West Kelowna offers a unique blend of rural charm, urban convenience, and stunning Okanagan landscapes. Located just across Okanagan Lake from Kelowna, this growing community is known for its wineries, recreational opportunities, and tight-knit neighborhoods. From lakeside living to hillside homes with panoramic views, West Kelowna is the perfect place for families, professionals, and retirees seeking an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Location
West Kelowna is located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, connected to Kelowna by the iconic William R. Bennett Bridge. Its strategic location offers easy access to both the amenities of Kelowna’s downtown and the tranquility of the surrounding countryside.
This area is known for its diverse geography, with neighborhoods ranging from lakefront communities along Gellatly Bay to hillside developments offering breathtaking views of the lake, vineyards, and mountains. Popular areas in West Kelowna include Lakeview Heights, Shannon Lake, Westbank Centre, and Mission Hill.
A Growing Community with Rich Roots
West Kelowna has a rich history rooted in agriculture and viticulture. Once a quiet farming community, it has grown into a vibrant city while maintaining its connection to the land. Today, West Kelowna is home to a thriving wine industry, with many of BC’s best wineries calling the area home. Its master-planned developments and natural surroundings make it one of the most attractive places to live in the Okanagan.
Amenities in West Kelowna
West Kelowna provides a balanced lifestyle with amenities to suit every need:
• Outdoor Recreation: The area is home to several beaches, parks, and hiking trails, including Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park, Bear Creek Provincial Park, and the iconic Mount Boucherie Hiking Trail. Residents enjoy boating, paddleboarding, and fishing on Okanagan Lake. Shannon Lake offers a peaceful retreat for picnicking and golfing.
• Wineries and Culinary Delights: Known as one of BC’s top wine regions, West Kelowna features renowned wineries such as Mission Hill Family Estate, Quails’ Gate Winery, and Frind Estate Winery, offering tastings, fine dining, and vineyard tours.
• Shopping and Dining: Westbank Centre is the commercial heart of West Kelowna, offering everything from big-box stores to boutique shops and restaurants. Local favorites include farm-to-table eateries and family-owned bistros.
• Community and Family: Families love West Kelowna for its community feel and abundance of parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. The Westside Wine Trail and various community events bring residents together year-round.
Noteworthy Developments
West Kelowna features a mix of established neighborhoods and exciting new developments designed to suit diverse lifestyles:
• Lakeview Village: A modern development offering luxury condos and townhomes with breathtaking lake and vineyard views, as well as convenient access to boutique shops and cafes.
• Tallus Ridge: A family-friendly community nestled in the hills of Shannon Lake, offering spacious single-family homes and proximity to schools, parks, and trails.
• The Residences at Lakeview Heights: A collection of contemporary homes that combine modern living with stunning views of Okanagan Lake and surrounding vineyards.
• Mission Hill Estates: Exclusive homes situated near Mission Hill Winery, offering unmatched views and luxurious living surrounded by vineyards.
• The Trails: A master-planned community featuring modern homes with easy access to nature trails, schools, and local amenities.
Top-Rated Schools
West Kelowna is home to excellent schools, making it an ideal choice for families. The Central Okanagan School District serves the area with well-regarded elementary, middle, and secondary schools:
• Chief Tomat Elementary School
• Shannon Lake Elementary School
• Constable Neil Bruce Middle School
• Mount Boucherie Secondary School
For post-secondary education, West Kelowna is just a short drive from both UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College.
Demographics
West Kelowna’s welcoming community attracts families, retirees, and young professionals seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to urban amenities.
• Average age: 42
• Average income: $85,000
• Households with children: 50%
Real Estate in West Kelowna
West Kelowna offers a wide range of real estate options, from lakefront condos to sprawling hillside estates.
• Condos and Townhomes: Starting at $450,000, perfect for first-time buyers or retirees looking for low-maintenance living.
• Single-Family Homes: Prices range from $800,000 to $1.5 million, offering space for growing families.
• Luxury Lakefront Homes: Starting at $2 million, featuring private docks, stunning lake views, and upscale finishes.
• Vineyard Estates: Homes surrounded by vineyards and wineries, offering the ultimate Okanagan lifestyle starting at $1.5 million.
Walkability and Accessibility
West Kelowna’s walkability varies by neighborhood. Westbank Centre offers walkability score of 70, making it easy to run errands on foot. Other areas, like Shannon Lake and Lakeview Heights, are more car-dependent but provide quick access to major roads and highways. Public transit connects West Kelowna to Kelowna and other parts of the region, and the area is just a 25-minute drive from Kelowna International Airport.
An area’s walkability score is based on the following:
90–100: Walker’s Paradise – Daily errands can be done on foot
70–89: Very Walkable – Most errands can be done on foot
50–69: Somewhat Walkable – Some errands can be done on foot
0–49: Car-Dependent – Most to all errands require a vehicle
Why Choose West Kelowna?
West Kelowna offers a lifestyle defined by stunning natural beauty, vibrant community living, and easy access to urban conveniences. Whether you’re drawn by the serene vineyards, outdoor recreation, or family-friendly neighborhoods, West Kelowna is the perfect place to live, work, and play.
Artfully uniting extraordinary lives with extraordinary homes is what we do. Whether you are curious as to your home's current value, or you wish to discuss what improvements and staging you can do to your home that will translate into increased value when selling, let our expertise guide you. Complete this form and we will contact you to discuss how we can be of value.
Client Feedback
Thank you for everything. I am so happy we chose your team as you were all so fantastic. You made the process very seamless. I will totally recommend you to others.
Ryan and Natasha H.
We’ve been working with Justin for two years with much success. Justin and his group are organized, professional, efficient, available, and get the job done without chaos and confusion! Justin handles the clients calmly and professionally and keeps things running smoothly. We highly recommend him!"
Scott & Gina Tyerman
Moving from another city, it was easy to see Kelowna offers many choices when it comes to choosing a Realtor®. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, well-connected professional, look no further than Justin O’Connor. He is thorough in his appraisal work and negotiates with a quiet confidence. Justin takes the time to get to know his clients, listens to their plans and stay focussed on their goals. It was a pleasure to work with Justin and his Sotheby’s team. They always kept the process enjoyable and stayed in touch. Justin and his team know how to ease the stresses that come with making big decisions and… he has a great sense of humor!
Anne Johnston
I think I was still in shock last night when we went through this process. Grant and I have loved our home over the years and have always taken pride in updating it for our own enjoyment. When we decided to move to a view lot and build our dream home, we knew our home would be attractive given the location and lot size. Your advice regarding further updates and staging was obviously very advantageous. Thank you!! I would also like to let you and Justin know (as I said, I think I was in a state of shock last night) since I didn’t say so last night, we are so appreciative of everything you have done for us to make this sale happen. I totally understand all of the behind the scenes work you both did with gathering information and providing immediate response to any agent query. You both represented Grant and I very, very well! I know we can’t totally celebrate until March 23 however, the heavy lifting is done. I would not hesitate to recommend the Justin O’Connor Group to anyone buying or selling!
Grant and Joyce
Working with Sotheby's was nothing less than professional. From start to finish everything went smoothly. It's good to choose a realtor that puts the client's interest first. I would recommend anyone selling their property to not hesitate going with Justin and the team!!
Ernie and Sue
When selling your home, it is essential that you are using the most professional and experienced people to guide you through this often complex process. The Sotheby’s group met all of our criteria and requirements to ensure we valued our house at the right price and made sure the entire experience was handled properly from day one all the way through to the final closing. We would highly recommend their friendly expert services.
Guy and Sonja
We have worked with the Justin O Connor team for both the sale of our show homes over the past 5 years as well as for our own personal home sales. The professionalism and knowledge ensured the process proceeded smoothly.
They do their research and deliver first class service throughout the sale process which carries through to the after-sale support as well. As a custom homebuilder it is important that we have a smooth transition to our clients as we turn over our homes.
I recommend the team for your real estate needs. You need a great team in the ever-evolving market here in the Okanagan.
