History of Kelowna

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General Background

From the beginning the attraction to, and the phenomenal growth of Kelowna was inevitable.

In a setting by a lake, surrounded by mountains Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley
enjoy some of the most favorable weather conditions in Canada.. Very high hours
per day sunshine, combined with very low average precipitation have caused the
area to be classed as semi-arid. Ground cactus is common on the lower mountainsides
in the valley but modern irrigation keeps parks, orchards and golf courses green.

Often referred to as the Hawaii of Canada or the Florida of the north, Kelowna
annually attracts visitors from around the world. Many return and often remain.
As the population grew, the services and choices expanded broadening the attraction.
The area has enjoyed one of North America's highest growth rates over the past twenty
years resulting in a flourishing economy.

Tourism, Forestry, Fruit growing, and Wineries (over thirty locally) are the obvious industries.
Tourism is attracted to Kelowna's beauty, weather, beaches, boating, skiing, wine festivals,
and golf (thirteen courses within the city limits and five more within a thirty minute drive).

Kelowna is the fastest growing retirement area in Canada.
The experienced and diversified population demand a high quality of life,
and choices, and . . . "Kelowna Delivers".

Specific Facts

A peaceful refuge in the mountains!
The Okanagan valley has been known and enjoyed by native Indians for centuries.
The name Kelowna is derived from its Indian name which means grizzly bear. Grizzlies while
known in the area, are not common and it is believed that the term came from an Indian reference
describing an early settler who lived in an underground home like a cave, (a "keekwillie house").


Planting Crops circa 1909
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)


Irrigating Orchards circa 1908
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)


Harvesting Onions circa 1908
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)


Elevated Irrigation Flume circa 1910
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)


Canal Construction circa 1910
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)


Irrigation Pipe circa 1910
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)


Early Pump circa 1909
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)


Glenmore Area circa 1909
courtesy Kelowna Museum (copyright)

1700's - Explorers, and traders discover the area and trade relations begin with the Natives.
1859 -



Three oblate missionaries, came to the area an recognized the possibilities for settlement. Father Pandosy was the most famous of these missionaries and the restored remains of his mission are a heritage attraction today at Mission Provincial Heritage Site in south Kelowna.
1900 - The area had begun to flourish and shops set up for business near the lake.
1905 -


Kelowna incorporated as a town with a population of 600 people and ferry boat was brought in to facilitate easy lake crossing, making Kelowna more accessible to the Pacific coast.
1912 - The Okanagan Telephone Company opened.
1916 - Kelowna was able to send 1,000 people to the First World War.
1925 -

The Canadian National Railway linked Kelowna to the outside world facilitating the shipment of fruit and other goods.
1945/46 -


Following the end of the Second World War property was made available to returning veterans through the veteran's resettlement committee, and Kelowna's population grew dramatically.
1945 - The Kelowna Memorial Arena was built
1958 -


Premiere W.A.C. Bennett along with H.R.H. Princess Margaret officially opened the newly constructed Okanagan Lake Floating Bridge (The only bridge of its kind in Canada).
1959 - The population of Kelowna had grown to 10,000 people.
1960 -

The Kelowna airport opened. It constantly expands to bring the world to our doorstep.
1990 -

The Coquihalla Highway "Connector" opens to Vancouver, B.C. allowing easy three and a half hour trips to and from the Pacific coast.
Present -


Today Kelowna is the economic centre of the Okanagan Valley. It has a population of 100,000 (150,000 in it's drawing area). The projected population for Kelowna is 200,000 by the year 2020.

Kelowna also offers: