Okanagan Valley Living: 7 Best Cities in BC's Okanagan Valley

Welcome to the vibrant heart of British Columbia, where the undulating hills meet pristine lakeshores and bountiful orchards — the Okanagan Valley. The best cities here offer charming small-town life, world-class wineries, and promising growth opportunities. From the sun-drenched city of Kelowna to the picturesque Penticton, get ready to discover the unique offerings of Okanagan's standout cities.

Kelowna

Warm summers, mild winters, and abundant beaches and wineries make for a great place to live. That's exactly what Kelowna residents get to enjoy, in addition to the city being especially bicycle-friendly and a haven for those who live an active outdoor lifestyle. Homes for sale in Kelowna lean higher-end; however, residents have their pick because the city has a wide variety of home types, including single-family homes and multi-family properties, such as condos.

Residents and visitors love being just 30–40 minutes from Myra Canyon. A former Kettle Valley Railroad line sits perched high above the canyon with a series of trestle bridges and tunnels. Hike or bike any portion of the 12-kilometre trail, or take a guided tour. Seasonally, a few companies provide shuttles to Myra Canyon from downtown Kelowna. Get your adrenaline pumping even more at Myra Canyon Adventure Park with aerial ropes courses and other fun obstacles.

For some indoor fun, BNA Brewing & Bowl is widely considered the spot in Kelowna. You can grab drinks and appetizers at the bar, sit down to a full dinner, or even order directly to your bowling lane. You can also play bocce, and private event spaces are available for rent. The vibe is lively and relaxed, and reservations are highly recommended, especially for bowling.

West Kelowna

Encompassing multiple individual neighbourhoods, West Kelowna is a town of nearly 35,000 residents. West Kelowna is across the lake from Kelowna, connected by a bridge. Homes in this community are highly coveted, with lake and mountain views and convenient access to the region's renowned wineries, beaches, restaurants, parks, shopping, and more. Homes for sale in West Kelowna vary widely in size and price, so prospective buyers are truly spoiled for choice.

Living in West Kelowna gives residents access to the city's many hotspots, but Shannon Woods Dog Park caters specifically to the four-legged crowd. The off-leash section of the park is open year-round for pups to enjoy, and the bark mulch surface and fencing make it the perfect place for dogs to play worry-free. Shannon Woods Park itself also has sports fields and a community garden with plots available for residents to rent.

If you're looking for a unique way to spend a day, head to Safari Ridge Adventure Park. Whether visitors come for a memorable birthday party or want to pop in for some impromptu paintball fun, Safari Ridge has something for everyone. The paintball complex has low-impact and standard adventure options to accommodate various needs and preferences.

Penticton

The name Penticton means "a place where people live year-round" in Salish, and members of this community certainly make the most of their 365 days a year. Penticton is nestled between Okanagan and Skaha lakes, with lakeshore on both. Its thriving outdoor scene attracts many residents, but people flock to Penticton for its hospitable business environment.

About half the homes in Penticton are single-family, with the remaining half being a mix of townhouses and condos. There's a nice variety of home sizes, and many have water views, thanks to the city's unique geography.

Okanagan Lake Beach is hands down one of the city's most popular destinations. Parking is free, and there are restrooms, designated swimming areas, floating docks, fire rings for bonfires, kiddie slides, and plenty of trees to find shade. Nearby, several cafes and casual restaurants are perfect for mid-day snacks.

Black Widow Winery is for those who want to feel like they're sipping a glass of vino from an Italian villa...without leaving their Penticton backyard. Residents also have access to even more outdoor fun, including the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, seasonal markets, and motorcycle tours.

Vernon

Vernon is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, situated right between three lakes (Okanagan, Swan, and Kalamalka) and near endless hiking trails and thrill-inducing ski terrain. It's also the oldest town in the Okanagan Valley, with roots tied to fur trading and mining. Like other Okanagan cities, homes for sale in Vernon come in an excellent variety — plus, due to its age, it also offers distinct older architecture from the early 1900s.

Skiing is a popular pastime in Vernon, and fortunately, Vernon residents enjoy proximity to two major resorts: Silver Star Mountain and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. Near one another in the Silver Star region, both resorts enjoy an abundance of dry powder. They also combine their trails to offer a network of 105 kilometres of groomed runs, both downhill and cross-country. Silver Star is also one of the largest ski areas in North America!

For a look into Vernon's long history, head to O'Keefe Ranch. The museum is a remnant of the Gold Rush when industrious young explorers traversed the West for riches. Cornelious O'Keefe was one of those hopeful explorers, a cattle rancher who acquired the land the museum now sits on. The region's early ranching history is kept alive through tours and exhibits.

Peachland

Equidistant from Kelowna and Penticton, Peachland overlooks Okanagan Lake, giving residents incredible views from their homes and easy access to the beach. This perfect recipe helped the city earn a spot as one of three places to "live the good life in British Columbia." Small-town living with convenient access to major metropolitan areas certainly has its perks! Homes for sale in Peachland are similar in size and price to other sites, although it's just far enough from major cities that you may find more bargains.

The Peachland Historical Society keeps the city's old-fashioned charm alive through the quaint Peachland Museum. The building underwent several transformations before becoming the museum, including stints as a fire hall and public library.

This area is all about wine, but Tonics Pub & Grill shows a different aspect of the local nightlife. The restaurant brings downtown to life all day and night with elevated classic pub fare and amenities like sports games and late-night bites. Tonics also routinely hosts viewing parties for major televised events, and a DJ comes in regularly to get the crowd hoppin'.

Summerland

Don't let the name fool you; this place is amazing all year! Summerland is an excellent choice for those looking for extra space, as most houses here have four or more bedrooms. The ability to spread out extends outside in Summerland, too, as outdoor recreation is a significant part of life here. Residents enjoy being near dozens of hiking and biking trails, beaches, and parks.

Majestic Mount Conkle has 268 acres of winding multi-use trails showing off some of the best views of Summerland. Spend any time on the main seven-mile loop, and you'll encounter mountain bikers flying down the maze of trails, as well as hikers and trail runners.

Summerland Sweets is the perfect local spot to enjoy tasty treats in all forms. The country shop sells many fruit-based products, from jams and syrups to specialty ice cream. Beyond its highly acclaimed jams and jellies, Summerland Sweets also offers a small selection of home decor pieces to bring a bit of BC's nature indoors.

Osoyoos

Sitting on the shores of Canada's warmest lake and surrounded by the country's only true desert, the town of Osoyoos is a little-known hidden gem in extreme southern BC — the southernmost town in the Okanagan Valley. With its desert climate, the weather is one of the biggest draws of living in Osoyoos. It experiences a much warmer, milder winter than most other regions countrywide.

Enjoy the town's ideal climate while improving your swing at Osoyoos Golf Club. Two 18-hole golf courses offer unique experiences during the extended season. The Park Meadows course lets players feel like their game has been transported to a luxury resort, complete with easily walkable terrain. In contrast, the Desert Gold course challenges golfers with its links-style setup and the necessity for precise shots. After the game, visitors can unwind in the 13,000-square-foot clubhouse and restaurant.

Local favourite restaurant Convivia Bistro puts the French in French-Canadian, along with a side of Italian. This fusion restaurant marries the best of Europe, dishing out soups, pasta, salads and meats. Of course, the lengthy wine list focuses on varietals exclusively from local Okanagan wineries, and the beer is imported from nearby Cannery Brewing Co. Convivia Bistro is known to be packed, so be sure to make a reservation online.

Armstrong

Armstrong is 25 kilometres north of Vernon in the northernmost part of Okanagan Valley. Although it isn't lakefront like many neighbouring towns, Armstrong is an outdoor oasis where every season means new adventures. Cheese-making is a deeply rooted part of the town's past, and many local restaurants highlight this tasty bit of history.

In 2021, Armstrong was named one of the top 20 best cities to live in Canada, specifically for its low cost of living and abundance of high-paying jobs. Here, most homes are priced under $1 million, you'll find many in the $500s, and there's ample opportunity to build a custom dream home on empty land.

Residents enjoy Silver Star Provincial Park, an unparalleled destination, especially in winter, when the maze of Nordic skiing trails offers endless thrills. This particular area of the Okanagan sees reliable snowfall, so all types of winter recreation, like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, are available.

You'll find wine and cider aplenty, even this far north of the lake. Farmstrong Cider Company operates from a restored barn with open-air rafters overlooking the mountains. The full menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas.

Find Your Ideal Okanagan Valley City

The Okanagan Valley's real estate market offers many opportunities, with its diversity in housing options, unmatched natural beauty, and thriving economies. The favourable climate, robust wine industry, and burgeoning tech scene also add to the region's allure. Whether you're searching for an urban condominium, a sprawling vineyard estate, or a lakeside retreat, the Okanagan Valley promises not only a house but a lifestyle — a perfect blend of tranquillity and opportunity nestled among some of the most picturesque landscapes in Canada.

If you're dreaming of living in the Okanagan Valley, call the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your perfect Okanagan Valley home.