Benefits of Living on the Water

Scientific studies show that living next to the water has huge benefits on the body and mind¹. These offer just a few reasons why Kelowna is Canada’s fourth-fastest growing city².

All it takes is one look at Okanagan Lake to see why people are moving en masse to this spectacularly scenic corner of the world. The city, valley, and lake views from Kelowna alone are worth waking up to every morning, but the picturesque scenery is not the only thing that is drawing people here. Living next to the lake itself offers a myriad of benefits for the body and mind, not to mention an improved quality of life. If you’re considering moving to Kelowna to indulge in lake time full-time, these are just a few benefits of living on the water.

Relaxed Pace of Life

Take a deep breathe . . . when you live on the lake, everything seems just a bit more serene. Although Kelowna is a vibrant city with everything you need when it comes to shopping, dining, healthcare and education, it lacks the hectic intensity and long suburb-focused commutes of larger urban centres — around here, we like to call it living on lake time. With sweeping views, close connections to nature, and the pleasantly mild climate, this lakeside city has a welcoming and relaxed undertone that invites you to slow down and savour every minute.

Endless Activities

Everyone knows that staying active offers key long-term health benefits, and when you live by the lake, the outdoors beckon. From going for a swim during a day at the beach to walking along the waterfront boardwalk, Kelowna has no shortage of activities that’ll get you moving. You can hike Knox Mountain to get a better vantage point of the water, or rent a SUP to take in the city skyline from a different perspective. Okanagan Lake is also a haven for water sports such as boating, fishing and swimming, as well as land sports such as cycling and hiking.

Fabulous Food & Wine

There’s nothing better than enjoying a fantastic meal while overlooking the water, and the award-winning wines and restaurants of Kelowna have geology to thank. According to a wide variety of experts, the same glacial deposits that formed Okanagan Lake thousands of years ago also deposited silt and minerals into the ground across the region. As a result, Kelowna is rich with vineyards that produce world-class wine, and farms and orchards that provide a bounty of local crops. Keep that in mind when you stock up on fresh, locally grown food and regional wines for meals at home, or visit one of the many gourmet restaurants, cafes, and bars in Kelowna that serve up healthy, home-grown fare!

Better Sleep

There’s something incredibly soothing and meditative about gazing out over sparkling waters. It allows you to be in the moment and mindful of your surroundings, calming the mind and enhancing inner balance. A UK study found that being near the water slows our heart rates and reduces stress, and Kelowna is also famed for the sunshine that sparkles off the lake, providing you with extra vitamin D. These are all elements that can lead to a more restful sleep.

Increased Happiness

It’s no secret most people are happier when they’re surrounded by nature, with ‘blue spaces’ (areas next to water) making people the happiest. In a study that gauged well-being in different environments, researchers followed 20,000 smartphone users and discovered people felt the greatest sense of calm and happiness when they were next to water.

There are numerous advantages to living next to the water, from better health and wellness to incredible views, and the opportunity to slow down and just enjoy life. Add in access to world-class shops, dining, and amenities, as well as the opportunity for year-round outdoor sports and activities, it’s no wonder that Kelowna is a highly sought-after relocation destination for people of all walks of life.