Kaleden

Located on the west shore of Skaha Lake, Kaleden is approximately half way between Okanagan Falls and Penticton (just a five-minute drive away) and offers panoramic views of the lake and the city. The close proximity to Penticton makes it a popular bedroom community for its approximately 1,200 residents.

Kaleden is well known for its orchards and vineyards, with nearly 400 acres of agricultural land. Gently rolling topography just off Highway 97 turns into a rugged steep incline closer to the lake.

Being on the west side of the valley, the area experiences morning sun and early evening shade. Kaleden is part of Electoral Area D of the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen.

In the early 1900s James Ritchie started the process of subdividing and developing the western hills of Skaha Lake. In the spring of 1909, this new development was named ‘Kaleden’ (pronounced Cah-Lee-den), which purportedly means Beautiful Eden (the Greek word Kalos and the biblical Eden).

The biggest challenge for the new community was getting water onto the semi-arid land.  Water rights for Shatford and Sheep Creeks in the distant Marron Valley were obtained and construction began on a diversion dam and wood-stave irrigation pipe. The Kaleden Irrigation District has a detailed history of the construction of the irrigation system and, today, supplies water to the community from Skaha Lake, servicing approximately 550 residential connections.  

The historic Kaleden Hotel is a prominent landmark on the shores of Skaha Lake. This shoreline are was once very active with a packing house beside the hotel. At the onset of the First World War, the hotel was closed and sat idle until the 1940s when it was stripped of all salvageable material, leaving only the concrete shell that remains today. Across the street another historic building used to be the Kaleden General Store. 

Kaleden is part of School District #67 (Okanagan Skaha) and home to Kaleden Elementary School (Kindergarten – Grade 6, then Grade 7 in 2026). Students are bused to Penticton’s Princess Margaret Secondary School after that.

Other amenities and services include a community hall, a volunteer fire department, post office, general store and regional library, all of which are located on Lakehill Road, which is the main road leading from Highway 97 down to the lake shore.

Kaleden Pioneer Park is a large waterfront park with a child-friendly beach, playground, tennis courts, picnic tables and firepits. Stop there on a windy day and you’ll likely see kitesurfers ripping through the waves and pulling tricks in the air!

Also at the park is direct access to the KVR hiking/biking trail, the railbed for the former Kettle Valley Railway. Head south and you’ll reach Okanagan Falls and the trestle, or go north to Penticton and beyond.

Vehicular traffic isn’t permitted on the trail, so it’s a nice quiet way to experience nature alongside the lake.

Linden Gardens – this stunning nine-acre lakeview property is home to a beautiful variety of flowers, trees, shrubs, ponds and streams. The west-coast style building houses the Frog City Café, offering fresh food and specialty coffees. This location is considered one of the best wedding venues in the South Okanagan!

Kraze Legz Vineyard and Winery -  it has a unique 1920s speakeasy theme (hence the ‘keyhole’ on the winery door and on the back of each bottle of wine). Stop in to taste their award-winning wines and take in the panoramic views from the picnic area. 

St. Andrews By The Lake – located approximately seven minutes from the village on White Lake Road, this development features a picturesque nine-hole golf course bordered by an attractive housing community nestled in the surrounding forest. The course has been voted the best nine-hole course and there is a full service restaurant and bar in the club house.

Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory – located on White Lake Road this facility is Canada’s largest observatory and is known to astronomers around the world. The topography and environment in the White Lake Basin is unique, making it ideal for capturing radio waves from deep outer space. The observatory has been in operation since 1960 and has been the leader in radio technological development. The facility has open houses from time to time and is a popular spot to view significant meteor showers. Any time, it’s worth the drive to see the impressive 26-meter telescope!

Twin Lakes Golf & RV Resort – located approximately 15 minutes west of Kaleden on Highway 3A . A scenic 18-hole golf course that offers a club house with restaurant and a full hook-up RV resort.

Fruit stands – located on and just off of Highway 97 are a variety of fruit stands, all offering locally grown produce and local preserves and honey. One of our favorites is at the corner of Larch and Spruce Avenues - this farmer offers a ‘serve yourself honor system stand’!