Things to Do
Beaches & Lakes
Fortuitously located at the epicenter of three of the most beautiful lakes in the region, Vernon is just steps away from sand and rock beaches, pristine shorelines, and numerous launching points to dip a toe or dive right in to your next nautical adventure.
Nothing beckons like water, sun, and the promise of adventure
You could spend entire seasons exploring the pristine lakes that surround Vernon. From Okanagan Lake's many beaches and amenities, to Kalamalka Lake's endless depths of blues and greens, to Swan Lake's peaceful serenity and plentiful wildlife, there is no end to the adventures you can plan on and around our crystal-clear waters.
Okanagan Lake
Vernon sits at the northernmost point of the stunning Okanagan Lake which spans 135km to Penticton. Known for its 30+ beaches and many amenities, its shores are a favourite refreshing outing for locals and visitors alike.
Okanagan Lake beaches & access points
Ellison Provincial Park
Ellison Provincial Park encompasses multiple great beaches for camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and much more. Sandy beach is the park’s pet beach where your furry friend can join you, and Otter Bay Beach is Western Canada’s only freshwater dive park.
Hurlburt Park
Hurlburt Park is the perfect place to launch your canoe, SUP or kayak. At this pet-friendly beach you can enjoy use of a dock, swimming platform and picnic tables.
Kin Park and Canoe Beach
Kin Park and Canoe Beach is a grassy park where kids can play on the jungle gym and enjoy the shallow water, or strike up a volleyball game and enjoy a snack in the picnic shelter.
Paddlewheel Park Beach
Paddlewheel Park Beach is a local favourite. With tons of amenities like a boat launch, playground, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, plenty of shade, washrooms, and more — it’s perfect for a full-day family outing.
Kalamalka Lake
Known as the “lake of a thousand colours”, the beautiful Kalamalka Lake ranges in colour from sparkling cyans to deep turquoise greens. Located in nearby Coldstream and carved by glaciers eons ago, the lake is 16km long and 142m deep in places, and today is a watersports paradise.
Kalamalka Lake beaches & access points
Kalamalka (Kal) Beach & Rotary Pier
Kalamalka (Kal) Beach & Rotary Pier is a perfect stop off for the whole family to enjoy a day in the sun. It’s also a popular launch point for paddle boarders.
Kirkland Beach
Kirkland Beach is a favourite public green space for families with its playground, multitude of shade, and easy parking.
Pumphouse Beach
Pumphouse Beach is a small sandy beach that leads into rocky, shallow waters.
Sovereign Park
Sovereign Park is a lovely open, grassy space for kids to frolic and be kids, play bocce ball or volleyball, and to launch a kayak or paddleboard for a day of exploring on the water.
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park is located on a peaceful bay on the west side of the lake. With its calm waters, a boat ramp, campground, and playground, Kekuli Bay is a popular launching point for days of exploring on kayaks, SUPs, waterskiing, and boating.
Jade and Juniper Bays
Jade and Juniper Bays at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is located a 1.5km trail down from
Pet Beach
Pet Beach at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is a pet-friendly, stony beach a short 1 km walk along the Crest Trail.
Cosens Bay Beach
Cosens Bay Beach is a popular destination for boaters. Boat in or bike/hike a 6km trail to arrive at the beach. There is plenty of space to stretch out enjoy a day with your favourite four-legged family member at the eastern end of the beach.
Find dog-friendly beaches
Coldstream
Lake access points in Coldstream (boat launches for non-motorized craft only)
- Westkal Road Boat Launch
- Mint Beach
- Jameson Beach
- Shady Beach
- Kalavista Boat Launch
- Kinloch Boat Launch
- Lisheen Beach, lake access off south end of Ponderosa Way
Swan Lake
Swan Lake has a small, picturesque park with access to the shallower and quieter lake for those who want to paddle and explore. The surrounding wetlands provide some of the best bird watching in BC. It's a breeding, nesting and migration haven for ducks, waterfowl, marsh birds and more. Swan Lake Nature Reserve is a great spot for walking and birding. Public access to Swan Lake is off Lochdale Rd where the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club is located.
