The Best Lakes in the Okanagan Valley to Enjoy Water Activities

The Okanagan Valley is the warmest region in all of BC. It’s no wonder many flock to the Okanagan in the summer months to soak up the sun, and play in the water all day long. The Okanagan Valley is a haven for water activities, offering easy access to a number of different lakes and many holiday communities built by the water’s shores. Conventional water activities like canoeing and kayaking be enjoyed, and there’s also a selection of popular watersports that will get the heart-pumping like power boating, tubing, jet-skiing and sea-dooing.
In the warmer months there’s absolutely no end to the water activities on offer in the Okanagan Valley. Here are a few stunning places to beat the heat:
 

Okanagan Lake

Kelowna sits at the halfway point of the 135km long Okanagan Lake, which makes it a great hub to enjoy all this water giant has to offer. Overall, there are over 30 different beaches all along the Okanagan Lake shores that attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
Sprawling over its massive area, the Okanagan Lake is a perfect water activity destination. It’s so big it can comfortably accommodate all of the visitors it attracts every year, and is perfect for boating. Board a power boat and enjoy a fun day of tubing, wake surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing and more. If you really feel like making it a summer to remember, rent a houseboat with friends or family and lounge on your deck with drink in hand as you cruise under the sun. There are also plenty of areas to launch or rent a jet ski or sea-doo. These watercrafts are perfect for those craving speed and water donuts!
But don’t sweat if you want to stay close to the beach. There are plenty of outfitters that rent pedal boats, paddleboards, and kayaks all around the Okanagan Lake. Alternatively, simply spend your days beach lounging and swimming!
 

Kalamalka Lake

Situated just south of the city of Vernon, beautiful Kalamalka Lake changes colour year-round from indigo to cyan and teal. But these stunning colour changes aren’t all Kalamalka Lake is famous for. The lake’s shores are home to plenty of accessible beaches with swimming areas that are surrounded by two different provincial parks, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park. The shoreline is full of with hidden coves that are always fun to explore by kayak or other boats.
Kalamalka Lake is very popular amongst water skiers and wakeboarders. Aside from that, there are plenty of outfitters that are available for paddle board, kayak, and pedal boat rentals.
 

Osoyoos Lake

Another great option in the Okanagan Valley is the summer paradise, Osoyoos Lake. The community of Osoyoos is extremely popular in the summer months with beach-enthusiasts and water-sport junkies filling the beaches. The water activities at Osoyoos Lake are endless, and you can read more about the options here.
 

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE OKANAGAN VALLEY?

We have a fabulous selection of accommodations in the Okanagan Valley, including Kelowna and Vernon. Call our highly knowledgeable Destination Experts who can answer any questions you may have about water activities in the Okanagan Valley, or our vacation rentals… They’re available 7 days a week!