[Red John]

There are a few myths being propagated about Kelowna winters here.

First of all, don't let anyone downplay the difference in climate between the two cities and say that Kelowna is only a bit warmer. It's WAY warmer...like night and day.

-15 during the coldest part of winter compared to -40 in Calgary. It's a huge difference. And most of the time it's around the freezing mark which is pretty manageable.

Also, the words "spring" and "autumn" are only technical terms in Calgary - those seasons don't really exist. Kelowna actually has 4 seasons and they are all very beautiful. Usually snow doesn't hit until January.

Finally, those who talk about 6 months of clouds in the winter clearly have never spent a winter in Kelowna. Mornings tend to be pretty socked in but clouds usually disappear in the afternoon and yes, the sun does shine in the Okanagan during the winter, just not nearly as much as in summer. But it's hardly a Vancouver climate where you can go weeks without seeing the sun.

Last year some buddies set up their backyard ice rink. We got to use it for two weeks total - a span in late January and that was it. It was a pool of slush the rest of the winter.

If mild climate is important to you, its worth remembering that Calgary's weather is a hundred times worse than Kelowna's and it isn't close.

If you like to spend time indoors especially in winter with your family then it may not be as big a deal. It depends on lifestyle.