Swimming
Of course, given that there is a Lake, there is plenty of swimming you can do. There are a number of different spots you can choose to swim, and after you try a few you will likely find your favourite. There are a few slides you can use and a few rafts you can swim out to. There is even a WiBit you can bounce on at the end of the beach near the Sicamous.
Visit Munson Mountain
Before you get too engrossed in a particular activity, hop in the car and take a short jaunt up to Munson mountain, where the letters PENTICTON reside.
Take a picture of you and/or your family sitting on a letter or two, and at the same time, look around and appreciate the expansive view of the city.
Walk the Waterfront Boardwalk
When you’re done taking pictures and admiring the view from Munson mountain, hop back in the car and head down to the Okanagan Lake. Park at the far end of the beach and take a walk along the boardwalk. You can walk all the way from one end to the other – it’s about 1km in total. As you wander, you will see all the activities you can do there.
Get excited. Dream up a “bucket list” of things you want to do before you leave town. There are also many restaurants and patios along the way that you can stop at and grab a bite to eat as you ponder.
Rent a Bike
Rent a “family” (4-6 person) bike and tour the streets of downtown. Honk and wave at everyone as you pass them by. Yes, this may seem like a rather corny thing to do, but you’re on vacation and that’s what people on vacation do.
Everyone can help pedal the bike and everyone can have input into what direction you go. An opportunity for developing those teamwork skills!
Visit Loco Landing
While it does cost a bit of money, Loco Landing is a fantastic place to take the kids. There are so many activities there, and is a nice break from the water. Ride the go-carts. Play some mini-golf. And climb a rock wall, to name a few activities.
Visit the Skateboarding Park
Just beside Loco Landing is a wonderful skating park for kids of all ages. And it’s FREE!
Visit the Dam
While you are just outside the gates of Loco landing, take a short jaunt on a path beside the Rose Garden towards the canal that joins Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. During the summer, many people enjoy floating down the canal towards Skaha lake.
At this particular spot you will find the dam that controls the water flow between the two lakes. The water flows faster during periods of high water (spring), and slows down towards the fall.
Rent the Party Barge
Take a group of friends or family out for a couple hours on the lake. Have a BBQ. Have a swim.
Take a Cruise on the Princess Casabella
The Princess Casabella cruises around the South end of the Okanagan Lake and offers a brand new perspective of the area. This boat is licensed, and has the option of having a snack or a meal or just enjoy the ride.
The S.S. Sicamous
Finally, pop in at the Sicamous and learn a little bit about the history of the region. The Sicamous was a paddle wheeler that transported people and goods up and down the lakes before the roads were any good. You can walk around the boat and appreciate what a voyage would have felt like.
There is also a mini re-creation of the Kettle Valley railway in the hull of the ship. It is fun to watch as the train travels through tunnels and across ravines. While the actual railway is no longer in operation, you can still catch a ride on the train through a small stretch of remaining track in Summerland. You can also walk, or bike, much of the trail, as the railway bed has been preserved for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
All Things Okanagan Lake
You have toured the beaches, you have been around the town a bit, and you know all that there is to do. You should have a big list. But if you don’t, here are a few suggestions:
- Parasailing
- Banana boat ride
- WiBit
- Try Fly Boarding
- Rent a SeaDoo or a Boat
- Take a waterski or wakeboarding lesson
- Take a cruise around the lake
Our Section 10 Things to do on the Water has more details on each of these activities.