Beaches in Vernon, BC
Ellison Provincial Park, Vernon, BC
About Vernon, BC
Vernon, BC is a small city of around 60,000 inhabitants that is part of the Okanagan Valley region in British Columbia, Canada. Vernon is a tourist hub due to its plethora of fun summer and winter activities. In the summertime, the population of this town swells with people looking to enjoy some fun at the beach or go hiking on one of the many trails and take in views of the valley. Aside from the beaches and hiking people also visit the Okanagan Valley for its desert climate and sunny weather that in turn allows for some of the best winemaking and fruit-producing in Canada and even the world.
There are many activities in Vernon, but what really drives the economy of this Canadian town is its lakes and beaches and with over 50 in the Okanagan Valley, it’s no wonder millions of people make this their vacation destination each year. But when it comes to the city of Vernon there are three main lakes to consider and those are Swan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and Okanagan Lake.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake though fair in size doesn’t have any beaches and is not typically the type of lake you would want to swim in. That being said Swan Lake is great for fishing and provides unique wildlife habitat for some of the Okanagan Valley’s native animals. There is a hiking trail called the Swan Lake Nature Reserve Loop where you can see an abundance of wildlife that thrive in this wetland and find protection in the 6-7 feet high grasses that are truly reminiscent of the African savannah.
About Kalamalka Lake
Kalamalka Lake is a gorgeous body of water that blows visitors away with its extraordinary color palette that changes throughout the seasons. Kalamalka is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and attracts many tourists from near and far who come to marvel at its exquisite beauty. Aside from playing in the lake’s warm waters it also has an incredible desert ecosystem that surrounds it and at places like Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, you can find unique Okanagan Valley wildlife. With its blue warm waters and abundance of beaches and hiking trails, Kalamalka Lake is a must-see attraction for anybody planning a trip to the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.
Okanagan Lake
Okanagan Lake is a massive body of water leftover from the last ice-age when an even larger lake once filled the entire valley. The lake stretches for a length of 135 km (84 mi) and is 232 m (761 ft) deep. For many thousands of years, Okanagan Lake has been the hub of the region and has connected tribal settlements of first nations people. Nowadays a bridge in Kelowna allows people to cross the lake where they once had to take ferries to get across and connects the North Okanagan and the South Okanagan. Aside from stats and history, Okanagan Lake is packed full of fun activities and has a ton of gorgeous beaches to play on. A multitude of beach resorts, golf courses, wineries, and vineyards all line its scenic shores making it a prime holiday getaway.
Map of Vernon, BC
Kalamalka Lake Beaches
Sovereign Park
Sovereign Park in the Coldstream area of Vernon is great for picnics, sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, or SUP paddleboarding. The park provides beachgoers with several picturesque white sand coves and features a large open grassy area with picnic tables, horseshoe pits, bocce ball, volleyball courts, modern washroom facilities, and outdoor showers.
Kal Beach
Kal Beach, Vernon, BC
Kal Beach is approximately 300-meters long and contains nice soft white sand, it has large poplar trees that provide shade for beachgoers. There are picnic tables within the park as well as convenient washroom facilities, a large parking lot, a beach volleyball court, and a concession stand that serves food and drinks. The Rotary Pier provides visitors with a place to do some fishing, swimming, or just some good old relaxing in the warm summer sun.
Kirkland Beach Park
This beach is rather small in size and has a sandbar that is not the greatest place for swimming on account of all the birds that congregate here. With that being said it is a great place to bring the kids to feed the ducks, or do some bird watching. The park has a playground which makes it a great place to come for the day and enjoy a family picnic at the lake.
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park, Vernon, BC
Kekuli Bay has several beaches that feature lovely crystal clear blue water. The park also connects to the Okanagan Rail Trail where there are many secluded beaches and coves. Kekuli’s beaches also provide the perfect spot to launch your kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, and in the midst of the summer, there is a small rental kiosk where you can get these items.
Pumphouse Beach
This beach is fair-sized and mostly sandy with very clear water which makes it the perfect place to go swimming. The beach has no amenities but is just a short walk to the Kalamalka General Store and Kalavida Surf Shop where you can rent bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, and other water toys.
Jade Bay Beach
Jade Bay, Vernon, BC
Jade Bay Beach is a short 5-minute hike through the woods and down to a gorgeous sandy bay. It has several picnic tables and an outhouse making it the ideal beach for family picnics. As with most of Kalamalka, the water is clear and great for an afternoon swim. This beach is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Cosens Bay
Cosens Bay, Vernon, BC
Cosens Bay is probably the most beautiful beach in the Okanagan Valley and seems to glow with vibrant emerald colors in the warm summer months. It is a long sandy beach that can only be reached via hiking trails or by boat. It is located within the very popular Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.
Juniper Bay Beach
This beach is a short 10-minute drive from the city of Vernon but it is much less crowded than the more popular beaches like Kal Beach. Juniper Bay Beach is within Kalamalka Lake Provincial Par and is a great place for a family picnic, with its beautiful sandy beach, public toilets, grassy areas, as well as stunning lake and mountain views.
Kalavista Beach
Kalavista Beach, Vernon, BC
Kalavista Beach is a small section of park that has been set aside for public use. It is located along Kalamalka Road just a short drive from Vernon’s most popular attraction Kal Beach. It is a great place for a romantic picnic or to watch one of the gorgeous Okanagan sunsets overlooking the lake.
Okanagan Lake Beaches
Lakeshore Park and Beach
Lakeshore Park and Beach, Vernon, BC
Lakeshore Park and Beach is a new addition to an already long list of beautiful beaches in Vernon. It is situated at the head of scenic Okanagan Lake. The park features a brand new playground, picnic tables, gardens, and a nice white sand beach with gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake, BC.
Foster Road Beach
Foster Road Beach is a small swimming area with several little private coves that are perfect for a family picnic. The Beach is also a great place to launch a kayak or paddleboard and cruise around the bays of Okanagan Lake or to popular Kin Beach.
Whitepoint Beach
Whitepoint Beach itself has very few amenities, aside from a picnic table, and a garbage can. This public park also has two small beaches as well as a rocky cove that is great for cooling off in the warm Okanagan Lake water. Whitepoint Beach has scenic views looking across the lake looking towards Westside.
Hurlburt Park
Hurlburt Park, Vernon, BC
The Okanagan Valley is full of gorgeous beaches but Hurlburt is something special and features unique red sand, clear water, a dock for jumping in, picnic tables, and public washrooms.
Kennedy Lane Beach
Kennedy Lane Beach is a tiny lake access point that has no amenities aside from a single picnic table but does provide sensational views of the lake and the mountains that surround it and provides a quiet and tranquil place for a lovely picnic.
Kin Beach
Kin Beach, Vernon, BC
Kin Beach is a long stretch of white sand, and features a big playground for the kids, washroom facilities, gazebos for large family gatherings, bbq fire pits, picnic tables, and benches. The area around the beach has a campground called Sandy Beach Campground as well as a concession with ice cream and food.
Ellison Provincial Park
Ellison Provincial Park, Vernon, BC
Ellison Provincial Park boasts sheltered coves of clear jade colored waters, along with gorgeous red sand beaches that are unmatched in their unique beauty. There are many hiking trails throughout the park that take you precariously along the edges of high cliffs that overlook the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Red Sand Beach
Red Sand Beach is a small beach situated on Cameron Point. It features a quiet and picturesque place to relax or have a family picnic under the large weeping willows. Red Sand Beach has unique red sand granules that are easy on the feet and help to filter the water making it crystal clear and a great spot for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Where to Stay in Vernon, BC
More Okanagan Valley Beaches
