Rent a boat with us and enjoy the Okanagan Lake in all its glory this summer!

If you live in Kelowna or anywhere in the Okanagan, you know that the Okanagan Lake is a beauty that cannot be topped when it comes to truly experiencing the joy of living in this region. And, what better way to enjoy the lake than being in the midst of it on a stunning boat (either your own or a rental)?

If you’re a local or a visitor, taking to the water will give you a new perspective on the stunning water and hidden gems that are just not fully enjoyable from the shore. Before your mind starts reeling with excitement and all the ‘what’, ‘how’, ‘when,’ and ‘where’ questions, we’ll give you a quick rundown of things you can do. So, you have an idea of what to plan for your boating adventure. 

Here's why boating is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the Okanagan lifestyle:

Access Hidden Gems Via Your Boat Rental

The Okanagan Lake is a vast water playground that stretches for about 135 kilometers. Its shoreline is dotted with coves, quiet beaches, and even a tiny island on the eastern part of the lake. These spots are quite secluded, though, which is why getting to them by boat makes them accessible while amplifying the adventure element of your day on the lake. 

The tiny island mentioned earlier is Rattlesnake Island—rumoured to house the legendary lake monster Ogopogo beneath it. It is a small, uninhabited island near Peachland with a rich history and is perfect for a private picnic or a day of exploring. Hidden gems like these are plenty and promise a calming trip with picture-perfect views away from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded areas. For detailed information on hidden gems you can access, check out our previous blog!

A Different Perspective of Kelowna 

Although Kelowna is punctuated with many high-rise buildings, cultural monuments, lush parks, and more, it often looks different while boating on the Okanagan Lake than when viewing it on land. The lake actually makes for a great vantage point for viewing the magic of this city we call home. You can see the iconic Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, the silhouette of Knox Mountain, and the sprawling vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the region. It’ll give you a deeper appreciation of both the natural and urban landscapes that balance each other out and add to the charm of the Okanagan.

Endless Water Activities On the Lake

Boating on the Okanagan Lake isn't just about sightseeing; it's also about the adventure and activities that come with it. Whether you're into water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or fishing, there's something for everyone, no matter their age or skill level. If you’re a watersports enthusiast, we’ve also got a blog post on water activities to try and boat rental options that are suitable for them. Another fun fact— the lake is teeming with fish like rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, making it a popular spot for anglers. If you're more about relaxing, you can anchor your boat in a peaceful bay and swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy a good book, yes, the one you’ve been meaning to read for ages but never had the time!

Boating = Bonding Amongst Loved Ones

There’s something about being on a boat with your friends and family that makes it the perfect setting for some heart-to-hearts, stomach-splitting laughter and just an overall atmosphere of positivity. Plus, with the warmth of the sun on your skin, fresh air in your hair, and gorgeous blue waters surrounding you, is it even possible to feel anything but happy? We think not. Pro-tip— seize the opportunity to carry some snacks along and make a picnic out of it, or even barbecue some food with a mini BBQ grill. If barbecuing isn’t your thing and you’ve forgotten snacks, we sell snacks, sundries and more at Downtown Marina’s retail store, so you won’t miss out on any fun in the sun!

Wine Tours By Boat

When you have the chance to down some wine, the only appropriate response is wine not? The Okanagan Valley is famous for its wineries—thanks to several orchards that produce scrumptious fruit—and many of them are accessible by boat. Docking at a lakeside vineyard for a wine-tasting session could be a great way to unwind. Some wineries even offer exclusive boat tours, allowing you to combine the pleasure of boating with the joy of sampling world-class wines. It’s a unique and indulgent way to experience local culture and flavours that have come to be admired by many. 

That being said, if your party is planning to consume alcohol, be sure to have a designated boat driver who’s sober. While letting loose is fun, it is vital to be safe while on the water, as alcohol reduces your motor skills, judgment, and ability to react. Here are some more water safety tips to help you be better prepared.

At Kelowna’s Downtown Marina, we’re passionate about lake life and want you to have an unmatched experience on the water. If you can’t wait to immerse yourself in everything the Okanagan region has to offer, contact us for information on boat rentals, boat tours, fuel and retail, and more.