Location                                                                                                The city of Kelowna is situated in British Columbia's beautiful Okanagan Valley 395 kms (245 miles) east of Vancouver and 602 kms (374 miles) west of Calgary. Incorporated on May 5, 1905 (05/05/05), Kelowna's population has now topped 100,000 and is enjoying steady growth. Located on the shore of 90-mile long Okanagan Lake, Kelowna's sister cities are Vernon (30 miles to the north) and Penticton (40 miles to the south).   Take a virtual tour of Kelowna: www.vtours.com/kelowna/kelowna.htm                                                                 Landscape                                                                                                  The exquisite beauty of the Kelowna area is one of BC's pristine jewels showcasing everything from crystal clear waterfalls along fantastic mountain hiking trails to spectacular lake views, thriving hillside orchards  hosting internationally-acclaimed wineries to championship golf courses set in some of the valley's most magnificent surroundings. And just a short drive away some of North America's most superb ski resorts and alpine villages can be found.   Wineries:   http://www.winepressnw.com/wineries/bc/ Golf:          http://www.okvalleymall.com/golf_kelowna.html Hiking:      http://rdos.bc.ca/index.php?id=141 Skiing:    http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/ski/okanagan/index.html Culture Kelowna boasts several local theatre groups, a symphony orchestra, a variety of art galleries and a museum. The cultural district includes impressive Skyreach Place and the magnificent Okanagan Grand Hotel with the beaches and walkways of Waterfront Park nearby.  Arena:                   http://www.prosperaplace.com/ Waterfront Park:   http://www.vtours.com/kelowna/lwatrfrt.htm Grand Hotel:        http://www.grandokanagan.com/ Arts/Entertain:       http://www.kelownabc.com/directory/category.php?n=6&page=1&sort=&direction=  The People A diversity of people enjoy the wonderful lifestyle that Kelowna offers. Whether it be a student attending college, an entrepreneur involved in the growing high tech industry or a family wanting the best that a city with a community atmosphere & great shools provides. Retirees are enjoying their leisure time in a variety of pursuits and the elderly enjoy their visits with family & friends along with the best in climate and healthcare. And, of course the many hundreds of tourists from all over the world that call Kelowna and area their temporary home during the busy summer months, all blend together to make this great city one of the best places to be. Check the local news in Kelowna's daily newspaper:  www.ok.bc.ca Or at Kelowna's “Homepage“ online:            http://www.castanet.net