British Columbia Travel Guide
The unofficial BC Travel & Tourism Guide
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Entering by highway to Kelowna, well-traveled visitors know that to get there they enter from the "Westbank" and cross one of British Columbia's only floating bridges. Westbank sees almost seven thousand visitors every month in the summer. Its perfect view of Kelown, the Okanagan Lake, and the community's fertile wine country its no wonder it has grown as a popular recreational destination. In addition, families have also found the area just as entertaining with themed play parks, go-carts, water slides, and plenty of services. For couples the retreats and beach areas are host to many opportunities to relax. The nightlife brims with fine dining, wine sampling, or mid-night cruises.

Hiking the park trails or driving to beautiful easy to access vistas are everywhere. The same goes for the winter season. Cross-country skiers will enjoy the many trails around Westbank. Because the area around the lake is both valley and mountain, guests can be at either within twenty minutes. The major ski destination of Big White, the Kelowna city centre and famed valley wineries are all within less than a hour's drive for a full day of fun and outdoor recreation.

The Okanagan Valley is known for amazing agriculture and the seasonal harvests run from June to late October for many extraordinary fruits from the local orchards.

Airport access:
Kelowna Airport approximately 30 kilometers north.
Penticton Airport approximately 55 kilometers south.

Population: 24,600+

Highlights:
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
Westbank beach area - Okanagan Lake
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort - cross-country skiing
The Gellatly Bay Ferry Dock
The Fur Brigade Trail
The Westbank Yacht Club
The Westbank Museum & Arts and Craft Society
Gellatly Heritage Park
Fintry Provincial Park

History:
The First Nations people the Stekatkolxne'ut had their village located on the area to western bank of the Okanagan Lake for thousands of years. This unique lofted view was perfect for scoping the valley and lake in preparation for daily hunting or fishing excursions.

During the 1800's passing fur traders would use this great vantage point as a stop over. They named the area MacDonald's Plain, which was the last name to one of their officers at the Hudson Bay Trading Company. However this name did not remain. By 1908 the area was popularly referred to as "west bank" to the Okanagan Lake and it was preserved as such.

Climate:
Summer average 20 degrees Celsius
Winter average 5 degrees Celsius
 

Westbank Accommodations


Westbank Things to Do

Artists & Fine Art Artisans
Design Arts
First Nations
Galleries/ Exhibits/Shows
Kids & Teens
Workshops/Classes

British Columbia
Westbank