Float The Penticton River Channel
Outdoor Summer Activites In Penticton Canada
The Penticton River Channel, the best definition of leisure and outdoor summer activities in Penticton Canada.
And it's FREE to float the channel!
If you're looking to take a break from the beautiful Penticton beaches, spend an afternoon on the channel. All you need is your floaty!
Our kids love to swim the channel with a snorkel and mask, and watch the fish swimming along the bottom.
Us parents love to just relax and enjoy the ride!
Also known as the Okanagan River Channel, the Penticton River Channel is a man made water channel that was created in the 1950's to control flooding and water flow from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.
Today, it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Penticton, and it's great fun summer activities for kids!
The float starts at Okanagan Lake at the launch site on Riverside Drive.
The river channel is about 7 km (just over 4 miles) long, with a rest stop at the halfway point, at Green Mountain Road.
Depending on the speed of the water through the channel, which is controlled by the damn at Okanagan Lake, the first half usually runs a bit faster.
It's also more shallow, with some spots less than 5 feet deep.
To get to the half way point will take about an hour and a half or so. If you plan to float the entire channel, prepare for a 3 or 4 hour ride.
The mid point is also the pick up point if you need to catch a ride back on the Coyote Cruises bus.
| How To Float The Penticton River Channel |
Here's a few tips to help you have a great day of floating the channel.
Sunscreen
On a hot summer day under the Okanagan sun, and especially in the water, sunscreen is a priority. It doesn't take long to burn when the sun reflects off the water, so lather up good with sunscreen and avoid the painful after effects of sunburn!
Water and Snacks
If you can bring along water and snacks, it's a good idea to do so. Floating the entire Penticton River Channel can take 3 to 4 hours, and daytime temperatures in the Okanagan can be in the 30's C and dehydration can occur quickly. You'll want to stay well hydrated so you can float the channel a second time!
Floating Devices
If you have your own inner tube, air mattress or other floaty, great, but if not you can rent them from Coyote Cruises at the launch site. Rental is about $5 for a round black donut tube, so choices are limited.
Floaties, tubes, boats and other floating devices are sold at many local dollar stores, Canadian Tire, gas stations, and even some of the grocery stores in the city of Penticton. If you plan to spend time on the beaches as well as the channel, you may opt to pick one up.
Inflating Your Floaties
There is an air inflation service at the launch site, however be prepared to pay $2 if you need your floatation device filled. We use our own portable air pump to inflate and deflate our boats.
Getting Back To Your Vehicle
There are two ways to get from the end of the Penticton River Channel back to your vehicle. One option is to bring two vehicles and park one at either end of the channel, however parking is limited. There is also a charge for parking at the midpoint. If you want to float the whole Penticton River Channel, you could leave a vehicle at the end of the channel at Skaha Lake, but parking is quite limited there also.
Coyote Cruises provides a bus shuttle from the mid point back to the launch site and runs at regular intervals throughout the day. That will cost you about $5.
The Launch Site
Fun Summer Activites For Kids - Floaty Boats Ahoy!
Many People Love To Float The Channel!
Almost At The Midway Point
Taking A Break
The Last Leg
The End Of The Road (or river!)
Now Then.....Are You Ready To Float The Penticton River Channel?
Coyote Cruises is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, beginning mid May (weather pending), right through the September long weekend. (that's after the Canadian Labor Day holiday on the first Monday in September)
The cost for a tube rental and bus ride is $10.
Have a great time!!
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