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Tourism Vernon/Don Weixl
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
Enjoy the water in Vernon
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Kelly McDade
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
Wide open cruising can be enjoyed all season.
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Glassworks Creative
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
The annual Great Okanagan Beer Festival, which will be held May 12, 2018.
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tourismkelowna.com
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
Setting the sails on Okanagan Lake.
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SHAWN TALBOT
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
Mouth watering produce can be found throughout the region.
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Kelly McDade
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
Marina life at Shelter Bay Marina.
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Tourismkelowna.com
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
Quails Gate Estate Winery
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tourismkelowna.com
Okanagan Tri-Lakes
Many sporting events take place throughout the summer.
By Steve Fennell, SunCruiser Boating
Few areas in Western Canada match the beauty of BC’s Okanagan Valley and its all-encompassing communities and lakes. From May to October, the Tri-Lake region bustles with activity, on and off the water. Whether you hit the water from the three main communities of Kelowna, Vernon, or Penticton – and anywhere in between or beyond – excitement for 2018 awaits with many activities, events and new experiences to enjoy.
Adventure here is at your disposal. While there are many destinations and lakes to visit, Okanagan Lake – the largest in the region – is a great place to start. It stretches 134 km (84 mi) and is dotted with multiple marinas, yacht clubs, rental companies and several boating-friendly restaurants and resorts. In other words, there’s always an opportunity to enhance your visit – day or night.
Yet, getting away from it all is the name of the game here. Navigate to the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake – near Vernon – and visit stunning Ellison Provincial Park, which encompasses 220 ha (543 ac) of forested bench lands set above rocky shorelines and sheltered coves. Or, head south from Kelowna near Peachland and spend some “quiet time” in Commando Bay and Okanagan Mountain Park. More seclusion can be found at Reluctant Dragon Cove, which is within earshot of Rattlesnake Island.
Further south is Penticton where you can visit popular Skaha Lake Park with its sandy beach and warm waters, which provide another great place to swim, enjoy watersports, or simply bask in the sun while drifting on a paddleboard. If you’re serious about a wetting a line, the Okanagan (as a whole) is known for its active whitefish, burbot, rainbow trout and large Kokanee salmon.
What’s more, you can also take a break from the water and enjoy the many popular events. With so many vibrant communities, there are always a multitude of activities and adventures to choose from. From music and public sporting events, to wine and beer festivals, the region’s culture is just as enjoyable as all the activity that’s found on the water.
Safe Boating!
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