May 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Kelowna, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
The start with I found the bussle far less then a big windy city (Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa etc) and the 'natives' are very helpful and friendly. We spent 4 wonderful weeks there from mid August until mid September 2008.
The wineries, the view of mountains and lakes, the boating, and the attitude of people in accomodating tourist was very relaxing and was so attractive that we are now looking for property in order to build.
We stayed in Lake Country just NW of Winfield and welcomed the access to the hills (my legs still hurt at the thought) and the history (such as the origins of the vinyards and of the deserted railroad in the mountains South East of the city of Kelowna).
Amenities (like the YMCA) were convenient and very clean and efficiently run as were the theatres, the Bee facilities (near Vernon I think) and the ski hills at Big White (we were there in Jan 07) and the artistic exhibits. Also what wonderful architecture and waht appears to be sensible city planning.
There is a most welcome atmosphere of cooperative pride and cautious friendliness that lets a visitor feel very comfortable and welcome without feeling harassed.
Next visit I would like to meet more of the local leaders and to be able to experience more of the local culture such as the outdoor live music concerts near to Winfield. They were a major hit for our brief stay.