Skaha Lake at a glance
Skaha Lake lies south of downtown Penticton. The main beach, Skaha Beach, is in Skaha Lake Park on Skaha Lake Road. It has sand, a promenade, play areas and sports facilities. Sudbury Beach is the next beach to the west. Further south the lake reaches Okanagan Falls. East of the lake lies Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.
Combine the lake with the Okanagan Beach on the north side, or add a walk from the hiking page.
Our pick: water bike at Skaha Lake
A short way onto the lake from the marina, with a life jacket and a safety briefing included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Skaha Lake and Penticton tours
Lake days, bike tours, wine visits and day trips from Penticton, with live prices and availability.
Skaha Lake Beach and Sudbury Beach
The easy part of the lake.
Skaha Beach
This is the main beach in Skaha Lake Park, with a sandy shore and a promenade. The city sometimes places seasonal aids for access on the beach. They are not a year-round service, so do not plan around them.
Sudbury Beach
Sudbury Beach lies west of Skaha Beach.
Water quality
In summer the city tests the water at Okanagan Beach, Skaha Beach and the River Channel every week. Follow advisory signs on the beach, and do not swim for 24 hours after heavy rain.
Boat launch fees
From 1 May, trailer parking is CA$5.10 for up to 5 hours and CA$10.20 for a longer day. This is separate from car parking at the beach.
Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park
The park lies south of Penticton, east of the lake, and you reach it from Lakeside Road and Smythe Road. It has hiking and rock climbing. Climbing is allowed in the northern part only. In the southern Gillies Creek area it is not allowed.
- Gate and hours: The access gate is usually closed from mid-November to mid-March, and the park is closed overnight.
- Parking: No overnight parking and no parking on the single-lane access road. Overflow parking is lower down on Smythe Road.
- Rules: Keep dogs on a leash. Camping and campfires are not allowed, and there is no drinking water.
- Safety: Some approaches to the climbs are steep and exposed. Climbing needs experience and proper gear. Keep your distance from bighorn sheep.
- Day-use pass: The park is not on the 2026 list of BC parks that require a day-use pass. That does not guarantee a parking space.
The hiking page covers other trails with lake views.
Okanagan Falls and the south end
Okanagan Falls is about 19 km south of Penticton, roughly 15 minutes by car. Kenyon Park and Kenyon Beach at the south end of the lake are the beach destination there. Do not count on the old railway bed as a continuous bike link from Penticton to Okanagan Falls: the southern Kettle Valley section is not reliably open. See the Kettle Valley Rail Trail page before you plan a ride.
Near Okanagan Falls, the sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park on Green Lake Road is run by the Osoyoos Indian Band. Public camping there is closed on the third weekend of September for the Salmon Feast. Visiting the celebration and camping are different things, so check the rules before you go.
Skaha Lake compared with Okanagan Lake
Two lakes, two moods.
| Question | Skaha Lake | Okanagan Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Main beach | Skaha Beach and Sudbury Beach | Okanagan Beach, almost 1 km of sand |
| Next to the beach | Promenade, play and sports areas | Lakeshore Drive, toilets, shade trees |
| Nearby | Skaha Bluffs, Okanagan Falls | Downtown, SS Sicamous, gardens |
| Parking | Boat trailer fees from 1 May | Free at the beach, paid downtown |
For most visitors, use Okanagan Beach for a short stop in town and Skaha Beach for a full beach afternoon.
Skaha Lake: frequently asked questions
Which is the main beach on Skaha Lake?
Skaha Beach in Skaha Lake Park is the main beach, with sand, a promenade and play and sports areas. Sudbury Beach is west of it.
Can I climb at Skaha Bluffs?
Yes, in the northern part of the park. Climbing is not allowed in the southern Gillies Creek area. Climbers need experience and gear, because some approaches are steep.
Is Skaha Bluffs open in winter?
The access gate is usually closed from mid-November to mid-March. Check the gate before you drive up.
Can I camp at Skaha Bluffs?
No. Camping and campfires are not allowed, and there is no overnight parking.
How far is Okanagan Falls from Penticton?
About 19 km, or roughly 15 minutes by car.