Float The Penticton River Channel

The Best Summer Penticton Attraction!

For visitors and many of us locals, the Penticton river channel, fits the best definition of leisure and fun summer activities. It's one of the top Penticton attractions and it's FREE to float!

If you're looking to take a break from the beaches, come and spend an afternoon on the river channel.

All you need is something to float on! (And safety gear, of course!)

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!

The float starts near Okanagan Lake at the launch site on Riverside Drive.

Also known as the Okanagan River Channel, it 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.

the river channel begins at okanagan lake in penticton

Today, it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Penticton, and a favorite for fun summer activities for kids!

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 the water levels are down and the current is slow. When the water is up, the current runs faster and it may only take you about 45 minutes. If you plan to float the entire channel, prepare for a 3 or 4 hour ride.

The Launch Site

Here's a few tips to help you have a great day of floating the Penticton river 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.

Floaties, tubes, boats and other floating devices are sold at many local dollar stores, Canadian Tire, gas stations, at the river channel itself, 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 for $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.

If you want to float the whole length of 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.

Fun Summer Activites For Kids - Floaty Boats Ahoy!