Off-Campus housing guide: Kelowna neighbourhood overview
Kelowna has several neighbourhoods that each offer unique advantages to students. Transit routes, housing types, amenities and living costs will vary depending on the area you live in and are important factors to consider when looking for housing.
Kelowna Area Map
The interactive map below is a starting point for exploring popular neighbourhoods in Kelowna. Details on the commute, transit and amenities for each area can be found in the associated sections. Note that commute times vary by traffic and transit schedules.
Commute to campus: 15-minute bus ride, 20-minute walk.
*This area is serviced by its own bus route (BC Transit: Academy Way Route 84).
Housing Types: Apartments, townhomes and houses.
Neighbourhood notes: There are no grocery stores and few restaurants nearby. The walk to campus includes a steep hill, which can be challenging in winter.
Commute to campus: 10 to 20-minute bus ride, 10-minute drive.
*This area is serviced by its own express bus route (BC Transit: Rutland/UBCO Express Route 98).
Housing types: Apartments, townhomes, houses and basement suites.
Neighbourhood notes: This area has easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, clinics, and outdoor spaces.
Commute to campus: 10-minute bus ride, 25-minute walk (Pine Trail).
*This area is serviced by its own bus route (BC Transit: Quail Ridge Route 13).
Housing types: Resort-style apartments and smaller houses.
Neighbourhood Notes: Set atop a ridge and surrounded by golf courses, it offers scenic views, but limited amenities. The closest grocery store and restaurants are in the Airport District, a 30-minute walk or a bus ride requiring a transfer at the UBCO Exchange.
Commute to campus: 15-minute bus ride, 10-minute drive.
*This area is serviced by its own express bus route to campus (BC Transit: Glenmore/UBCO Express Route 6).
Housing types: Varied housing.
Neighbourhood notes: The area has restaurants, grocery stores, and easy access to downtown Kelowna and Okanagan Lake for additional amenities and recreation.
Commute to campus: 30-minute bus ride, 20-minute drive.
*This area is home to the Queensway Exchange (Kelowna’s main bus loop).
Housing types: Varied housing.
Neighbourhood notes: Offers easy access to amenities like grocery stores, diverse restaurants, festivals, and cultural events. It’s also home to the Kelowna Museum, Okanagan Library, Prospera Place and several art galleries.
Commute to campus: Over an hour bus ride, 20 to 30 minute drive.
*The Mission neighbourhoods, both Lower Mission (lakeside) and Upper Mission (hillside), are the furthest from campus while staying in Kelowna.
Housing types: Housing mainly consists of freestanding homes, with some basement suites and rental apartments.
Neighbourhood notes: Its lakeside location and views make it one of the more expensive rental areas. Amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants are mostly found along main streets.
