Make a Splash in Okanagan Lake: Fun Kelowna Water Activities

There's so much to love about living in the Kelowna community, but when the weather warms up, locals love getting out and enjoying various water pursuits like swimming, snorkelling and other thrills. The lakes and rivers are active with anglers and recreational boaters, even in cooler weather.

The majority of parks in Kelowna boast inviting sandy beaches and many have watersport rental outfitters onsite. Arrive early, and spend the day relaxing while taking a dip in the water or watching the kiddos explore the playgrounds or hiking trails. Read on to learn about the best water recreation in Kelowna, BC, and get ready to build sandcastles or snag a rental and get into the action.

Explore Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is massive and spans 135 kilometres from the Vernon community to the city of Penticton. In fact, the lake is so wide on the route from Kelowna to the other shoreline that it requires the five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge to get across it. However, the ride is well worthwhile, as there are numerous recreational activities on Okanagan Lake to pursue.

Okanagan Lake Beaches

Okanagan Lake is also well known for its glorious beaches, and there are more than 30 of them throughout the region. Most beaches feature playgrounds, concessions, and restrooms. Five of the best beaches in Kelowna are:

• Strathcona Beach Park: This quiet beach is located near a hospital and a residential neighbourhood featuring several waterfront homes. Besides enjoying the sandy beach, visitors can lounge near massive shady oak trees, eat at picnic tables, and have fun in large grassy areas. Strathcona Beach Park also includes public restroom facilities.
• Boyce-Gyro Beach Park: One of Kelowna's most popular beaches, Gyro Park offers several amenities to visitors. Highlights include an inflatable waterpark, volleyball courts, table tennis areas, designated swimming areas, beach toy rentals, a public washroom, and lockers for storing valuables.
• Rotary Beach Park: If watersports are your thing, then Rotary Beach is the place for you. Located near Boyce-Gyro Beach, this secluded beach offers kayaking, pedal boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and swimming. The beach also includes picnic areas, a washroom, a playground, and multi-use trails. Rent a kayak or other watercraft at Gyro Beach before heading to Rotary Beach.
• Bertram Creek Regional Park: Noted for having not one but two pebble beaches, this park also includes an outdoor amphitheatre and a pavilion that can be booked for special events. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, hiking, and boating. Bertram Creek is home to several sports fields, too.

Kelowna Boating: Okanagan Lake Boat Rentals and Marinas

It's not really an authentic Kelowna experience without renting a boat and spending time out on Okanagan Lake. Here's what you should know about the local marinas and yacht clubs, as well as some tips for boating.

Considered the waterfront gateway to Kelowna, the Downtown Marina offers temporary moorage for boaters in the heart of the city. Visitors can rent various types of watercraft for individuals as well as groups.

Experience the finer things in life with luxurious yet relatively affordable boat rentals from the Okanagan Luxury Boat Club. By joining this boat club, you can rent any boats in their entire fleet for the same price. The club provides everything you love about luxury boating without the hassle and obligation of boat ownership.

Boaters of every experience level can rent watercraft with Okanagan's premier watersports rental company, LakeSurf Premium Rentals. Rent boats to suit everything from a thrilling adventure on the rapids to a lazy day at the lake.

If you're planning an adventure on the water, be aware that boat launches are unsupervised, so you'll need to be mindful of the water level and conditions before you go. Operating motorized watercraft in the Kelowna area also requires a BOATsmart operator card.

The water temperatures are pleasant in summer, with July averages between 19-23 Celsius, making them extra refreshing. Visitors can take on the challenges of wakeboarding, flyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and much more here.

There are rental companies for boating gear and watercraft on the lake, with Okanagan Beach Rentals being the most popular. Their huge inflatable bounce islands and pedal boats can be enjoyed by the hour by patrons.

Cruises and Boat Tours

Kelowna offers the ability to take a look at wineries in the area. Get a behind the scenes look into the wine industry with a beautiful and relaxing boat cruise to the Okanagan Valley as tours operate daily. Options include Sip and Anchor, Vines and Views, and Tiki Time Tours.

You can also have a little more fun on the waters with fishing and boating chargers as you taka a guided tour on the waters. This includes fishing for bass, sockeye, trout and more on the lake.

Paddleboarding on Okanagan Lake

Although paddleboarding dates back as far as the 1700s, it is more popular today than ever. Fortunately, both Kelowna and Okanagan Lake provide plenty of places for those who want to experience the water from a stand-up paddleboard.

The 27-kilometre Kelowna Paddle Trail, explicitly designed for paddleboarding and kayaking, takes the "scenic route" to another level. Navigate up and down the picturesque Kelowna shoreline taking in views from over 20 beaches and parks, three waterfront resorts, two bird sanctuaries, and the city's central business district.

Stand-up paddleboarding can be fun for everyone, including those with zero prior experience. The Kelowna Paddle Centre offers several programs for paddlers of all ages. Check out the centre for annual and seasonal memberships, summer youth camps, drop-in paddle sessions, and public programs for non-members.

If you are interested in giving kayaking and canoeing a shot there are tours located in the city of Peachland which offers fun and excitement for all. Some activities you can enjoy include stand up paddling in addition to paddle board lessons, canopy bikes and paddle board yoga for those who are more experienced. There are also paddleboard tours that are offered which take you on tours to Rattlesnake Island as long as the weather permits.

How Deep is Okanagan Lake? Deep Enough to SCUBA Dive!

Okanagan Lake is well-known for being especially deep. Even within 10 meters of shore, the lake is as deep as 100 meters! Okanagan Lake is almost 232 meters deep at its deepest point, providing an excellent environment for SCUBA diving and underwater exploration.

The lake's visibility is generally poor in the summer, ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 meters. Visibility improves dramatically to 4.5 to 9.1 meters in the fall, winter, and spring. Dry suits are highly recommended, except for summer diving, depending on the depth. Check out these resources for diving in the lake:

• The Store at Okanagan Centre: This site is ideal for beginners. The bottom depth is slightly over 12 meters, and some open water practical exams are held here. The access point is located on Okanagan Centre Road West, and parking is limited.
• Lake Okanagan Resort: Located near the small northern marina, this beginner-level dive site features a submerged wreck and a plastic craft along a rock wall. Be sure to bring a dive flag! The summer months attract much more boat traffic, so the resort is an excellent spot for other times of the year.
• Rattlesnake Island: Don't let its formidable name deter you; there's excellent diving here. This advanced-level site can only be reached by boat, requiring more effort and drawing significantly fewer people. Dive sites, which include small caves, drop-offs, and rock formations, are located on the west side.

Okanagan Lake Provincial Park

Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is a 240-acre park with plenty of camping sites and other outdoor activities. Established in 1955 and situated on Highway 97, Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is noted for being home to numerous wildlife species, including bats, ground squirrels, amphibians, and various birds.

Visitors can engage in outdoor activities at the park, including canoeing, cycling, fishing, hiking, interpretive programs, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, and wildlife viewing.

Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is divided into the North Campground and South Campground. Facilities available at the park include a central boat launch, campfire rings, cold water taps for drinking, picnic areas, a playground, shower and toilet facilities, vehicle-accessible campsites, walk-in campsites, and wheelchair-accessible sites. Public access to the park is open between March 25 and October 10 every year.

Although the entry gate is locked nightly from 11 pm to 7 am, and some services are unavailable, the park is still accessible to overnighters. Campsites are generally first-come, first-served, but reservations are available through the British Columbia Parks Reservation System at certain times of the year. Camping fees vary from site to site, depending primarily on the size of the party.

Explore the Legend of The Ogopogo

What would a local lake be without a bit of folklore? Based on stories from the Interior Salish First Nation peoples, Ogopogo is a sea monster that reportedly dwells in the lake. The creature generally has a snakelike body over 25 meters long. Some say Ogopogo's head is reptilian, while others say it resembles a horse or goat. Visitors can see a statue of Ogopogo at Kerry Park downtown.

Kelowna Water Activities for Thrill Seekers

Hydro-flying has become the new way for thrill-seekers to get their kicks in the water. These activities provide opportunities to get a bird's eye view of the scenery below or to head beneath the water and find hidden secrets that await discovery. All it takes is a few minutes of instruction to get started flyboarding, and HydroFly BC is a top boat tour and water sports outfitter on Okanagan Lake.

Wakesurfing is a newer sport receiving attention from bold water lovers. Early conceptions included towing long surfboards behind boats. Today, modernized versions of wake surfing in Kelowna involve shortboards that can be pulled by jet skis and allow participants to shred waves, turn flips and get wet and wild much easier.

Best Water Parks in Kelowna

There are many water and splash parks in Kelowna, and most of the splash parks are free to enter and feature park amenities for visitors to enjoy. A local favourite is the City Park Waterpark on Abbot Street. Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, this beachfront public park is situated on Okanagan Lake and has a beach, skate park, running track, water features, lawn bowling, and much more.

At City Park Beach, you can also find Kelowna's Splash BC Wibit Water Park. A series of inflatables and obstacles are set up on the lake for visitors to run and bounce across. If you fall off, you can enjoy a float on the lake—no loss there! Splash BC also has locations in the town of Osoyoos, Peachland, and Penticton.

Ben Lee Waterpark at 900 Houghton Road is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer season. In addition to the water park, there are sporting courts, picnic areas, a playground, and a skateboard park. Concessions are available, so bring food or have a snack at the park to refuel for more play.

Splashdown Vernon (7921 Greenhow Rd, Vernon, BC V1B 3S2) is one of the top water parks in the region and once went by the name Atlantis Waterslides. For over 35 years, families have been gliding down the numerous slides, taking the young ones to the splash zone, and relaxing in the lazy river that traverses the entire park boundaries. Rates range from $20 to $40 depending on the day, time of entry, and age of the visitor.

For those who would prefer the fun of running through a spray park, there are several options in Kelowna and the surrounding area. Other parks with splash pads and similar amenities include:

• Quilchena Park
• Trethewey Spray Park (Lake Country)
• Kinsmen Spray Park (Oliver)
• Lakawanna Park (Penticton)
• Skaha Lake Splash Park (Penticton)

Dive Into These Top Swimming Pools in Kelowna

Kelowna has several public and private pools for those seeking an alternative to the local beaches, lakes, and rivers. Locals found a gem of a pool at Second Beach. Open to the public, this 80-metre outdoor heated pool is great for swimming laps or frolicking. There are two slides and a cafe, and it is situated in lovely Stanley Park where trails, picnic spaces, and beaches can be found.

H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre lives up to its name and reputation as a world-class water destination. Operated by the YMCA of Okanagan, once-time visitors and members have an array of things to do here. The pool is optimal for laps, swimming lessons, and water fitness classes. Adults can check out the premier fitness area, while kids can enroll in lessons, recreation programs, and join water sports teams.

Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre has several pools, including a 25-metre lap pool. There are wheelchair-accessible zones and aquatic wheelchairs available, as well as a client lift. Visitors can head straight from the changing room and dive into cooling waters or relax in the warm soaking pool or hot tub. After a swim, check out the steam room to finish off the experience.

One other option is Parkinson Recreation Centre. Its aquatics facility has a children's play pool, hot tob and steam room, and a 25-metre pool. Apart from the water activities, it also offers drop-in sports and fitness classes, sessions with personal trainers, pickleball courts, and more.

Other Lakes Near Kelowna

While most of the water activities center around Okanagan Lake's attractions, there are a number of other lakes and creeks that are worth exploring. One such place is Kathleen Lake at Knox Mountain, home to Paul's Tomb, one of the community's most popular trail hikes. The lake is excellent for swimming, canoeing, and fishing for char and rainbow trout from the pier, sandy beach or boat launch zone.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Check out Mission Creek Regional Park for a day of picnicking, exploring, and playing. Open year-round, this Kelowna Park offers premier access to the gentle waters of Mission Creek. The park itself is 92 hectares, but the small creek is where most of the action occurs. People swim along the shoreline or dip a rod in the Kokanee spawning channel or the small children's fishing pond. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Skaha Lake

This freshwater lake is located in the Okanagan Valley between the city of Penticton and the village of Okanagan Falls. Skaha Lake is home to some of the region's most gorgeous beaches. Visitors can also explore the nearby Kettle Valley Rail Trail and the Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.

Skaha Lake offers a wide variety of summertime fun, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding (including both prone and stand-up types). The lake is also great for fishing rainbow trout, small- and largemouth bass, common carp, northern pike, yellow perch, mountain whitefish, long-ear sunfish, bluegill, and sockeye salmon.

Ellison Lake

Ellison Provincial Park is located northeast of Okanagan Lake, approximately 15 kilometres south of Vernon. The lake here is a swimmer's paradise, as the water is generally warm and clear. The area includes three sandy beaches that are sectioned off from boats and other watercraft, and swimmers enjoy private, sheltered coves along the waterfront.

Visitors can take in breathtaking sunsets on the beaches and rock shelves here. This park also features 71 campsites accessible to vehicles. Other available facilities include flush toilets, six water taps, a playground, group areas, a hot shower facility, and even a beach for dogs.

Wood Lake

This recreation lake is situated between Oyama and Winfield, British Columbia. Wood Lake is easily accessible by Highway 97 via pull-outs with gravel boat launches. It's a popular place for canoeing and fishing during the summer, and in the colder months, Wood Lake is a go-to for ice fishing. While the lake is famous for day visits among locals, the shoreline features a few resorts and retail shops catering to visitors. Thanks to the favourable soil conditions, Wood Lake is also a site for many fruit trees and several orchards.

Kalamalka Lake

Named for the Okanagan First Nation chief who once lived on its northern shores, Kalamalka Lake is noted for its lovely changing colours throughout the year. During the summer, its waters show off gorgeous blue shades such as indigo, cyan, turquoise, and emerald. In the winter, Kalamalka Lake becomes a pale crystal blue!

Unsurprisingly, National Geographic has named Kalamalka one of the world's most beautiful lakes. It has several beaches, parks, and resorts for locals and tourists, and widespread water activities include waterskiing and recreational boating.

Water Activities in Kelowna Offer Infinite Possibilities

With the stunning Okanagan Lake, numerous rivers, quaint creeks, sparkling pools, thrilling water parks, and all the other things to do in Kelowna, warmer weather beckons locals to get out of their homes and into the wet zone for some Kelowna outdoor activities. One doesn't need to live in one of the city's waterfront homes to pursue water-based passions, as there is an activity nearby that is sure to entice any member of the family.

If the opportunities in Kelowna excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Kelowna today.