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History of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Journey back in time to Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Explore Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Kelowna Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Kelowna, BC, incorporated as a city in 1905...The City of Kelowna is located in south-central British Columbia on the east shore of OKANAGAN LAKE.
The OKANAGAN VALLEY was the territory of the Okanagan of the Interior SALISH. From their villages they hunted, fished and gathered edible plants. David Stuart, a Scottish fur trader, was the first non-native to visit the area in 1811. Oblate missionaries arrived in 1859 and built a mission on the present site. They planted the first fruit trees a few years later.
By 1861 the Hudson's Bay Company had established a small trading post and a grain mill was set up in 1871. The townsite was laid out in 1892 and the name was chosen from the Okanagan word meaning "grizzly bear." At incorporation the population was 600 and shortly after there were 11 sawmills, 3 fruit-packing plants and 2 canneries. As the potential of the land became recognized, cattle ranching, hay and grain cultivation, and orchard growing spread; by 1910 Kelowna was gaining fame as "The Orchard City." Canadian National Railway main-line rail service arrived in 1925...
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Explore even more about Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Keep reading!
Kelowna Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Photograph
Church of the Immaculate Conception
839 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Originally established in 1859
Source: Google maps
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Postcard
On the Lakeshore, Kelowna, B. C.
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Postcard
Bernard Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Postcard
The Royal Anne Hotel, Kelowna, B. C.
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to KELOWNA
CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.
CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"
CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Discover Kelowna: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1859 - Church of the Immaculate Conception established at Kelowna
www.gcatholic.org
www.gcatholic.org
1886 - June, 1886 - Steamer Mary Victoria Greenhow burns at Kelowna, BC.
canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ June_(Day_Unknown)
canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ June_(Day_Unknown)
Kelowna, BC was incorporated as a city in 1905
1916
Kelowna, a post-village of British Columbia. The banking point is Vernon, 35 miles distant. Pop. about 200.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Kelowna, a post-village of British Columbia. The banking point is Vernon, 35 miles distant. Pop. about 200.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1925 - September 11, 1925 - Canadian National Railways drives the last spike on its Vernon, BC, to Kelowna line, 33.5 miles.
canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ September_11
canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ September_11
1940 - Church of St. Theresa established in Kelowna
1946 - July 3 - Strike at Kelowna Exploration Company's Nickel Plate operation; until December 11, 1946.
canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ July_3
canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ July_3
1959 - Church of St. Pius X established in Kelowna
1975 - Church of the Holy Spirit established in Kelowna
1980 - Church of St. Charles Garnier established in Kelowna
Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Kelowna, British Columbia:
Okanagan Lake: Start your Kelowna adventure with a visit to Okanagan Lake. You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or a boat to explore the crystal-clear waters. The lake also has several beaches, like Gyro Beach, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Myra Canyon Park: If you love biking or hiking, Myra Canyon Park is a must-visit. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon and trestles. You can rent bikes in the area or opt for a guided tour.
Kelowna City Park: This park is located in the heart of downtown Kelowna and is great for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It features a sandy beach, playgrounds, and a water park, making it an ideal spot for families.
Knox Mountain Park: For panoramic views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake, hike or drive up to Knox Mountain Park. There are several trails catering to different fitness levels. It's a great place for a hike or a quiet escape.
Wine Tours: Kelowna is part of the Okanagan Valley, renowned for its... Read MORE...
Okanagan Lake: Start your Kelowna adventure with a visit to Okanagan Lake. You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or a boat to explore the crystal-clear waters. The lake also has several beaches, like Gyro Beach, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Myra Canyon Park: If you love biking or hiking, Myra Canyon Park is a must-visit. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon and trestles. You can rent bikes in the area or opt for a guided tour.
Kelowna City Park: This park is located in the heart of downtown Kelowna and is great for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It features a sandy beach, playgrounds, and a water park, making it an ideal spot for families.
Knox Mountain Park: For panoramic views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake, hike or drive up to Knox Mountain Park. There are several trails catering to different fitness levels. It's a great place for a hike or a quiet escape.
Wine Tours: Kelowna is part of the Okanagan Valley, renowned for its... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Kelowna Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
We currently have information about 5 ancestors who were born or died in Kelowna.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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