The Okanagan Valley was first inhabited by the Okanagan of the Interior Salish, who gave the valley its name, translated roughly as place of water. There are large reserves on the northwest arm of Okanagan Lake, southwest of the lake and north of Osoyoos, and others near Enderby and Kelowna.

Why is it called Okanagan?

The name is derived from the Okanagan-language place name ukʷnaqín. An alternate explanation from Washington proposes People living where you can see the top, ostensibly of Chopaka Peak in the Lower Similkameen.

Why is Kelowna named Kelowna?

Its name comes from the story of August Gillard, an early settler who crawled from an underground shelter just as a group of First Nation people passed by. The local people called out, “Kim-ach-touch”, meaning Brown Bear. Over time, this became Kelowna, meaning Grizzly Bear, which was easier to pronounce.

What is the Okanagan famous for?

The Okanagan Valley is a top British Columbia wine region producing award-winning vintages. Aside from wine tasting, festivals, and farmers-market hopping, popular pursuits include cycling the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and boating on Okanagan Lake.

Why is there smoke in the Okanagan?

Saturday morning, Interior Health issued a Smoky Skies advisory for the Okanagan Valley, leaving many wondering where the haze came from in the first place. But Fire Information Officer Heather Rice confirms that the smoke is a result of fires in Washington State.

Is the Okanagan a desert?

Most people dont even know Canada has a desert - the Okanagan is an anomaly in a country known for snow. Known as the hottest place in Canada, Osoyoos is surrounded by the Okanagan Desert, a semi-arid region that is home to hundreds of plant and animal species unique to the area.

Why is Kelowna so hot?

Kelownas average year-round high temperature of about 14.3 °C (57.7 °F) is also one of the highest in Canada - largely due to the rare combination of high summer temperatures typical of continental climates, along with relatively mild winters - a very rare feature of a continental climate.

Is Kelowna expensive to live?

A single person estimated monthly costs are 879$ (1,112C$) without rent. Kelowna is 31.07% less expensive than New York (without rent). Rent in Kelowna is, on average, 57.49% lower than in New York.

Why is Kelowna so popular?

Kelownas known for its internationally recognized and award-winning vineyards and wineries, so theres a lot of pride for the local wine industry. Youll rarely find a wine made outside of the Okanagan when youre at a local gathering.

Why does it smell like smoke outside today?

Any Smoke You Smell Outside Right Now Is Probably Coming From Arizona. Due to a particular wind pattern and wildfires in southern Arizona, smoke appears to be drifting a very long way and reaching parts of the Bay Area today.

Why does it smell like smoke in Victoria BC?

The smoky haze and campfire smell is due to overnight weather conditions that carried smoke into the region from wildfires in the B.C. Inetrior, Washington state and Oregon.

What is the driest city in Canada?

Osoyoos, at the southern tip of the Okanagan, is officially the driest, hottest place in the country.

Where is the smallest desert in the world?

I had crossed what many believe is the worlds smallest desert.At only 600m wide, Canadas Carcross Desert is said to be the worlds smallest desert (Credit: Mike MacEacheran)The Carcross Desert is a rare habitat for plants and insect species that may be new to science (Credit: Mike MacEacheran)More items •22 Jun 2018

Where should I not live in Kelowna?

The most dangerous areas in Kelowna is based on data from the local law enforcement agency and when not available, also includes estimates based on demographic data.Pridham. Population 1,561. Parkinson. Population 858. Fascieux. Population 1,794. Leathed-97 South. Rutland Centre West. Ben Lee. Uptown Rutland. Pandosy North.More items

What is the warmest place in Canada?

Victoria, British Columbia 1. Victoria, British Columbia. Victoria - the capital of British Columbia - has the distinct honor of being Canadas warmest city.

Why is Kelowna so expensive?

Kelowna is spread across 211.82 square kilometres and has a population of over 142,000 people. Kelownas lower cost of living is driven by its housing costs, which remain lower than other areas of the province, particularly Vancouver.

Why does it smell like smoke in Phoenix?

If youre smelling smoke in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, this is from storm outflows pushing smoke in from the fires burning in the Tonto National Forest.

Why does it smell like smoke in Phoenix today?

If youre smelling or seeing smoke in the East Valley, were told that its a controlled burn at the Salt River Landfill near Gilbert Rd and the Beeline Highway. People are reporting smelling it as far away as downtown Phoenix.

Is there smoke in Banff?

Visiting Banff and Lake Louise Smoke can blow thousands of kilometres and still be visible. When there is smoke in the air, children, the elderly, and those with lung disease may want to avoid extended exposure during times of poor air quality. Check ahead to monitor the air quality in Banff National Park.

Why is it smoky on Vancouver Island today?

Many Vancouver Island residents woke up on Thursday to smoky skies as a result of significant wildfires burning across British Columbia. Many Vancouver Island residents woke up on Thursday to smoky skies as a result of significant wildfires burning across British Columbia.