Moving from Ottawa to Kelowna

Trusted Partners and Accreditations

Cassidy’s is a long standing and respected member of the moving industry. We strive to uphold the very best in service, standards, and care no matter how far you’re moving.

We are members of and/or accredited by the following organizations:

• Better Business Bureau
• United Van Lines
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Association of Movers
• Air Miles

Pros & Cons of Moving to Kelowna

Pros of Moving to Kelowna

Kelowna British Columbia, nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, is a growing and vibrant city renowned for its beaches, lakes, wineries and proximity to Big White Ski Resort. Before you start your journey across the country, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you’re getting yourself into, both the upsides – and potential challenges.

There’s a reason monied Vancouverites and Albertans own second homes in Kelowna, sometimes referred to as “Canada’s California”. Kelowna is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with metro population growth of 13.5% from 2016 to 2021. The economy is booming, the weather is fantastic, and the quality of life and standard of living are some of the highest in Canada.

If you want to make Kelowna home, here are some of the reasons why this jewel of British Columbia is an amazing place to live.

1. Breathtaking Scenery

Nestled in the Okanagan Valley between the sparkling waters of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains, Kelowna’s natural beauty is obvious from the moment you land at the International Airport. The region’s temperate climate nurtures vineyards and orchards, and many homeowners have fruit trees in their backyards. Whether you’re hiking through the scenic trails of Knox Mountain Park, cycling along the former railway tressels of Myra Canyon, or enjoying a walk with your family along the waterfront, Kelowna offers unlimited opportunities to connect with nature and calm your mind.

2. Amazing Weather

With mild winters that usually only last a couple of months, early springs and long, hot, dry summers, Kelowna’s weather is one of the main reasons people flock there. Locals spend summers at the beach and boating on Okanagan Lake (or one of the many other lakes) and winters escaping the darkness up at Big White Ski Resort. Summer days are often in the high 30’s C and almost everyone has central air conditioning.

3. Thriving Wineries

Kelowna is famous for being wine country, with over 40 wineries dotting the landscape around the city including Cedar Creek Estate, Summerhill Pyramid, and Gray Monk. Spend your weekends visiting award-winning vineyards and sample world-class wines in charming tasting rooms, or, take your loved ones for an unforgettable culinary experience. Kelowna’s wine scene is a delight for both connoisseurs and novices. Exploring the acclaimed wine trails of the Okanagan Valley is not only a pleasurable pastime but also a fascinating journey into the region’s rich agricultural heritage and winemaking traditions.

4. A Strong Job Market

Kelowna has become a job hotspot with thriving sectors in technology, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare. The tech sector is the Okanagan’s largest economic driver with over 930 companies contributing to the economy. A major university and a large vocational school producing young talent and a great lifestyle attracting skilled workers means more and more companies are setting up shop. 

5. Active Lifestyle and Outdoor Recreation

Kelowna has an abundance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, and the city is truly renowned as a paradise for outdoor adventure and sports enthusiasts. Choose from skiing at Big White Ski Resort in the winter, paddleboarding or kayaking on Okanagan Lake in the summer, mountain biking or trail running in the surrounding hills or rollerblading on the downtown prominade. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing… there’s even a growing wind-surfing community.

6. Exceptional Quality of Life

Kelowna is annually ranked among Canada’s most desirable places to live. Clean air, mild climates, good schools and hospitals and low crime rates, along with a strong sense of community make the city tough to beat. Newer recreational facilities such as the H2O Centre and an abundance of amenities contribute to its appeal as a family-friendly place to live.

7. Burgeoning Restaurant, Culture, and Entertainment Scene

Along with a younger population drawn by UBC, the tech and healthcare industry, and outdoorsy lifestyle and great weather, Kelowna’s downtown has gone through a resurgence. New restaurants, brew pubs, theatres, an amazing art gallery and cultural district as well as Prospera Place hockey arena, have reshaped Kelowna’s downtown into a bustling hub drawing young people and families.

8. Schools and Universities

Kelowna is home to UBC Okanagan, a globally-recognized, top-ranked university with degrees in engineering, business, arts, healthcare and sciences and with state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities. Okanagan College down the road specializes in vocational and technical training. For high schools, Kelowna Secondary and Rutland Senior Secondary are both known for their academic programs, sports and extracurricular activities, and supportive learning environments. There are also private institutions such as Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School that provide personalized education and innovative curriculum options. 

9. Strong Community Spirit

Kelowna’s tight-knit community fosters a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents, with numerous community events, volunteer opportunities, and support networks.

10. Excellent Healthcare Facilities

With a newly-renovated and expanded hospital, Kelowna boasts top-notch healthcare facilities and services, including a cancer clinic, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care close to home.

Cons of Moving to Kelowna

Despite its charms, living in Kelowna isn’t without its challenges.

1. Cost of Living

For those accustomed to more affordable housing markets, the cost of living in Kelowna can come as a bit of a shock. Yes, that amazing and enviable lifestyle comes at a price. The city’s popularity and limited housing supply have caused real estate prices to skyrocket in recent years, making it increasingly expensive to buy or rent, especially closer to the waterfront. It’s not just housing either with recent inflation. A day pass to ski at Big White during the peak season is now over $200.

2. Traffic Congestion and Infrastructure

With growth comes traffic congestion, especially during rush hour and summer long weekends. The city’s infrastructure was designed for a smaller population and is struggling to keep up with the new demands of a rapidly expanding population. This can lead to delays and frustrations for drivers. Efforts to improve the situation are underway, but there’s only so much that can be done with limited space and increasing traffic.

3. Wildfire Risks

In the last 10 years, surrounding wildfires and the accompanying ash and smoke have become an annual norm during the hot, dry summer months. Locals have become used to being on alert to evacuate. Swaths of forest have burned, and blacked trees can be seen along mountains on the outskirts of the city in different areas. Unfortunately, the threat of wildfires is a concern nearly every summer for residents and property owners across British Columbia.

4. Dark Winters

During Kelowna winters, residents experience dark evenings characterized by early sundown times and low cloud coverage over the valley. The valley’s topography and weather patterns often result in overcast skies and cloud cover, meaning you can go weeks without seeing the sun. Luckily, you can make the short drive up to higher elevations at Big White for a ski day, escape the cloud cover and catch some blue sunny skies.

5. Tourist Crowds

One potential drawback of living in Kelowna is the influx of tourist crowds, particularly during summer long weekends. As a popular destination for visitors seeking the region’s renowned wineries, outdoor recreation, and scenic beauty, Kelowna experiences a significant surge in people and traffic. Crowded beaches, congested downtown sidewalks, and longer wait times at popular restaurants and recreational facilities can become annoying.

Should You Move to Kelowna?

At the end of the day, the decision to move to Kelowna depends on your priorities. The high quality of life and easy access to outdoor adventure come at a price. For those seeking warmer weather, stunning natural surroundings, and an outdoorsy lifestyle, Kelowna offers a pretty unbeatable living experience.

If you do decide to move to Kelowna, trust Cassidy’s to be your long distance movers in Ottawa. Let us take the stress out with our moving company and enjoy the adventure instead!