The Okanagan has three major lake systems — Osoyoos Lake, Okanagan Lake, and Kalamalka Lake — plus dozens of smaller lakes and the Okanagan River channel. Water temperatures reach 22–26°C in peak summer. Combined with near-constant sunshine from June through September, this makes the valley one of the best freshwater recreation destinations in Canada. Here is everything worth doing on the water.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Osoyoos Lake
The warmest lake in Canada makes for exceptional paddling. The north arm of the lake — past the spit at Haynes Point — is quieter and more protected from wind than the main body. Kayak rentals are available from several operators along the Osoyoos waterfront. Early morning paddling before the motorboats arrive gives you glass-flat water and the best light for photographs.
Book a Guided Kayak Tour on Osoyoos Lake → Browse Kayak Tours on GetYourGuide →Local operator: Hoodoo Adventures (Penticton) offers guided kayak and canoe tours on Vaseux Lake — one of the best wildlife paddling spots in the Okanagan.
Okanagan Lake
A 135 km lake with enormous variety. The Penticton channel — the narrow waterway connecting Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake through downtown — is a popular and easy paddle. The Naramata Bench shoreline north of Penticton offers winery-to-winery kayaking with beach landings. In Kelowna, City Park and Gyro Beach both have kayak and SUP rentals in summer.
Penticton rentals: Castaways Watersports (surf boats, Sea-Doos, parasailing) • Hoodoo Adventures (kayak/SUP/canoe rentals)
Kalamalka Lake
Arguably the most scenic paddling in the Okanagan. The turquoise water and steep surrounding cliffs create an almost Mediterranean setting. The lake is exposed to wind in the afternoons — paddle in the morning. Put in at Kal Beach and work south along the park shoreline for the best scenery.
Okanagan Rail Trail
Not water-based, but the Rail Trail parallels Kalamalka and Wood lakes for much of its length — combining a morning paddle on Kal Lake with an afternoon cycle on the trail makes for an excellent full-day itinerary.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP has exploded in popularity across the Okanagan. Every major beach has a rental operation in summer. Osoyoos Lake is the easiest for beginners — warm, calm in the morning, and shallow enough that falling in is not a problem. Skaha Lake in Penticton is similarly calm. Okanagan Lake is more exposed and has afternoon chop that challenges beginners. Kalamalka Lake is stunning but can be windy.
SUP Rental Locations
- Osoyoos: Watermark Beach Resort, main town beach operators
- Penticton: Skaha Beach and Okanagan Lake beach operators; rental stands open from June
- Kelowna: City Park, Gyro Beach — multiple operators competing keeps prices reasonable
- Vernon: Kal Beach operators; bring your own or rent nearby
Boat Rentals
Motorboat, pontoon boat, and jet ski rentals are available from multiple operators on Okanagan Lake (Kelowna and Penticton) and Osoyoos Lake. Pontoon boats are the best option for groups who want to cruise the lake, anchor in a bay, and swim. Half-day rentals from 9 am to 1 pm capture the calmest water; afternoon rentals deal with more chop and boat traffic.
Osoyoos Lake
- Lakefront Sports Centre — Pontoons up to 14 passengers, speedboats. 25+ years on the lake. Phone: 250-495-5240
- Spirit Beach Watersports — Pontoons, speedboats, kayaks, SUP, PWC. Open May 15–Sept 15. Phone: 250-486-5770
Penticton
- Castaways Watersports — Mastercraft surf boats, party barges, Sea-Doos, parasailing. Phone: 250-490-2033
- Penticton Boat Rentals — Surf boats, pontoons, Waverunners at both Okanagan and Skaha lakes. Phone: 250-488-8093
- Skaha Boat Rental — Pontoons, wake boats, bowriders. Gas included. Phone: 250-488-3975
Kelowna & West Kelowna
- Kelowna Boat Charters & Rentals — Pontoons with waterslide, surf boats, wake boats. Phone: 778-594-3161
- Kelowna Downtown Marina — WaveRunners, bowriders, pontoons. Departs downtown marina. Phone: 250-763-5599
- Lake Surf (West Kelowna) — Wake boats, pontoons, WaveRunners, kayaks, SUP. Phone: 250-707-7873
- Okanagan Water Sports (West Kelowna) — Sea-Doos, powerboats, pontoons. Phone: 778-754-2628
Houseboats
Okanagan Lake houseboat holidays are one of the great BC summer experiences. Shuswap Lake (north of Vernon) is the traditional houseboat destination in the Interior, but Okanagan Lake operators offer a quieter, warmer-water alternative. A houseboat sleeps 8–14 people, comes fully equipped with kitchen and outdoor deck, and you anchor in bays along the lake. A week on a houseboat combines the best of camping and lake life.
Browse Houseboat Rentals →Penticton River Channel Float
One of the Okanagan’s most beloved summer rituals: floating the Okanagan River channel from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake on an inflatable tube. The 7 km float takes 2–3 hours and requires no paddling — the current does the work. Tube rentals and shuttle services operate from the Okanagan Lake end. Bring sunscreen, water, and something waterproof for your phone. The float ends at Skaha Beach, where you can swim, eat, and catch the shuttle back.
The local operator is Coyote Cruises — tube rentals and shuttle service from the Okanagan Lake end. Opens June 22 each season.
Book the Penticton River Float →Swimming
Swimming in the Okanagan needs little introduction — the lakes are warm, clear, and accessible. Key spots:
- Osoyoos Lake: 24–26°C in July/August. The warmest freshwater swimming in Canada. Main town beach has lifeguard coverage in peak season.
- Skaha Lake, Penticton: Warm, calm, shallow entry — the best family swimming beach in the valley.
- Kalamalka Lake: Spectacular clarity and colour. Kal Beach is the main access point.
- Okanagan Lake, Kelowna: Cooler than Osoyoos but excellent. City Park and Gyro Beach are the main spots.
- Ellison Provincial Park: BC’s freshwater snorkelling park — clear water, rocky formations, kokanee salmon visible in season.
Fishing
The Okanagan lakes support rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, and burbot. Okanagan Lake is the main sport fishing destination — guided half-day and full-day charters operate out of Kelowna and Penticton. BC freshwater fishing licence required; available online from the Province of BC.
Book a Guided Fishing Charter →Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Ellison Provincial Park near Vernon is BC’s first designated freshwater scuba dive park. Underwater rock formations, painted turtles, kokanee salmon in season, and remarkable water clarity. A full-service dive shop in Vernon rents equipment and leads guided dives. Snorkelling is accessible without certification — the shallow areas near the beach are teeming with small fish.
Water Sports Tips
- Morning is best. Wind picks up most afternoons on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake, creating chop that makes paddling harder and less enjoyable. Plan water activities for before noon.
- Lifejackets are required by law for all watercraft — canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats. Operators will provide them with rentals. If you own your own kayak or paddleboard, bring a certified PFD.
- Sunscreen before you launch. Water reflection intensifies UV. Reapply frequently — you will not feel the burn until it is too late on the water.
- Hydrate constantly. The combination of heat, sun, and physical activity on the water dehydrates you faster than you expect. Bring more water than you think you need.
- Book guided tours ahead for July/August. Popular guided kayak and SUP tours sell out in peak season, especially the Osoyoos Lake wine country paddle experiences.
Gear to Bring
- Insulated water bottle — keeps drinks cold all day on the water
- Wide-brim sun hat — essential; no shade on the water
- SPF 50+ sunscreen — reapply every 2 hours on the water
- Waterproof dry bag — protect phone, wallet, keys