Watersport Activities
Vernon is where you’ll find the ultimate in tranquility; a true escape from it all - empty beaches, solitude, time to reflect on all that life offers. Choose from at least five clean, sandy public beaches - all away from the downtown core - for soaking up the glorious sun and enjoying the sparkling, clear water. Beach volleyball, jet skiing, water-skiing, boating, sailing and a host of other activities are certainly here for the asking. But, if you yearn for a little quiet, you can find that as well.
Cool off with a visit to one of the nearby beaches on the shores of Lake Osoyoos. With summer water temperatures hovering around 24ºC (70ºF), Canada’s warmest lake provides ample swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing opportunities. With three marinas stocked for all of your equipment rental needs, you'll want to stay out all day!
Float along in Penticton. Float down the River Channel, which is a small shallow river that flows south from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. This leisurely trip takes from 2 to 3.5 hours depending on water levels in the channel. Be sure to bring sunscreen or you will burn up! Or get a view from up high and go parasailing – the views are tremendous and it’s a very safe activity for just about everyone.
The B.C. Interior is teaming with water including lakes and rivers for incredible water adventures. The beaches in Kelowna, BC, are outstanding and the activities are endless. For the more adventurous, there’s jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and parasailing. With boats, canoes and kayaks, you can enjoy being on the water, as much as much as you love being in it. Kelowna has miles of beautiful parkland, much of which is located along sandy beaches. Grassy picnic areas, playgrounds, washrooms and concession stands are all standard facilities at our many beaches.
Salmon Arm and the Shuswap are fortunate to have many beaches on the shores of the lakes in the area. Beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and beach games. Some beaches are boat access only and tend to be a little hard to get to but a stop at the local tourist information centre can put you in touch with how to explore these hidden gems.