Family Living in Kelowna & West Kelowna: A Season to Settle In
Fall in the Okanagan has its own magic. Warm days linger as families ease back into routine and neighbourhoods fill with the energy of sports, events, and community life.
In Kelowna and West Kelowna, this rhythm is reflected in areas that offer not only beautiful homes but also excellent schools, nearby parks, and endless activities that make family living truly fulfilling. Here’s a look at some of Kelowna and West Kelowna’s most beloved neighbourhoods in this changing season.
Wilden and North Glenmore
Perched among rolling hills, Wilden and North Glenmore bring the outdoors into everyday living. Families here cherish being close to nature while still just minutes from downtown. A quick walk with the dog beneath changing leaves or an evening bike ride on nearby trails keeps daily life balanced and connected.
Weekends in Wilden are known for hiking, biking, and exploring pathways around the many ponds where kids can spot ducks, turtles, and bluebirds. In North Glenmore, families gather at Glenmore Recreation Park with its fenced off-leash dog area, expansive sports fields, and upcoming additions including new courts, playgrounds, and splash zones.
For families putting down roots in Wilden or North Glenmore, the access to excellent schools makes daily life even more seamless.
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Upper Mission
Mornings in Upper Mission often begin with a walk to school framed by lake views. Evenings are for slowing down, reconnecting, and making the most of the setting sun whether gathered on a deck for dinner or jumping off a dock as the last golden light fades.
From neighbourhood beaches to Cedar Creek Park, families in Upper Mission spend much of their time outdoors and enjoying life on the water. The off-leash dog beach is a favourite for those with four-legged companions, offering an easy end-of-day escape.
Beyond the shoreline, award-winning wineries and vineyards invite everyone to enjoy seasonal events, farm-to-table dining, and sweeping lake views. Trails winding through the hills provide endless opportunities for hiking and biking, each outing rewarded with panoramic vistas of the valley below.
With everything so close to home – beaches, parks, and stunning views – Upper Mission offers the convenience of great schools nearby, making the school run just another chance to enjoy the scenery.
Schools in the area:
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Lower Mission
Lower Mission is alive with the sounds of community—children laughing on playgrounds, cheers from sports fields, and neighbours biking toward the beach. Families here thrive on activity, with countless opportunities for recreation just steps from home. Best of all, families in the Lower Mission can bike or walk to nearly everything they need.
Families in the Lower Mission are fortunate to enjoy the new DeHart Community Park, where walnut trees and meadows frame looping trails that lead to multi-use fields, a fenced dog run, a water play area, playground, skatepark, basketball courts, and more.
For young swimmers, the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is a second home. Whether for fun or competition, countless hours are spent here enjoying waterslides, a wave pool, simulator, splash park, and lane swimming. Families involved in hockey, ringette, or indoor soccer gather at MNP Place, home to two NHL-size rinks, a leisure rink, and full-size turf fields.
And on those rare days when schedules are clear, families take full advantage—heading out for a walk or bike ride to nearby beaches such as Boyce-Gyro, Sarsons, or Hobson.
It’s not just about lifestyle here – Lower Mission is also home to Kelowna’s most popular schools, making it an easy choice for young families who want it all within reach.
Schools in the area:
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Lakeview Heights & West Kelowna Estates
In Lakeview Heights and West Kelowna Estates, families enjoy expansive, private backyards that feel like an extension of the home. Even with the full schedules of fall, these communities offer an ease to the day—spaces that allow families to slow down, connect, and enjoy time together at home.
Beyond the backyard, families make the most of nearby parks and recreation. Kalamoir Regional Park offers trails, picnic areas, and a quiet beach for swimming and exploring. Along Gellatly Bay, the waterfront walkway, playgrounds, and swimming docks invite afternoons by the lake. Trails like the Lakeview Heights Mountain Trail provide family hikes with panoramic views, while award-winning wineries nearby host casual events, markets, and music that bring the community together.
Families who choose these spacious neighbourhoods often prioritize having room to grow, and that includes access to trusted schools, just a short drive away.
Schools in the area:
- Chief Tomat Elementary (Lakeview Heights)
- Rose Valley Elementary (West Kelowna Estates)
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Dilworth & Glenmore
Dilworth and Glenmore each offer the charm of close-knit living with the ease of city convenience. On the hillside streets of Dilworth, families enjoy privacy, quiet, and sweeping views, while in Glenmore, everyday life is marked by strong community ties—families and teams playing on neighbourhood fields, people enjoying local coffee shops and greeting one another on evening walks. Both areas create a sense of belonging that makes family life feel balanced and connected.
In Dilworth, families head to Dilworth Mountain Park for trails that wind through the trees and open to panoramic views of Okanagan Lake—especially beautiful in the fall. In Glenmore, weekends are filled with sports at the local fields, trips to community parks, or time spent exploring nearby trails and pathways.
With schools, shops, and downtown just minutes away, these communities pair convenience with a lifestyle rooted in connection.
Schools in the area:
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What kind of everyday do you want for your family—in the fall and year ‘round?
If you’re curious about how a calm and connected lifestyle gives you more time together for the moments that matter, talk to Jane Hoffman Realty. We have the expertise to help you find not just a home, but a rhythm that feels right.
