KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA (BC), CANADA
Kelowna bed and breakfast accommodation in the least windy city
Kelowna bed and breakfast visitors are attracted to the third largest metropolitan area in British Columbia not because it is the least windy place in Canada (although it is) but most likely because of its vineyard and vacation attractions, not least because of its mild climate, which has been compared to California. Kelowna is located in the popular Okanagan Valley on the shores of Lake Okanagan. Its name derives from a native word meaning “female grizzly bear”. Because of its attractions the town is growing fast and with expansion has come a string of B&B establishments, lodges and inns. When asked what they like about Kelowna, bed and breakfast visitors answer without hesitation that they like the scenic lake vistas and the dry, mild weather. Winters are not to severe and the temperature can rise to 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) in summer. And, of course, there is the alpine skiing at the nearby Big White Ski Resort in winter while visitors in summer like to boat on the lake. Many Kelowna bed and breakfast guests are in the area to experience the famous wine culture of Kelowna. There are vineyards around the south of the city such as the Mission Hill Estate Winery known specifically for its unique architecture. Business guests often stay at Kelowna bed and breakfasts when conducting business with Sun-Rype, a major manufacturer of fruit juice and snacks, which is located in Kelowna. Academic visitors also stay in Kelowna B&Bs, lodges and inns when visiting Okanagan College, which is operated under the auspices of the University of British Columbia.
In the unlikely event that you are not interested in wine, skiing, boating or the college when you are staying in a Kelowna bed and breakfast, what is there for you to do? Well, you could take a look at Prospera Place, a 6 800-seat area or the Apple Bowl, a 5,700 seat outdoor stadium if architecture and sports appeal to you. Or if you are the visual culture type you could visit the Alternator Gallery for Contemporary Art, the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Kelowna Community Theatre and the Kelowna Museum. You can stroll from your Kelowna B&B, lodge or inn down to the Kelowna Marina on Okanagan Lake, or, if it is between April and October, you can visit the Kelowna Farmers Market. An interesting place for bed and breakfast visitors to see is the Kasugai Gardens beside the city hall, which was built to celebrate Kelowna’s friendship with its sister city, Kasugai in Japan.
