Photo: David Skelhon

Kalamalka Lake did not make the top 10 list of boating destinations by the BC Boating Association. In fact, no Okanagan lakes did.

The BC Boating Association wants people to vote on the best boating destinations in the province – but its list of top 10 contenders is missing a few obvious choices. Like every lake in the Okanagan.

During the next three weeks, British Columbians will have the opportunity to vote for their favourites as top boating destinations for summer 2018.

While the shortlist highlights some wonderful bodies of water, locals may be left scratching their heads at the Okanagan's absence.

The only lake listed that's close to the valley is Shuswap Lake, a popular houseboat destination near Salmon Arm.

The emerald green waters of Kalamalka Lake in the North Okanagan failed to make the list, even though several years ago it was named one of the most beautiful in the world by National Geographic. Okanagan Lake also failed to make the list, as did Skaha Lake and Osoyoos Lake, one of the warmest in Canada.

The BC Boating Association says its members were canvassed to choose the preliminary list. You can vote for your favourite from this list on the Association’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

• Bowron Lakes
• Harrison Lake
• Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)
• Kicking Horse River
• Kootenay Lake
• Montague Harbour (Galiano Island)
• Saysutshun Newcastle Island
• Plumper Cove (Keats Island)
• Princess Louisa Inlet
• Shuswap Lake

“In 2017, we launched our first challenge of this kind, and it received overwhelming interest,” said Don Prittie, association president. “We know that boaters are enthusiastic and passionate, so the tremendous response we received was not a surprise."