KALEDEN

Just 10 minutes south along Highway 97, you’ll find tiny Kaleden. Tucked behind lush orchards and vineyards along the western shores of Skaha Lake, it’s easy to miss this hidden locale. A tight-knit community of farmers and Penticton commuters, this quiet area boasts a lovely, family-friendly beach and waterfront park. Residential amenities include an elementary school, a library, a café, and a community hall. Two wineries also call Kaleden home. Beautiful Linden Gardens is a popular venue for weddings, and also hosts public events throughout the year. Ponderosa Point is a secluded and pretty lakefront cabin-rental development. Golfers enjoy St. Andrews by the Lake, Kaleden’s scenic, 9-hole course. An easy walk or bike ride into Penticton via the KVR trail is especially appealing to active residents!

Housing in Kaleden can be limited, but agricultural acreages comprise the majority of properties, here, as well as a few small neighbourhoods of more traditional single-family housing. Rural cabins and wooded lots are popular in this area, along with investment properties for the busy summer rental market.

OKANAGAN FALLS

At the bottom of the Skaha Lake lies the quiet community of Okanagan Falls, readily accessible from Penticton via the highway or the picturesque, winding Eastside Road. It’s true, there is only one stoplight in OK Falls, but its downtown boasts everything any village might need.

Set right on the shore of the lake, you’ll find a collection of antique and thrift stores, restaurants, and a grocery store. An elementary school and public library, a community centre, and several private businesses, are also in the central core. Just south of town, the famous Tickleberry’s ice cream shop is a must-visit stop on every Okanagan road trip! Even the astrophysicists have discovered OK Falls: the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory is tucked into the hillside, here. Further afield, OK Falls is an ideal agricultural area, and many excellent wineries fill the landscape.

There is a strong sense of community in OK Falls, and numerous social clubs and service organizations have local chapters and host regular public events. The linked beachfront parks offer an engaging playground and plenty of shady spots along a beautiful stretch of sand. The natural landscape proved outdoors enthusiasts with endless options for hiking, biking, bird-watching and water activities. This town may be little, but it’s definitely not sleepy!

Housing options are varied in this area. Quaint and comfortable beach cottages line the streets near downtown. Rural acreages are plentiful out here, and developments with large view homes on ample lots appeal to Penticton commuters.