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Moving to or from Kelowna: Your Insider’s Guide from the Atlas Agent Network

Planning a move to or from Kelowna? Whether you’re relocating across provinces, leaving the Okanagan for new opportunities, or settling into this lakeside city for the first time, Kelowna offers one of Canada’s most desirable lifestyles. Known for its vineyards, mountains, and four-season recreation, it’s no wonder Kelowna is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

 

But long-distance moves take more than just good timing — they take local insight, professional support, and careful planning.

 

That’s where Atlas Van Lines Canada comes in. With over 60 years of long-distance and cross-border moving experience — and two trusted Atlas Agents serving the Okanagan — we combine local knowledge with nationwide reach to help you move with confidence.

 

Meet Your Trusted Atlas Agents in Kelowna

 

 

Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley are supported by two highly respected Atlas Agents, companies worth trusting:

 

  • AMJ Campbell Kelowna – bringing decades of experience and a reputation for exceptional moving services across British Columbia.
  • Arrowsmith Moving & Storing – a trusted Atlas Agent with strong local expertise in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan region.

Whether you’re moving house into a lakeside condo, a family home, or relocating your business, our Atlas Agents bring the professionalism, care, and community knowledge that define the Atlas Trusted Agent Network.

 

Welcome to Kelowna: Life in the Okanagan

 

 

Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley and a hub for culture, business, and outdoor living. Nestled on the shores of Okanagan Lake and surrounded by orchards and mountains, it’s a place where lifestyle and opportunity meet.

 

Quick Facts:

 

  • Population: ~157,000 (city); ~225,000 (metro)
  • Climate: Hot, dry summers; mild winters with snow in higher elevations
  • Economy: Agriculture, tourism, technology, wine production, and healthcare
  • Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Glenmore, Lower & Upper Mission, Rutland, West Kelowna

Compared with life in Toronto, Calgary, or other major cities you may be moving from, Kelowna may have the right balance of opportunities, cost of living, and quality of life for you.

 

Agent Insight:


“Kelowna is growing fast because it offers the best of both worlds — a vibrant city and easy access to nature. People move here for the lifestyle and stay for the community.”
— AMJ Campbell Kelowna

 

What You’ll Need to Set Up When Moving to or From Kelowna

 

 

Whether you’re arriving in Kelowna or moving away, there are important services and registrations to update during your relocation. Here are the things to know and do:

 

1. Healthcare

  • Moving to B.C.: Register with the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP). New residents may have a waiting period before coverage begins.
  • Website: gov.bc.ca/msp

2. Driver’s Licence & Vehicle Registration

  • Exchange your out-of-province licence and register your vehicle with ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia).
  • Website: icbc.com

3. Update Your Address

Notify important organizations such as:

  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Service Canada (CPP, OAS, EI)
  • Banks, credit cards, and insurance providers
  • Utilities and subscription services

4. Utilities & Internet

If utilities are not included in your home, set up accounts directly with providers:

  • Electricity & Gas: FortisBC
  • Internet/TV: Telus, Shaw, Rogers

5. Schools & Childcare

Kelowna is part of School District 23 (Central Okanagan). For daycare and childcare, use the province’s Child Care Resource & Referral program to find licensed providers.

 

6. Municipal Services

The City of Kelowna manages waste collection, permits, transit, and other local services.

  • Website: kelowna.ca

Discover Kelowna Like a Local

 

 

Once you’re settled, there’s no shortage of things to explore in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley:

 

  • Tour world-renowned wineries across the region
  • Relax on beaches or enjoy boating on Okanagan Lake
  • Ski or snowboard at Big White Ski Resort
  • Explore the Myra Canyon Trestles on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
  • Shop and taste at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market
  • Join local festivals like the Okanagan Wine Festival and Parks Alive!

Agent Insight:


“Newcomers are always amazed at how much Kelowna has to offer year-round. It’s not just a summer destination — it’s a place where families and businesses thrive.”
— Arrowsmith Moving & Storing

 

Why Choose Atlas for Your Kelowna Move

  • Over 60 years of long-distance and cross-border moving experience
  • Two trusted Atlas Agents with deep expertise in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley
  • Real-time tracking and secured containerized transport
  • Transparent, all-inclusive pricing — no hidden fees
  • Personalized planning and support every step of the way

“At Atlas, customer satisfaction is everything. We believe it’s not where you go — it’s who you travel with.”

 

Ready to Move To or From Kelowna?

 

Let us help make your long-distance move to or from Kelowna simple, stress-free, and successful.

 

Get your personalized estimate today

Top Bedroom Communities in Canada: Where to Live Near Major Cities

 

When planning a move, one of the biggest decisions isn’t just what house to buy or rent — it’s where to live. For many Canadians, bedroom communities (suburbs and towns just outside major cities) offer the perfect mix of affordability, lifestyle, and access to big-city opportunities.

 

Whether you’re relocating across provinces or moving within Canada, these communities often provide more space, family-friendly amenities, and a stronger sense of community and place — all while keeping you close to work and urban amenities.

 

At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we’ve been helping Canadians move for over 60 years. Our network of Trusted Agents spans coast to coast, giving you both the national reach and the local insight you need to make the right choice.

 

Bedroom Communities: A Wider Definition

 

 

What is the meaning of the term bedroom community? 

 

When people talk about “bedroom communities,” they usually mean suburbs or nearby towns where many residents commute into the city for work.

 

Defined by easy access to major cities, a valid synonym is a commuter town, though this term can sometimes imply a greater distance.

 

What’s the difference between a bedroom community and a suburb?

 

Generally, all bedroom communities are considered suburbs, but not all suburbs are bedroom communities. While both connote residential areas, bedroom communities typically do not carry a strong economic base that can support significant  employment. 

 

Considering bedroom communities vs suburbs, residents looking for self-contained combinations of living, working, and amenities will have more luck in some suburbs than bedroom communities which are dependent on the metropolitan core.

 

How close does a town have to be to be considered a bedroom community?

 

For bedroom community status, it must be legitimately adjacent; residents can generally expect a commuting time within an hour, likely 30-60 minutes. Some closer areas can still be considered bedroom communities, while those exceeding an hour are generally considered exurbs, less densely populated areas outside suburbs.

 

What Makes a Great Bedroom Community?

 

 

The best bedroom towns combine:

  • Affordability: Housing prices that are often lower than the urban core
  • Lifestyle: More space, parks, schools, and recreational opportunities
  • Community: Smaller, close-knit neighbourhoods
  • Proximity: Easy access to the city without the pace and cost of downtown living

Table of Contents

 

Jump ahead to your region:

Top Bedroom Communities Across Canada

 

 

Here are examples of bedroom communities, each with their own feel and lifestyle options; some are small towns with rich local cultural scenes, some focus on family like, and some are more rural, taking advantage of being further away from the city to be further into nature.

 

Bedroom Communities Outside Toronto

 

  • Oakville
    • Commute: ~30 minutes by GO Train
    • Highlights: Lakeshore parks, top schools, thriving arts scene
    • Why move here: One of the GTA’s most desirable suburbs, combining urban amenities with small-town charm.
  • Milton
    • Commute: ~45 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Newer housing, family-friendly, access to the Niagara Escarpment
    • Why move here: One of Canada’s fastest-growing towns, ideal for young families.
  • Whitby
    • Commute: ~45 minutes by GO Train
    • Highlights: Lake Ontario shoreline, community feel, good schools
    • Why move here: Balance of affordability and access to Toronto.
  • Newmarket
    • Commute: ~50 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Historic downtown, trails, growing amenities
    • Why move here: Affordable compared to Toronto, but still highly connected.

Bedroom Communities Outside Vancouver

 

  • Surrey
    • Commute: ~40 minutes by SkyTrain
    • Highlights: Diverse culture, growing city within Metro Vancouver
    • Why move here: More affordable than Vancouver proper, with strong community development.
  • Langley
    • Commute: ~50 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Family-oriented, wineries, equestrian culture
    • Why move here: Suburban lifestyle with strong community roots.
  • Coquitlam
    • Commute: ~35 minutes by SkyTrain
    • Highlights: Scenic parks, schools, retail hubs
    • Why move here: Balance of affordability and proximity to Vancouver.
  • Maple Ridge
    • Commute: ~1 hour by car or West Coast Express
    • Highlights: Outdoor living, trails, mountain views
    • Why move here: Affordable option with access to nature.

Bedroom Communities Outside Calgary

 

  • Airdrie
    • Commute: ~30 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Family-friendly, growing amenities
    • Why move here: Affordable housing and close proximity to Calgary.
  • Okotoks
    • Commute: ~40 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Scenic Sheep River Valley, small-town feel
    • Why move here: Perfect for families looking for space and nature.
  • Cochrane
    • Commute: ~35 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Mountain views, western charm
    • Why move here: Ideal for those who love the outdoors but want access to the city.

Bedroom Communities Outside Ottawa

 

  • Kanata
    • Commute: ~25 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Tech hub, schools, shopping
    • Why move here: Perfect for tech professionals and families.
  • Orleans
    • Commute: ~30 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Multicultural, parks, and family amenities
    • Why move here: Growing suburb with strong community ties.
  • Barrhaven
    • Commute: ~30 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Family neighbourhoods, new housing
    • Why move here: Affordable option for families moving to Ottawa.

Bedroom Communities Outside Halifax

 

  • Dartmouth
    • Commute: ~15 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Waterfront, strong community vibe
    • Why move here: Affordable and growing arts scene.
  • Bedford
    • Commute: ~20 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Family-oriented, schools, shopping centres
    • Why move here: One of Halifax’s most popular suburbs for families.

Bedroom Communities Outside Winnipeg

 

  • Steinbach
    • Commute: ~45 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Affordable housing, growing population
    • Why move here: Strong economy and family-friendly environment.
  • Selkirk
    • Commute: ~40 minutes by car
    • Highlights: River city with historic character
    • Why move here: Small-town feel with access to Winnipeg jobs.

Bedroom Communities Outside Montreal

 

  • Laval
    • Commute: ~30 minutes by Metro
    • Highlights: Large suburb with shopping and entertainment
    • Why move here: Strong amenities and close proximity to Montreal.
  • Longueuil
    • Commute: ~20 minutes by Metro
    • Highlights: Affordable housing, riverfront views
    • Why move here: Easy commute with lower cost of living.
  • Brossard
    • Commute: ~25 minutes by car
    • Highlights: Multicultural community, retail hubs
    • Why move here: Affordable, family-friendly alternative to downtown.

Why Choose Atlas for Your Move?

 

Whether you’re moving into the city core or settling just outside in one of Canada’s best bedroom communities, Atlas Van Lines Canada has the experience and network to help you move with confidence.

 

  • Over 60 years of long-distance and cross-border moving experience
  • Trusted local Atlas Agents in every major Canadian market
  • Real-time tracking and secured, containerized transport
  • Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
  • Personalized support every step of the way

“Customer satisfaction is everything. At Atlas, we believe it’s not where you go — it’s who you travel with.”

 

Ready to Move to One of Canada’s Best Bedroom Communities?

 

Atlas Van Lines and our trusted Agents are here to make your long-distance move simple, stress-free, and successful.

 

Start your personalized estimate today at atlasvanlines.ca/estimate