Black Mountain and Joe Rich Kelowna Neighborhoods
Black Mountain, located east of the city center, derives its name from its volcanic soil. The area is a popular destination with family-friendly neighborhoods offering stunning views of the valley and lake. Just beyond Black Mountain lies Joe Rich, where you can traverse beautiful rural wilderness via winding roads.
Black Mountain is a perfect recreational spot featuring a world-class golf course and access to hiking trails, snowmobiling trails, wineries, an outdoor adventure center, and Big White Ski Resort.
This location is conveniently located close to city amenities and can be easily reached via Highway 33, making it ideal for those seeking suburban comforts while experiencing the Okanagan lifestyle.
Joe Rich offers a more secluded atmosphere, with most properties tucked away in the wooded hillsides off the highway yet still accessible within 20 minutes from town.
Most of Black Mountain comprises single-family homes on ample lots, with older, established neighborhoods blending with newer developments boasting impressive architecture. Joe Rich offers sprawling rural acreages and equestrian properties and farms.
Hillside lots provide exceptional views, attracting buyers to the area, while some townhome and condo options are available near the golf course.
Features and amenities
Outdoor recreation
Both neighborhoods are surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, mountains, and lakes, which provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
Golfing
Black Mountain is home to the Black Mountain Golf Club, which features an 18-hole championship golf course. The course offers stunning views of the Okanagan Valley and is considered one of the best courses in the region.
Parks
Joe Rich has several parks, including the Joe Rich Community Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a baseball field. Black Mountain also has several parks, including the Black Mountain Neighborhood Park, which features a playground, basketball court, and picnic area.
Nearby Schools
Both neighborhoods have access to good schools, including:
Black Mountain Elementary School
This public school is located in the Black Mountain neighborhood and serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 6.
Joe Rich Elementary School
This public school is located in the Joe Rich neighborhood and serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 6.
Rutland Middle School
This public school is in the nearby Rutland neighborhood and serves students from Grades 7 to 9.
Rutland Senior Secondary School
This public school is also in the Rutland neighborhood and serves students from Grade 10 to Grade 12.
École Kelowna Secondary School
This public French Immersion school is located in the Kelowna South neighborhood and serves students from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
Immaculata Regional High School
This Catholic high school is located in the nearby Kelowna South neighborhood and serves students from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
Pearson College UWC
This international school is near the Metchosin community and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12.
Community events
Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
This outdoor market takes place every Saturday from April to November and features local farmers, artisans, and crafters. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more.
Center of Gravity Festival
This three-day festival in July features lives music, extreme sports, and beach volleyball tournaments. It is a popular event for young adults and attracts visitors across Canada.
Kelowna Dragon Boat Festival
This festival takes place in August and features dragon boat races, cultural performances, food vendors, and live entertainment. It is a fun and family-friendly event that celebrates Kelowna’s multicultural community.
Apple Harvest Festival
This festival takes place in October and celebrates the fall harvest season. It features apple-themed activities, live music, food vendors, and a farmers’ market. Visitors can also enjoy hayrides and pick their apples at local orchards.
Winter Street Market
This market takes place in December and features local vendors selling handmade crafts, baked goods, and other festive items. It is a great place to find unique gifts for the holidays.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Kelowna hosts several New Year’s Eve celebrations, including a family-friendly event at Stuart Park and a more adult-oriented event at the Kelowna Community Theatre. Both events feature live music, fireworks, and other festivities.
Black Mountain Community Association events
This association organizes several events throughout the year, including a Halloween party, a Christmas craft fair, and a community yard sale. They also host outdoor movie nights in the summer months and organize a community cleanup day.
Joe Rich Community Association events
This association hosts several events throughout the year, including a community potluck, a Christmas craft fair, and a family fun day. They also organize a community cleanup day and offer workshops and classes on topics such as gardening and cooking.
Kelowna Ribfest
This annual event takes place in August at City Park in nearby downtown Kelowna. It features a rib cook-off competition, live music, and a variety of food and beverage vendors.
Okanagan Wine Festivals
The Okanagan region is known for its wine, and several wine festivals take place throughout the year, including the Spring Wine Festival in May and the Fall Wine Festival in October. These festivals feature tastings, seminars, and other wine-related events.
Kelowna Cherry Blossom Festival
This annual festival takes place in April and celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms throughout the city. Events include guided walking tours, live music, and cultural performances.
Shopping and dining
Both neighborhoods have a few local shops and restaurants, but for more extensive shopping and dining options, residents can easily access Kelowna’s downtown area.
Nearby Wineries
The Black Mountain neighborhood is close to several wineries, including:
Ancient Hill Estate Winery
This family-owned winery is located in the Black Mountain neighborhood and offers beautiful views of the Okanagan Valley. They specialize in producing aromatic white wines, including Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, as well as red wines like Pinot Noir and Merlot.
Ex Nihilo Vineyards
This winery is located on Lake Country’s benchlands, just a short drive from the Black Mountain and Joe Rich neighborhoods. They specialize in producing premium wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as unique blends like their famous “Night” and “Day” wines.
Arrowleaf Cellars
This boutique winery is located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. They produce a range of wines, including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Merlot, and unique blends like their “Archive” and “Solstice” wines.
Intrigue Wines
This family-owned winery in Lake Country specializes in producing premium wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc. They also offer unique blends like popular “I Do” and “Social” wines.
50th Parallel Estate
Located in Lake Country, this winery offers beautiful vineyard views and specializes in producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They also have a range of other wines, including Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Merlot.
These are just a few of the many wineries located in the region. Each winery offers unique experiences and wine selections, making it a great area to explore for wine enthusiasts.
Public Transportation
The Joe Rich and Black Mountain neighborhoods in Kelowna are served by the Kelowna Regional Transit System.
Health Care
Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)
Located just a few minutes from downtown Kelowna, Kelowna General Hospital is the region’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare facility. The hospital offers various medical services, including emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment, and more.
The hospital also has several outpatient clinics and services, including:
- Kelowna General Hospital Sleep Disorders Clinic
- Kelowna General Hospital Diabetes Clinic
Clinics
There are numerous clinics throughout Kelowna that provide primary care, urgent care, and specialist services. These include walk-in clinics, family practices, and specialty clinics for women’s health, mental health, and chronic disease management.
Specialist Services
Kelowna is home to several specialist services, including cancer clinics, eye clinics, orthopedic clinics, and more. These clinics provide specialized care for patients with specific health conditions.
Home Care
Home care services are available for patients who require medical care at home. This includes services such as nursing care, personal care, and therapy services.
Alternative Health Services
Kelowna also offers various alternative health services, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and naturopathy.
Overall, Black Mountain and Joe Rich are beautiful neighborhoods offering a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and convenient amenities for residents to enjoy.