Penticton Beaches - Okanagan Lake

Penticton is bursting at the seams with summer fun. There are plenty of things to do, and many of them are free! A great place to start is the beach.

On Lakeshore Drive, Okanagan Lake’s southernmost beach has cool shade trees and warm water. Swim out to the rafts and swoop down the slides. No diving though: the water is surprisingly shallow even at that distance from shore.

Bring along a snack and some drinks to keep your costs down, or bring along a few dollars to spend at the concessions. At Power Street, Lakawana Park’s locomotive concession has hot and cold food and beverages. You’ll find public his-and-hers washrooms on its western end and a convenient family washroom on the other, inside the fence next to the water park. Also inside the fence is a playground where kids can spend hours running off steam.

While you’re enjoying your day at Okanagan Lake you’ll likely spot some unusual multi-rider bicycles. These are available for rent across from the SS Sicamous. (For more about the historic paddle wheeler, click here.) Find fast moving thrills in the form of jet skis rentals and paragliding adventures can be found further east, behind the Lakeside Resort. The walking path will take you there.

Stay on the path to visit Ikeda Japanese Garden; soothing and serene, it’s surrounded by parks and backs onto the Penticton Art Gallery. Garden enthusiasts will also enjoy the Penticton Rose Garden back at the far west end of the beach, next to the SS Sicamous.

The popular fire-pits are back, so finish your day at the beach by gathering with family and friends for a wiener roast. Bring a little extra clothing; it can cool off quickly after the sun sets. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of Ogopogo in the twilight.