Vernon Lakes

Bolean Lake

Bolean Lake can be reached by travelling north on Hwy #97 from the city of Vernon. Bolean provides a good Rainbow fishery for trout up to 2-1/2 lbs. Situated near the top of a plateau in the Spa Hills, Bolean is surrounded by gently rolling hills forested in Balsam fir and Englemann spruce. Cutblocks can be seen on the west and southeast sides.

Kalamalka Lake - "The Lake of Many Colours"

Kalamalka Lake, named by National Geographic as one of the 10 most beautiful lakes in the world, is one of a handful of unique body of water known as "marl lakes". When the lake warms in the summer, calcium carbonate (or limestone), forms crystals that reflect sunlight and create the vivid blue and green colors. Temperature changes in the fall and the spring sometimes create ribbons of deep blue color in the lake. Kalamlaka Lake Provincial Park features hiking, swimming, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Lying along Highway 97, between Vernon and Oyama, this lake's beautiful colors attract swimmers, waterskiers and sunbathers to the naturally sheltered coves and warm rocks at Kalamalka Provincial Park.

Keefer Lake

Beautiful Keefer Lake is located in the specatular Monashee Mountains, approximately 84 km east of Vernon on Highway 6, then 14 km north on good gravel road.

Mabel Lake

Mabel Lake can be accessed from Enderby as well as Lumby. If accessing through Enderby, off Highway 97 in the northern portion of Okanagan Similkameen, Mabel Lake is popular with boaters, canoeists and anglers. From Enderby turn east (right) and follow the road about 37 km (23 mi) to King Fisher on Mabel Lake. Another route to the lake is from Vernon east to Lumby and then, from Lumby travel northeast to Shuswap Falls. At Shuswap Falls, turn north and follow the road to Mabel. This way will give you access to the east side of the lake, and its beautiful Provincial Park. Mabel is a large lake that provides a very good fishery for Rainbow, Dolly Varden, Lake trout, Kokanee and Whitefish. Fish tend to be very large with Rainbows reaching up to 8 lbs or better, and Lake trout that have been caught up to 18 lbs, Dollies will reach up to 12 lbs, while Kokanee average 1 to 2 lbs.

Okanagan Lake

This lake is the largest in the region, running 120 km from Vernon to Penticton, and featuring a range of activities from parasailing to windsurfing, houseboating and fishing. Aboard a variety of rented rivercraft visitors can float 6 km on the channel that connects this lake with Skaha Lake. The lake has a surface area of 86,000 acres, averaging 250 feet in depth and reaching a maximum depth of 800 feet. The water residence or renewal time is calculated to be 60 years.

Okanagan Lake is home to British Columbia's most infamous and elusive water creature, Ogopogo, which supposedly lives on the bottom on the lake. Ogopogo dates back to the First Nations people arriving in this area. This snake like creature has been around for hundreds of years, and the sightings still continue. Ogopogo has become part of BC folklore and is a protected species under the provincial wildlife act.

Sugar Lake

Turn north at Cherryville on the road to Brenda Falls, and travel for about 17 km (10.5 mi) to the south end of Sugar Lake. Stocked yearly with 10,000 Gerrard Rainbows, Sugar is reporting good catches of Rainbows up to 5 lbs Dolly Varden have been caught up to 12 lbs.

Swan Lake

This large, shallow lake at the North end of Vernon is an ideal habitat for waterfowl nesting, breeding and migration. Be sure to take your binoculars along, to better watch the many ducks, shorebirds. Osprey and Herons, from the public access at Meadowlark Road.

Vernon Beaches

Cosens Bay and Juniper Bay

Located within Kalamalka Provincial Park, you will find many pathways that lead to the two bays with sandy beaches, as well as other areas where you can access the water. The park and water is clean and attractive, great for swimming or hiking. Follow the signs and you will even find a "pet-beach" for your four legged friends.

Ellison Park

Located on Okanagan Lake at the end of Okanagan Landing Road. Trails allow you to explore the forests. Enjoy the beautiful pink sand beaches and clean waters for swimming. Picnic areas and camping areas are located within the park.

Kalamalka Beach

Kalamalka beach is located on the north shore of Kalamalka Lake. The site offers a long pier, change rooms, rest rooms and several beach volleyball courts. During the summer months you can enjoy the concession stand as well as kayak and boat rentals right on the beach. Parking is accessible via Husband Road.

Kekuli Bay

Kekuli Bay is situated on a beautiful bay on the west side of Kalamalka Lake, near Vernon. A boat launch as well as trailer parking are available. A newly developed campground has been added to the park, however, there is no shade in the campground.

Kin Beach

Kin beach is located on the eastern shore of the Vernon arm of Okanagan Lake. The site offers a grassed area with a new jungle jim for the kids, several picnic areas with barbecues pits and a large picnic shelter. The sandy beach leads into the shallow swimming area. Change rooms and rest rooms on site as well as boat rentals. Parking is available along Tronson Road, adjacent to the park.

Paddlewheel Park

Paddlewheel Park is located between Okanagan Landing Road and Okanagan Lake on the eastern shore of the Vernon arm. On site you will find a sandy beach, grassed areas, a playground, basketball court, beach volleyball courts and tennis courts. A boat launch as well as trailer parking is available.

Pumphouse Beach

A small sandy beach located off WestKal Road. This beach is located within walking distance from Kalamalka Beach, as well as the Kal General Store. The sandy beach leads into rocky, shallow waters.