Kelowna’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods

Kelowna is one of the Okanagan’s fastest growing cities, but is still experiencing some pains when it comes to public transit and foot traffic.

Kelowna gets an overall “walk score” of 42, a rather low score based on factors like block size, density, and average distances to basic amenities. This guide takes a step away from scoring metrics to bring you a local’s perspective on the most walkable neighborhoods in all of Kelowna.

A note to cyclists: each of the neighborhoods featured in this guide are all served by bicycle lanes, which means they’re all very cyclable.

The North End 

Kelowna’s North End is a beautiful lakeside residential neighborhood located in the area between Knox Mountain Park, Downtown Kelowna, and the booming Entertainment District.

From the North End, you’re a 5 to 10 minute walk from great coffee shops, restaurants,  microbreweries, tasting rooms, and art galleries along both Ellis and Richter Street.

Sunset Drive hosts two of Kelowna’s top ranked fine-dining restaurants: Waterfront Wines and Bouchon’s Bistro. After dinner you’re a short stroll from Playtime Casino, Prospera Place, and the Tree Brewing Beer Institute.

Pandosy Village

Kelowna’s Pandosy Village is a neighborhood with a character of its own and really feels like a separate beachside town. Somewhat upscale, the neighborhood has a variety of housing options from apartment towers all the way up to monster waterfront homes. Wherever you are in Pandosy Village, you’re a short walk to pubs, restaurants, art galleries, fashion boutiques, and Gyro Beach.

You can get your grocery shopping done at the IGA or Lakeview Market, one of Kelowna’s only independent grocery stores. And it’s the only neighborhood in this guide within walking distance of an official BC Liquor Store.

South Central Kelowna

Located along the lakeshore just south of Harvey Avenue, South Central Kelowna offers some of Kelowna’s most affordable rental housing in close proximity to Downtown. It’s also home to some of Kelowna’s most beautiful and luxurious waterfront properties.

The historic, tree-lined Abbott street is perhaps the most walkable, bikeable, and skateboard-able street in all of Kelowna. A separate walking and cycling path runs from Kelowna’s City Park all the way to Kelowna General Hospital. 

Dozens of public access beaches are speckled along the shoreline, which means sunsets at the beach can part of your daily routine. 

Walk downtown for coffee at the Bean Scene, grab a bite at Earl’s on Top’s famous patio, or dance the night away at Sapphire Nightclub.

 Capri Landmark Photo Credit: LandMarkCentre.ca

Capri Landmark Area 

The Capri Landmark area is the most centrally located neighborhood in Kelowna and the epicenter of Kelowna’s growing Tech hub. Walk to work at the Landmark buildings, get coffee at the Bean Scene, grab a bite at the new District Market restaurants, then take a walk or ride a bike through the lush green parks surrounding Mill Creek.

You’re close to all of the amenities in the Capri Landmark area – grocery stores, banking, pharmacies, cold beer & wine, and a drop-in medical clinic at Capri Centre Mall.

The Capri Landmark neighborhood is the site for one of Kelowna’s most ambitious redevelopment proposals which was just approved in spring 2019: brand new residential and commercial towers, more green spaces, bicycle paths, and new roads will be developed beginning in 2020.

Rutland

Located at the far east end of the city, Rutland is one of Kelowna’s most walkable neighborhoods, and offers some of the most affordable housing and anywhere in town. It’s also home to some great cheap eats like Dosa Dosa, Burger Baron, and Latin Fiesta.

Rutland is home to a variety of green spaces: Ben Lee Park has the biggest and best outdoor skateboard park in town; Chichester Marsh is one of the Okanagan’s most biodiverse parks; and the Mission Creek Greenway is easily accessed via Hollywood Road.

Rutland is also home to it’s own sports field, arena, and recreation centre, which means you might not have to drive to after school or work activities. Ample bus routes connect Rutland to Downtown and the rest of Kelowna via Highway 33.

Local’s Tip: some of Rutland's streets are considered less safe at night than the other neighborhoods in this guide. Have a look at our Guide to the Safest Neighborhoods in Kelowna.