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Westbank
Westbank is located 12 km (8 miles) west of Kelowna
and 10 km (6 miles) north of Peachland
on Hwy 97.
Okanagan
Lake
Situated on the west side of Okanagan Lake across the Okanagan Lake
Floating Bridge, Westbank lies on various clay mesas, called benches,
that give tremendous panoramic views towards the east and Okanagan
Mountain Provincial Park.
A
Recreational Wonderland
Westbank is one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia
and Canada. No wonder if you happen to enjoy a lifestyle that has
to offer golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling,
curling, hiking, fishing, boating, swimming and exploring - this
is the place. Westbank and Westside are recreational wonderlands
with a climate that is one of Canada's best.
Westside
In between Westbank and the Okanagan Floating Bridge is an area
called Westside. This is actually part of the city of Kelowna,
but with its geographical proximity to Westbank, it is often considered
part of greater Westbank, with both enjoying similar benefits and
recreational opportunities. This is where you can find some marinas,
pubs and beach activities.
Beach
Areas
If you are driving on Hwy 97 and want to visit the Westbank beach
area on Okanagan Lake, there are a couple of ways to get there.
One way is Gellately Road located in Westbank by McDonalds and the
A&W. The other way is to take Boucherie Road in Westside as
you come close to the floating bridge.
White
Sandy Beaches
Both roads eventually meet each other and will take you to beautifully
clean and white sandy beaches bordering Okanagan Lake. There are
quite a few RV parks and campgrounds along this route especially
in Green and West Bay.
Visitor
Info Centre
For a great place to get information, make sure you visit the Visitor
Info Centre located at #4-2375 Pamela Road in Westbank. This is
where you will be able to find free maps, accommodation listings
and the locations of the local wineries.
Summer
Attractions for the Whole Family
During the summer season Westbank has a large number of attractions
for you to visit, especially if you have kids. Make sure you visit
the Okanagan's largest waterslide park - Mariner's Reef. Nearby
is Old MacDonald's Farm, an amusement park featuring petting zoo,
exotic birds, play areas, train ride, miniature golf, water slides
and picnic area. For beginning NASCAR racers, check out Westside
Go Karts Ltd. one of the largest of its kind in British Columbia.
Marinas
For adult kids make sure you look at the marinas for boating activities
down by the Okanagan Lake Floating Bridge.
Great
Golfing
If you like golfing, check out 19 Greens Fun and Sports Centre -
the family activity centre - for a superb putt and play zone right
into the night. There are also Shannon Lake Golf Course and the
Vintage Hills-Westbank Golf Course Academy close by to Westbank.
For those who don't mind a short drive, Kelowna
is only 30 minutes away for even a greater selection of 18-hole
courses.
Wineries
and Vineyard Tours
When you visit Westbank you will notice a landscape that is covered
with fruit orchards and vineyards. This land has been blessed with
a climate that produces top-quality fruit and wine products to sample.
There are quite a few wineries to visit in Westbank and nearby in
the Westside area of Kelowna. If you don't mind a short drive there
are wineries close by in Kelowna, Peachland
and Summerland.
Circle
Tour
As you take Hwy 97 towards the west side of the Okanagan Lake Floating
Bridge, you have a chance to drive north on the west side towards
Vernon. Look for the turnoff to Bear Creek
Provincial Park and head this way. The road eventually takes you
to Fintry and the north end of Okanagan Lake.
O'Keefe
Ranch
Eventually you will meet Hwy 97 again at the junction near the historic
O'Keefe Ranch. Turn east on Hwy 97 and go to Vernon,
then drive south past Kalamalka Lake, Lake
Country, and Kelowna, eventually returning
to Westbank. This is an excellent drive with fantastic views of
the northern Okanagan Valley.
Accommodation
Westbank
Links
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