Words by Steve Fennell
Tanning. Swimming. Watersports. There’s not much you can’t enjoy when visiting the beaches throughout the Okanagan. Although the region may not be the first destination that pops into your mind when it comes to excellent sand beaches, it’s one of the most popular attractions when it comes to enjoying long, sandy stretches and sparkling clear water.
From Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon in the north, it’s common to see these shoreside paradises come alive with activities all summer. Many have food concessions, vendors, watersport rentals, boat launches, playgrounds (in and out of the water) and other services to make your day that much more enjoyable. With several to discover on Okanagan Lake and in the surrounding area, we highlight a handful of visit-worthy destinations to make your trip more enjoyable.
Beaches on Wood Lake in Lake Country
With easy access from Highway 97, Oyama Beach, located at the north end of Wood Lake adjacent to Oyama Road and Pelmewash Parkway, combines a nice stretch of sand beach, shallow waters, access to the Okanagan Rail Trail, and a boat launch that makes it popular for anglers, boaters and beach goers. Wood Lake is historically known to offer excellent fishing for Rainbow Trout and Kokanee fishing, ideal spots for swimming, waterskiing or other water sports, and a relaxing getaway. As an added natural bonus, the temperature is known to be three to four degrees warmer than Kalamalka Lake, just to the north. Another beach worth visiting is at the south end of Wood Lake at Beasley Park/Reiswig Regional Park –22 km (13 mi) from downtown Kelowna. In addition to its sandy beach, visitors and locals alike enjoy the waterfront trail, volleyball, children's playground, shaded areas, picnic gazebo, not to mention soccer fields and a baseball diamond. Free live music concerts are offered in the Lake Country parks during July and August.
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tourismkelowna.com Matt Ferguson Photography
Beasley Park
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Oyama Beach
Boyce-Gyro Park Beach, Kelowna
With a series of updates completed in 2018, one of Kelowna's most popular beaches will provide more enjoyment for visitors this season. Some new changes include landscaping, volley ball courts and table tennis, which is in addition to the many existing amenities such as a playground, concession, and paddleboard rentals – plus a great stretch of sand and water. Being in South Kelowna, Boyce-Gyro Park Beach is nearby to Mission Park, Pandosy shopping district and many accommodations.
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Boyce Gyro Beach
Kal Beach, Coldstream
Minutes from Vernon in Coldstream, Kal Beach at the head of Kalamalka Lake is another gem of the Okanagan. This day destination has a large designated swimming area, a wharf, and even a nearby boat launch, making fishing and water sports popular. Set amongst protected nature, Kal Beach also features shaded picnic areas, beach volleyball, change rooms, a concession stand plus paddleboard, kayak and boat rentals.
Tourism Vernon Steve Austin
Kal Beach
Skaha Lake Park, Penticton
The beach at Skaha Lake Park is one of the most popular in the Okanagan – if not BC – with its gorgeous waterfront, expansive grounds and several amenities. Situated at the north end of Skaha Lake (south-end of Penticton), the beach in the 21-acre park is big on activity. A visit here means enjoying sand-volleyball, tennis, and the basketball courts, and it’s common to see windsurfers ripping up the water or enthusiasts kite sailing overhead. If you come with a boat in tow, there’s a launch for easy access and once you’re on the water, perhaps pull up right on (or anchor near) the beach. Although relaxing under an umbrella, catching some rays, and water sports are popular, you’ll also appreciate the paved walking trails, shaded picnic areas, rest rafts, beach slides, plus the promenade, and rental concessions. There’s even a water park, playgrounds, and duck pond for kids to enjoy.
Tim Buss
Skaha Lake Beach
Sudbury Beach, Penticton
Not to be over shadowed by popular Skaha Lake Park just away, Sudbury Beach is a favourable place to spend an afternoon in Penticton. Being land locked (and not accessible from Lake Okanagan), its worth the 60-minunte drive from Kelowna with a boat in tow. A boat launch is available at Skaha Marina but if you’re staying on land, the beach is ideal to get a sun tan or take a refreshing swim. The kids will love the rest rafts and slides. If you didn’t bring along your paddle board – or other watersports gear –rentals are available on site. Washrooms, a concession, and a fire pit are also featured.
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Sudbury Beach
A group of friends play volley ball at Skaha lake in Penticton, BC.
Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park, Summerland
Just ten minutes from Summerland (bordering Trout Creek) between Penticton and Peachland, Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park is another popular destination and is easily accessible by car just off Hwy 97 or by boat as its located on the west side of Okanagan Lake. A great place to land your vessel (with a designated area for boats) and to water ski from, the beach spans .5 km (.3 mi) its all-sand bottom makes for great swimming and activities. Picnic areas for families or group gatherings (with fire rings and BBQ attachments) are notable features while fire pits (on the beach), a playground, and designated change areas are other features. Non-motorized beach/boat rentals are also available to rent.
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Eric Simard
Sun Oka Beach
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Eric Simard
Sun Oka Beach
Tugboat Bay Beach & Waterfront Park, Kelowna
Situated in the heart of Kelowna, there's a lot action and excitement that takes place on Tugboat Bay Beach and Waterfront Park. In addition to great views of Okanagan Lake and easy access to the water, you'll find watersport rentals, a snack shack, plus a boardwalk along adjacent Waterfront Park's beautiful grounds, leading to many of Kelowna's restaurants dining, and shopping opportunities. Live music can often be enjoyed throughout the summer on adjacent Island Stage with the park creating a natural amphitheatre, and a marsh, wildlife sanctuary borders Tugboat Bay Beach to the north. Canada Day fireworks is watched by hundreds of boaters off Tugboat Bay Beach. Keep mind, pets are allowed on the boardwalk with a leash, yet are not permitted on the beach.
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Perry Mack
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Perry Mack
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Tug Boat Bay Beach