The Okanagan Valley is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful lakes and rivers, making it a popular summertime destination for swimming and boating. From crystal-clear creeks to sunny beaches, this region has it all! In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best places to enjoy the water in the Okanagan.
Kalamalka Lake
Kalamalka is one of Canada’s largest lakes, located near Vernon in BC’s Interior. It offers plenty of opportunity for swimming and sunbathing thanks to its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. You can also find smaller creeks and rivers snaking through nearby forests if you’d rather have a more secluded experience.
Wood Lake
Wood Lake is located just outside Kelowna, providing locals with an ideal spot for relaxation on hot summer days. This lake is known for its excellent visibility – perfect if you want to feel as though you’re swimming in an Olympic-sized pool. There are also numerous beaches along its shores that make for great picnicking spots too!
Shuswap River
The Shuswap River runs through much of BC’s interior and reaches right down into the Okanagan Valley. There are numerous spots along its banks which makes it an ideal place for wild swimming – with slower moving currents than other areas so it’s safe enough even for children. This river is also lined with lush forests that offer plenty of shade during hotter summer days.
Osoyoos Lake
Osoyoos Lake is another popular spot for swimming – said to be one of Canada’s warmest lakes due to its location between two mountain ranges that act as a natural heat trap (adding up to 5 degrees Celsius!). With plenty of sandy beaches dotted along its shores, there’s something here that everyone can enjoy – from lazy beach days, to kayaking and canoeing on the lake itself!
Skaha Lake
Skaha Lake lies just south of Penticton, where visitors will find picturesque white sand shorelines ready for exploration! This lake has become known as one of BC’s best places for activities such as paddle boarding and windsurfing, or simply taking some time out from busy lives by simply soaking up some sunshine on the beachfront cafes and bars closeby.
Mara Lake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1wxp-Fu7Mc
Mara Lake provides those looking to explore further afield with beautiful surroundings and water activities galore! Here you’ll find a harbour full of boats bobbing in crystal clear waters alongside houseboats moored beneath towering mountains – perfect if you fancy making your own special holiday hideaway out on the lake!
Pritchard Beach
If you’re looking for somewhere off-the-beaten-path then Pritchard Beach should definitely be high up on your list. Situated near Cherryville just north of Salmon Arm, this beach offers visitors unspoiled views across sparkling waters as well as shaded campsites on site should anyone wish to stay longer than a day trip allows!
