Best Public Okanagan Beaches

On a hot sunny day, the beach is always the place to be! The Okanagan Valley is filled with lakes and rivers, hosting a countless number of beautiful beaches. Whether you’re with friends, family, or your pet, you can always find a perfect beach, and perfect Okanagan beach vacation rentals nearby.

Kal Beach

Located on Kalamalka Lake, the stunning turquoise waters make this a picture perfect beach. It’s known as the best beach in Vernon with yellow sands stretching over 300 meters long and 50 meters wide. There is a marked swimming area, and a long pier. Kayak and boat rentals are available.

Kaloya Regional Park Beach

At Oyama – This picturesque beach is located right at the southern tip of a peninsula on Kalamalka Lake, 20km from downtown Vernon. The best swimming area is on the west side of the beach. A play park, grassy picnic areas, and a lily pad lagoon make this a family friendly destination. Don’t forget to look for the turtles!

Hot Sands Beach – City Park

Likely the best-known beach in Kelowna, Hot Sands (otherwise known as City Park) is always buzzing with people! It’s right in the heart of downtown, and parallel to the boardwalk where you can always find local vendors and snack bars. Amenities include beach volleyball courts, basketball courts, a playground, waterpark, and a skate park. Don’t forget to check out the live music on the Parks Alive! stage,

Cedar Creek Park

As the only dog friendly waterfront park in Kelowna, Cedar Creek is perfect for pet lovers. This long narrow beach is filled with pebbles, making it a unique place to visit.

Boyce – Gyro Beach

This waterfront area in Kelowna tends to boast a younger, mostly local crowd. Surrounded by snack vendors, rental shops, and volleyball courts, there is always something going on! Kids can join in on the fun with a playground and picnic areas nearby.

Tugboat Bay – Waterfront Park

If for nothing else, you need to visit the beach for the unbeatable views of Lake Okanagan! Right at the heart of Kelowna, this area boasts landscaped gardens, sandy beaches, and boat rentals. With some luck, you may spot some wildlife in the rotary marshes, or catch a live performance on the Island Stage!

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Within over 10,000 hectares of rugged landscape there are half a dozen marine campgrounds to be discovered. Go fishing, and explore the sheltered beaches in the area. Note that provincial parks do not have lifeguards on duty.

Okanagan Lake Provincial Park

A favorite year-round, this beach is a boating, waterskiing, and windsurf destination. Located directly across the lake from the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, you could explore both in one day! The park fringes the beach with trees and grassy areas. Note that provincial parks do not have lifeguards on duty.

Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park

A short form of “Sunny Okanagan” and it is just that! Located near Summerland, this south facing beach stretches 500 meters long. With fine, soft sand and water mostly clear of rocks, it’s a great destination for a day of swimming and relaxing! Bring a picnic, and if you’re feeling very adventurous, rent a jet ski! Note that provincial parks do not have lifeguards on duty.

Okanagan Lake Beach

Close to the heart of Penticton, this red sand beach stretches 1 km long, and is surrounded by 20 acres of park. The waterpark, beach slides, floating docks, playground, and duck pond make this area great for families! There is a marina for boat owner, and watersport equipment rentals available. Keep an eye out for the sand art studio in August.

Okanagan Lake Park Beach

This small beach has a fenced off area for dogs, and day moorage for boats. The Penticton Creek flows into the Lake so it’s likely you’ll spot some waterfowl in the area. Keep an eye out for festivals as they are on quite frequently in the summer months.

Sudbury Beach

The opposite side of Penticton hosts a huge beach area located on Skaha Lake. There are floating docks, waterslides, and concession stands. Only 4 km from Okanagan Lake Beach, it would be easy to visit both in a day.

Gyro Beach

This area, (Osoyoos) hosts the warmest lakes in Canada making Gyro a must-see (and must-swim) beach. It’s neighbored by a community park, so bring along a picnic. For a great view of the area, try parasailing.