6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Penticton, CAN

Discover the beauty of British Columbia as you glide across its tranquil waters.

Penticton, nestled between two stunning lakes, offers some of the best places to paddle board in this charming Canadian city.

Join us as we explore the best spots for a memorable paddleboarding adventure in Penticton. Are you ready?

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Planning Your Paddle in Penticton

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 15 °C from May through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 31 °C, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: Transport Canada counts a paddleboard as a human-powered vessel once you use it to take a trip or a crossing. A Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD of the right size is then required by law for every person, along with a sound-signalling device. No operator card is needed as long as there is no motor.

Where to Paddle Board in Penticton

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Okanagan Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Skaha Beach, Sudbury Beach, Okanagan Lake Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy in the afternoon
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Rainbow trout, kokanee, western grebes
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Penticton waterfront, mountain backdrop, KVR Trestle
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, abide by local regulations

Okanagan Lake, a massive freshwater body, is a favorite spot for paddleboarding in Penticton.

The calm waters and stunning views make it an ideal location for paddlers of all skill levels. Be sure to visit the various access points for new scenery and adventure.

#2 Skaha Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Skaha Lake Park, Christie Memorial Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, wind may pick up in the afternoon
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Rainbow trout, kokanee, waterfowl
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Skaha Bluffs, picturesque shoreline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, respect local rules, watch for water-skiers and other watercraft

Skaha Lake, located on the south end of Penticton, boasts scenic views and calm waters perfect for paddleboarding.

Explore the nearby Skaha Bluffs for an added sense of adventure and enjoy the tranquility as you paddle along the shoreline.

#3 Penticton Channel

🏖️ Location Type: Channel
📍 Access Point: Channel Parkway and Green Mountain Road (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle current, can be windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Geese, ducks, turtles
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Park-like setting, walking paths
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for people tubing, caution in windy conditions, use personal flotation devices

Penticton Channel connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake and offers paddlers a leisurely, scenic waterway to explore.

You may encounter people floating lazily on tubes while enjoying a day on the water. Remember to be cautious and share the channel with other water enthusiasts.

#4 Chute Lake

Kiwibirdman, Forest Fire Damage At Chute lake – panoramio, Scaling by stand-up-paddling.org, CC BY 3.0

🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Chute Lake Road (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, colder water
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Rainbow trout, waterfowls
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Kettle Valley Railway trestles, forested surroundings
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Keep an eye on weather conditions, respect local rules, be prepared for colder water temperature

Located a short drive from Penticton, Chute Lake offers a serene mountain lake paddleboarding experience.

The lake is surrounded by dense forests and has a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities to spot trout and waterfowls in this quiet haven.

#5 Vaseux Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Vaseux Lake Provincial Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, may be windy in the afternoon
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Waterfowl, lahontan cutthroat trout
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Forested shoreline, mountain backdrop
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, follow posted guidelines regarding bird nesting sites

Located south of Penticton, Vaseux Lake is a hidden gem perfect for peaceful paddleboarding.

The calm waters and scenic surroundings provide a fantastic escape from the city. Pay attention to posted wildlife protection guidelines, as some areas are home to nesting waterfowl.

#6 McIntyre Dam

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Penticton Indian Band (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, glass-like waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Various bird species, waterfowls
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Unique dam setting, picturesque scenery
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules and regulations, be cautious of water levels and safety conditions

McIntyre Dam, managed by the Penticton Indian Band, provides a unique paddleboarding experience with its calm, glassy waters and picturesque surroundings.

While enjoying the serenity of this lesser-known spot, be respectful of local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Penticton sits between two lakes, which is a rare luxury even in the Okanagan. Vancouver and Victoria are the coastal alternatives, Edmonton the prairie one.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case