Peachland, a district municipality nestled in the Okanagan Valley on the west side of Okanagan Lake, is a charming destination in British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1899 by John Moore Robinson, Peachland has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Okanagan people. The city is conveniently located, being just a half-hour drive south of Kelowna and a 20-minute drive north of Summerland.
The Okanagan Valley is particularly narrow in the Peachland area, with few terraces marking former lake levels and the former lake bottom. As a result, Peachland is largely located on a steep sidehill. The city is rapidly growing, attracting new residents from all across Canada. Across the lake from Peachland, you can find Rattlesnake Island, home of the legendary Ogopogo. Peachland is approximately 370 km from Vancouver, British Columbia, on the British Columbia south coast.
Peachland was founded on the site of a small community known as Camp Hewett. The region had long been home to the Okanagan people before the arrival of John Moore Robinson, who established the district municipality in 1899.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Peachland had a population of 5,789 living in 2,689 of its 2,936 total private dwellings. This represents a 6.7% increase from its 2016 population of 5,428. With a land area of 16.1 km2 (6.2 sq mi), Peachland had a population density of 359.6/km2 (931.3/sq mi) in 2021.
Peachland's climate is very similar to that of neighboring Kelowna, but with a greater moderating influence from Okanagan Lake. This is due to its proximity to the water and the greater width of the lake in this area (up to 5 kilometres). The city's southern orientation and location on a mountainside shield it from cold northerly winds and encourage those from the south, which blow across the lake directly toward the city. This results in a slightly warmer area during spring, summer, and fall, and particularly in winter.
Peachland is home to several events and industries. Hainle Vineyards, the first ice wine maker in North America, operates its organic winery in Peachland. The city also hosts the annual Peachland World of Wheels Car Show and is the home of the legendary lake monster Ogopogo. For thrill-seekers, Peachland is home to Zipzone Adventure Park, one of the highest zip lines in Canada and the world.
