public waterfront with a marina day wharf, boat launching, as well as the lifeguard supervised Swim Bay, across the road from the town's Community Centre. The Peachland Centre shopping mall is located along Hwy 97 above the downtown core.
A walk to Hardy Falls (at the south end of town) is an easy hike for all ages. It is especially spectacular in September when hundreds of Kokanee salmon swim upstream to spawn. For those with more challenging hiking appetites, try the 5km hike to Pincushion Mountain for unparalleled valley vistas. Other Peachland attractions include the museum (on Beach Avenue), and Deep Creek Estate Winery - Hainle Vineyards.
Although wine touring, golf, swimming, hiking, boating and ATV Tours are popular attractions, this year Peachland has added an exciting new attraction to its roster. “Get High at ZipZone” is the tag line for Peachland’s newest Adventure Park located 8 km up Princeton Avenue. “Hang Time”, the first of six ziplines planned, is now open. Gliding you 350 ft high along 1500 ft of cable, it is currently the tallest zipline in North America! To top that off, a new Greg Norman designed 18 hole signature golf course is scheduled for opening in 2012!
