The Boating Season is Here in the Tri-Lakes

by

Okanagan

Words by Steve Fennell

With a well-rounded line-up of editorial as well as comprehensive maps of popular cruising areas and details about what to see and do, our 2023 SunCruiser Okanagan serves as a premier guide to enhance your boating season in the Tri-Lakes this year.

Consisting of three main communities - Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon - with a number of exciting rural communities and lakes, the region is considered the main hub of the Okanagan Valley. It successfully caters to transient boaters, those with a boat in a seasonal slip at a marina, and local outdoor enthusiasts alike. 

Kelowna is the largest city in the Tri-Lakes and is a good starting point to begin your experiences. Luxury resorts like the Eldorado Resort - Hotel Eldorado and its adjoining marina, the downtown district with its eclectic dining and shopping options, plus several events and festivals are all exciting attractions to enjoy in the summer and fall.  

What’s special about the Okanagan Valley’s largest city is all the places of interest outdoors. For instance, an easily accessible day trip is the Kelowna Paddle Trail designated for kayakers, canoeists, and SUP enthusiasts. This passage spans 27 km (17 mi) from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Regional Park, is suitable for all skill levels and has several marked buoys as well as beaches, parks and resorts along the way. It’s the perfect route to discover the immediate area.

However, we always recommend that you go further. Every year, we highlight a few provincial parks, and Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream near Vernon and Fintry in Lake Country are great choices. From scenic isolated anchorages and open water to many amenities, both can enhance day - or multi-day - trips. Boater-friendly, the parks’ launch ramps are easily accessible, the beaches are relaxing, and the water is always refreshing to cool off from the hot summer sun. 

Of course, the Tri-Lakes isn’t complete without a trip south to Penticton, whether it’s under the power of your boat on Okanagan Lake or with a boat in tow on the major scenic highways. What makes the trip worthwhile is you can stop in Summerland or Peachland at a shoreside restaurant, a pub to sample local craft brews or stroll quaint downtown districts where you’ll always find something unique in the local shops.  

Penticton is also exciting and known for having some of the best beaches in the Okanagan, if not BC. Skaha Lake is perfect for boating and water sports and there’s an accommodating marina offering easy access to the water and services.  

Of special mention, however, are the number of wineries and vineyards throughout the Tri-Lakes area. Many have been recognized on the national and international stages and local wine producers continually make efforts to enhance your vineyard experience. Bring home a bottle of pinot noir or a flavourful, crisp chardonnay. Chances are likely you’ll return for more.  

While we have highlighted all of these details and more in the following pages, we like to stress the importance of boating safety. In this issue of SunCruiser Okanagan, the detailed maps outline hazards and unmarked obstructions in full detail to  ensure safe passage wherever your boating trip leads you. Nevertheless, using current charts and/or the latest mapping software is strongly suggested to ensure precise navigation. 

Remember, mandatory safety gear as outlined by Transport Canada should be on board your boat at all times when you’re on the water and in working condition. What is just as important is being respectful along the waterways and courteous to other boaters. It just makes a day even more enjoyable for everyone throughout the Tri-Lakes region.