Moving to Kelowna Checklist

Research Kelowna neighbourhoods

Explore Lower Mission, Glenmore, Rutland, West Kelowna, and Lake Country and compare them on lifestyle, budget and school catchments.

Visit Kelowna for a scouting trip

Spend 3–5 days touring neighbourhoods and visiting schools. September is the best month for it.

Create a relocation budget

Estimate moving costs, first/last month rent or down payment, utility setup fees, and 3 months of living expenses as a buffer.

Begin job search or arrange remote work

Check Castanet Jobs, LinkedIn, and Accelerate Okanagan's job board. Negotiate remote work arrangements with your current employer if applicable.

Research schools and register for French Immersion

Use the SD23 school locator to identify catchment schools. SD23 Kindergarten and French Immersion registration opens in early February, and FI spots fill quickly.

Begin selling your current home or give lease notice

Check your lease termination requirements. If selling, consult a local agent about timing your sale with your move.

Secure housing in Kelowna

Sign a lease or make an offer on a home. Check Castanet classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, and property management companies for rentals.

Book a moving company or rent a truck

Get 3 quotes from moving companies. Cross-country moves can cost several thousand dollars or more, so compare quotes. Book early for summer moves; June through August is peak season.

Enroll children in schools

Complete SD23 online registration. Gather birth certificates, immunization records, previous report cards, and any IEP documentation.

Request medical records from current providers

Get copies of medical, dental, and optical records for all family members. These will be needed to establish care in Kelowna.

Declutter and downsize

Sell, donate or discard what you won't need. A smaller load costs less to move and is quicker to unpack.

Join Kelowna community groups online

Follow Kelowna Facebook groups, Reddit r/kelowna, and neighbourhood groups to start building connections before you arrive.

Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post

Forward mail from your current address to your new Kelowna address. Check canadapost.ca for current pricing; 12-month forwarding is available.

Transfer prescriptions to a Kelowna pharmacy

Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and independent pharmacies can transfer prescriptions from out-of-province.

Set up Kelowna utilities

Contact FortisBC (electricity and gas), Telus or Rogers (internet), and the City of Kelowna (water). Arrange accounts to be active on your move-in date.

Arrange BC auto insurance (ICBC)

BC requires ICBC insurance for all vehicles. Premiums vary widely by driver, vehicle and location, so get a quote from an Autoplan broker in Kelowna soon after you establish residency.

Notify banks, subscriptions, and government

Update your address with banks, credit cards, CRA, Service Canada, and subscription services.

Begin packing non-essential items

Start with seasonal items, books and decorations. Label boxes by room.

Do a final walkthrough of your old home

Check all closets, drawers, and storage areas. Take photos of the property's condition for your records.

Confirm travel arrangements to Kelowna

If driving, plan your route and overnight stops. The drive from Vancouver is approximately 4 hours via the Coquihalla Highway.

Pack an essentials bag for the first few days

Include toiletries, medications, chargers, important documents, a change of clothes and basic kitchen items. You may not unpack everything right away.

Arrange pet travel if applicable

Make sure pets have current vaccinations and BC-compliant identification, and plan for their comfort during the move.

Apply for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Apply online at gov.bc.ca/MSP. Coverage may take up to 3 months, so keep your previous province's coverage during the transition.

Register on Health Connect Registry for a family doctor

Finding a family doctor takes months. Register at hcr.healthlinkbc.ca right away rather than waiting until you need care.

Get a BC driver's licence

Visit an ICBC driver licensing office within 90 days of establishing residency. Bring your current licence, proof of BC address, and identification.

Register your vehicle in BC

Visit an Autoplan broker to transfer your vehicle registration and obtain ICBC insurance.

Explore your neighbourhood on foot

Walk to the nearest grocery store, coffee shop, park and transit stop, and introduce yourself to your neighbours.

Locate essential services

Find your closest grocery stores (Save-On-Foods, Superstore, Costco), pharmacy, gas station, and walk-in medical clinic.

Join a community group or activity

The Kelowna Running Club, Accelerate Okanagan, Chamber of Commerce, sports leagues, or volunteer organizations are practical ways to meet people.

Explore local restaurants and coffee shops

Try Salt & Brick, Pulp Fiction Coffee, Bean Scene, and whatever is close to home.

Do your first Kelowna outdoor activity

Hike Knox Mountain, swim at Gyro Beach, visit a winery or rent a paddleboard.

Attend your first PAC meeting at your child's school

Parent Advisory Council meetings are a direct way to meet other parents and learn how the school runs.

Update voter registration and BC Services Card

Confirm you're registered to vote in BC and have received your BC Services Card (which serves as your health card and government ID).