Living at Big White: the practical guide

Getting there and back

Big White is 56 km from Kelowna, about 55 minutes: 32 km on Highway 33, then 24 km up Big White Road. Kelowna International Airport is about 55 minutes away, with shuttles in season. There’s no gas station on the mountain, so fill up in town or at Black Mountain. AIM Roads clears the road, chains must go on where signs require them, and wildlife is common.

School

Big White Community School, at 400 Happy Valley Road, is part of School District 51 (Boundary). Sources differ on the grades offered (the Province lists K–8; the district describes a K–9 school), so confirm with the district for your children. Older students typically commute or attend school in Kelowna.

Services

• Water, sewer and propane: Big White Utilities.
• Garbage and recycling: no curbside pickup; residents use the staffed RDKB transfer station on Big White Road, open 7 days a week in winter. It has a Return-It depot but doesn’t take glass.
• Fire: the Big White Fire Department, run by the RDKB from Station 311, with career staff and paid on-call firefighters.
• Health: Whitefoot Medical Clinic in Whitefoot Lodge (MSP billed) handles day-to-day care; the nearest hospital is Kelowna General.
• Groceries: The Market in the Village Centre carries groceries, wine and liquor. Big shops happen in Kelowna.
• Internet: TELUS PureFibre serves much of the village. Confirm service for a specific address.
• Childcare: Tot Town daycare (18 months to 5 years) and the Kids’ Centre are in the Village Centre Mall.

Summer at Big White

Big White is increasingly a four-season place: the bike park reopened July 1, 2026 with its largest-ever intermediate trail expansion, plus hiking, disc golf, events and patio dining. Summer is quieter, with some businesses closed.

Sources: Big White driving; SD51 schools; B.C. school profile; Big White Utilities; RDKB transfer station; Big White Fire Department; health and medical; grocery and liquor.