Vacation rentals in Okanagan Lake

Around four hours’ drive from Vancouver, Okanagan Lake spans over 130 kilometers, from the town of Vernon in the north to Penticton in the south. At about the midway point sits the city of Kelowna, which is a popular base for people visiting the lake. Okanagan Lake boasts 30 beaches throughout the region — the most popular include Hot Sands Beach, Boyce-Gyro Beach, Rotary Beach, Sarson's Beach, and Strathcona Park. Most of the beaches offer white sands and clear warm waters in summer, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or canoeing.

The lake is also home to a little mystery — with creatures, hidden coves, and tombs to be found. A popular activity is to search for Ogopogo, a mythical green snake-like creature said to live in the lake. Stories date back thousands of years, and today visitors come from far and wide to “see” Ogopogo for themselves.

The lake comes alive during the summer months with beautiful warm days for enjoying fun in the water. There are also many events in summer including the outdoor music festival in August, which takes place just minutes from Okanagan Lake in Downtown Kelowna.

In spring and fall, you can expect sunny days mixed with cooler days, but there is still plenty going on. A wine festival in May showcases the wine and food from the area, with live entertainment and activities. While you can expect cold days and the chance of snow in winter, this part of Canada experiences milder winters than most others. Of course, plenty of layers will still be needed. Whenever you visit Okanagan Lake, you’ll find a selection of cabin rentals to ensure your stay is a memorable one.

Boyce-Gyro Beach

Spend a relaxing day enjoying one of the lake’s most loved beaches, with beautiful white sand and calm waters, perfect for swimmers of all ages. There are many activities you can try here, including volleyball, and the inflatable waterpark, with picnic areas and washroom facilities. It is also a great spot for a host of watersports — including boating, pedal boating, kayaking, and canoeing. You can rent all the watersports gear you need right at the beach.

Spotted Lake

Located near Osoyoos, about an hour south of Kelowna, is the natural phenomenon of the Spotted Lake. It’s full of minerals, including calcium, sodium sulphates, and magnesium sulphates. During summer the water in the lake evaporates, causing the minerals to form spots in the lake. The spots shift in size and colors, ranging from blue to green to yellow. You can’t swim here, but the visual spectacle is well worth the trip.

Knox Mountain Park

Take the short trip just outside of Kelowna to Knox Mountain Park, where you can set off on scenic walking trails through the park. Take on the Apex Trail, which is a moderate walk with a steady incline up the mountain. Once you reach the top your reward will be amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. The Paul’s Tomb Trail is a more relaxed walk and gives you great views of the lake. It also leads you to the site of Paul’s Tomb, which is a great place to enjoy a picnic.