The sun-drenched playground of the interior
Okanagan Lake is the iconic heart of the region, stretching 135 kilometers through a valley famous for orchards and vineyards. It offers an incredible variety of paddling experiences, from urban beachfronts in Kelowna to the wild, rocky shores of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.
The lake’s environment is characterized by its semi-desert surroundings. Paddlers can explore hidden coves, sandy beaches, and steep clay cliffs that glow orange in the sun. The water is remarkably warm in the summer, making it a favorite for paddleboarding. Wildlife includes ospreys.
Due to its length, Okanagan Lake can develop significant wave action when the wind picks up. It is also a major hub for motorized recreation, so paddlers should be prepared for wakes. Despite its popularity, the lake’s vast size means that quiet spots are never far away.
- Waterway Area135km long
- Difficulty LevelClass I (Easy)
- Type of PaddlingCanoe, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Paddleboard
- SeasonFall, Spring, Summer
- Waterway AccessKelowna City Park launch
- Waterway FeaturesWineries and urban beaches
- Known HazardsHigh motorized boat traffic
- Waterway AccessKelowna City Park launch
- Waterway FeaturesWineries and urban beaches
- Known HazardsHigh motorized boat traffic
- Waterway Area135km long
- Difficulty LevelClass I (Easy)
- Type of PaddlingCanoe, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Paddleboard
- SeasonFall, Spring, Summer
- Launch14
- 1.Cook Road Boat Launch
- 2.Water Street Boat Launch
- 3.Gellatly Boat Launch
- 4.Penticton Lakeshore Boat Launch
- 5.Paddlewheel Park Boat Launch
- 6.Peachland 8th Street Launch
- 7.Summerland Boat Launch
- 8.Fintry Provincial Park Launch
- 9.Bear Creek Boat Launch
- 10.Naramata Boat Launch
- 11.Killiney Beach Boat Launch
- 12.Sutherland Bay Boat Launch
- 13.Okanagan Centre Boat Launch
- 14.Kin Beach Boat Launch