Fintry, British Columbia is a hidden gem nestled on the west shore of Okanagan Lake, roughly 24 km north of Kelowna and 50 km south of Vernon.
This small lakeside community of about 50 homes enjoys a serene rural atmosphere at the end of a winding road off Westside Road. Fintry’s rich history, stunning provincial park, and close-knit community make it an appealing destination for new residents, real estate investors, and tourists alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore Fintry’s deep historical roots, its top attractions and lifestyle, and why Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is the go-to choice for home services in the Vernon and Fintry area.
Whether you’re drawn by local pride or practical needs, Fintry offers the best of Okanagan living, and Bee’s Knees is here to ensure your home remains comfortable year-round.
Selecting a service provider to trust with your home is a big decision. Here’s why Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is the right choice for Fintry and Okanagan residents who demand the best:
Local Knowledge & Community Commitment: Bee’s Knees isn’t a faceless franchise, we are an Okanagan-based company with deep roots in the Vernon area, proudly serving Fintry as part of our community. We understand local homes, climate, and culture. Our team’s familiarity with Fintry’s rural roads and properties means we find you quickly and come prepared for the specific quirks of lakeside homes (from pumps to propane heating). We’re also committed to the community, as members of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce and supporters of local initiatives, we invest back into the region we serve.
Reliability & 24/7 Emergency Response: When you have an emergency, be it a burst pipe or a power outage, you can count on Bee’s Knees 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We pride ourselves on our fast, responsive service with live operators always ready to take your call. Our technicians are dispatched promptly, even during evenings or weekends, because we know emergencies can’t wait. Fintry’s distance from larger centers makes this reliability even more critical. With Bee’s Knees, you’re never stranded waiting for help, we’ll be there.
One-Stop Shop (Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical): Rather than juggling different specialists, Fintry residents can solve all home comfort needs with one phone call. Bee’s Knees expertly handles plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical, saving you time and coordination hassle. Our multi-skilled “hive” can tackle a plumbing leak and an A/C tune-up in the same visit if needed. This comprehensive service is especially convenient for out-of-town landlords or busy homeowners, we do it all in one go.
Quality Workmanship Guaranteed: Our highly trained technicians deliver workmanship we stand behind 100%. Bee’s Knees is fully licensed and bonded, and all work is done to the highest standards. We use quality parts and the latest tools to ensure durable repairs and installations. Upfront pricing and written quotes mean you approve the work before we start. And with our satisfaction guarantee and 1-year warranty on labor, you have peace of mind that your home is in good hands. We don’t consider a job done until you are completely satisfied.
Honest, Friendly Service: From the first phone call to the final cleanup, you’ll notice the Bee’s Knees difference in how we treat our customers. Our team is courteous, respectful, and mindful of your time and property. We explain options in plain language, so you can make informed decisions about repairs or upgrades. No high-pressure upsells, just honest advice. Our many five-star reviews frequently mention our technicians’ professionalism and friendliness, we truly care about making your experience a positive one.
With Bee’s Knees on your side, you can enjoy the Fintry lifestyle with confidence that your home’s essential systems are well looked after. We help turn what could be stressful maintenance or emergency situations into a smooth, worry-free process. Don’t settle for less when it comes to your home in Fintry, choose the team that’s proven, passionate, and prepared to go the extra mile.
Fintry’s story begins long before modern settlement. The Fintry delta, where Shorts Creek meets Okanagan Lake, was originally used as a seasonal fishing camp by the Syilx (Okanagan) First Nations people, who traveled along the lake’s shores. The first European to arrive was Captain Thomas Dolman Shorts in the late 19th century, a steamboat captain who operated a lake ferry service; Shorts Creek is named in his honor. However, Fintry’s most transformative chapter began in 1909, when Captain James Cameron Dun-Waters, a Scottish nobleman, purchased the delta and named it “Fintry” after his hometown in Scotland.
Dun-Waters was an ambitious and innovative entrepreneur. Over the next 30 years (1909–1939) he developed Fintry Estate into one of the most impressive agricultural ventures in the Okanagan Valley. He built a grand manor house and one of British Columbia’s only octagonal dairy barns, cleared over 200 acres for orchards, and introduced modern irrigation and hydroelectric generation using a Pelton wheel on Shorts Creek. Under Dun-Waters’ stewardship, Fintry became a veritable “garden of Eden” filled with innovations far ahead of its time.
The estate boasted extensive orchards (producing over 20,000 boxes of fruit per year by the 1920s), award-winning Ayrshire cattle, a sawmill, a curling rink with electric lights, and even a private wharf for lake transportation. Dun-Waters’ Fintry was not only a productive farm but also a self-sufficient community that showcased the possibilities of modern agriculture and rural luxury in that era. By the late 1930s, Captain Dun-Waters’ health was failing and he had no heirs to inherit Fintry. In an altruistic move, he gifted the entire Fintry Estate in 1939 to the Fairbridge (Fairfield) Farm Schools for the token sum of $1.
This charitable organization brought orphaned children from Britain to Canada, training them in farming and life skills on the estate. For nearly a decade, Fintry continued as an educational farm for these youth, adding another unique layer to its history. However, the farm school ran into financial difficulties and closed in 1948, leaving Fintry’s future uncertain. In the following decades, Fintry saw ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful development attempts. The estate passed through private owners, including an American investor who defaulted on loans, and later a Vancouver developer, Arthur Bailey, who acquired Fintry in 1962.
Bailey envisioned turning Fintry into a resort destination, going so far as to acquire a decommissioned 40-metre ferry boat (the MV Lequime, later dubbed the “Fintry Queen”) to serve as a floating restaurant and attraction. He planned for campgrounds, horseback riding, golf, and other recreational amenities on the property. Roads were improved and hundreds of lakeview lots were subdivided in the surrounding hills, but the grand development dream collapsed under financial strain and tax issues by the 1970s.
Fortunately, Fintry’s historic land was saved from fragmentation. The Province of British Columbia acquired the Fintry estate in the mid-1990s and established Fintry Provincial Park by 1996. This move preserved the manor house, barns, and natural landscape for the public. In 2000, the Friends of Fintry Provincial Park Society formed to restore and showcase Dun-Waters’ legacy. Thanks to these efforts, Fintry’s colorful history, from First Nations fishing camp and pioneering farm to orphan school and attempted resort, is not only remembered but also tangible to visitors today. Strolling through Fintry’s heritage buildings and trails, one can feel the echoes of the past in this unique corner of the Okanagan.
Fintry Falls cascading through the canyon at Fintry Provincial Park, one of the area’s most breathtaking natural attractions. Despite its small size, Fintry offers several must-see attractions that capture its natural beauty and heritage. The centerpiece is Fintry Provincial Park and Protected Area, a 360-hectare park encompassing the historic Fintry Estate and surrounding wilderness.
The park features over two kilometers of Okanagan Lake waterfront, including quiet sand and gravel beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, canoeing, and kayaking. A popular campground with 150+ sites welcomes visitors each summer, allowing people to stay overnight and soak in Fintry’s tranquil atmosphere.
One of Fintry’s standout natural attractions is Fintry Falls, a series of waterfalls where Shorts Creek tumbles through a steep canyon on its way to the lake. Accessed by a well-maintained staircase trail with some 400 steps, the falls reward hikers with spectacular views and refreshing mist on a hot day. Multiple viewing platforms let you get up close to the thundering water, a picture-perfect Okanagan experience for photographers and nature lovers alike. Fintry Falls is often described as a “spectacular natural wonder” and the cherry on top of any camping trip to the park.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the Fintry Manor House and Barns, which have been lovingly preserved. The Manor House, originally built in 1911 (rebuilt 1924 after a fire) in a Scottish Arts-and-Crafts style, now serves as a mini-museum showcasing period furnishings, taxidermy (including Dun-Waters’ famed Kodiak bear), and exhibits on Fintry’s past. Guided tours of the house are offered in summer, sharing colorful stories of Captain Dun-Waters, the “Laird of Fintry”, and his family.
Nearby stands the Octagonal Dairy Barn, one of the only eight-sided barns in Canada, which housed prize Ayrshire cattle and features an ingenious design for its time. The barn’s unique architecture and the surrounding restored farm buildings (granary, horse barn, packing house) make for a fascinating walk back in time. Informational signs detail how Fintry was a model farm estate complete with its own power generation and irrigation systems, truly ahead of its era.
Other attractions include hiking trails beyond the falls, for example, trails leading to high ridges with panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and opportunities to spot local wildlife like bighorn sheep, deer, and eagles. Fintry’s natural setting provides endless outdoor recreation (more on that below). And while Fintry itself is quiet, its central location in the Okanagan Valley means world-class wineries, orchards, and golf courses are a scenic drive away. In fact, Fintry is just across the lake from Lake Country’s wine route and a short drive from West Kelowna’s vineyards, giving wine enthusiasts plenty to explore nearby.
Whether you’re interested in heritage or just want to relax amid gorgeous scenery, Fintry’s attractions deliver a mix of culture, history, and outdoor fun that’s hard to beat.
As a tiny rural community, Fintry itself does not have public schools within the immediate hamlet. However, families living in the Fintry area have access to a range of education options in the greater Okanagan region. Fintry falls under the Central Okanagan Public Schools jurisdiction (School District 23), which operates excellent elementary and secondary schools in nearby communities like West Kelowna and Lake Country. Students typically take a bus or car commute to the closest schools, enjoying the benefits of a small-town upbringing with connectivity to larger centres. Both public and private schooling needs can be met by the schools in Kelowna, West Kelowna, or Vernon, all reachable within roughly 30 to 60 minutes’ drive from Fintry. For example, George Elliot Secondary in Lake Country or Mount Boucherie Secondary in West Kelowna serve students from rural Westside areas. Parents also have the choice of acclaimed private schools in the region, such as Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School in Kelowna or Pleasant Valley Christian Academy in Vernon, for alternative education pathways.
For higher education, the Okanagan region boasts impressive post-secondary institutions within commuting range. The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus (UBC Okanagan) in Kelowna and Okanagan College (with campuses in Kelowna and Vernon) are both under an hour away, providing a wide array of university and college programs. UBC Okanagan is a fast-growing research university that contributes to the area’s knowledge economy, and Okanagan College offers technical, trades, and continuing education that local residents can take advantage of. Additionally, specialty institutes like the Centre for Arts & Technology in Kelowna offer programs in digital media, design, and technology. What this means for Fintry residents is that one can enjoy the peaceful lakeside lifestyle of Fintry without sacrificing educational opportunities, top-notch schooling and post-secondary courses are all within easy reach in the Okanagan. This makes Fintry appealing for families and lifelong learners alike.
One of Fintry’s charms is that it provides a secluded retreat while still being centrally located between several Okanagan communities. Kelowna and Vernon are the two major cities bracketing Fintry, offering expanded amenities, shopping, and entertainment when needed. Kelowna (population ~144,500) lies about 34 km to the south (across Okanagan Lake and reachable via a scenic drive), and is the Okanagan’s largest urban hub. In Kelowna,
Fintry residents and visitors can find major shopping centers, an international airport, hospitals, a vibrant downtown with restaurants and cultural venues, and year-round events. Vernon (population ~45,000) is about 49–50 km north of Fintry by road, a historic city known for its friendly small-city feel, farmers markets, and outdoor recreation, as well as being the commercial center of the North Okanagan. Vernon offers additional supermarkets, theaters, golf courses, and the popular SilverStar Mountain Resort just outside town for winter sports. In addition to these cities, Fintry is close to several smaller communities.
Lake Country is directly across Okanagan Lake to the east, while you’d need to drive around the lake or take a boat to get there, Lake Country’s wineries and orchards are part of Fintry’s extended neighborhood. To the south along Westside Road are rural localities like Trader’s Cove, Killiney Beach, and Westshore Estates, which together form the Westside Road community string, these are essentially Fintry’s nearest neighbors on the west shore. Meanwhile, West Kelowna (to the south across the lake’s west side) is about a 1-hour drive, offering big-box stores, restaurants, and wineries in the famous Westside Wine Trail.
The proximity of Fintry to multiple towns means residents can easily take day trips for shopping or entertainment, a drive of under an hour connects Fintry to either the Kelowna or Vernon downtown core. This unique geography gives Fintry dwellers the best of both worlds, the tranquility of country living with the conveniences of cities not far away. For tourists, staying in Fintry means you can explore the entire Okanagan Valley, Peachland, Penticton, and other Okanagan destinations within a couple of hours’ scenic drive along the lake. But at day’s end, you’ll love returning to Fintry’s quiet lakeside for a campfire or sunset on the beach. Fintry truly is at the heart of the Okanagan, making it an ideal base for regional exploration while retaining a charming off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Fintry’s local economy is modest and largely residential, you won’t find big factories or office parks here. Many properties in Fintry are vacation homes or rural residences rather than commercial enterprises. However, being situated between Kelowna and Vernon opens up a world of employment opportunities for Fintry residents. In practice, a significant portion of Fintry’s working population commutes to jobs in those larger centers or elsewhere in the Okanagan Valley. The commute to either city is typically a scenic 30 to 60 minutes by car (depending on season and route), which is feasible for those who cherish Fintry’s peaceful lifestyle while pursuing careers in town.
Key industries of the Okanagan region drive the broader job market accessible to Fintry locals. Kelowna’s economy has diversified far beyond its historical orchards, today it’s a hub for healthcare (with Interior Health as a major employer), education (UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College), technology startups, manufacturing (including aerospace firms like KF Aerospace), tourism, and professional services. Vernon’s economy retains strong roots in agriculture and forestry while also hosting manufacturing and retail, notable employers include Tolko Industries (forestry) and Kal Tire’s corporate headquarters. The entire Okanagan Valley is famous for its fruit-growing and wine industry, which has exploded in recent decades, numerous vineyards and wineries provide jobs in viticulture, production, and hospitality, not to mention attracting tourists that bolster the service sector. Fintry, with its proximity to West Kelowna and Lake Country wineries, sits near this burgeoning wine and agri-tourism economy, offering potential employment or entrepreneurial opportunities (such as vineyard work or running B&Bs for wine tourists). Additionally, construction trades remain in demand as the region grows, and many Fintry residents are tradespeople, contractors, or remote workers. The rise of remote work in recent years has also benefited Fintry’s community, with reliable internet, some professionals choose to work from their Fintry home offices, enjoying lake views on their lunch break. This has allowed software developers, consultants, and other digital workers to live in Fintry without daily commuting, contributing to the local economy indirectly. It’s worth noting that tourism and recreation are integral to Fintry’s economy in a seasonal way. In summer months, the provincial park and surrounding rental cabins or resorts (like La Casa nearby) draw hundreds of campers and vacationers. This boosts business for campgrounds, local eateries (in nearby communities), and tour operators (for activities like boating or fishing charters on Okanagan Lake). Real estate investment is another economic factor, Fintry’s scenic lakeshore properties have become desirable for vacation homes, which has spurred construction, maintenance, and realty services in the area.
In summary, while Fintry itself remains a quiet residential enclave, it’s economically sustained by the larger Okanagan job market and its own appeal as a recreation destination. Residents often enjoy a laid-back home base in Fintry and earn their living in the bustling economies of Kelowna or Vernon. With the continued growth of the Okanagan Valley, Fintry stands to benefit from greater connectivity and opportunities, all while preserving its relaxed rural charm.
Life in Fintry is all about the great outdoors and community spirit. Entertainment here is less about nightclubs and more about nature, family gatherings, and local events. Fintry’s lakeside location and surrounding hills provide a natural playground for all ages, making outdoor living the highlight of the community. Residents and visitors spend their days enjoying Okanagan Lake, boating, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and even scuba diving are popular in the warm months. A boat launch at Fintry makes it easy to get out on the water, and the calm, uncrowded lake waters in this arm of Okanagan Lake are ideal for water-skiing or kayaking at sunrise. On land, the hiking and biking opportunities are superb: trails in Fintry Provincial Park lead you to waterfalls, through fragrant ponderosa pine forests, and up to viewpoints overlooking the lake’s blue expanse. Mountain biking and horseback riding are enjoyed on backcountry roads in the area as well. In winter, locals have easy access to ski resorts (SilverStar and Big White are each about 1 to 1.5 hours away) for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Even right in Fintry, winter brings its own fun like ice-fishing on sheltered coves of the lake or snowshoeing in the peaceful woods.
Organized sports and cultural amenities are found in the larger nearby towns, but Fintry residents still have plenty of local team spirit. Kids often join youth leagues in Vernon or West Kelowna, such as hockey, soccer, or baseball, with proud Fintry parents carpooling to games. And everyone in Fintry is a fan of the WHL Kelowna Rockets hockey team or the BCHL Vernon Vipers, often driving into town for an exciting game night during the winter season. Meanwhile, Fintry’s own community events provide entertainment right at home. One signature event is the annual Fintry Highland Fair, celebrating the area’s Scottish heritage and the legacy of Captain Dun-Waters. This family-friendly fair (typically held each summer) features historical reenactments, bagpipes, highland dancing, local artisans, and tours of the Manor House, bringing history to life in a fun way. The Friends of Fintry also host seasonal festivities like the Fintry Fall Fair (Bear Affair) and a Fintry Spring Fair (Mother’s Day), complete with food vendors, live music, and educational exhibits on Fintry’s wildlife (bats and bears included!). These gatherings foster a tight-knit community vibe, neighbors and visitors mingle on the Manor House lawn, creating the kind of warm, small-town atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
For day-to-day leisure, Fintry residents might have BBQs on the beach, picnic under the old willow trees by the lake, or take a sunset stroll to enjoy the breathtaking Okanagan sunsets. The peace and quiet of Fintry evenings are an entertainment of their own, stargazing is excellent here due to minimal light pollution, and you can often hear the distant call of loons on the lake. It’s a lifestyle that prioritizes relaxation, healthy outdoor activity, and community togetherness. If you do crave a night out or a dose of urban culture, Kelowna’s theaters, concerts, wineries with live music, and Vernon’s performing arts center are all within an hour’s drive, close enough to enjoy, yet far enough that Fintry remains a retreat from the hustle. In Fintry, entertainment means bonfires and s’mores, beach volleyball with friends, and the simple joys of Okanagan living. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream and a refreshing escape for those seeking a balanced, active lifestyle.
Living in a beautiful rural area like Fintry means homeowners experience the full range of Okanagan weather, from hot, dry summers to chilly winters, and the challenges that come with country living. Reliable plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services are therefore essential to keep Fintry and Westside homes safe and comfortable year-round. Many Fintry properties are older cottages or custom-built homes that may require upgrades to their water systems, furnaces, or wiring. Additionally, the area’s soil and lake proximity can impact plumbing (for instance, well water or septic tank maintenance is common in outlying communities). Whether it’s a water pump issue, a burst pipe during a winter freeze, a failing air conditioner in July, or an electrical panel upgrade, residents need service providers who understand the specific needs of homes in the Vernon and surrounding areas, including Fintry.
Homeowners in Fintry fortunately have access to the same high-quality trades services that serve the entire Vernon and North Okanagan region. Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is a prime example of a local company ready to tackle all these needs under one roof. Based in Vernon, Bee’s Knees has a team of certified plumbers, HVAC technicians, and electricians who regularly travel to service surrounding communities like Fintry, Westside Road, Killiney Beach, and more. When you choose a Vernon-area service provider like Bee’s Knees, you’re getting technicians who are familiar with the common issues in our region, from winterizing lake cabin plumbing to sizing HVAC systems for our hot summers and smoky wildfire seasons. Bee’s Knees offers comprehensive plumbing services (drain cleaning, leak repairs, hot water tank installs), heating services (furnace repair, boiler service, heat pump installs), cooling/A/C services, and full electrical services (wiring, lighting, panel upgrades, generator and EV charger installations). Instead of juggling multiple contractors, Fintry residents can rely on one trusted provider to handle everything, an especially convenient solution for those living outside the city limits.
Just as importantly, Bee’s Knees and similar local companies prioritize prompt service to outlying areas. We know that if your well pump fails or your furnace dies in the middle of winter, you can’t wait weeks for help. Bee’s Knees offers 24/7 emergency service, meaning a qualified technician is on call day or night to respond to urgent problems. With the sometimes remote nature of Fintry properties, having that guarantee of responsive support provides tremendous peace of mind to homeowners. Whether you need routine maintenance on your HVAC system or a sudden repair on a holiday weekend, Bee’s Knees is just a phone call away and equipped to arrive at your Fintry home quickly. We come prepared with fully stocked vans, so most issues can be fixed on the spot without multiple trips.
n short, Fintry and the surrounding Westside communities are well-served by Vernon’s top plumbing, electrical and HVAC experts. Local providers like Bee’s Knees ensure that living in a rural paradise doesn’t mean sacrificing modern comfort or safety. Keep your Fintry home’s critical systems running smoothly by scheduling seasonal check-ups (furnace tune-ups in fall, A/C service in spring, plumbing inspections before winter) and addressing repairs promptly. Next, we’ll highlight why Bee’s Knees stands out as the right choice to trust with your home.
If you’re in Fintry or the surrounding Vernon area and need plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical assistance, Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is ready to help. We invite you to give us a call or schedule a service online at your convenience. Experience the prompt, professional service that so many Okanagan homeowners trust. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, installing a new furnace, or doing a complete HVAC overhaul, our friendly experts will ensure the job is done right, and at a fair price. Your Fintry home deserves the best care. Contact Bee’s Knees today to book an appointment or consultation, and let us show you why we’re the buzzing heart of home services in the Okanagan! We look forward to keeping you comfortable and worry-free in your Fintry residence for many years to come.
Trust the local HVAC experts at Bee’s Knees to keep your home cool and efficient—no stress, no surprises, just great service.
