Ellison is one of Kelowna’s most charming rural communities — a quiet, open landscape of vineyards, farmlands, and rolling hills located just northeast of the city. It’s where wide skies, winding country roads, and a slower pace of life remind residents of Kelowna’s agricultural roots. Yet, despite its tranquil countryside feel, Ellison is only minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, UBC Okanagan, and all the amenities of the city.
Ellison’s unique character lies in its balance between rural tranquility and modern convenience. Residents here enjoy the freedom of acreage living — space for horses, gardens, and outdoor hobbies — without feeling disconnected from urban essentials. It’s a place where the days move by the rhythm of the seasons, where neighbours wave as they pass, and where every sunrise feels like a fresh start.
Lifestyle & Community
Life in Ellison is calm, connected, and close to nature. The area’s open fields and forested backdrops create a sense of peace that draws families, retirees, and anyone seeking a quieter, more deliberate lifestyle. Many properties have been in the same families for generations, giving Ellison a strong sense of heritage and continuity.
Despite its rural setting, community ties are strong. Locals gather at Ellison Heritage Community Centre, and seasonal markets, equestrian events, and local fundraisers foster a spirit of neighbourly connection. Residents tend to value self-sufficiency and outdoor living — gardening, horseback riding, and small-scale farming are common ways of life here.
Architecture & Real Estate
Real estate in Ellison is characterized by space, privacy, and diversity. You’ll find everything from traditional ranch-style homes and log cabins to elegant custom estates set on sprawling properties. Many homes feature large workshops, barns, or guest suites, reflecting the community’s practical yet comfortable way of life.
Acreages range from modest 1–2 acre parcels to expansive 10–20 acre farms, offering plenty of opportunity for equestrian use, vineyards, or simply open space. The land is fertile and scenic, with views stretching across meadows and tree-dotted hills. Because of limited subdivision and agricultural zoning, properties here maintain strong long-term value and rarity.
In recent years, interest in Ellison has grown as more buyers look for rural living within reach of the city. It’s one of the few places where you can find country serenity, minimal noise, and complete privacy — all within a 15-minute drive of downtown or Orchard Park Shopping Centre.
Recreation & Surroundings
Ellison is perfectly positioned for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to Shadow Ridge Golf Club and The Okanagan Golf Club, offering two championship courses right at your doorstep. For adventure seekers, Ellison Provincial Park and the nearby Scenic Canyon Regional Park provide hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that wind through forests and along creeks.
The proximity to the airport and Highway 97 also means that weekend getaways or ski trips to Big White Resort are easily accessible. The surrounding vineyards and farms add a rustic charm, making weekend drives through Ellison as peaceful as they are picturesque.
Family & Community Appeal
Families love Ellison for its space, safety, and outdoor focus. Children grow up with room to roam — climbing trees, exploring nature, and learning responsibility through caring for animals or gardens. Ellison Elementary School serves the area, while secondary options in nearby Rutland and Glenmore are within easy driving distance.
The combination of open land and close-knit community makes Ellison an ideal place to raise children or retire in peace. It’s a neighbourhood that nurtures balance — allowing residents to live close to nature while staying within reach of city life.
Investment & Lifestyle Outlook
Ellison’s enduring charm comes from its authenticity and scarcity. With limited new development, it remains one of the last truly rural areas near Kelowna’s core. As the city expands, this preservation of agricultural zoning ensures Ellison’s peaceful atmosphere will last for generations.
Buyers are drawn here for more than space — they come for a lifestyle of self-reliance, peace, and simplicity. Whether you’re cultivating your own vineyard, starting a hobby farm, or simply enjoying evenings on a wraparound porch watching the sun set over the fields, life in Ellison feels grounded and rewarding.
The Essence of Ellison
Ellison is a reminder of what first made the Okanagan Valley so special — open landscapes, fertile soil, and the connection between people and the land. It offers a return to the fundamentals: quiet mornings, starlit nights, and a community that values substance over speed.
For those seeking a home that offers both solitude and accessibility, Ellison is the perfect balance — a rural refuge where the city’s conveniences are close, but its noise and chaos feel a world away.