Kanowna Island is a beautiful place, with a long and rich history. It’s also a great place to live, work, and play. With its picturesque waterfront, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder this island has become such a popular retirement destination.
But before you pack your bags and make the move, be sure to read this guide, because there are some things you need to know about Kanowna Island before moving in. Here are the top 10 things you should know before moving to Kanowna Island!
Contents
History
Kanowna Island’s story starts with the first settlers who arrived in the 1800s. They were greeted by a fantastically beautiful island full of natural resources, including lumber and coal. The early settlers quickly realized that this was an ideal place to raise theirfamilies and build a life.
Today, Kanowna is home to a thriving community of people who enjoy all that this idyllic island has to offer. It’s a place where people can live and retire without the hassle of traffic, smog, and noise. It’s a place for family fun that includes things like kayaking on an un-run river network as well as great fishing expeditions.
Climate
The climate on Kanowna Island is temperate. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. The average temperature ranges from 18 degrees Celsius in the winter to 26 degrees Celsius in the summer.
There is a great deal of sunshine annually, making it an ideal place to retire or spend your holidays. The best time to visit is from the beginning of June until mid-September. The moister climate, fewer mosquitos and no hiking costumes makes it a perfect holiday destination.
Economy
Kanowna has always been known as an important wood industry location. Logging was big business on Kanownas island in days past, but now tourism has emerged as their main revenue generator which ensures that all can enjoy these natural resources for free .
With the forestry industry on its way to extinction, many Kanowna Island residents now work as part of various conservation teams ensuring that our planet is protected.
Culture
Since the early settler days, Kanowna Islanders have been known for their passionate love of fishing. Whether it’s trying your hand at fly-fishing or taking a tour down to the harbour to witness some local catches being auctioned off, there is something for everyone in this area when it comes to fishing.
The arts and crafts tradition on Kanowna Island is also alive and well with talented artists working from their own homes. From glass creations to custom built windows, the art of Kanowna Island is as vibrant and diverse as its local grounds that are filled with many wonderful sights.
Tourism in this area has developed a strong tradition for protecting native flora and fauna from destruction due to habitat loss or poaching. The most well known conservation organisation on Kanowana Island is called Conservation Kuti (CK), which provides aid by creating protected areas all over Kenya.
Politics
The Kanowna Island area has always been a stronghold of the Kenyan political parties. This is evident in the election results which show that no party has ever won an outright majority on the island.
In Kenya’s first democratic elections, KANU retained its grip on power by winning 55 percent of all votes cast in the constituency, but their previous support amongst settlers slowly began to erode as more and more people migrated to Nairobi over time.
Government Services
In the 2007 election, Kanowna Island saw a dramatic change when former Television Presenter and Independent candidate Raila Odinga won a landslide victory against KANU’s John Kirui with almost 60 percent of the vote.
Since then, there have been several other changes in leadership on Kanowana Island, most notably following contested elections in 2013 which saw Kenya National Party (KNR) win by 2 votes over the incumbent NASA.
Tourism
Kanowna Island is now firmly entrenched in the Kenya tourism map, with over 1 million visitors arriving every year. The island’s pristine environment and picturesque villages make it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists alike. Heritage tourism has become a fast growing area of business in the tourism sector and Kenya Airlines offers several domestic flights to Kanowana Island.
Transport
There is a regular ferry service between the island and Mombasa, with over 1 million passengers travelling each year.
There are also regular flights to Nairobi-Helloi International Airport from destinations such as London and Johannesburg. Hunting
Kanowana Island is primarily a wildlife reserve, with over 400 species including elephants, buffaloes, hippos and lions. The island also plays host to several local communities whose livelihood depends on hunting bush meat.
Cuisine
Traditional Kenyan cuisine is a mixture of different cultures, with many dishes originating from the island. One popular dish is kikuzi wa muyambala which is made from groundnuts and finished off with a sweet and sour sauce. Fishing and farming
There is an abundance of fish that can be caught in the waters around Kanowana Island. Shellfish are also a dominant component, particularly in marine parks such as El-Mubarak Marine National Reserve.
Wildlife
There is also a wide variety of crops that can be grown on the island, including tea and coffee. The island is vegetated by different types of native trees, shrubs and secondary growth.
There are many endangered endemic species on the island that includes crocodiles in small ponds and lakes, along with venus Flytrap (“Dionaea muscipula”) which is a carnivorous aquatic plant that can be found near waterholes as well as Sycamore figs used for making jellies.
Conclusion
Kanowna Island is located in the southern portion of the Gulf Islands. The island is a popular tourist spot because of its natural beauty, clean air, and ample marine life. The island is also home to a number of businesses, which provide tourist services and other goods and services. These businesses include hotels, restaurants, cottages, golf courses, boat rentals, and more.
FAQ
- What Is The Climate Like On Kanowna Island?
The climate on Kanowna island is mild and comfortable, with average highs of around 21 degrees Celsius and lows of about 14 degrees Celsius. The weather changes very little throughout the year, which means that you can plan your outdoor activities without fear of extreme weather conditions.
- What Are Some Of The Major Attractions In The Area?
Kanowna Island has a number of attractions, including numerous beaches and several parks. The Grey Rocks Park is an excellent place to throw a frisbee or check out the pony rides available at Sunset Beach County Park.
- How Far Is It From Vancouver BC?
Kanowna Island is approximately 150 km east of Mount Vernon, the nearest major city to the island.
- What Is The Cost Of Living On Kanowna Island?
The average monthly expenses for a family of four in 2015 included approximately $1,031 each month for groceries, $198 per month to make ends meet on food and beverages, about $100 per night for mortgage payments; plus another few dollars raising the children’s recreational costs.
5. How Does One Get To Spend Some Time Here? Is There Anything Available At A Discount?
There are a number of options available to those who wish to come here. The citizens’ ferry, which heads out on the water approximately twice daily in each direction is by far the best option though it requires at least four people with bikes or cars.
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