Time for an Adventure!
Kelowna has it all: an amazing lake, a bunch of beaches, some of the best dining in the province, and breathtaking wine-producing countryside. Kelowna’s also the largest city on Okanagan Lake, a watery paradise that stretches nearly 135 kilometres from Vernon to Penticton. With so much lake to explore, you’ll be itching to rent a boat before you even arrive.
Explore North
To get you out there exploring, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Okanagan Lake highlights, whether you just want to cruise by or dock and enjoy the offerings.
Downtown Marina
This is where all the fun starts and doesn’t have to end. If you're renting a boat, your tank will be topped up and ready to go. If you're a proud boat owner, Downtown Marina's fuel stations are ultra-easy to access. Cruise on in, fill up, and be off in a jiffy. While you wait for your boat to be fueled, shop our marina store for anything and everything you might need that day.
Downtown Marina is an ideal place to start exploring Kelowna. With short-term moorage available, you can swap your water legs for city streets, grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping.
Plan Your Stop
- Great place to fill up!
- Grab those last-minute items like sunscreen, snacks, and refreshments.
- Lots of great restaurants within a few blocks to grab ice cream, lunch, or dinner. Earls, Cactus Club, CRAFT Beer Market, Moolix, and lots of great coffee.
Links to check out
Paul's Tomb
While making your way up Okanagan Lake, you will float by Paul's Tomb, which marks its spot in history as being the resting place for an original settler and his wife.
When you are back on land, Paul’s Tomb is a beautiful hike on Knox Mountain in Kelowna - it’s elusive but definitely worth the trip. This historical site boasts great views of a gorgeous bay, cliffs, picnic tables, and even a washroom. If you fancy a hike, follow the Gordon and Pavilion Trails for the amazing city and lake views!
4 km
(~7 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- Great place to stop and admire the view
- First stop if you go north from Downtown Marina
- Jump out for a quick dip to cool off
Links to check out
Raymer Bay Beach
Across the lake from Downtown Marina, this beach is a great place to stop and rest on your boat while spotting locals doing what they do best - taking in the sun and the sand. When you return your boat rental, it is a great area for families with a picnic area, a playground, and a grassy field to run around on. It’s also the perfect destination for exploring and swimming.
4 km
(~7 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- Break out the water toys and zip around here
- Perfect little spot for a boat-nic
Links to check out
Bear Creek Provincial Park
This day-use area provincial park is a great place for visitors and locals, but you’ll also find yourself in an ideal spot for wakeboarding and waterskiing during your boat rental. The park is a very popular campground and provides green space, firepits, public washrooms, and a concession stand. When you are back on land, Bear Creek Canyon trail will take you on a demanding loop of the canyon, with spectacular views of Bear Creek!
7 km
(~12 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- Watch for other boats and swimmers (can be a busy area)
- Consider camping here; easy to do a day boat rental from here
Links to check out
Explore South
To get you out there exploring, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Okanagan Lake highlights, whether you just want to cruise by or dock and enjoy the offerings.
Downtown Marina
This is where all the fun starts and doesn’t have to end. If you're renting a boat, your tank will be topped up and ready to go. If you're a proud boat owner, Downtown Marina's fuel stations are ultra-easy to access. Cruise on in, fill up, and be off in a jiffy. While you wait for your boat to be fueled, shop our marina store for anything and everything you might need that day.
Downtown Marina is an ideal place to start exploring Kelowna. With short-term moorage available, you can swap your water legs for city streets, grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping.
Plan Your Stop
- Great place to fill up!
- Grab those last-minute items like sunscreen, snacks, and refreshments.
- Lots of great restaurants within a few blocks to grab ice cream, lunch, or dinner. Earls, Cactus Club, CRAFT Beer Market, Moolix, and lots of great coffee.
Links to check out
Kelowna City Park
Just around the corner from our Kelowna marina is Kelowna City Park. This summer hot spot is a great place to enjoy various water sports, beach activities, a playground, a water park, and some lovely green space.
0.5 km
(~2 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- Half-day boat rental? Spend the other half here!
- Sports! Enjoy volleyball, basketball, soccer, frisbee and more.
Links to check out
Eldorado Resort / Manteo Resort
The Eldorado Resort and Manteo Resort are located beside each other and together, these resorts off some of the best views and lakefront dining on all of Okanagan Lake.
Eldorado Resort is a summertime staple in Kelowna. The hotel boasts a beautiful restaurant with Lakeside and Boardwalk dining. They have one dock available for the public - why not dock and grab lunch! There is also a fuel station if you need to top up during your day on the lake.
6.5 km
(~12 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- All-day dining options (indoor and outdoor)
Links to check out
Bertram Creek Park
Next hidden gem? Bertram Creek! While floating past this park you will see two beaches, walking paths, a playground, washrooms, and even a pavilion! As the park was victim to the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park forest fire, the Regional District of Central Okanagan asks that you "leave only footprints and take only pictures" as the park continues its recovery.
12 km
(~20 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- Great place to stop and enjoy a snack on the boat
Links to check out
Rattlesnake Island
Located directly east of Peachland, this small island on Okanagan Lake is home to a small beach and legend has it, the Ogopogo! The lake monster lives in a cave on Rattlesnake Island earning the landmass the nickname "Monster Island". There is a secret hidden on the mountain top — a derelict theme park that offers views of the Okanagan Lake. And yes, there are rattlesnakes here.
22 km
(~45 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- Docking your boat is impossible… you’ll need to swim to the island
Links to check out
Peachland Day Use Wharf
Located in downtown Peachland, this day-use public dock sets you up for great access to this gem of a town. It is uncovered and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gasthaus on the Lake Bay - you can walk to this restaurant from the public dock.
23.5 km
(~45 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- Peachland has a wonderful boardwalk to stroll along
- Grab lunch, do some shopping, enjoy a coffee!
Links to check out
Penticton
It’s a bit of a journey, but can absolutely be worth it. Start out early and cruise down past towns, mountains and wineries to land on this perfect little summer paradise. Shops, restaurants, beaches, parks… so much to explore.
52 km
(~120 minutes)
Plan Your Stop
- All-day dining options (indoor and outdoor)
- Great beach
- Top up your fuel (Yacht Club)
Links to check out
Ready for your Boating Adventure?
Here's how to get started.
- Choose your boat and rental period (we’ve got a great selection of boats and seadoos!)
- Contact us to reserve your boat
- Unlimited use… cruise near and far at your leisure. You are responsible for your fuel usage. We have a floating fuel station at our marina to make things simple.
- You can keep your boat rental moored at your dock or buoy if your vacation home includes that. We can even deliver directly to your vacation rental for a small fee so it’s ready for you.
- If your vacation rental does not include a spot for a boat, we keep your boat moored at Downtown Marina at no extra cost. In this case, park downtown, come to the marina, jump on your boat and go!
For more ideas on how to spend your day on the lake, check out our previous post: Boat Rental + Vacation Home Rental = Bliss.
