McKinley Beach Live Cam

History

McKinley Beach, located on the northern shores of Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, British Columbia, has a rich history shaped by its natural beauty and strategic location. The area was originally inhabited by the Syilx (Okanagan) people, who have lived in the Okanagan Valley for thousands of years. They relied on the region's abundant resources, including fish from the lake and berries from the surrounding forests, to sustain their communities. The land was deeply connected to their cultural and spiritual practices, a legacy that is still honored today.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European settlers arrived in the Okanagan Valley, drawn by the potential for agriculture, particularly fruit farming. The McKinley Landing area, which encompasses McKinley Beach, was named after a prominent settler family who established a landing site for transporting goods across the lake. Over time, the area transitioned from being a functional landing to a sought-after residential and recreational spot, thanks to its stunning lake views and proximity to Kelowna's urban center.