The Quick Northern Okanagan Lake Route: Bear Creek, Paul's Tomb, Raymer Bay
Picture the ride: glassy morning water, Kelowna's skyline shrinking behind you, and Knox Mountain sliding along the shore. That view doesn't even need a full day. Paul's Tomb, Bear Creek Provincial Park, and Raymer Bay fit into one quick loop up the north end of Okanagan Lake, which runs 135 km from Vernon to Penticton. Rent a boat at 210 Bernard Ave, run all three stops, and you're back before lunch.
What Is The Northern Okanagan Lake Route?
Head north from the marina, and the loop runs past three stops, none more than 12 minutes away from Downtown Marina: past Paul's Tomb, across to Bear Creek Provincial Park, then south along the west shore through Raymer Bay before crossing back downtown.
Along the way, you’ll get to admire the gorgeous, multimillion dollar lakeside homes that spot the shoreline.
| Stop | Distance From Marina | Boat Time from Downtown Marina |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Paul's Tomb | 4 km | ~7 minutes |
| 2. Bear Creek Provincial Park | 7 km | ~12 minutes |
| 3. Raymer Bay Beach | 4 km | ~7 minutes |
View of the Okanagan Lake near Paul’s Tomb, the first stop on our northern boat route.
1. Paul's Tomb: The First Stop North
Paul's Tomb marks the resting place of an early Kelowna settler and his wife, and it’s the first landmark beach you'll pass heading north. Locals love to hike here to cliff jump and swim in the stunning little bay. It’s the perfect place for a quick dip!
2. Bear Creek Provincial Park For Wakeboarding And Waterskiing
Bear Creek Provincial Park is 7 km out, the farthest point on the loop and is usually bustling with activity. Firepits, washrooms, and a concession stand line the Bear Creek day-use area, and the open water in front is where locals run wakeboards and waterskis. The area fills up fast on a sunny weekend, so watch for other boats.
View of Kelowna taken between Raymer Bay and Bear Creek provincial park, the second and third stops on our northern boat route.
3. Raymer Bay Beach For A Boat-nic
From Bear Creek, swing south along the west shore to Raymer Bay, 4 km from the marina as the crow flies, with picnic tables and a playground that make it the easy call for families on the way home. Tie up, pack lunch, and let the kids run the shoreline while the boat idles close by. Locals call it a boat-nic!
Every boat leaves Downtown Marina with a full tank and no license required, and staff walk you through a quick dock orientation first. Check the interactive boater's guide for a quick guide to the rest of the lake, and check the rental FAQs before you book.
Kelowna Boating FAQ For The Northern Route
How far is Paul's Tomb from Downtown Marina? 4 km north, about 7 minutes by boat.
Can you swim at Bear Creek Provincial Park? Yes. BC Parks marks a swimming area along the beach there, with wakeboarding and waterskiing further offshore.
How long does the full northern route take? None of the three stops is more than 12 minutes from Downtown Marina, so the whole loop fits into a leisurely morning or afternoon with lots of time left for swimming or wake sports.
Rent a boat, run the three stops, and decide which one gets a second lap. Book online.
Downtown Marina has rented boats on Okanagan Lake from 210 Bernard Ave since 2013, backed by a 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award. See the full boat rental fleet before you plan your route.