Okanagan Lake or Lake Okanagan

Either way you say it, Okanagan Lake is the largest body of water in the interior British Columbia!

Picture this beautiful valley as a huge ice field, which melted away slowly, over thousands of years, to create what is now a magical paradise for water sports and leisure recreation all summer long!

Situated near the 49th parallel, Okanagan Lake is about 135 km (65 miles) long, and averages between 4 and 5 km (2-3 miles) wide. At it's widest point it is approximately 6.4 km (3 miles) wide, and in some areas is as deep as almost 800 feet!

The lake is characteristic for the clay cliffs that border it's shores in the South Okanagan communities of Penticton, Summerland, and Naramata BC. These cliffs frame the plateaus of the Okanagan Highlands above them, which are today prime fruit and wine growing regions.

In addition, trails and wilderness surrounding the lake are a haven for outdoor adventure vacation enthusiasts, who love mountain biking, hiking and camping.

With the warm water temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, these fresh waters are perfect for swimming, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and other leisure recreation.

A sailboat or boat ride from Penticton to Kelowna could be an amazing way to spend a day or afternoon out on the water!

You'll find numerous beautiful provincial campsites, private campgrounds and RV parks, day use parks and many sandy beaches to enjoy swimming, boating or simply relaxing and enjoying an afternoon of Okanagan sun!

If you stop for a rest and to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lakes, watch out for Ogopogo!! He's the legendary lake monster that has been making appearances around the area for many years.

His home is said to be near Rattlesnake Island, one of two large rock islands on Okanagan Lake, but where he is spotted can vary ;-) The first recorded sighting was actually in 1872 near Westbank BC. Since then there have been several documented Ogopogo sightings, but no concrete proof that any such creature really exists!

We hope to see you soon!!