Beating the heat in the South Okanagan

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer - Penticton Correspondent

The Okanagan River Channel is a popular destination

With temperatures expected to stay on the warm side for much of this week, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat in Penticton.

The Okanagan River Channel was one of the most popular destinations over the long weekend and on Tuesday, according to Tourism Penticton.

"Floating the channel is pretty iconic Penticton. When the heat really hit, people were coming in and asking about the channel," said Marsha Morrish, team leader with Tourism Penticton.

Coyote Cruises, offering tube rentals down the channel and and bus service back, has been in business for  several years.

The business, solely owned and operated by the Penticton Indian Band, opened on National Aboriginal Day, June 21, and will stay open until early September, weather permitting.It will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..

This year the bus will pick floaters up from the end of the channel, as well as from the middle.

There is little shade on the channel, so floaters are advised to slather on the sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.

Other ways to stay cool are afternoon cruises on the Casabella Princess on Okanagan Lake, a guided wine tour in an air conditioned van and renting stand up paddle boards in Naramata.

There are also kayak, jet ski and other watercraft rentals on both Okanagan and Skaha Lakes.

On the more affordable side, there is always sitting on an outdoor patio sipping a cool beverage or  finding shade under a tree in a local park.

Play it safe and stay hydrated.

Send us your photos showing how you stay cool in the heat to [email protected].