Kelowna

The Ogopogo legend is one of Kelowna's more intriging attractions

WELCOME TO KELOWNA

June 7, 1992

Kelowna's distinction as one of British Columbia's most spectacular tourist sanctuaries has carried its reputation throughout the world. Located in the heart of the picture perfect Okanagan Valley, the city's history dates back to the fur brigades of the early 19th century when Oblate priest father Pandosy established a nearby mission in 1858. The apple trees he planted were the beginnings of a bountiful fruit industry that has made Okanagan orchards famous around the globe. Today one-third of all Canadian fruit shipments originate in the Okanagan and Kelowna plays a key production and processing role in this vigorous $165 million-a-year industry.

Incorporated in 1905, Kelowna is a city with a strong sense of community and a clear perspective for the future. Its 67,000 permanent residents have managed to maintain the warm, friendly and relaxing, ambience that the entire Okanagan has become famous for.

Tourists come from far and wide to enjoy this special atmosphere, which is enhanced by one of British Colombia's most pleasant climates. Kelowna offers 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Summers are usually long and sunny and winter months are relatively short and mild -exemplary conditions for the thriving recreation and tourist-oriented lifestyle that awaits you.

Another unique attraction that has become a legend in the Okanagan is the sea-creature Ogopogo. Initially the Indians though the large serpent-like being known to them as N'ha-A-Itk was a demon-possessed man who was changed into a lake-serpent by Indian gods as punishment for murdering a respected native named Old-kan-he-kan. Hundreds of sightings have since guessed that Ogopogo ranges from 20 to 70 feet in length, is dark green and/or brown in colour and has two huge humps. Some observer claim it has a horse-like reptilian head and moves in an undulation motion through Okanagan Lake waters at high speeds. Despite these apparent confirmations, the serpentine's existence is still widely contested. However, there are a number of Ogopogo sighting stations you can access. So if you're near the lake you may want to keep your eyes open and camera ready.

For obvious reasons tourism has become one of Kelowna's most vital industries. Yet agriculture, manufacturing, forestry and commerce play equally important roles and provide a diverse economic base from which the city and surrounding areas continue to thrive. City manufacturers produce a wide range of finished products including heavy-duty trucks, recreational vehicles and houseboats.

All of these characteristics come together to create one of Canada's most beautiful playground and productive cities. We're pleased you have come to visit and take part in our restful respite. Abundant sunshine, golf, tennis, swimming, biking, hiking, horse-back trail riding and sightseeing, supplemented by sophisticated shopping and dining and capped off by a vibrant night life are all here for you, the visitor, to enjoy. So just relax, take your time and come back as often as you like. We're always glad to see you!