Celebrate Summer in the Okanagan
Words by Steve Fennell
The Okanagan region affords a wealth of outdoor activity for recreational boaters every season. The action commences early May when warmer temps start to prevail, and boating enthusiasts began to throttle up or set their sails to enjoy everything the region has to offer. From all the action found on Okanagan Lake to the activity on Swan, Wood, and Kalamalka lakes, this area of the Okanagan Valley provides an all-encompassing summer time playground.
Lake Okanagan, the largest lake in the area, is the top choice for many boaters as it runs 134 km (84 mi) north to south and is approximately 5 km wide (3 mi). It’s also a glacial lake, which means it can get as deep as 232 m (761 ft) in some areas. While the shallows creep up closer to shore, the overall average depth makes it more than ideal for full-throttle blasts or setting full sail to the many destinations.
Kelowna, the largest city in the region, is the main hub of the lake and features countless summer events and bustling nightlife - all just minutes away from your slip. Perhaps check out the popular Great Okanagan Beer Fest, May 9-11, commemorate 152 years of Confederation July 1, or try the award-winning ribs at Ribfest, August 23-25. Waterfront restaurants, beach parks, and many styles of accommodations – from casual to posh – are also found along the shoreline.
While the area does get busy peak summer, it’s easy to get away from it all. Setting a course north leads to Vernon, but there are a series of natural attractions and services (if desired) to enjoy first. Along the northwestern shore is Fintry Provincial Park, which has approximately 2 km (1.24 mi) of waterfront, a natural sand beach plus hiking trails to view a variety of birds, small mammals, deer, even bighorn sheep. Further north, on the lake’s northeast side, is Ellison Provincial Park that encompasses 220 ha (543 ac) of forested bench lands, rocky shorelines and sheltered coves. Vernon, however, is a great destination to plan for, and you’ll be greeted with such attractions as Paddlewheel Park, Kin Beach and the Vernon Yacht Club (that welcomes reciprocal yacht club members).
At the Southern end is Penticton and reflects much of the activity to the North, yet is home to Skaha Lake Park. While land locked, this park touts one of the most beautiful sand beaches in BC where you can enjoy swimming, paddle boarding and many other water sports. It’s also known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Getting to Penticton, however, is half the fun. The meandering route is flanked by such communities as Summerland and Peachland, not to mention the series of wineries that are sprawled along the shoreline.
With other lakes including Swan, Wood and Kalamalka lakes – each providing great swimming, fishing, waterskiing, paddle boarding – the Okanagan is hard to beat for your next summertime adventure no matter what the name of your game is.