Beaches
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park
Kelowna
THINGS TO DO · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA
Grab a towel and head straight for the soft sand, quiet coves, and family-friendly swimming spots along Okanagan Lake.
31 beaches · Updated October 2026Beach guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Dan Nielsen · Sarsons Beach Park via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
The shoreline shifts from lively parks with expansive playgrounds to quiet, pebbly coves suited for a peaceful swim. Rotary Beach Park and Strathcona Beach Park draw families with young children, while Sarsons Beach Park stays largely under the radar. Most locations include public washrooms, picnic tables, and clear sightlines across the water.
- Beaches in this guide
- 31
- Swim Season
- Late May to September
- Water Quality
- Tested weekly in summer
- Lifeguards
- No (except Peachland)
01LOCAL PICKS
Most-loved beaches
The sand locals defend every July.
Beaches
Rotary Beach Park
Kelowna
Beaches
Sarsons Beach Park
Kelowna
Beaches
Strathcona Beach Park
Kelowna
Beaches
Antlers Beach Regional Park
Peachland
Beaches
Swim Bay
Peachland
Beaches
Willow Beach
West Kelowna
Beaches
Coral Beach Park
Lake Country
Beaches
Bluebird Beach Park - South Beach Access
Kelowna
Beaches
Beach Avenue Beach Access
Kelowna
Beaches
Pebble Beach
Lake Country
Beaches
Hot Sands Beach
Kelowna
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•ACROSS THE BRIDGE
On the Westside.
West Kelowna and Peachland beaches.
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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Sand, Sun, and Swimming Spots
Locals know exactly where to lay their towels across the Central Okanagan. Pinpoint the right public waterfront across the Westside, Peachland, and Lake Country.
The short answer
Start your morning at Rotary Beach Park to let the kids run through the soft sand and playground. If you prefer large shade trees and an accessible play area, Strathcona Beach Park sits right by the hospital. For a slower afternoon, locals slip down to Sarsons Beach Park in the Mission.
01For Everyone
Family Wading Areas
Pack up the kids and head straight to Rotary Beach Park in the Mission. You will find a sandy shoreline, a playground, seasonal watercraft rentals, and large grassy sections for laying out a picnic blanket. The site includes washrooms, change rooms, and a good-sized parking lot that fills up fast on sunny weekends.
Strathcona Beach Park sits right beside the general hospital and draws crowds with its accessible playground built on rubber surfacing. Mature trees cast heavy shade over the grass, and the water stays relatively calm. It runs a bit quieter than the main downtown waterfront, complete with a small pay parking lot and public washrooms.
Across the bridge, Willow Beach anchors the Gellatly area. This long stretch of sand includes a volleyball court, picnic tables, and a designated swimming zone. Ample parking and on-site washrooms make an afternoon trip straightforward. Dogs must stay off the sand but can walk on-leash along the adjacent paved path.
Local tips
- Arrive before 11 a.m. on summer weekends to claim a parking stall.
- Expect a mix of sand and pebbles along the water line; water shoes help sensitive feet.
- Pack your own snacks and drinks, since concession stands only operate at the busiest locations.
02For Pups
Off-Leash Dog Areas
Taking your dog for a swim requires a bit of planning, since most main sandy shorelines ban pets from the water. The region designates specific off-leash dog zones instead. Cedar Creek Park in the South Mission stands out as the most popular local option, giving dogs a long, pebbly stretch to run and swim freely.
Further north, Coral Beach North operates as a designated off-leash zone equipped with a single picnic table. If you want a full day trip, pack your gear and head to Cosens Bay Beach in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. The eastern end of this remote shoreline accepts pets. Getting there requires a boat ride or a three-kilometre hike.
Several other parks allow on-leash dogs on paved pathways and grass, just not in the swimming zones. You can walk your dog along the boardwalk at Waterfront Park, right past Tugboat Beach, and on the paved paths at Willow Beach. Always read the local signage, since municipal rules change depending on the season.
Local tips
- Bring fresh drinking water and a bowl for your dog on hot afternoons.
- Pack out everything you bring in, including all pet waste bags.
- Check your dog for ticks after walking through tall grass or natural brush.
03For Peace
Quiet Coves
To escape the heavy summer crowds, drive down to Sarsons Beach Park in the Lower Mission. Tucked at the very end of Sarsons Road, it retains a quiet neighbourhood feel. The grounds include a playground, picnic tables, and a shoreline mixing sand with small pebbles. Parking is free but spaces fill up early.
Up in Lake Country, the shoreline matches the name at Pebble Beach. This Okanagan Centre location marks out a designated swimming area complete with a wooden dock and a floating swim raft. Just down the road, Fourth Street Beach Access supplies another small public entry point with a raft and resting benches. Both spots stay much quieter than the main city parks.
Cosens Bay Beach on Kalamalka Lake feels completely remote. Accessible only by a three-kilometre trail or a boat drop-off, this wide sandy stretch gives you plenty of physical space to spread out. The site relies on basic pit toilets, so pack in all your food and supplies for the day. The hike in gives you a clear view across the provincial park grasslands.
Local tips
- Parking at these smaller access points is tight; consider cycling or walking if you stay nearby.
- These locations lack concession stands, so carry your own water and lunch.
- Check a map for specific access points, since many sit right between private residential homes.
04West Side
Westside & Peachland
The west side of Okanagan Lake carries its own distinct waterfront culture. Willow Beach serves as the main sandy destination along the Gellatly Bay corridor, drawing heavy crowds of sunbathers. If you want a quieter afternoon, Pebble Beach at the end of Whitworth Road lays out a coarse sand and stone shore complete with a volleyball court and picnic tables.
Tucked into a residential pocket, Casa Loma Beach acts as a small neighbourhood park with a grassy seating area and washrooms. The silty bottom deters some swimmers, but it works well as a launch point for paddleboards. You can look directly across the lake at the downtown skyline. Parking is free along the shoulder of the road.
Just south in Peachland, Antlers Beach Regional Park stretches out as a large, natural pebble shoreline right off Highway 97. It stays largely uncrowded and includes picnic tables alongside basic vault toilets. It makes an easy highway stop for a quick swim. Keep in mind that dogs must stay off the beach.
Local tips
- The Gellatly Bay waterfront connects several small parks and swimming areas via a paved walking path.
- Peachland's Swim Bay operates as the only lifeguarded freshwater swimming zone in the entire Okanagan.
- Many west side access points consist of coarse sand or pebbles, making water shoes highly recommended.
05North End
Lake Country Shorelines
Lake Country borders both Okanagan and Wood Lakes. Coral Beach Park acts as a community hub on Okanagan Lake, complete with a pebble shoreline, a boat launch, a tennis court, and public washrooms. It works well as an all-in-one location for a day out. Down the road, Gable Beach Park marks a simple shoreline access point with a couple of picnic tables and limited street parking.
To change up your routine, check out Oyama Station Beach on the narrow isthmus between Kalamalka and Wood Lakes. Facing the Wood Lake side, the water here runs a few degrees warmer than the larger lakes, drawing heavy crowds for swimming and paddleboarding. You can walk right off the sand to a nearby general store and the Okanagan Rail Trail.
Whiskey Cove Park out in the Carr's Landing area stays mostly quiet throughout the summer. It includes picnic tables, designated parking, and an accessible Mobi-Mat to help wheelchair users reach the water's edge. The calm conditions make it an easy launch point for a relaxed afternoon paddle or a slow swim.
Local tips
- Wood Lake runs shallower and warmer than Okanagan Lake, which helps when swimming with young kids.
- Parking stays very tight at most smaller Lake Country access points; plan to arrive early in the morning.
- The Okanagan Rail Trail runs parallel to several swimming spots, letting you easily hop off your bike for a dip.
06Golden Hour
Sunset Views
Watching the sun drop behind the mountains across Okanagan Lake remains a standard local evening routine. Tugboat Beach at Waterfront Park in the downtown core gives you a clear vantage point. This sandy cove stays sheltered from the wind as the city lights turn on. Once it gets dark, you can easily walk to nearby restaurants and cafes.
Down in the Mission, both Rotary Beach Park and Sarsons Beach Park face directly west. Sarsons usually draws a smaller crowd, letting you watch the sky reflect off the calm water in relative peace. The quiet atmosphere makes it a reliable choice for a low-key evening by the lake.
For a simple sunset walk, check out the small public access points along Abbott Street. Grab a bench at Abbott Park Beach or Beach Avenue Beach Access to watch the last light fade. These tiny parklets lack washrooms or amenities, but they give you a clear, unobstructed sightline straight across the water.
Local tips
- Bring a heavy sweater or a blanket, as the wind picks up quickly once the sun drops.
- The brightest sky colours usually appear 10 to 15 minutes after the sun dips below the horizon.
- Check the sunset time online and arrive at least 30 minutes early to claim a bench.
Boyce-Gyro Beach ParkRotary Beach ParkSarsons Beach ParkStrathcona Beach ParkAntlers Beach Regional ParkSwim BayWillow BeachCoral Beach ParkBluebird Beach Park - South Beach AccessBeach Avenue Beach AccessPebble BeachHot Sands BeachTugboat BeachCosens Bay BeachHobson Beach ParkRotary BeachGable Beach ParkWhiskey Cove Park & BeachCasa Loma BeachAbbott Park BeachOyama Station BeachFourth Street Beach AccessBeasley ParkBertram Creek Regional Park
•BOOK A LOCAL
Make a day of it.
Tours, rentals, shops and stays run by Kelowna locals, all bookable from their profiles.
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•THE FULL LIST
Search all 31.
Search by name, narrow by type or community, and sort by the most-reviewed or highest-rated. Every card opens a full profile.
See them on the map31 places
BeachesBoyce-Gyro Beach ParkBoyce-Gyro Beach Park is a lively, family-friendly Kelowna hotspot known for its wide sandy beach, shallow waters, playgrounds, and water sport rentals.★ 4.6 (2,253) · KelownaBeachesRotary Beach ParkRotary Beach Park in Kelowna's Lower Mission is a soft sandy beach known for family fun, swimming, and being a prime spot for kitesurfing and paddle sports.★ 4.6 (1,020) · KelownaBeachesSarsons Beach ParkSarsons Beach Park is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood gem in Kelowna's Lower Mission, offering a peaceful sandy beach, playground, and picnic spots.★ 4.5 (516) · KelownaBeachesStrathcona Beach ParkA tranquil, family-friendly beach park on Okanagan Lake, perfect for relaxed swims, picnics, and playground fun in a quiet residential setting.★ 4.6 (501) · KelownaBeachesAntlers Beach Regional ParkAntlers Beach Regional Park in Peachland offers a raw, uncrowded pebble beach with stunning lake views, ideal for a natural and peaceful lakeside experience.★ 4.6 (388) · PeachlandBeachesSwim BaySwim Bay in Peachland is the Okanagan's only lifeguarded freshwater swim area, packed with fun for all ages.★ 4.5 (233) · PeachlandBeachesWillow BeachWillow Beach in Westbank offers a local lakeside retreat, perfect for enjoying the serene waters and natural beauty of Okanagan Lake.★ 4.5 (145) · West KelownaBeachesCoral Beach ParkPark in Lake Country.★ 4.5 (138) · Lake CountryBeachesBluebird Beach Park - South Beach AccessBluebird Beach Park offers a serene lakefront escape in Kelowna, featuring a sandy beach, green spaces, and a tranquil setting for relaxation and water activities.★ 4.5 (123) · KelownaBeachesBeach Avenue Beach AccessDiscover Beach Avenue Beach Access, a serene sandy spot in Kelowna perfect for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying beautiful lake and mountain views.★ 4.5 (116) · KelownaBeachesPebble BeachBeach in Lake Country.★ 4.6 (113) · Lake CountryBeachesHot Sands BeachHot Sands Beach is Kelowna's vibrant downtown hub for sun, swimming, and family fun on Okanagan Lake.★ 4.6 (95) · Kelowna•STORIES
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•FAQ
Good to know
The swimming season in the Central Okanagan generally runs from late May through the end of September. The water hits its warmest temperatures during July and August. Outside of those core summer months, the lake stays extremely cold.
