Moving to Kelowna, BC in 2026? Here are 17 Reasons to Live Here

Thinking about moving to Kelowna, British Columbia or the Okanagan Valley?

With a growing economy, plenty of things to do year-round, and a strong real estate market, people are moving here from all around the world in 2026. In 2023, Kelowna was measured as the fastest growing city in Canada, bringing our population  to a new historical record.

What is it Like Living in Kelowna, BC in 2026? Kelowna Lifestyle

Kelowna is a small Canadian city of 153,148 residents in the Province of BC, making it the largest city in the Okanagan. It's also ranked number 2 as the best small city in Canada.

Kelowna offers great weather (2,000 hours of sunshine per year), stunning landscapes & outdoor spaces, wineries, powder-filled ski hills, and excellent schools, Kelowna is a wonderful place to live, and has become a one Canada's most popular cities for families, young professionals, remote workers, and retirees alike with almost everything you'd expect from a bigger city. 

What else makes living in Kelowna, British Columbia so special?

This article shows you the top 17 reasons to move to Kelowna and live in Kelowna in 2026 and beyond.

1. Great Weather Year-round

We get 4 distinct seasons in the Okanagan: hot summers, mild winters, and pleasant springs & autumns. Our hot and dry summers make Kelowna an excellent region for vegetable growers, fruit orchardists, and farmers. Kelowna summer weather is one of the main reasons people fall in love with our city and move here — especially people moving from the cooler Vancouver & Toronto areas.

Okanagan vineyards and orchards produce apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, wine grapes, and berries. On the hottest summer days when the Kelowna temp. rises above 30C (and sometimes 40C) there are plenty of things to do in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan like hiking, biking, waterparks, activity centres, cinemas, breweries, and shopping malls.

Kelowna is known for mild winters where the temperature rarely drops below 20C, where days are often gray with full cloud cover. Our dry weather conditions lead to excellent snowfall, making the Okanagan winter perfect for downhill skiing & snowboarding, nordic skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing in the high mountain lakes.

That's why we call the Okanagan Valley a four season playground and a beautiful place to call home.

Kelowna weather metrics:

• Average spring temperature: High 15C (degrees Celsius); Low 3C

• Average summer temperature: High 26.3C; Low 12.3C

• Average autumn temperature: High 13.7C; Low 3.7C

• Average winter temperature: High 2.3C; Low -4C

• Annual rainfall: 691 mm

• Average wind speed: 0.65km/j to 6.5km/h

2. A Strong Job Market / Economy

Moving to Kelowna for work? The Okanagan’s job market remains solid and opportunity-packed in 2026. After the explosive post-pandemic growth of 2020–2022, the labour market has normalized—but it’s still creating thousands of new positions each year, especially as the region continues to attract new residents and businesses.

As of March 2026, the Kelowna CMA unemployment rate stands at 7.0% (Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey). Job postings across the Central Okanagan totalled over 10,000 in 2025, with Healthcare and Social Assistance once again leading the pack, followed by Retail Trade, Construction, and Professional Services.

For workers moving to Kelowna, there are some great employment opportunities available. The largest and fastest-growing industries in Kelowna include:

• Healthcare & social assistance
• Retail trade
• Construction
• Manufacturing (including aerospace)
• Tourism & hospitality
• Technology & professional services
• Education

Top local employers include Interior Health Authority (named one of BC’s Top Employers for 2026), KF Aerospace, UBC Okanagan, Okanagan College, and the many players in tech, finance, and tourism.

Kelowna General Hospital and UBC’s Southern Medical Program continue to be major drivers of healthcare jobs, creating consistent demand for nurses, physicians, support staff, and allied health professionals. Median household income in the Kelowna CMA is now approximately $85,000 (2020 Census data with strong wage growth since), and many dual-income families earn well above $110,000–$120,000.

According to Statistics Canada, the Kelowna region — including West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland — is now the fastest growing city in Canada as of 2021 with metro population growth of 13.5% from 2016 to 2021.

What's the population of Kelowna in 2026?

The Greater Kelowna area (including West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland) reached a population of 254,605 as of July 1, 2025 (Statistics Canada). While growth has moderated from the record 13.5% surge between 2016 and 2021, the region remains one of Canada’s most attractive mid-sized economies — blending big-city career options with a small-city quality of life.

3. Excellent Schools (Public, Private, and Postsecondary)

Planning a move to Kelowna with kids? Kelowna has earned a strong reputation for having excellent schools - including pre-K, elementary, secondary education, and postgraduate.

Kelowna’s Best Elementary School

The highest-rated elementary school in the region is Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School, a private school with a 2023-24 Fraser Institute score of 8.9/10 (ranking in the top 5% in BC). Located on a beautiful campus near UBC Okanagan, it offers a well-rounded program with strong academics, STEAM, leadership, and outdoor education.

Among public elementary schools in Central Okanagan School District 23, the top performers include:

• Anne McClymont Elementary — 6.3/10
• North Glenmore Elementary and de l’Anse-au-Sable — both 6.1/10
• Glenmore Elementary and St. Joseph Elementary — 6.6/10

Other strong public options with solid ratings (5.5–6.0 range) include Dorothea Walker, Black Mountain, Watson Road, Casorso, and South Kelowna Elementary.

Kelowna’s Best Graduating High School

For high school, the top-rated graduating schools are:

• Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School — 7.9/10 (tied for one of the highest in Kelowna)
• Immaculata Regional High School — 7.9/10
• Okanagan Mission Secondary — 7.5/10 (strong public option, ranked 45th out of 252 BC secondary schools)

Other notable secondary schools include Kelowna Secondary (around 7.0–7.6 range in recent years) and Mount Boucherie Secondary in West Kelowna (6.8/10). Private faith-based options like Kelowna Christian School continue to perform well for families seeking that environment.

Post Secondary Schools in Kelowna

University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus — also known as UBCO — is the most reputable post-secondary educational institution in the BC interior. University of British Columbia Okanagan offers both undergraduate and graduate studies in arts, science, humanities, business management, healthcare, engineering, and education.

Okanagan College on KLO Road is the largest post-secondary school in the valley that’s praised for its excellent programs in engineering, education, and management at the Okanagan College School of Business, which helps students with direct job market placements as they graduate.

With new school construction underway (including a new middle school in Glenmore) and steady investment in education infrastructure, Kelowna continues to support its growing families. Whether you prefer public schools with great catchment areas, private academies, or faith-based education, there are quality options across neighbourhoods like Lower Mission, Glenmore, Rutland, West Kelowna, and South Kelowna.

4. Four Seasons Outdoor Activities

With pleasant weather, captivating scenery, beautiful nature, and an abundance of places to explore, you can enjoy the outdoors in Kelowna year-round. Kelowna offers residents quick access to the lake, the mountains, and the forested great outdoors - just a short drive, walk, or bike ride from your home.

Kelowna is also home to beautiful parks and wilderness preserves like Mission Creek, Knox Mountain, and Rose Valley which are full of great hiking and walking trails. Big White Ski Resort is just 1 hour’s drive from town with skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking in summer. If you’re looking for some of our City's best adventures - check out our guide to day trips near Kelowna, scenic drives in Kelowna, and our winter to do list.

5. New Houses, High Rise Condos, Townhomes, and Rental Homes

In 2026, Kelowna continues to see significant new home development activity, with thousands of units currently under construction across dozens of projects, particularly in multi-family and rental housing. With a wide range of new skyscrapers and high rise towers in the downtown core like Water Street by the Park, One Water Street, and Bertram Bernard Block, Kelowna is now home to the tallest towers in BC outside of the Lower Mainland.

If you’re moving to Kelowna as a senior, Kelowna has newly-built 55 plus communities that are located close to golf courses, parks, lifestyle amenities, healthcare, and shopping centres. Kelowna's current median home price sits around $870,000–$935,000, with the average single-family home price at approximately $1,033,000 (as of March 2026).

• Learn: Kelowna's cost of living and what it really costs to own a home in Kelowna, BC
  

• Find: available properties for rent in Kelowna

• Browse: homes for sale in Kelowna

6. Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is a freshwater lake in BC with a 135km length & 232m depth. Swimming and boating are some of the biggest attractions for visitors in Kelowna. Once the water heats up in July, Lake Okanagan is a wonderful place for boating, swimming, SUP paddleboarding, flyboarding, parasailing, or just relaxing at a beach.

In 2026, Okanagan Lake remains the sparkling heart of Kelowna life — a massive 348 km² fjord lake with over 290 km of shoreline that moderates the local climate and delivers some of the warmest swimming waters in British Columbia. Water temperatures comfortably reach 19–23°C (and often higher) from July through early September, making it ideal for extended beach days and water sports.

Popular activities include wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, sailing, and jet skiing, with calm cruising conditions perfect for pontoon boats and sunset tours. Kelowna has earned recognition as Canada’s best boating town for 2026, thanks to easy marina access, long stretches of open water, and stunning views of vineyards, orchards, and mountains. If you’re into fishing, you can catch rainbow trout, kokanee, burbot, and lake whitefish by boat.

7. Great Beaches, Splash Parks, and Waterfront Walks

Okanagan Lake is known as one of the top swimming spots in British Columbia, Canada. From hot sand beaches to secluded rocky coves, the Kelowna waterfront has a variety of excellent beaches, including City of Kelowna sanctioned dog-friendly beaches like Cedar Creek Park and Lake Avenue Dog Off-Leash Beach.

Kelowna’s most popular beaches are Boyce-Gyro Beach, and Hot Sands Beach and splash park in City Park — both of which feature outdoor playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, and concessions where you can buy ice cream, snacks, and cold drinks. In 2026, these beaches continue to be the heartbeat of summer in Kelowna. Hot Sands Beach is the largest and most vibrant downtown option, featuring a long sandy shoreline, a scenic boardwalk, large grassy areas, and a huge children’s playground. It often includes a seasonal inflatable water park (Wibit) with slides, trampolines, and climbing structures right on the water.

Boyce-Gyro Beach (also known as Gyro Beach) in the Lower Mission remains a local favourite with soft sand, shallow swimming areas, a rope swing, beach volleyball courts, and a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere. Other popular spots include Tugboat Bay Beach in Waterfront Park (great for a quieter downtown vibe), Strathcona Beach (shaded and peaceful with a playground), and Rotary Beach.

For families with young children, City Park and several neighbourhood parks also feature dedicated splash parks and water play areas that open each summer.

Kelowna boasts an excellent 2-kilometre Downtown Waterfront Promenade — a paved, scenic pathway that connects City Park, Waterfront Park, Kerry Park, Stuart Park, and Rotary Marsh.

8. Ski Resorts and Cross Country Ski Clubs

Kelowna has a handful of awesome award winning downhill ski resorts within 1 to 3 hours drive, making it a great place to live for skiers, and snowboarders. Some of the best mountains are Big White, SilverStar, and the highly acclaimed Revelstoke Mountain Resort which is known for its high elevation, challenging runs, and amazing powder snow.

Big White is just 55 minutes from downtown Kelowna, offering over 2,700 acres of terrain, 119 runs, one of Canada’s largest night-skiing areas, and a full ski-in/ski-out village. SilverStar (about 1 hour away) delivers 3,282 acres across four mountain faces with a colourful, vibrant village atmosphere. Revelstoke, roughly 2.5 hours away, is a big-mountain favourite with legendary deep powder, steep terrain, and massive vertical drop (experts only!).

Before you go, check the weather and snow report to find the best conditions. If you get into the mountains for a day of skiing during a weather inversion, you’ll get blue skies all day - a beautiful reprieve from the winter gloom.

Kelowna is also home to some beautiful cross country ski areas within 1 to 2 hours of town that are suitable for beginners and experts alike. Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (connected to SilverStar) offers one of Canada’s largest groomed Nordic trail networks with over 100 km of trails, while Big White and local clubs like Telemark Nordic provide additional options for classic and skate skiing.

In summer months, most ski resorts near Kelowna are open for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing via chairlift.

Living in Kelowna means you can hit the slopes on a powder day without the long-haul travel most Canadians endure. It’s this easy access to big-mountain adventures — combined with sunny Okanagan winters — that makes winter feel exciting instead of limiting.

9. Beautiful Parks & Public Green Spaces

If you love nature walks, hiking, mountain biking, swimming at hot sands beaches, or playing organized sports, Kelowna is a great place to live.

Our city is home to over 200 gorgeous parks, including Regional Parks and Provincial Parks with playgrounds for kids, scenic walking trails and paved paths that are suitable for outdoor enthusiasts of any ability level, dog beaches where Fido can play off-leash, and dog-free bird sanctuaries where you can get to know the local wildlife in a calm, serene environment.

Amazing day trips are within reach at parks like Okanagan Mountain Park and the Myra Canyon Trestles (part of Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park).

In 2026, Kelowna continues investing heavily in its green spaces, with the City advancing 18 new and upgraded park projects this year alone — part of a multi-year commitment that added 23 park improvements in 2025. These enhancements include new playgrounds, sports fields, pathways, pump tracks, and inclusive play structures, making parks even more family-friendly and accessible.

Popular local favourites include Knox Mountain Park (Kelowna’s largest natural area park with extensive trails right near downtown), City Park and Waterfront Park along Okanagan Lake, and neighbourhood gems like Gyro Beach Park, Strathcona Park, and Glenmore Recreation Park.

For bigger adventures, head to Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park for rugged hiking, backcountry camping, and boat access with sweeping lake views, or the iconic Myra Canyon Trestles where you can bike or hike across 18 historic wooden trestles and through tunnels with dramatic canyon and valley panoramas, just 25–40 minutes from downtown.

10. Golf Courses

With excellent weather, a long season, and over 16 golf courses, Kelowna, BC has earned a reputation as one of the best golf destinations across Canada.

Renowned golf courses like Tower Ranch, The Bear & Quail, and The Harvest Golf Club are known for challenging golf course designs, well-maintained grounds, and stunning landscapes.

Tower Ranch consistently ranks as one of the top public courses in Kelowna (and Canada), offering dramatic elevation changes, sweeping valley and lake views, and a challenging layout designed by Thomas McBroom. The Bear Course (Nicklaus Design) at Okanagan Golf Club provides a more forgiving yet scenic experience through ponderosa pines, while the Quail Course delivers tighter, strategic play. The Harvest Golf Club winds through orchards and vineyards with beautiful Okanagan Lake vistas, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors.

Kelowna also has excellent driving ranges to practice your game before you hit the fairway. Our favorites are Two Eagles in West Kelowna for beautiful lake views and elevated practice greens, and the TopTracer Range at Kelowna Driving Range which tracks your shots using an app.

Thanks to the mild, sunny climate, the Okanagan golf scene is thriving with one of the longest golf seasons in Canada. Many courses open as early as late February or early March (Two Eagles often leads the way) and stay playable well into November.

11. World-Class Kelowna Wineries

Since the first orchardists and agriculturalists moved to the Okanagan Valley to begin farming land in the 19th century, our region has blossomed into one of Canada’s best regions for growing wine grapes.

Now known as a world-class wine region, Kelowna winery scene is known for award winning wineries you can visit for tastings, wine cases, and fine dining with spectacular vistas.

Some of Kelowna’s most famous wineries are Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Quails’ Gate (excellent wine shop), Sandhill Wines, CedarCreek Estate, Calona Vineyards, and The Vibrant Vine Winery (well known for cool, artistic wine bottles). In the 2020’s Kelowna is also rich with organic wineries who embrace the use of natural ingredients and biodynamic production.

In 2026, the Kelowna and Central Okanagan wine scene continues to shine on the national and international stage. Mission Hill Family Estate was recently named Winery of the Year for a record sixth time at the 2025 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, cementing its status as one of the country’s most awarded estates. Quails’ Gate earned the prestigious Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction in 2026 for the Stewart family’s contributions to the region.

Other standout wineries gaining attention include Tantalus Vineyards (renowned for exceptional Riesling and Pinot Noir), CedarCreek Estate Winery (with stunning lake views and award-winning dining at Home Block Restaurant), Summerhill Pyramid Winery (a pioneer in organic and biodynamic wines, complete with its iconic pyramid aging cellar), SpearHead Winery (frequently recognized for top Pinot Noir), and newer luxury experiences like Azhadi Vineyards and O’Rourke Family Estate.

Many Okanagan wineries offer beautiful tasting rooms, vineyard tours, restaurants with terroir-driven menus, and breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and surrounding mountains.

Photo credit: Kalala Organic Estate Winery

12. Amazing Restaurants, Craft Breweries, Tasting Rooms, & 3rd Wave Coffee Shops

Kelowna is home to great restaurants - with the best restaurants concentrated in the Downtown Kelowna, South Pandosy, Capri/Landmark, and Rutland neighbourhoods. Kelowna’s food and drink scene has earned international acclaim, landing on Eater.com’s list of the top 15 places to eat in the world in 2026. The city also proudly holds its designation as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, highlighting the vibrant mix of local ingredients, innovative chefs, and Okanagan terroir-driven cuisine.

Downtown and South Pandosy shine with refined spots like Kin & Folk (contemporary Asian), while the North End has become a hotspot for creative dining at places like Wildling. Winery restaurants such as Home Block at CedarCreek Estate and The Terrace at Mission Hill deliver unforgettable fine dining with vineyard and lake views.

The North End Brewery District continues to thrive with popular craft breweries including Red Bird Brewing (known for live music, wood-fired pizza, and a huge patio), Kettle River Brewing, Rustic Reel Brewing, BNA Brewing, and Tree Brewing. Many tasting rooms are dog-friendly, family-welcoming, and often host events, making them perfect for casual afternoons or evenings out.

Coffee standouts include Bean Scene (a long-time favourite known for its high-quality small-batch roasting), Bright Jenny Coffee with its bright, welcoming spaces and expertly pulled shots, and Sprout Coffee for its fresh, creative menu and cozy atmosphere.

If you’re planning on eating out when you get to Kelowna, check out our Kelowna, BC gastronomy guides:

• Kelowna fine dining

• Kelowna cheap eats

• Craft breweries

• Coffee shops

• Coffee roasters

13. A Booming Nightlife, Culture, & Entertainment Scene

Kelowna’s nightlife, culture, and entertainment scene is booming in the 2020’s. Our growing population of students, young professionals, and party goers of all ages has brought new life into events and entertainment in Downtown Kelowna, BC - and so many people to the bars.

In the summer months, you can attend outdoor concerts and music festivals at venues like the Island Stage at Waterfront Park. In the fall and winter, you can attend Kelowna Rockets (our Major Junion hockey team) games at Prospera Place downtown, our main concert and largest performing arts venue in Kelowna, BC located in the Cultural District.

• Pubs & bars: BNA Brewing, Red Bird Brewing, Kettle River Brewing

• Lively restaurants: Central Kitchen, Earl’s on Top, Cactus Club Cafe

• Nightclubs: Level/Gotham, Liquid Zoo (and gentlemens club)

14. The Best Shopping in The Okanagan

Outside of the lower mainland (particularly Vancouver & Richmond), Kelowna has some of the best shopping opportunities in the province of British Columbia. The best places to buy dresses, suits, and casual wear are at retail stores in Orchard Park Shopping Centre, the downtown core, and the South Pandosy Mission.

Not sure where to go shopping in Kelowna? Browse through our blog catalogue to find a great place you’ll love shopping at.

Shop for clothing & apparel:

• New clothing stores

• Vintage clothing

• Mens clothing

• Jewelry stores

Shop for your home:

• Art galleries

• Book stores

• Home lighting

• Patio furniture

• Blinds & window coverings

15. Kelowna International Airport | Your Gateway to the World

Looking to pack up your suitcase and travel the world? You can travel almost anywhere in the world via Kelowna International Airport (YLW), located a quick 15 to 30 minutes drive away from Downtown Kelowna via Highway 97, and 20 minutes from Lake Country.

In 2026, the airport is even more convenient thanks to its major Airport Terminal Building Expansion (Phase 1). The new departures lounge and improved security screening area opened in January 2026, nearly doubling the lounge capacity, speeding up security times, and adding direct gate access. Construction continues through late 2026 to complete the full $108-million project, delivering a significantly upgraded passenger experience for Kelowna’s growing region.

Kelowna International Airport offers a range of both domestic and international flight destinations:

• Domestic flights: Victoria, Vancouver, Prince George, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal

• Fly direct to Mexico: Cabo (SJD - 4h 25m), Puerto Vallarta (PVR - 4h 45m ), and Cancun (CUN - 5h 50m).

• International flight connections via Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ), and Montreal (YUL).

Before planning your trip, make sure your passport is in good standing. Need transportation to the airport? Check out our guide to getting around Kelowna without a car. If you’re travelling by car, Kelowna is approximately 4 hours drive to Vancouver, and 8 hours drive to Calgary.

16. Healthcare Services | Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)

Taking care of your health and your family’s health is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. If you're moving to Kelowna, know that Kelowna has some of the very best health care facilities in the Okanagan Valley and British Columbia - which means you can access quality physical and mental health services (though there are some growing pains).

KGH is known as one of the best healthcare facilities in BC and the only place to get cardiac surgery or angioplasty in BC besides Vancouver. Healthcare in Kelowna is offered by the Interior Health Authority and covered via the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), which provides medically-necessary healthcare services like physicians, diagnostics, eye & ear exams, and dental surgery. Note that expats living in Kelowna are eligible for MSP health care coverage if your work permit is 6 months or longer.

The Okanagan Valley is also home to excellent supplemental healthcare providers like registered massage therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, therapists, and naturopaths. Moving to Kelowna from out of province or out of country? Read through our guide to health care in Kelowna, BC, Canada for more details.

17. Great Neighborhoods

Thinking of moving to Kelowna, BC? Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as choosing the right home in Kelowna. Fortunately, Kelowna is home to some great family-friendly neighborhoods with affordable housing, safe streets, walkable communities, and stunning views, and a relatively low population density of 61.9 persons per square kilometre (Stats Canada).

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Kelowna to buy a home are Rose Valley, Upper Mission, historic Lower Mission, affordable Rutland,  and luxury neighborhoods like McKinley, and Lakeview Heights.

In 2026, the city continues to grow thoughtfully, with new developments focused on creating vibrant, mixed-use communities while preserving the spacious, nature-connected feel that residents love. Whether you're looking for family-oriented suburbs, trendy walkable pockets, or upscale lake-view properties, there's a perfect fit for almost every lifestyle and budget.

• Learn: How to get around Kelowna without a car
  
• Learn: 7 Best Neighborhoods for Families in Kelowna