West Kelowna at a glance
West Kelowna is its own city on the west side of Okanagan Lake, across the William R. Bennett Bridge from Kelowna. About 36,000 people live here (2021 Census). It became a municipality in 2007, so many neighbourhoods are newer, built on the hillsides with views over the lake and valley.
- Hot, dry summers and milder winters than most of Canada, with real seasons for skiing, hiking and the beach
- The Westside Wine Trail, with wineries like Mission Hill and Quails' Gate a few minutes from home
- Beaches and the waterfront walkway along Gellatly Bay, and trails at Rose Valley Regional Park, Kalamoir Regional Park and Mount Boucherie
- Golf at Shannon Lake and Two Eagles, and Big White, SilverStar and Apex within driving distance for skiing
Where to live
Each part of West Kelowna has its own feel. In short:
- Shannon Lake: family neighbourhoods, golf, newer townhomes and gated communities
- Lakeview Heights: views, vineyards and established streets near the bridge
- Westbank Centre: walkable shopping, condos and the waterfront
- Glenrosa: more space for the money and newer single-family homes
- Rose Valley, West Kelowna Estates, Smith Creek and Casa Loma: quieter hillside and lakeside pockets, each with a different trade-off
Looking at a condo, townhome or gated community? My West Kelowna strata directory covers the busiest complexes, with building facts, amenities and the rules on pets, rentals and age. Still deciding which side of the lake? Read Kelowna vs West Kelowna.
Getting around
- To Kelowna: the bridge connects you to downtown Kelowna in minutes outside rush hour. Plan for more time at peak commuting hours.
- Flying: Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is on the Kelowna side, usually 30 to 40 minutes' drive away.
- Highway 97 runs through West Kelowna, south toward Peachland and Penticton and north over the bridge, and the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) heads to Merritt and the Lower Mainland.
- Transit: BC Transit buses connect West Kelowna with Kelowna, but most residents drive.
Schools and health care
West Kelowna is part of Central Okanagan Public Schools (School District 23), with elementary, middle and secondary schools on this side of the lake, including Mount Boucherie Secondary. UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College are in Kelowna. Kelowna General Hospital, the region's main hospital, is across the bridge. Check school catchments for a specific address with the school district before you buy, since boundaries change.
Taxes and costs to know about
- Property transfer tax is due when you buy, and first-time buyers and buyers of new homes may be exempt. Try the property transfer tax calculator.
- Foreign buyers pay an additional 20% property transfer tax in the Central Okanagan.
- The BC speculation and vacancy tax applies in West Kelowna (reserve land is excluded), so homes left empty or used only part of the year may owe it. Most people who live in their home full time are exempt but still need to file a declaration.
- Leasehold homes on Westbank First Nation land work differently from freehold. Read freehold vs leasehold in West Kelowna.
- Home insurance can depend on wildfire exposure and distance to a fire hall, so get a quote before you remove your conditions.
Then run your payment with the mortgage calculator and budget for the other costs of buying in BC.
Buying from out of town
Most of my relocation buyers shortlist remotely, tour homes with me on live video, and make one trip to see the finalists. My relocation guide for home buyers walks through the full process, and the mistakes I see out-of-town buyers make most often.
Quick answers
Is West Kelowna part of Kelowna? No. It's its own city, with its own city hall, property taxes and bylaws, connected to Kelowna by the bridge.
Can I buy without visiting? Yes. Many buyers use video and 3D tours, then visit once for the finalists. A local inspection, lawyer or notary and a careful strata document review protect you.
What's the best area for families? It depends on budget and lifestyle. Shannon Lake, Glenrosa and Rose Valley are popular with families; tell me what matters and I'll narrow it down.
Population from Statistics Canada, 2021 Census. Tax rules and school boundaries change; confirm details for a specific property with the Province of BC, the City of West Kelowna and Central Okanagan Public Schools. General information only, not legal or tax advice.