Lakefront living in the Okanagan
For many Lower Mainlanders, the prospect of buying in Vancouver is prohibitively expensive. But they love the province, and they love nature. And when they start looking at their options, Kelowna usually tops the list.
The Okanagan lifestyle is casual, even California-esque: coffee in the morning, hiking, climbing or boating in the afternoon, wine-tasting and exploring the food culture in the evening.
A new project, McKinley Beach, offers the best of B.C. living with access to urban amenities and lakefront living, close to nature.
“This is Kelowna’s largest waterfront development, as well as its newest,” said Sandra Matlock, McKinley Beach sales manager. “We have more lots near the water than any other development in Kelowna.”
Located on Lake Okanagan and a 14-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, McKinley Beach is an 872-acre master-planned community. It includes one kilometre of walkable beachfront along with 255 home sites on 100 acres of hillside property. Lots are an average of 70 feet wide, and all have a view of the lake. Lake proximity varies according to lot placement, but the beach is at most a 10-minute walk away.
There are four stages of development, with homes registered and under construction in the first two. Registration for Stages 3 and 4 are expected to complete this summer.
Once they purchase their lot, homeowners have two years to build. Five prequalified companies, all wellknown in the Okanagan area, have been tapped to build homes, including Rykon, Link Custom Homes, AuthenTech Homes, Alair Homes and 3rd Generation Homes. The twostorey designs feature contemporary architecture with a low pitch flat roof inspired by the natural surroundings.
In addition, construction on Beachhouse, which features three unique beachfront row homes and six townhomes, begins this summer.
Also this summer, the 92-slip marina will expand by 18 slips (slips are available to lease with lot purchase). In addition, a dry-land storage facility for year-round boat storage is planned, with valet service in and out of the water. (Reservations are being accepted with lot purchase.)
When complete, the project will also boast a vineyard, 20 kilometres of trail network, and village centre. The development is environmentally sensitive, with 60 per cent of the hillside to be restored back to its natural state. Additional portions of the site will be revegetated with indigenous species.
In short, McKinley Beach is ideal for those looking for a home that is nestled in nature, yet close to the urban amenities of the city.
“McKinley Beach is unique in architecture, amenities, location,” Matlock said. “There’s no other community with this size of marina, beachfront, the vineyard. There’s nothing in Kelowna that compares.”
To learn more about the McKinley Beach lifestyle, visit