Okanagan Valley is probably the lake vacation capital of British Columbia with the best Okanagan beaches for everyone to enjoy. The Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in Canada, which makes it is an excellent spot for a summer vacation.
Add to that the region’s beautiful landscape of rolling green hills and stunning lake views, plus of course, the wineries and you’ve got the perfect vacation spot. But what Okanagan beach to go to?
There are many beaches located along the incredible 135 km long Okanagan Lake BC. We‘ve done our best to pick out our favourites for you, but really, you’d struggle to find a bad beach on this lake.
What You'll Find in This Post
Top 5 Best Beaches in Okanagan
1. Kal Beach, Coldstream – Kalamalka Lake
This 16 km long lake in the North Okanagan is a favourite with tourists and locals alike. The rocks and minerals in this lake turn the water stunning colours that change with the season and weather. It could be turquoise one week and deep jade the next, earning this lake the name ‘Lake of Many Colours’. Surrounding the lake in this area of abundant natural beauty are several provincial and regional parks and many beaches to choose from.
While you can’t really go wrong with beaches on Kalamalka Lake this fantastic colour-changing lake, we had to pick our favourite, and this one’s it.
Kal Beach, named for the lake itself, is located at the lake’s northern end and commands a view down its length to almost the southern tip.
Just south of the town of Vernon, Kal Beach is not a remote sort of beach, but we think it’s all the better for it. We’ve chosen this beach for its bustle and the facilities, which we believe make it one of the best beaches Okanagan has to offer. The Kalamalka Lake Rotary Pier which stretches out into the water is shaped like a T is a favourite spot for sunbathers, anglers and divers. A beach pub at the east end of the beach boasts a huge lake-view terrace, and a popular concession stand and general store are also located nearby.
The vast stretch of soft white sand is long enough to accommodate the summer crowds, and the aqua blue waters are calm, shallow, and the perfect spot for swimmers and paddlers. Paddleboards and kayaks can be rented (or bought) from a store beside the beach. You can also do the Okanagan rail trail along Kal Lake and get some gorgeous lake views on this trail.
Best For: An easy, laid-back beach day on a beautiful lake with everything you need right nearby.
Budget: Econolodge Vernon | Mid-Range: Prestige Hotel Vernon | Luxury: Sparkling Hill Resort – Adults Only OR Predator Ridge Resort
2. Hot Sands Beach, Kelowna – Okanagan Lake
Hot Sands Beach is in the centre of downtown Kelowna adjacent to City Park. You’ll find everything you need here to keep the family busy all day at this Kelowna beach. There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, a skate park, water play park, washrooms, changing rooms, picnic areas, concessions and vendors. And in the summer months, the park comes alive with buskers, performances and events; there’s always something going on this town centre beach.
But even if there weren’t, this beach would be a beautiful spot; it has a large stretch of sand capable of accomodating the crowds and plenty of grassy space too. The water is shallow and sandy and perfect for swimming, paddling and floating the sunny days away. But if your kids want something a bit more active, let them try their luck at climbing, bouncing and sliding on the giant inflatable fun park in the lake!
And when you’re done at the beach, just stroll over to downtown Kelowna for all the shops, restaurants and bars you could wish for. Lots of things to do in Kelowna with kids which makes Hot Sands beach is one of the best beaches in Kelowna.
Best For: Families who want to be in the thick of things.
Budget: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites | Mid-Range: Royal Anne Hotel | Luxury: Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
You can have your pick of the Kelowna accommodation and never be far from this beach. Hotels book up very quickly in Kelowna, so we highly advise to book in advance so you are not disappointed.
3. Swim Bay, Peachland – Okanagan Lake
Swim Bay features a free water playground on a dock in the lake. It has diving boards, rope swings and zip lines that will keep your kids leaping in and out of the water and entertained for hours. And don’t worry, there’s a lifeguard on duty through the summer in case of mishaps!
For those who don’t want to monkey around, there’s a stretch of sandy beach, some grassland and shady trees to lounge under. If you fancy a walk, wander along Beach Avenue, towards nearby Peachland. It’s a pleasant stroll that will take you past concessions, lakefront restaurants and wineries.
Best For: Pure family fun for energetic, fearless kids.
Budget: Pleasant View Motel | Mid-Range: Summerland Motel | Luxury: The Cove Lakeside Resort OR Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa
Best areas to stay close by is either in West Kelowna or Summerland.
4. Okanagan Lake Beach, Penticton – Okanagan Lake
Right down at the southern tip of the Okanagan Lake, close to Penticton, BC, lies this beautiful white sand beach. It’s a favourite with tourists and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why, with nearly a kilometre of soft sand bordering the lake and a busy, entertaining promenade backing it. There’s something for everyone at this lively, organized beach.
This Penticton beach is shallow, easy-entry water has a designated swimming area with slides, floating docks for resting and sunbathing and a giant inflatable water park. The beach has a kid’s playground, picnic areas, plenty of shade and washrooms.
At one end of the beach boardwalk is the famous Penticton Peach IceCream shop, at the other is the S. S. Sicamous museum and in between the two are vendors, concessions, buskers and Lakeview restaurants. And if you tire of all that, you’re just a short stroll from downtown Penticton where you’re never too far from a winery.
Best For: A lively beach with something to entertain the whole family.
Budget: 5000 Motel | Mid-Range: Days Inn by Wyndham | Luxury: Penticton Lakeside Resort
Stay in Penticton or any of the surrounding little towns.
5. Skaha Beach, Penticton – Skaha Lake
Saving the best for last, this one is a strong contender for the best family beach in BC and is regularly named one of the best beaches in Canada too. Located on the opposite side of Pentiction to Okanagan Lake Beach, this one’s on Skaha Lake. Skaha beach park is shallow with a sandy bed, this expanse of lake is dotted with floating docks and children’s water slides, as well as a marina and boat launch area.
The long, wide beach is covered in unusual reddish sand and backed by a lengthy promenade featuring washrooms and vendors.
If you tire of the beach, Skaha Beach is part of the 21 acres of Skaha Lake Park. You’ll find large grassy areas, playgrounds, various sports courts, and a sprinkler water park in the park. There are also picnic areas, power and drinking water stations and fire pits for those who want to make a full day of it. You are also very close to Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park which is a great place to visit while you are there.
Best For: Those who can’t decide between the beach and the park. Anyone who wants to visit one of the best beaches in Canada.
Budget: Flamingo Motel | Mid-Range: Best Western Inn at Penticton | Luxury: Wesbert Winery & Guest Suites
Map of Okanagan Beaches
These are five beaches in the Okanagan that we have highlighted, but as you drive in the Okanagan Valley you will soon realize so many great little undiscovered spots along the way that you can go check out too!
Other great Okanagan beaches to check out:
- Gyro Beach – One of the most popular Kelowna beaches with a great kids playground area and little zip line for kids to go on into the water. They have a grass area too on the beach and picnic tables for use.
- Okanagan Beach Club – This beach is perfect for those who don’t want to be close to the city or action. Located in a cool little community along Okanagan Lake.
Best BC Beaches Tips
- Don’t forget all your beach gear and print off any easy Beach packing list for your trip.
- Lake Okanagan water temperature can be cooler than the other smaller lakes because it does span a large area.
- There are a lot of other places to visit in Okanagan BC that you can check out along the way; including many Okanagan wineries that are family-friendly.
- Lakes in the Okanagan include Okanagan Lake, Wood Lake, Kalamalaka Lake, Skaha Lake. There are many smaller ones as well but those are the major lakes that visitors go to.
- Always check the highway for closures or accidents on the BC Highways to get to these beaches.
Looking for other Vacation Ideas in British Columbia, Canada?
- Best British Columbia beaches to Visit
- Vancouver with Kids
- Victoria with Kids
- Chute Lake Lodge, Okanagan Valley
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