tourismkelowna.com Brian Sprout
Boats cruising around Rattlesnake Island.
Whether you’re renting a boat, towing one to the area, or have one moored in a slip for the season, Kelowna is home to an amazing lake, several beaches, and breathtaking wine-producing countryside.
To start your adventure on Okanagan Lake, which spans 135 km (84 mi) from Penticton to Vernon, we’ve put together a list of a few popular anchorages, whether you want to boat into shore, swim, and enjoy watersports while on the hook or mooring ball.
North Okanagan
Raymer Bay Beach
Accessible by water or via Westside Rd., this beach is popular among local and visiting boaters alike. It offers relaxing day trips with its 8 ha (16 ac) beach, easy water access to cool off plus picnic areas and a playground. Added convenience is provided by the mooring balls just off its shore, making it an ideal base to swim and enjoy watersports.
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Bear Creek Provincial Park, a day-use area that’s ideal for recreational boaters to visit.
Bear Creek Provincial Park
This park has more than 400 m (1,312 ft) of sand beaches, which are considered some of the nicest in the area. The waters off its shore provide the perfect place for cruising or watersports while the park’s day-use areas are perfect for picnic lunches. A hike on Bear Creek Canyon Trail may be a little demanding but your efforts are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Nearby is Traders Cove Regional Park, which has mooring buoys as well as washroom facilities on shore. You can also take your boat right to the beach to load or unload passengers.
Paul’s Tomb
To access this beach via your boat, you’ll need to bring an anchor. It’s elusive but worth the trip. Here you’ll find cliffs, picnic tables, and washroom facilities. With great views of the gorgeous bay, Paul's Tomb marks its spot in history as being the resting place for an original settler and his wife. More views of the lake and city can be enjoyed by hiking the Gordon and Pavilion trails.
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Scenic Paul Tombs Trail.
South Okanagan
Kelowna City Park
Kelowna City Park is one of the more popular boating areas on the lake. Boat launches are near the park and there are plenty of things to do on land with its sand beach, walking paths, water park, sand volleyball courts, and more. To avoid some of the crowds during peak season, take a cruise further out from shore to further explore this part of the lake.
Rattlesnake Island
Due east of Peachland, this is a popular anchorage and legend has it that Ogopogo, a mythical lake monster, inhabits a cave on the island. This is a well-known anchorage and be sure to plan a day or two here (weather permitting) as mooring balls are located near the island. Swimming and standup paddleboarding can be enjoyed or take a tender to the island and explore the area more. Yes, there are the venomous (and poisonous) reptiles of the same name among its rugged grounds.
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Bertram Creek Provincial Park, which is close to downtown and a scenic run by boat.
Bertram Creek Provincial Park
Approximately 15 km south of downtown and a scenic run by boat, this is another provincial park that caters to recreational boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning 17.9 ha (44 ac) on the shore of Okanagan Lake, the park has two beaches, designated swimming areas, a picnic shelter, and mooring buoys that all combine to provide a perfect day trip. Of special note, the Regional District of Central Okanagan requests that you ‘leave only footprints and only take pictures’ as the park continues its recovery from the 2003 forest fires.
Pritchard Park
Sitting below the infamous Mission Hill Winery, this family-friendly park, just off Boucherie Road, is a great place to dock your boat and enjoy a picnic. The park has volleyball courts, expansive grounds, a playground, picnic tables, washroom facilities, and a swimming area.
Article courtesy Kelowna Downtown Marina. For more details on transient moorage, boat rental opportunities and more services visit www.kelownadowntownmarina.com.
Unwind Even More at These Popular Lakeside Restaurants
The area encompasses many pubs and restaurants that offer great menu items and provide the perfect place to enjoy the area on land!
- Kelowna Yacht Club/Cactus Club Café
Located at the Kelowna Yacht Club right downtown, the Cactus Club Café has an excellent menu, beverages and prime views of the waterfront. The Kelowna Yacht Club is a not-for-profit volunteer-run organization that has been supporting boater education and safe, responsible enjoyment of Okanagan Lake since 1945.
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The Cactus Club Café at the Kelowna Yacht Club.
- Summerland Yacht Club
Customers here have used phrases such as ‘hidden gem’ and ‘excellent cuisine’ to describe this venue. Situated on Lakeshore Dr. in Summerland, you can expect great views of Okanagan Lake and a marina with a relaxing atmosphere.
- Eldorado Lounge
Located at the Hotel Eldorado, this lounge is popular among hotel guests and locals. You’ll enjoy its warm ambience, casual atmosphere and choice of expertly prepared menu items and beverages. Be sure to sample the ‘El’s’ famous martinis.