Neighbourhoods

The Central Okanagan is comprised of five separate areas: Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westside (including Westbank) and the Joe Rich-Ellision region. All have unique characteristics but are closely interrelated. The Community Profiles provide comprehensive information for each area.

The District of Peachland is home to about 5,000 people, some of whose homes are nestled along the community’s eleven kilometers of shoreline. The remainder of more than 2000 households rest on hillsides overlooking Okanagan Lake. Considered a bedroom community, Peachland is just five minutes from Westbank and 20 minutes from Kelowna. Resident, therefore, enjoy the benefits of both a small people-oriented community and a thriving regional center.

Additional information on Peachland can be found in the Peachland Community Profile, and Peachland’s website.



The Westside is often referred to as the “Key to the Okanagan”. It is the first community reached when traveling east to the Okanagan via the Okanagan Connector (Hwy 97C), bordered by rolling mountains to the west and crystal clear waters of Okanagan Lake on the east. Westbank lies nestled in some of the best wine and fruit orchards in British Columbia

Westbank is a popular tourism, industrial and residential area and offers an enticing lifestyle. The area continues to grow at a rapid pace as people relocate from all over the globe to enjoy the quality of life offered.

Additional information on the Westside can be found in the Westside Electoral Area Community Profile, Westbank Community Profile, Westside’s Chamber of Commerce and regional government office.



Kelowna enjoys a lifestyle second to none and has one of the most stable economies in Canada. With a population of approximately 100,000, Kelowna is the Okanagan’s largest community. Kelowna is the retail, education and health care hub for the region, is home to over 200 high tech businesses and has been ranked the most cost effective place to do business in the Pacific Northwest.

Additional information on Kelowna can be found in the Kelowna Community Profile, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce , Downtown Kelowna Association and city office.



Lake Country is located in the heart of the Okanagan where sun, water, mountains, friendly people and fun all meet. The endless supply of recreation, scenery and quiet country life is home to over 10,000 people.

Lake Country is a municipality made up of four different constituencies: Winfield, the commercial centre of the area; Okanagan Centre, a residential community that lines Okanagan Lake; Oyama, located between and around both Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lakes; and Carr's Landing along Okanagan Lake. As the name Lake Country indicates, the area is surrounded by many lakes. The larger lakes are: Okanagan, Kalamalka, Wood, and Duck, while in the hills to the east lie smaller fishing lakes named Beaver, Dee, Aberdeen, Oyama and many more.

Additional information on Lake Country can be found in the Lake Country Community Profile, Lake Country Chamber of Commerce and district office.



Joe Rich is ranch country while Ellison is a bedroom community with a country feel. Ellison predates Kelowna as the first major settlement in the area. Among its most desirable new properties are the homes surrounding The Bear and Quail courses at Okanagan Golf Club.

Additional information on Joe Rich and Ellison can be found in the Central Okanagan East Community Profile and regional government office.