Aug 09, 2018

Kelowna Hotel Vacation Guide: Ways to Enjoy Okanagan Lake

Located just a short drive away from Comfort Suites Kelowna hotel is the boardwalk at Waterfront Park.

Located just a short drive away from Comfort Suites Kelowna hotel is the boardwalk at Waterfront Park.

The Okanagan is one of the most stunning regions in Western Canada. Its landscape of skiable mountains, lush fruit-laden valleys and crystal-blue lakes makes it an ideal four-season playground. Much of the action is centered on Okanagan Lake, which is just a hop, skip and jump away from the Comfort Suites Kelowna hotel. From watersports to spending time with family at the many lakeside parks and beaches, or from the deck of a hillside winery, see for yourself the many things you can do to enjoy the crowning jewel that is Okanagan Lake.

 

The Deep Blue

Carved by repeated glacial activity, Okanagan Lake stretches from the head of the lake in Vernon 135 kilometres (84 miles) south to Penticton. It is both wide and deep, with its widest point being at more than 5 kilometres and its maximum depth at 232 metres. It serves as a main source of drinking water to many Okanagan residents and is also home to numerous species of fish and other wildlife.

While the lake can be quite chilly in winter, it usually is a comfortable 19-23°C (69-71°F) in summer.

 

A Watery Highway

Once the main transportation route for both freight and passengers arriving to the Okanagan Valley by the Canadian Pacific Railway, Okanagan Lake is still a popular boating lake. While the sternwheelers that took people along the lake have long been retired, you can still experience Okanagan Lake in all manner of watercraft.

Kelowna hotels such as the Comfort Suites can direct you to a number of boat and board rental operations as well as boat charters that offer:

  • Speedboats
  • Pontoon boats
  • Houseboats
  • Pedal boats
  • Jet skis
  • Sailboats
  • Outriggers, canoes, and kayaks
  • Stand-up paddleboards

You can also enjoy attached activities such as waterskiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and the newest craze of flyboarding.


From the Shore

Kelowna is home to a number of beautiful public beaches and lakeshore parks filled with activities for the whole family.

City Park, adjacent of the William R. Bennett Bridge, includes a swimming beach, concession, kids playground, a water and skateboard park, lawn bowling, and the Kelowna Wibit, an inflatable playground right on the water.

Next to City Park is Stuart Park, which houses an outdoor skating rink in winter that is turned into a dance floor in summer.

Connected by a boardwalk past the Kelowna Yacht Club is Waterfront Park, which features landscaped gardens, a swimming beach, and the floating Island Stage, which features theatrical productions and concerts throughout the summer.

There are also a number of public beaches parks along Kelowna’s Lakeshore Road, on the east shore of Okanagan Lake. They include:

  • Boyce-Gyro Beach Park
  • Rotary Beach Park
  • Sarsons Beach Park
  • Cedar Creek Park
  • Bertram Creek Regional Park


The Hills Above

One of the best ways to experience Okanagan Lake is from the hills and vineyards that surround it. Why not go for a hike atop Knox Mountain or Mt. Boucherie and end your day sipping a lovely local wine and enjoying a fine meal while taking in the view of the lake from one of the many winery patios to be found in the area.


Look for Kelowna hotel deals such as the Comfort Suites’ Okanagan wine tour packages and learn more by reading Spring into Summer with Wine Festival Events and Okanagan Wine Tours.

Located in the heart of the Okanagan, Comfort Suites Kelowna offers the perfect accommodation for your Okanagan adventure. Explore the area’s many beautiful parks, beaches, wineries, and Okanagan Lake from our Kelowna hotel.