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Cruising to new areas leads to exciting experiences regardless of your game.
Words by Steve Fennell
Spending time at an anchorage is one of the most popular pastimes for recreational boaters in the Tri-Lakes. Once you’re tied off on a mooring ball, you can take a tender to discover an area, go for a paddle on your SUP, enjoy some fishing or dive the depths snorkelling or scuba diving. The best part of this region is you can enhance your game from one day to the next in a different area for new, exciting on-water experiences.
The activities associated with your boat are what make the boating lifestyle so enjoyable. We share a few ideas to heighten your experiences on the water.
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com Shawn Talbot Photography
The Kelowna Paddle Trail is a great way to see many scenic areas of Okanagan Lake.
Kelowna Paddle Trail
Paddling is big here. If you’re looking for a little more adventure beyond an anchorage, the Kelowna Paddle Trail is a 27 km (17 mi) designated route for canoeists, kayakers, and SUP enthusiasts.
Introduced in 2018, this paddle-friendly passage is suitable for all skill levels and leads from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Regional Park on the east side of the lake. There are several marked buoys along the way and you’ll pass approximately 20 beaches, parks with camping, resorts and downtown Kelowna. Launches are also ideally situated so you can start or finish at various points.
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Just one of the anchorages on Kalamalka Lake to enjoy new scenery and on-water experiences.
Plan a Day Trip to Kal Beach and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
The Tri-Lakes has many beaches but if your travels lead to Kalamalka Lake in the provincial park of the same name, Kal Beach is a great destination. There are many new opportunities to enjoy a variety of watersports and it’s another interesting area to see in the region.
Kalamalka Lake has a surface area of approximately 25.7 sq km (10 sq mi). While there are a number of anchorages, it also has an average depth of 60 m (197 ft) making it ideal for an assortment of watersports and even fishing. The Kalavista Boat Launch is about a minute away and after a morning of trolling or tubing, you can easily drop anchor off its shore or spend some time enjoying the beach.
When hunger strikes, Alexander's Beach Pub is at the east end of Kal Beach while the beach’s sheltered areas and facilities are great for picnics. You can also lounge along the 300 m (984 ft) stretch of sand, enjoy swimming off of the Kalamalka Lake Rotary Pier, or enjoy beach volleyball. Paddleboard, bike and eBike rentals are available at the Kalavida Surf Shop just across the road.
After some ‘beach time,’ head further into the park and enjoy any one of the six hiking trails. Most are rated easy (one is considered moderate) and range in length from 1 to 2.5 km (.6 to 1.5 mi). Mountain Bikes and eBikes are also allowed at designated areas throughout the park.
If you really like beaches, Skaha Lake Park to the south in Penticton and Boyce-Gyro Park Beach in Kelowna are other well-known areas to visit.
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There are several deep-water diving sites below the surface of Okanagan Lake.
Scuba Diving
If you’re serious about diving, have proper certification and are equipped with all of the mandatory gear, Okanagan Lake has a variety of sites for all skill levels. Here are three to consider:
- Squally Point
Just south of Peachland and the popular anchorages around Rattlesnake Island on Okanagan Lake, this is a site for advanced divers. Accessible only by boat, the best area to anchor is south of the bay. The underwater adventure begins at about 30 m (100 ft) off the point and 6 m (20 ft) below the surface where you’ll find a cave entrance. According to locals, this is where the legendary Ogopogo lives and is recommended to only explore the entrance and surrounding area. Lights and the proper diving certs are recommended.
- Paul's Tomb
An ideal site for novices, Paul’s Tomb is located off the shores of Knox Mountain Park and it’s best to access the area by boat. The dive starts at the drop-off approximately 3 - 4 m (10 - 13 ft) from the shore and once under the surface at about 7 m (25 ft), you’ll see an Ogopogo statue. To the north are two small boat wrecks at 9 m (30 ft).
- The Barge/Fintry Park
The depths here are another great area for beginners and can be accessed by boat or by car from Fintry Delta Rd. just off Westside Rd. The drop off is 5 m (15 ft) from shore and once below the water, you’ll find a sunken Canadian Pacific Railway Barge at about 8 to 18 m (25 to 60 ft). It’s (mostly) intact and while the interior can be explored, use caution as there’s enclosed spaces.
Keep in mind, the best visibility is during the spring, fall, and winter (5 - 9 m (15-30 ft)) with lower visibility in the summer (.6 - 1.5 m (2-5 ft)). For more information and diving opportunities visit www.tourismkelowna.com.
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If you’re serious about fishing, hiring a guide is always worthwhile.
Hire a Fishing Guide
New to the area? Having trouble landing that trophy salmon? Fishing guides are a great resource for anglers of all skill levels visiting the region. Experts at their craft, guides in the Okanagan live and breathe the sport and it's worth hiring a charter to get the most out of your fishing experiences. In addition to providing fully-equipped modern boats with current gear, equipment and the utmost comfort, popular species you’ll likely catch include Rainbow trout, salmon and Kokanee.
While guides may not share all of their trade-craft, they are there to help you catch fish. They will provide an easier learning curve to be successful by going to specific locations, suggesting presentations and showing you certain styles. Tips and tricks are employed as well.