Okanagan Lake beach in Penticton
Okanagan Beach lies along Lakeshore Drive on the north side of town, where Okanagan Lake meets the city. The beach is almost 1 km of sand with a marked swimming area, washrooms nearby and shade trees. Free parking is available at the beach. That does not apply to every spot downtown, where street parking is paid.
Skaha Beach on the other lake is a different place. It has its own page: Skaha Lake is covered separately, along with the bluffs and Okanagan Falls. Here we stay on the Okanagan side, from the sand to the gardens and the channel.
Beach day basics
What to expect on the sand.
Swimming
The beach has a designated swimming area. The city tests the water each week in summer, including Okanagan Beach, Skaha Beach and the River Channel. If an advisory sign is posted, follow it. After heavy rain the city advises not to swim for 24 hours.
Facilities
Washrooms and shade trees are close to the sand. Bring water and sun protection. Lifeguards and rental gear are not something to count on every day of the year.
Parking
Parking at the beach is free. Downtown parking is CA$2 per hour, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on statutory holidays (2026).
Penticton lake and day trips
Boat trips, beach days, paddling and sightseeing around Okanagan Lake, with live prices and availability.
Parks and gardens by the lake
Short walks from the beach.
Ikeda Japanese Garden
A garden with ponds and paths on the Okanagan shore, near Marina Way. April and May are the bloom period, but a flower display on a given day is never guaranteed.
Rose garden
The rose garden sits at the corner of Lakeshore Drive West and Riverside Drive. It is open to the public and can also be reserved for private events.
SS Sicamous
The restored sternwheeler is a museum at 1099 Lakeshore Drive West. Opening days change with the season, so check the schedule before you walk over. The story is told on the Penticton history page.
Farmers' market
The outdoor market runs Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 18 April to 31 October 2026, on the 100 block of Main Street.
The shore also leads to the river channel. At dusk the promenade lights reflect in the water.
The River Channel float
A summer drift between the two lakes.
The River Channel connects Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake over about 7 km. Floating the full length takes roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on water level and wind. There is a mid-point exit at Green Mountain Road. The float is a summer activity, not a year-round one, and operators set their own season dates.
Float operators take bookings for the 2026 season and run weather-dependent days with booked pickups within Penticton, for example from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours and prices for tubes and shuttles vary, so ask before you book.
Stay clear of the bridge piers
Keep your distance from the piers and get out before the last bridge. Do not float on into Skaha Lake.
Float with others
Do not float alone, and do not tie tubes together. Take water and sun protection.
Children and weak swimmers
Small children and non-swimmers should wear a life jacket. Check the water quality advisories posted by the city before you start.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other places near the water.
Okanagan Beach: frequently asked questions
Is parking free at Okanagan Beach?
Parking is free at the beach. Downtown street parking is CA$2 per hour, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (2026).
Is it safe to swim at Okanagan Beach?
The beach has a designated swimming area and the city tests water in summer. Follow any advisory signs and do not swim for 24 hours after heavy rain.
How long does the River Channel float take?
About 3 to 4 hours for the full 7 km, depending on water level and wind. A mid-point exit at Green Mountain Road shortens it.
Can I float all the way into Skaha Lake?
No. Get out before the last bridge and do not drift on into Skaha Lake.
Does the float run all year?
No. It is a summer activity that depends on the weather, and operators publish their own season.