Quote:
Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee
I used to love Kelowna as a teenager. For me and other small town Albertans, it was like California with its hot weather, beaches and buxom blondes!
But now, decades later, I dislike Kelowna for the most part. Sure it has nicer weather, the lake, the beaches and the wineries. But there are many things that put me off.
It's a massive tourist trap.
Apart from its small sliver of downtown, it is unwalkable.
It's more like a really huge town instead of a city despite the population.
Traffic is horrid.
Poorly planned sprawl (especially West Kelowna).
Cost of living is ridiculous.
I still find it a bit too redneck.
Even though it gets sold as a wine lover/foodie's paradise, I see nothing but the usual chains (Earls, Cactus Club etc).
Worst of all, Bedrock City closed about 15 years ago!
For me, it's like that old saying: nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
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This is a typical response from a tourist that stays for a weekend and doesn't really know the city well.
The population seems to double over the summer that much is true.
The walkability of Kelowna is no different from other big cities like Edmonton and Calgary. Downtown has been redone and is great. Park the car and walk along Bernard Avenue towards the water, boardwalk, and marina. Lots of great little restaurants, pubs, and shops. Start moving away from the core and of course you will need transportation.
Traffic on the main highway (Harvey Avenue/highway 97) is brutal. Lined with big box stores and chain restaurants. Just like Calgary Trail/Gateway Blvd in Edmonton and Macleod Trail in Calgary. There are other options (if you know the city well enough). Clement, Enterprise, and Springfield all run parallel. Know the city and you can navigate it more efficiently - just like when I'm in Edmonton and Calgary.
Sprawl is evident in the suburbs. No different from any other city in Canada.
Everything is more expensive here due to the PST. As is gasoline which is typically 10 cents more per litre than in Alberta. Housing is less than Calgary and Edmonton but it is getting up there.
It can be very redneckish out here. Idiots in the monster trucks with the diesel engines and 4" exhaust wanting attention. And the fools on the bikers snapping their right wrists at every opportune moment. No different from anywhere else really.
In terms of the restaurants - just like anywhere else, you need to read up and ask the locals. In Edmonton places like Red Ox Inn, Sabor, etc. In Calgary places like Rouge, Teatro, etc. You aren't going to find these places when you drive on the main road! Here in Kelowna we have some lovely restaurants like Raudz, Waterfront Wines, La Bouchon, Krafty Kitchen, and a lot of the wineries have decent restaurants.
Typical tourist response for the uninformed. Don't make a choice based on someone that doesn't know the city. Good luck with your decision.