Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is a large freshwater lake in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Canada, stretching north-south through a populated fruit-growing and wine-producing region. It is one of the main geographic features of the valley and supports boating, swimming and waterfront recreation.

Shoreline towns and cities include Kelowna on the east-central shore and Penticton at the southern end; multiple marinas, parks and beaches provide public access. The lake is used for water-based recreation, tourism and as a scenic backbone to the valley’s vineyards and orchards.

The basin and lake were formed by glacial action and have been inhabited and used for centuries by the local Syilx/Okanagan peoples; European settlement and agricultural development expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries. The lake remains a focal point for regional transport and recreation.

Geographically the lake lies in south-central British Columbia. Kelowna is the largest city on its shores and serves as the primary access point for visitors.

• Size and depth: The lake is about 135 kilometres long and reaches deep water, with a maximum depth commonly cited at around 232 metres.
• Regional importance: Okanagan Lake is central to the Okanagan Valley's wine industry and is bordered by multiple urban centres and recreational beaches along its shores.

What to See #

• Kelowna: Kelowna sits on the lake's east shore and is the largest urban centre on the lake, offering marinas, beaches and waterfront parks.
• Penticton: Penticton occupies the southern end of the lake and marks the transition to the Okanagan River and numerous nearby wineries and recreation areas.
• Vernon and Peachland: Vernon and Peachland are among the towns on the north and central shores that provide access points, marinas and lakeside trails.