Explore the Best Beaches in the Okanagan, BC
British Columbia, Okanagan Valley is known for its beautiful scenery, world-class wineries, and of course, its beautiful beaches. Whether you’re from the Interior or considering planning a trip, the Okanagan’s sandy shores offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. They’re perfect for laying in the sand and sun, splashing around in the warm water, or having fun with numerous water sports. With Coast Hotels located in Oliver, Osoyoos and Kelowna, you’ll be close to some of the best beaches in the Okanagan Valley, ensuring a perfect summer getaway.
Osoyoos Lake
Gyro Beach is the largest beach in Osoyoos and Lake Osoyoos is known as the warmest lake in Canada. Located just a 12-minute walk north of Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel, it’s the perfect place to set up for a beach day. This picturesque beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation, featuring a sandy shoreline that’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming and picnicking. With its gentle slope into the lake, it’s a great spot for families, offering shallow waters for children and ample space for beach games. If you’re looking for water sport rentals, check out ATB Watersports, located just a 4-minute drive south of Gyro Beach, is your all-access rental shop. You can rent paddle boards, kayaks and tubes for your boat. They also offer all-inclusive tours where you charter a boat and take part in wakeboarding, water-skiing, wake surfing, kneeboarding and tubing. The adjacent park, Gyro Beach Park, provides amenities such as picnic tables, barbecue areas and a playground. Every Friday until September 6, 2024, you can find Music in the Park from 6:30pm - 8:30pm in front of the yellow and blue bandshell.
If you’re looking for a beach even closer than a 12-minute walk, experience the ultimate lakeside getaway at Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel with its own private swimmable sandy beach on Osoyoos Lake, a serene haven where you can escape the everyday and indulge in tranquility or adventure. It’s a great place for young families. Enjoy a relaxing day sunbathing, indulge in some family fun with our picnic area, complete with tables and BBQs, or try your hand at different water sports. At Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel, they have you covered for the ultimate beach day. Enjoy lounge chairs,a golf putting green right on the beach, free boat mooring and buoys and free storage! The beach-level basement is the perfect spot to keep your bikes, kayaks and boards. The free boat mooring is exclusive for our guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Skaha Lake
Skaha Lake Park is recognized among Canada’s top beaches and is known for its pristine waters and expansive sandy area. Located in the City of Penticton, a 34-minute drive north of Coast Oliver Hotel, it’s a popular choice for families and sports enthusiasts alike, offering facilities for beach volleyball, kayaking and paddleboarding. The nearby 21-acre park features playgrounds, a splash park, basketball courts, tennis courts, an in-line hockey court, and plenty of green space for picnicking. If you’re looking for water sports rentals, check out Glow Sup Adventures. They offer a variety of water adventures such as a paddle boarding night tour with LED lighting under each board, a kids camp and yoga on the water. If boat rentals are what you’re after, check out Skaha Marina, also located on Skaha Lake, and enjoy a day of boating on the water.
Okanagan Lake
Okanagan Lake Beach in Penticton is a sandy mile-long beach near a variety of restaurants, breweries, rental shops, an amusement park and a short walk to downtown. This premium sandy beach is family-friendly and located just a 13-minute drive north of Skaha Lake. It’s perfect for lying down and relaxing while soaking up the sun, or a mix of relaxation and activities. Many boat and water sports rental companies, including Pier Water Sports, are in the area. They have a large fleet of boats for you to choose from, and also have Seadoos, paddle boards and kayaks for rent. If you’re after a delicious, cold and crispy beer, Yellow Dog Brewing and Neighbourhood Brewing is just a short 4-minute walk south from the beach. If you want to keep the kids entertained, check out Loco Landing Adventure Park, just a 14-minute walk or 3-minute drive west of the beach.
Boyce-Gyro Beach in Kelowna is a local favorite and a prime spot for families. It’s located just a 10-minute drive south of Coast Capri Hotel making it an easy family beach day. With its wide, sandy shoreline, shallow waters, and well-maintained park area, it's perfect for a day of sun and relaxation. The beach features volleyball courts, snack venues, an inflatable water park, watersport rentals, a playground, washroom facilities and picnic areas. Located right on the beach, check out Breezy Beach for water sports rentals, such as stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. They also rent out lawn games, such as ladder ball, corn hole and spike ball, beach umbrellas, beach carpet and chars.
Kalamalka Lake
Kal Beach in Coldstream is a serene retreat known for its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings. It’s located a 45 minute drive north of Coast Capri Hotel near Vernon, but is certainly worth the visit. The rocks and minerals turn the water into stunning colors, such as turquoise or jade, that change with the season and weather. It’s not named the “Lake of Many Colours” for no reason! Kal Beach is at the northern end of the lake with stunning views down the centre of the lake almost to the other end. With its sandy shores and gentle, clear waters, it’s ideal for swimmers of all ages, paddling, sunbathing and family fun. The nearby park features picnic areas, plenty of shade and space for kids to play. It’s an easily accessible beach with plenty of free parking, a concession stand and public washrooms and change rooms.
Tips for Enjoying Okanagan Beaches
These beach tips will help you enjoy your beach day to the fullest. The Okanagan sun can be intense, so make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Keep hydrated, especially on hot days, and carry a water bottle. Pack essential beach gear, such as a beach towel, beach umbrella, and food allowing you to stay longer. Follow local guidelines for preserving the natural beauty of the beaches and dispose of waste properly.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or longer, the beaches of the Okanagan Valley offer something for everyone. From lively family-friendly spots to peaceful retreats, each beach has its unique allure, promising unforgettable experiences. After a day lounging at the beach, unwind and relax at one of our Interior hotels, Coast Oliver Hotel, Coast Capri Hotel or Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel. These charming and comfortable hotels offer a great home base for your beach-filled summer getaway. Coast Hotels invites you to pack your beach bag, and swimsuit and explore the sun-kissed shores of the Okanagan Valley while making lasting memories.