Being only one of two cities in the world located between two lakes, the beaches in Penticton, British Columbia are some of the best. This charming place in the Okanagan Valley is a great place to spend your summer vacation. With tons of outdoor activities, wine and brewery tours, and great scenery, you will never want to leave.
Penticton beaches are scattered throughout and around the city, mostly along Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake – the two lakes on either side. Both lakes provide countless ways to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy the hot summers that the Okanagan experiences.
You may have also heard of the legendary nx̌ax̌aitkʷ or as some know him, Ogopogo, Canada’s version of the Loch Ness Monster. His name translates to “sacred being in the water“ and he is said to inhabit Okanagan Lake. Don’t let the rumor scare you though, he is supposedly friendly and rarely ever seen!
If anything, just know that even a sea monster loves this Penticton beach enough to call it home.
Most Popular Penticton Beach
Skaha Lake Beach
Skaha Lake Beach is one of the best beaches in Penticton and has frequently appeared on the top 10 beaches of Canada lists. Located on the north end of the city, the 21-acre park behind the beach has lots of shady, grassy spots to set up for the day.
If you would rather lounge in the golden sand, there is a long stretch of sand that makes up the beach. Set up your beach tent and take advantage of the soft sand.
To spend some time on the water, you can head over to the boat rental shop for options galore. They offer luxury boats, pontoon boats, wave runners, paddleboards, kayaks, and everything else needed for a lake adventure.
The beach area has many family-friendly activities to keep you busy as well. With refreshing, shallow waters, Lake Skaha is the perfect place to play or cool off from the Okanagan sun.
Walk along the path and you will find a small waterpark, natural playground, and Tickleberry’s ice cream stand that offers snacks and refreshments.
Best Beaches In Penticton for Families
Okanagan Lake Beach
Okanagan Lake Beach is known for being a close runner-up on the list of Penticton beaches. Located on the north end of Penticton, the water is the perfect temperature and the soft sand has many areas to lay down your beach blanket.
There is a promenade that leads to many restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also enjoy a series of art installations as you stroll.
If the beach just isn’t cutting it for your kids, there are a few options close to this Penticton beach. The Wibit Water Park is a giant inflatable, trampoline-filled waterpark and a great time for all ages. Another fun place nearby that has go-karts, bumper boats, rock climbing, and rope courses is The Loco Landing Adventure Park.
Sudbury Beach
Another one on the shore of Lake Skaha is Sudbury Beach, just west of Skaha Beach. It is a quieter option but still offers the same picturesque views and amazing lake access.
The beach is spacious and there are washrooms, concessions, and stand-up paddleboard rentals along the walkway. Kids can take advantage of the sandy shore with their sandcastle kits.
Sudbury Beach is a popular spot for windsurfers and kite boarders, and you will see many of them soaring above the lake.
Rotary Park
This little Penticton Beach is known for the giant peach along the boardwalk and the special events throughout the summer. It’s a great spot to launch off your boats or paddle boards.
There’s a special little dog beach close by just for your furry friend. You can use a dog lease stake if you want to keep your dog close by as you relax.
Across the street, you’ll find Gyro Park which is famous for its summer vibes filled with music, performers, and outdoor festivals. Between the many activities you’ll find at these parks, the day will fly by for you and your family.
Beaches In Penticton Away From Crowds
Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park
If you’re looking for one of the quieter beaches in Penticton, you will find Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park just 10 minutes from downtown. This family-friendly beach is a favorite among locals for the ample parking, bathrooms, playgrounds, and beautiful scenery.
Located on the west shore of Okanagan Lake, the sandy beach offers over 100 picnic sites, a concession, and water sports rentals. There is even a separate dog beach just a little way down for your pup to cool off at!
Marina Bay Beach
This little gem is one of the lesser-known beaches in Penticton, but that makes it even better. Rarely ever crowded, Marina Bay Beach is a great spot to spend a day relaxing and splashing around the lake. The beach is smaller than some of the others but it is a local’s secret for a reason so don’t skip it!
There is limited parking but unless there’s an event going on, you should be ok to find a spot. The waterfront walkway runs alongside Okanagan Lake and leads to Marina Bay Park and the Penticton Japanese Gardens.
Clothing Optional Penticton Beach
Three Mile Beach
If it’s too hot to even wear a bathing suit, the secluded Three Mile Beach is the perfect Penticton beach for you.
Just 11 minutes from Okanagan Lake Beach, it sits on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. Three Mile is a well-kept, sandy spot with crystal-clear water where you can be free as you want within nature. Be sure to put on sunscreen to stay safe from the blazing Canadian sun though.
Three Mile beach is dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and also boat-friendly, but make sure to get there early because the parking lot fills up fast.
Where To Stay In Penticton
The beautiful city of Penticton is an excellent destination for tourists and boasts a diverse range of accommodations that cater to every budget.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations In Penticton
Campgrounds
The price of camping is always the best when it comes to staying overnight anywhere. Banbury Green RV Park and Campground, Camp-Along Tent & Trailer Resort, and South Beach Gardens Campground are some of our favorites in the area.
These campgrounds are close to the beaches in Penticton, allowing you to soak in the great mountain air and the price really can’t be beaten! Book early though, as this summer destination is a hot spot for camping, and sites fill up quickly.
HI- Penticton Hostel
This is a great hostel for travelers offering private room options, a full kitchen, and a common lounge to mingle with others. The staff is friendly, the accommodations are clean, and best of all, it is close to many of the Penticton beaches on our list! You can learn more about the HI-Penticton Hostel here.
Mid-Range Accommodations In Penticton
The Ramada by Wyndham Penticton
The Ramada by Wyndham Penticton is an updated hotel featuring a year-round outdoor hot tub (This is a big deal, especially for those Canadian winters!). The hotel offers many different room options, a fitness center, a pool and it is also pet friendly. Since it’s within walking distance from both Marina Way Beach and Okanagan Lake Beach, you won’t have to worry about parking!
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Penticton
Right in the heart of the city, you will find the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot. This hotel is clean and modern with exceptional staff. Breakfast is included which is always a nice treat for families on a budget and this hotel is also pet-friendly. The closest beach is also Okanagan Lake Beach, just 1.1 km away.
High-End Accommodations In Penticton
Penticton Lakeside Resort
With lake views, a great location, and much more, this Penticton Lakeside Resort is a great place to treat yourself. It is close to the beaches in Penticton, has a ton of wellness activities, and offers more services than you could ever need.
The amenities are world-class, and the resort features a private marina that offers boating, water-skiing, para-sailing, and paddle boarding. Guests also have access to their very own private beach, fitness classes, a juice bar, and even wellness coaching. The on-site restaurants and bars will be all you need for a night out, without ever having to leave the hotel.
Summerland Waterfront Resort
Nestled on the south shore of Lake Okanagan, you will find the wonderfully bougie Summerland Waterfront Resort. This hotel is not in Penticton, but we had to include it on our list because it’s a fantastic option with many raving reviews. It is just 5 minutes away from Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park and just 15 minutes from Penticton.
This resort is so charming, with its beautiful rooms, and stunning views. The staff will even light a fire outside so you sip wine by the firepit underneath the stars. If you are longing for some relaxation after playing too hard at the beach, you can enjoy the many spa services that are offered.
Enjoying The Beaches In Penticton
After spending time at these Penticton beaches, you’ll understand why BC’s slogan is “Beautiful British Columbia”. The postcard-perfect scenery and breathtaking views everywhere you look will have you truly appreciating life.
Whether you’re looking for festivals, watersports, or a good old-fashioned day at the beach, you are sure to find it at one of the top beaches in Penticton.
