Kelowna, Canada

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Every summer, cyclists cruise the long abandoned wooden train trestles that lead into Kelowna, a city of 200,000 just east of Vancouver. This relatively young metropolis, which sits along the shore of Okanagan Lake amid ponderosa pines, has made a deliberate decision to build its future on a culture of bipedalism.

Ranked as the best community for biking in all of Canada, as well as one of its fastest growing cities, Kelowna is investing in infrastructure projects that limit emissions and promote wellness. The pitch is resonating with residents and businesses alike, adding a third accolade to the list: Kelowna has the country's fastest growing job market.

Despite its rapid growth, the city is actively resisting building any new roads and instead is dedicated to increasing the number of cyclists and other forms of green transportation.

Kelowna's economy has been booming recently, leading it to become the fastest growing city in Canada. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 42 percent increase in job postings.

With golf courses open nine months of the year and easy access to several ski resorts, Kelowna is becoming a popular destination among remote workers and retirees searching for green backdrops.

Wine production began here in the 19th century and now the Okanagan Valley is home to a number of award-winning vineyards and wine festivals.