Map of the regional districts that the Okanagan covers The Okanagan is a region located in the Canadian province of British Columbia. As of the year 2001, the region's population is approximately 297,601. The primary city is Kelowna. The name derives from a Okanagan First Nations word S-Ookanhkchinx meaning "Transport toward the head or top end". The region is known for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking as well as for the wine industry.
The name Okanogan also refers to the region that encompasses part of northern Washington State
Geography
View of the Okanagan valley from downtown Kelowna According to StatCan, the region has a total area of 20,829 km² (8,042 mi²) which is roughly 2/3rds the size of Belgium.
Geographic Features
Major Highways
- Okanagan Connector
- Highway 97
Adjacent Regions
(also shares northern border with Washington State, USA)
Communities
- Armstrong, British Columbia
- Coldstream, British Columbia
- Enderby, British Columbia
- Kelowna, British Columbia
- Lake Country, British Columbia
- Lavington, British Columbia
- Lumby, British Columbia
- Oliver, British Columbia
- Osoyoos, British Columbia
- Oyama, British Columbia
- Peachland, British Columbia
- Penticton, British Columbia
- Spallumcheen, British Columbia
- Summerland, British Columbia
- Vernon, British Columbia
- Westbank, British Columbia
- Winfield, British Columbia
Demographics
The population of the region was 297,601 as of the 2001 Census. There were 154,010 Females (51%) and 143,590 Males (49%). The population is relatively older with a median age of 42.5, compared with the provincial average of 39.
References
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