Which Beaches are the Best in the Okanagan?
Sun-Oka beach in Summerland is a popular stop for boaters from our downtown Kelowna marina.
If sinking your toes in soft sand is your idea of a perfect day, then make sure to stop at one of our beautiful Okanagan beaches. Sandy beaches cover the Okanagan Lake’s shoreline, many of which have public docks, canoe and kayak ramps, and mooring buoys.
Whether you are renting a boat or a watercraft or looking for boat moorage, make sure to check out one or all of these beautiful beaches near our Kelowna downtown marina and enjoy a refreshing dip, picnic, or rousing game of beach volleyball. We’ve also added a few beaches where you and your pet can stretch your legs.
1. Hot Sands Beach
A short paddle or walk along the Kelowna waterfront from our marina in downtown Kelowna to City Park, Hot Sands Beach is known for its pristine sand and cooling water. The beach is true to its name, as its surface can get rather hot in summer. Make sure to pack your sandals or flip-flops, bring along some change for the concession, or stop in for a bite at one of the many downtown restaurants nearby. Perfect for families, Hot Sands Beach is located steps away from a playground, waterpark and also features sand volleyball and basketball courts and washrooms.
2. Tugboat Bay Beach
Another downtown Kelowna beach, just a short distance by watercraft or walk from Downtown Marina, is Tugboat Bay Beach. Located in a quiet bay near Waterfront Park, sunbathe on silky sand, enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, watch for feathered friends in the adjacent bird sanctuary, and grab a snack at the kiosk.
3. Bear Creek Provincial Park
Across Okanagan Lake and just north of our Kelowna downtown marina is Bear Creek Provincial Park. The park features a mooring area behind the buoy lines, close to the 400-meter tree-lined sandy beach. Stop for a picnic at one of many picnic tables. Your family and four-legged friends will also love the playground and pet beach.
4. Kalamoir Regional Park
This West Kelowna park has two beaches perfect for a couple looking for a quiet escape by canoe or kayak. Located on the western shoreline, Kalamoir has a swimming beach with a swimming platform, two designated dog beaches, lakeside trails with incredible views, and an accessible dock with kayak and canoe launch.
5. Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park
Approximately an hour boat ride south from our boat slip in Kelowna, Sun-Oka is on the westside of Okanagan Lake just south of Summerland. The park features a designated area for boats as well as a day-use area with 90 picnic tables. Soak up the rays from this half-kilometer beach popular for watersports, including waterskiing, swimming, snorkeling, and playing in the sand.
6. Ellison Provincial Park
For those planning a day trip north up towards Vernon, a must-stop is Ellison Provincial Park. Located on the east side of Okanagan Lake, Ellison features three sandy beaches, including a secluded dog beach near several floating moors to tether your boat. Make sure to bring along a stand-up paddleboard to explore the rocky coastline and watch as cliff jumpers splash and play all day.
Looking for food, fun, and family activities near our Kelowna marina? Read Kelowna Tourism: Fun for the Whole Family near Downtown Marina.
Downtown Marina has everything you need for a fun day on the water. We offer boat moorage in the heart of downtown Kelowna and marine fuel. We also have drinks, snacks and sundries, and boat rentals! You can choose from a selection of pontoon boats, wake surf and wakeboard boats, bowriders, Seadoos, kayaks, SUPs, and more. Contact us at 1-778-760-1500 to book your boat.