Cruising and Staying in the Okanagan

There are many areas to explore by boat in the region, and the marinas are a great place to kick-start your adventure. Here are just a few to check out for your next on-water get-away.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Downtown Marina Kelowna

Kelowna’s waterfront is a hub of activity and one of the central points on Okanagan Lake. Downtown Marina Kelowna, as its name applies, is located right in the heart of the waterfront, and it’s pretty hard to miss – from the land or water. Dozens of slips line its property and with many transient docking options available, it’s well-suited for all types of out-of-town boaters.

For instance, this one-stop marina offers a marine store, boat launch, 91 octane, water, shorepower and Wi-Fi with reasonable mooring rates. Although slip fees may be diverse, expect to pay $5 CAD per half-hour, $10 CAD per hour, and $5 CAD after every hour. Or, why not stay longer? Nightly rates are $3.10 per foot and weekly rates are determined at the time of booking (and yes, it’s wise to book in advance during peak season). Even though staying on your boat overnight is not permitted, the marina is located near many popular hotels. There’s also 24-hour security. Cruise for the day, chill at your slip, then stroll downtown or take a cab to your hotel later in the evening – it can get pretty convenient here.

Another key highlight is the many boat rental opportunities to explore Okanagan Lake – whether you’re a seasoned boater or first-timer. Rentals range from modern bowriders, pontoons and wakesurf/tow boats to PWC’s from many popular manufacturers. Hourly, daily and weekly rates are available. If you have a boat in tow but didn’t have the space to haul your kayak or SUP, you can rent those as well.

Nonetheless, if you’re just curious about the boating lifestyle or want to cruise the lake for a few hours, narrated boat guided tours are offered with a range of packages.

Contact: Downtown Marina Kelowna, 210 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, (250) 763-5599 www.kelownadowntownmarina.com

Shelter Bay Marina

Located in West Kelowna, Shelter Bay is another full-service facility with a series of transient moorage options. So, when you visit with your boat in tow, Shelter Bay is an ideal option to use as a home base and explore all the on-water attractions. Fish, ski, leisurely cruise, or take off to an anchorage, it’s is ideally situated between Peachland, Summerland and Penticton to the south and scenic Lake Country and Vernon to the north – with several places in between to discover.

Daily and weekly moorage options are available for boats up to 23 feet with fees ranging from $50 per day to $250 per week (for a two-week maximum). Of course, seasonal rates are also available. Once here however, the onsite boat launch is ideal for day use or if you’re staying longer there are many amenities. Additionally, if mechanical and boat repairs are needed, its service bay is open throughout the season while the parts store has pretty much everything you’ll require. There’s also an on-site retail store for all your boating/wakeboarding needs.

An easily-accessibly gas dock is on site and all-new for 2020 is the addition of a 150-foot break wall while its main break wall has been removed to provide a cleaner appearance and easier access throughout the marina. Full security, deep drafts, convenient parking, plus shopping and nearby services in West Kelowna are other benefits of staying at Shelter Bay.

Contact: 2025 Campbell Road, West Kelowna, (250) 769 0571 www.shelterbaykelowna.com

Penticton Yacht Club and Marina

Despite its moniker, the Penticton Yacht Club and Marina – located at the south end of Okanagan Lake – allows transient docking for visiting boaters with access to many of its services. Whether you’re arriving by water from another area of the lake or with a boat in tow, there’s a launch ramp, convenient parking for your tow vehicle and trailer, plus reasonable moorage rates, which range from $40 per day (for boats less than 26 feet), $50 per day (for boats more than 26 feet) and from $240 for seven days. Shorepower is included.

When it comes to boating in and around Penticton, the marina is a gateway to a series of popular anchorages and beaches. If you’re craving to bask in the sun on a sand beach, you’ll want to anchor just off Three Mile Beach, which actually consists of two beaches (one of for swimming and the other for day-moorage), or Okanagan Lake Park Beach and Marina Way Beach. Or, navigate further north to other areas of Okanagan Lake.

After a day on the water, relax with a cold beverage and enjoy any one of the menu items at the on-site Rusty’s Pub. Or, perhaps take a quick walk to Penticton’s many nearby restaurants. Shopping, the seasonal farmer’s market, as well as a series of hotels and resorts are also conveniently located to and from the marina. Remember, as Penticton and the marina are busy come peak season, slip and hotel reservations are highly recommended.

Contact: 293 Marina Way Penticton, 250-770-2000, www.pycmarina.com

Skaha Lake Marina

Okanagan Lake isn’t the only body of water in the area to offer marinas, anchorages, wide open cruising, fishing and many water-based activities. Located on the south side of Penticton is Skaha Lake Marina on Skaha Lake, a popular destination that’s known to offer excellent summer excitement and sand beaches.

Under new ownership as of 2019 and open April 1 to Oct 15, Skaha Lake Marina has 90 slips for long and short-term boaters, which accommodate pontoons, runabouts, and aluminum fishing boats. It’s also an ideal launching area not only for your boat, but for SUP’s and kayaks as well. Boat, PWC, and kayak rentals are also available.

A full-service facility, the marina offers engine repairs including maintenance or tune-ups, and if you need a quick fix for your canvas, upholstery or other needs, experts are on hand to offer assistance and advice. What’s more convenient is trailer/tow vehicle parking is on-site.

Following a day on the water, make your way to the many dining options that are all within an easy driving distance to and from the marina. You can also stay close to your slip and visit the on-site NautiDog Café, an ideal place for breakfast and lunch.

What’s nice about Skaha Lake Marina is it’s in the centre of local wineries and attractions, as well as many RV parks with waterfront sites and even more amenities.

Contact: 3895 Lakeside Rd, Penticton, (250) 770-0747, www.skahamarina.com

Kelowna Yacht Club

Like the other yacht clubs on Okanagan Lake, including those in Summerland, Vernon, and Peachland, the long-standing Kelowna Yacht Club offers reciprocal moorage and visiting options for existing members from yacht clubs throughout B.C. and beyond.

In fact, according to the yacht club, members visit from across Canada, the U.S. and around the world to enjoy the grounds, Member’s Lounge, the many amenities, and take part in the wide variety of events all year. Of course, reciprocal mooring is also common. However, it’s important to know that three-day’s notice before arrival is required, slips are available on a first-come, first serve basis, and the transient docks can accommodate boats ranging from 5 to 16 m (17 to 53 ft).

The basin, located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, is next to the City of Kelowna Boat Launch for easy access to the docks and whether you’re coming in or going out, fuel is available at the gas dock at the Downtown Marina Kelowna. Once secured in a slip, you’ll appreciate the spacious, well-maintained and secured dock area and expansive, inviting grounds, which reflect its Clean Marine BC Eco-Certification. Kayak and SUP rentals are also available while dock hands, water, shorepower, pump-out stations, Wi-Fi, even dock storage is at your disposal.

The main club house and Member Lounge are great places to enjoy an inviting beverage or meal while overlooking the beautiful lake – either on or off its expansive waterfront deck. Another dining option is the Cactus Club Café (yacht club location) to further enjoy an evening out.

If you’re looking for more action, downtown Kelowna has many resorts, hotels, trendy retreats, shopping and dining experiences, which are all in close proximity of the yacht club.

Contact: 1370 Water Street, Kelowna, 250-762-3310, www.kelownayachtclub.com