Vernon Ammenities

Vernon is a little slice of paradise surrounded by lakes, golf courses and hike and bike paths and trails.

People who live in Vernon know how lucky they are to be surrounded by lakes. There are four main lakes in the area: Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Swan Lake and Wood Lake. A few minutes away is some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing Canada has to offer.

Within the greater Vernon area you'll find arts, culture, sports, nightlife, music, incredible restaurants, artisan foods, a bounty of agriculture and lots of celebrations. Pet a goat, build an ice sculpture, learn about bees, explore a farmers' market, swim, fish, kayak, BMX, explore our downtown, roam our parks, go dogsledding, discover our back country or relax at a spa.

There's so much to see and do in Vernon. Plan ahead or just come and explore. Don't worry if you don't get to see and do it all, you can always come back again!

Experience the rush of the wind in your hair and feel your adrenaline pump as you waterski or wakeboard on Kalamalka Lake. Experience bouncing across the surface on an inner tube or try knee boarding where you kneel on your heels as you're whisked across the lake.

For something a little more laid back, hop in one of our Paddle Boats and explore the various coves and inlets. For those who want to fish, you've come to the right place. Check out the large shoal area at the southern end of Kalamalka Lake. Cast deep and draw in a rainbow trout, kokanee or even a northern pike minnow or big carp.

Kalamalka Lake has some great beaches including Kal Beach and Pumphouse Beach which are next to each other off Husband Road, and Cosen Bay and Juniper Bay which are located in the heart of Kalamalka Park.

Jade Bay Beach

A 75 metre stretch of beach at the Jade Bay Provincial Park. At the top of the paved path from the Kalamalka Provincial Park parking lot, turn north and head down the gravel path. The walk is steep but shorter than getting to Juniper Beach. The shore has small rocks and there are picnic tables and an outhouse.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Picnic tables and pit toilets.

Boat Launch Beach

This beach is located at 8484 Kalavista Dr. On the south side of the boat launch is a small 5 metre section of beach which is frequented by folks with dogs and jet skiiers. While small, it is very shaded and is an off lease area. Jet skiiers use this beach to start their boating or for trade turns with friends. Boats are allowed in the area, however larger power boats then to approach the area at slower speeds. It is not really a swimmers beach, however in the morning it is a wonderful spot to visit and contemplate the day. There are lots of ducks that travel back and forth from the lagoon across the Kalavista Road.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: There is no parking in the immediate area since it would be dominated by vehicles with boat trailers. There is parking down the street.emporary toilets in the summer.

Cave Beach

At the end of Rattlesnake point in Kalamalka Provincial Park, there is a section of flat rocks which are great for hanging out, swimming, and watching boaters. While a couple kilometres from the parking lot, the walk is well worth it. Take the path to Pebble Beach (Dog Beach/Pet Beach), then Crest Trail. At the fork down to Pebble Beach, turn right and follow the path towards the end of the peninsula. If you find yourself at the top of a high lookout, backtrack and follow the path downward towards a wooden lookout. Over the fence, down a steep rocky embankment is the flat rocks which comprise this beach.
Beware of the cave and don't let the foolish attempt to crawl into it. The fallen rock at the entrance should be enough warning that the rock in the area is not stable.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: No sand. Rocks to sunbath on and deep water to snorkle. Observe people cliff jumping.

Cliff Beach

If you follow the signs from the Kalamalka Provincial Park parking lot to Pebble Beach (Dog Beach/Pet Beach) you be near to discovering one of the most exotic swimming locations near Vernon, BC. Turning right at the final "Pet Beach" sign and walking about 300 metres you'll come to a sign warning you about the dangerous of cliff jumping. Heed the warning sign (unless it has been stolen, which happens often) since dozens of young people have died over the years at this spot. The folly of youth combined with booze/pot and the necessity of having to jump outwards to avoid hitting rocks below means that the dangers are real. Just as hitting boats or people below is a real hazard.
The path down to this beach is very steep and extreme care should be taken in accessing this beach. Due to its remote location it is common to encounter people drinking beer and smoking pot. This is surprising since the steep path, rocks and other dangers in the area.
Dangers duely noted; the green waters and rocks offer a wonderful place to swim. Nestled in a small bay there are some flat rocky areas for sun tanning. The deep green waters have interesting rocks to explore. Watch for broken glass and pick up garbage that lazy types don't pack out.
Dogs Allowed: No

Cosens Bay Beach

Roughly 700 metres in length and 20 metres in width, Cosens Bay Beach is the second best beach in Vernon BC and one of the least known beaches due to poor access and promotion. Located in?Kalamalka Provincial Park?a couple kilometres from the nearest parking spots. The sand is a natural yellow with some round rocks in the water. Sometimes there are bears in the area but I've never heard of anyone being hurt by them. Other wild animals include deer (morning), mountain goats, ducks, geese etc.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Pit toilet on the south end of the beach. Bring lots of water to drink if walking since heat exposure can be an issue during summer time.

Jameson Beach

This is a narrow public access point with no sand. It's a good place to get into the lake and cool off.

Juniper Bay Beach

A 80 metre stretch of beach at the Jade Bay Provincial Park. Has natural yellow sand with some round rock in the water. Between this beach and Juniper Bay Beach, is a watered lawn with lots of marmots (friendly hedgehog like creatures). There are lots of picnic tables and therefore this is a great beach for a picnic and swim. The walk down to the beach is paved so wheelchair access is possible to the picnic area however the grade is fairly steep so use your judgement or bring a strong friend to push you back up.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Drinking water (in the Spring there are sometimes signs saying it is undrinkable) and pit toilets.

Kalamalka (Kal) Beach

Roughly 300 metres in length and 50 metres in width, Kal Beach is arguably the best and most well know beach in Vernon BC. Local service clubs have build a substantial warf which is enjoyed by many young people. Trees give shade to those who enjoy a break from the sun. A very large area is marked for swimming. The sand is yellow dusty and pebbly. This beach is one of the reasons people pay the big bucks for real estate in the Okanangan Valley.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: There is a family pub style restraunt at the east end of the beach with an adjacent cold liquor store. In the summer there is a concession stand. At the west side of the beach across the road is an excellent convenience store. In the summer a vendor will

Kalavista Beach

This beach is located at 8500 Kalavista Drive. It is a very narrow but well groomed park. Barely 15 feet wide, it does allow one or two families to have a private day at the beach. The neighbours have good fencing up to the water, so if you have children there is not very far that they can go.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: A bench and green grass.

Kaloya Beaches

Kaloya Regional Park Beach is the gem of Oyama BC. It's a large park on the end of a pennisula that juts out into Kalamalka lake. It is well maintained with large grassy areas for picnicing and a pavillion for large group picnics. The best beach for swimming is on the west side. There is not much sand however the grass is green and there is good shade. There is a beautiful lilly pad lagoon need the swimming area and sometimes you can see turtles there. The east side beach is for boaters which is good since the bottom is extremely mucky and not much for swimming. There are a couple rocky swimming spots on the north end of the park if you want more privacy and clearer water. There are lots of no-dogs signs in the park and lots of other places to bring your pooch.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Picnic Tables, flush toilets, watered grass, play park for kids, drinking water.

Kekuli Bay Beach

At Kekuli Bay Provincial Park there are a series of beaches to the south of the boat launch. A short walk down a trail just after crossing the train tracks will get you to the beach. The sand varies from a fine gravel to small stones. The water gets deep in a gradual manner so it is a good place for kids. The beach is well marked by bouys so the many boats going by are not a worry. There is lots of poison ivy in the area so remember the saying "Leaves of three, stay away from me."
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Washrooms at the Provincial Park. Playpark by parking lot.

Kirkland Beach

At the south end of Kalavista Drive turn off on Kirkland and you'll find a wonderful little park and beach. There is a childrens playground, green grass, large trees, and a 12 metre wide beach with nice sand. While small, it can accomidate about 10 families. It has bouys so boats can not come near. The neighbours have fences to the water so it is easy to supervise children. Just south of the beach about 30 metres is the main outlet for the Coldstream creek. While there are docks between the beach and the outlet it is possible to swim there and enjoy the currents.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Temporary toilets in the summer.

Lisheen Beach

Off the south end of Pondarosa Way you'll see a wooden stairway going down to a grassy area. There is no sand on the beach since the grass just meets the rocks and water. It is a good place for a picnic and dip in Kalamalka lake. The shade is not as good as other beaches so a morning visit is preferable. It is not clear where the public and private areas of the foreshore so don't go too far down the beach.
Dogs Allowed: No

Long Lake Beach

Long Lake Beach is located at 15000 Tamarack Drive near the former Lakeside Illahee Inn. Park in the public parking spots (don't block the driveway) and take the short walk down to the beach. There is good shade trees and a sand/rock beach. It is a wonderful place to stop by for a quick dip in the lake.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Temporary toilets in the summer.

Mint Beach

This narrow public access point has a lovely spot by the water where you could enjoy a good book and a swim. The neighbours have been good citizens and planted flowers and mint along the sides of the access point. The mint has grown along the beach except for a small spot where you can slip in for a cooling dip. While you might want to munch on a leaf or two, leave the mint for others to enjoy. Don't park on the public access point between the garage and the water hydrant, since this would block the neighbour's garage (these are likely the flower and mint planters so be extra kind to them).
Dogs Allowed: No

Pet Beach

This is the most popular dog beach on Kalamalka. On a warm Saturday there will be many dogs playing on the stony beach. The stones are small until you get a few feet into the water then they get bigger. If you want to swim comfortably with your pooch then bring shoes.
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Amenities: Bench.

Pioneer Park Beach

On the way to Kaloya Regional Park Beach in Oyama BC, to the left you'll find a rough little park with a small beach. There is a floating platform which swimmers can jump from and there is a small amount of sand real estate to park yourself on, but the lake bottom is a bit mucky.

Pump House Beach

This 30 metre stretch of beach is found off West Kal Road (13210 Westkal Road) just south of a water pumping station. Ttrees offer very good shade in the late afternoon heat. Pump house beach has some natural yellow sand however once in the water most of the bottom is round rocks. It is a pleasant place to swim or hang out.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: There are a couple parking spots here and there along the road. Expect to walk a couple blocks on a hot day.

Railway Beaches

A short walk down the railway tracks from a residential area will lead you to some of the best hidden swimming spots near Vernon. Aside from the occasional boat traffic the areas are quite private and some spots afford good spots for tanning. There is little sand although there are pockets of gravel to set up a towel (take two to avoid the discomfort of rocks). The water drops off very quickly so this is not a place for non-swimmers to visit. The water however is clean cool and large boulders under that water are cool to dive down to. Bring a garbage bag for your own mess but also pick up trash that idiots have left behind. A clean beach stays cleaner! Remember that most drownings in Canada are alcohol related; be careful climbing down to the beaches that you don't fall and break something. It is very difficult to get an ambulance to this location so be wise. Don't even consider having a campfire in the evening during the summer due to extreme fire hazards.
Dogs Allowed: No

Shady Beach

This beach is named for the large trees along the south side of this public access point. They provide nice shade when Okanagan weather is at its best (or worst if you don't like 30C+ weather). The small park is nicely landscaped with a gravel path down to the beach. There is no sand here and one must step down into the water. The bottom has small stone, but the water is generally clear and clean. The trees also provide some shade relief if the weather is in the high 30's or if you are sensitive to the sun.
Dogs Allowed: No

Sovereign Beach

Greater Vernon Services is upgrading this beach that, until now, was only known to locals. Just a short walk of Ormsby Drive (off Kidston Rd. just south of Kidston Elementary School). There is parking near Kidston Rd. but the walk is a little longer. The path down to the beach is on the south end of the property and while gravel, the slope is managable, with a little help, by wheelchair. There is a sloping path that switchbacks down to a large flat beach area. There is a 20 metre area that has a gravel beach which slopes nicely into the water. The water is clearer than at the north end of the lake (ie Kal Beach). The south end of the beach is clearly marked, however, it is unclear where the north end of the beach is.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: full washrooms. Showers. Drinking water. Bocci/horse shoes. Sand volleyball court. Picnic.

Westkal Road Boatlaunch

Boat launch on Westkal Road. Small dock. Good place for a dog to get wet. Remember its an active boat launch and boats get priority.
Dogs Allowed: Yes

General Store Beach

This natural beach has wonderful sand and the water is usually 3-4 degrees warmer than Kalamalka lake. Wood lake is popular with water skiiers and the beaches are used as launching points. The water is clear and clean. Wood lake does not get a lot of attention in the Okanagan Valley since it is a fairly plain looking lake. On its north end, however, are some of the best places to spend an afternoon at the beach.
Dogs Allowed: No
Amenities: Fine gravel sand. Warm water. General store across the street.