There’s no denying that Kelowna is a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its stunning scenery, vibrant downtown, and diverse entertainment options as well as wineries, cideries, and breweries. However, as with any travel destination, questions about safety inevitably arise: is it safe to travel to Kelowna right now?
This blog post aims to alleviate any worries you might have and provide a comprehensive overview of safety in Kelowna. We’ll delve into several aspects, including current safety measures, crime statistics, and local safety initiatives, all while highlighting the city’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Current Safety Measures
No matter where you’re travelling, it’s important to stay updated on the latest safety information. The Kelowna and the Central Okanagan region are currently open for tourism, and local businesses are eager to welcome visitors. You can find up-to-date travel safety information and resources on the official Tourism Kelowna website and the British Columbia government website. For general travel warnings in Canada, please visit the Government of Canada’s travel and tourism site.
For winter travellers, staying informed about road conditions is essential. The DriveBC website provides live traffic cams and winter driving advisories to help you plan your trip and navigate safely.
Crime Statistics and Trends
It’s important to acknowledge that crime exists everywhere, and Kelowna is no exception. However, understanding the nature and prevalence of crime can help you make informed decisions. While crime stats allude to Kelowna having a high crime rate, it should be noted that the Statistics Canada censuses are made up of the entire region
“Notably, on its own as a city in the province of B.C. and not as a CMA… Kelowna ranked 34th in the list of cities in crime severity index,” said Kelowna RCMP.
According to Stats Canada, Kelowna’s overall crime rate sits slightly below the national average. Petty theft and property crimes are the most common offences, often targeting tourist areas and public transportation. While violent crime rates are lower than the national average, exercising caution, especially in unfamiliar areas at night, remains crucial.
Safe Community Initiatives
Kelowna takes safety seriously. The Kelowna RCMP detachment actively patrols the city and investigates all reported crimes. Additionally, several community initiatives foster a sense of security:
Neighborhood Watch Programs: These programs encourage residents to work together and report suspicious activity, strengthening community bonds and deterring crime.
Bystander Intervention Training: This training equips individuals with the skills to recognize and safely intervene in potentially dangerous situations.
Local Insights: While statistics paint a broad picture, it’s valuable to hear from locals. Several online forums and platforms offer insights and perspectives from residents and visitors. Keep in mind that anecdotal experiences can be subjective and don’t necessarily reflect the overall safety of the city.
Emergency Services and Healthcare
Kelowna boasts a robust emergency response system and readily available healthcare services.
Emergency Services
Just like the rest of Canada, you can access emergency services by dialling 911. If you’re in trouble, don’t hesitate to call to get immediate police, fire, or ambulance assistance.
Hospitals
The main hospital in the city is Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). KGH provides comprehensive medical care. Aside from providing emergency and trauma care 24 hours a day, KGH offers ambulatory and outpatient clinics, as well as diagnostic/paramedical services. Among its specialty services are adult and adolescent psychiatry, nutrition outpatient services, quality assurance officers, and cardiac surgery.
2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna BC
2.8 km (7 min) drive from the Shore
Walk-in Clinics
Several walk-in clinics operate within the city, offering convenient access to medical professionals for non-emergencies.
Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Centre
This highly praised walk-in clinic provides non-emergency team-based care for health concerns for people in Kelowna who require same-day attention. Their specialties include minor injuries, sprains and strains. Infections, less serious child illness and injury, high fevers, cuts, wounds or skin conditions.
1141 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC
4.3 km (9 min) drive from the Shore
Spall Medical Clinic & Walk-In
The Spall clinic is first come/first serve basis and can fill up quickly so it’s better to get there as early as possible if you can.
150-1940 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC
5.8 km (13 min) drive from the Shore
Evolve Allied Health
A broad range of specialties are offered by Evolve Allied Health in 4 convenient locations throughout Kelowna to serve the residents and visitors of the central Okanagan Valley.
1111 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC
5.8 km (13 min) drive from the Shore
Check out our blog post on Kelowna’s best health practitioners to learn more about our city’s healthcare services.
Travel Tips for Safety
Remember, practicing common sense goes a long way in ensuring your safety, no matter where you’re travelling. Here are some travel tips for you to keep in mind on your next visit:
- Research your accommodations: Opt for reputable hotels or well-regarded vacation rental listings located in safe neighbourhoods.
- Plan your itinerary: Familiarize yourself with the city layout and plan your activities, especially if you’re exploring unfamiliar areas.
- Inform someone of your plans: Let a friend or family member know your whereabouts and expected return time.
- Protect your belongings: Where possible, utilize safes for all valuables. When you’re out and about, carry your valuables discreetly, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and avoid leaving anything unattended in public places.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: Utilize well-lit and populated areas as much as possible, especially at night and trust your gut instinct in unfamiliar situations. If you’re feeling wary in a space or about a situation, listen to your instincts and remove yourself if possible.
- Be prepared for unexpected situations: Carry a basic first-aid kit, water and food, and pack appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
A Commitment to Safety
As a city, Kelowna is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our visitors. Through ongoing safety initiatives, community engagement, and readily available resources, the city strives to ensure your peace of mind throughout your stay. By combining awareness with basic precautions, you can maximize your safety and fully immerse yourself in the beauty and charm that Kelowna has to offer, such as our safe and fun local live music venues or our city’s most unique restaurants.
How The Shore Keeps You Safe
We work hard to ensure that your safety is first and foremost in our minds when you’re travelling to Kelowna and staying with us at the Shore. Here are some of the ways that we’re making sure that’s happening:
- We use an electronic key system to simplify your check-in and stay with us. Through the use of an app, you’ll be the only one with keys to your suite. Once your stay is over, the keys will expire so no two people will have access to the same suite at the same time without your permission.
- We offer safe and secure on-site parking, monitored and managed by Reef Parking Authority.
- Our Guest Services Team is available any time via text or phone call should you require assistance, or to address any questions, concerns, or issues you may have.
- The Shore is fully a non-smoking establishment. Smoking is not permitted within the building, units, patios or on the amenity deck. Guests are only permitted to smoke outside the building in designated areas on the main floor.
We hope that through this blog post, we’ve helped to alleviate any concerns you may have had about visiting our beautiful city. And if you’re looking for fun things to do while you’re here, be sure to check out the Shore blog for some ideas.
Explore our suites and book a stay today!