Did you know that we have over 15 designated beaches in the Kelowna and West Kelowna areas? That’s not counting the many small beach accesses that you find scattered throughout residential areas. There are over 30 beaches in the Central Okanagan. This adds up to a whole lot of variety when it comes to one of our favourite summer activities: beach lounging.

Photo: Contributed - (Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Kelowna)

Ever notice how different demographics are drawn to different beaches? Families seem to be drawn to Rotary Beach and Hot Sands Beach – probably in part due to the playgrounds, washroom facilities, and the excellent water park in City Park.

Teens and college students seem to like Gyro Beach on Lakeshore at Richter (and really, who doesn’t love that big red apple concession!). You’ll also find beach volleyball leagues there certain evenings.

Personally, I love the off-the-beaten track beaches. In West Kelowna there’s the beach at the Gellatly Nut Farm, a dog beach at Gellatly Bay nearby (at the mouth of Smith Creek), and perhaps the most “secret” of the area: Kalamoir Park.  This last one is a jewel because it incorporates nice private nooks for people to bring lawn chairs. (See this last link for road directions to Kalamoir Park.)

In the Knox Mountain area, many people love Paul's Tomb. This quieter bay is great since you have to work for it a little bit. The trail heading there is about 2.7 km long from the first lookout. The water at Paul's Tomb is usually crystal clear because the bottom is pebbly. It’s also popular for snorklers who can see a sunken statue of Ogopogo there.

Tugboat Bay in Waterfront Park is a sleeper too – you can’t see it from the road, so you have to know it’s there.  It seems generally quieter than other downtown beaches. This beach also has a volleyball net, concession, and washroom facilities. Not to mention a great vibe.

For those of us with canine companions, there’s a dog beach at CedarCreek Beach along Lakeshore Rd. This is a great spot for the pooches to cool off! And the added bonus here is that you can stop at St. Hubertus Winery just above the beach turn-off for a bottle of wine on the way home!

Kelowna has some marvelous beaches, there’s no question. With the weather we’ve had lately, our beaches have been the place to be. Hopefully this post will give you some ideas on beaches you might not have been to yet this year. If you have a favourite beach and would like to share it with us, please email me at info@kelownasjuicytips.com and I’ll be sure to post your comment on our Tourism Kelowna blog. Enjoy your beach time, and be sure to bring your sunscreen!