When it comes to water-based excursions, the British Columbia city of Kelowna has everything you need. The expansive Okanagan Lake – stretching 135 kilometres from north to south – is surrounded by mountains and fertile orchards and vineyards, making this the ideal tourist retreat.
The natural experience is further enhanced by the access to many modern amenities found within this innovative city, from fine dining and wineries serving locally-produced vintages, to museums, galleries and theatres, there’s something for everyone.
Boating Options in Kelowna
But, before we carried away with the many wonders of Kelowna, let’s hone in on the memory-making boat tours you can expect to enjoy in this popular spot. There are many boating options available, such as pontoon and cruise boats, as well as a range of packages that allow you to sample the many splendours of the region, including a day’s boating and winery tour. The number of people accommodated in your tour group tends to range from four to 12. There’s also the option of boat rentals so you can let loose with your waterboarding, surfing, paragliding and waterskiing on the lake.
1. Scenic Boat Tours of the Okanagan
Experience the sights and sounds of the Okanagan Valley through a guided tour that takes you from the city of Kelowna onto Okanagan Lake. The company has an 11-passenger boat that is suited to families, seniors, smaller, corporate-hosted events and special occasions. Take a comfortable and relaxing ride on this personalised boating trip which gives you the option of touring Peachland, Summerland, Vernon, Rattlesnake Island, or the popular spots Kelowna on Lake Okanagan. The tour operators will do drop-offs and pick-ups at any of the public docks, or from your lakeside hotel or resort. And, even if the weather isn’t playing its part, you’re still afforded a wonderful experience because the boat can be fully enclosed, protecting you from the elements.
2. Beach Bum Tours Pontoon Boat Rental in Kelowna
An entrenched Kelowna boating company, Beach Bum Tours will tailor the boating package to your particular interests. Whether you’re looking for the straightforward boating experience on Okanagan Lake, a splendid but private picnic with views, or a tour of the local vineyards, they can deliver. The pontoon boat can seat 12 passengers on a single tour of Wood Lake, Kalamalka Lake or Okanagan Lake, with boat rides of three to six hours. There is also food served – an onboard barbeque to make your favourite open-fire meals. Every tour is led by a certified captain who will make pick up and drop off as convenient as possible for you.
3. Luxury Lake Tours
These tour operators value luxury, the environment and the safety of all guests on the Evinrude G2 HD 200HP-powered vessel. This G2 runs more efficiently than competitors, with an incredibly quiet engine that maximises fuel efficiency. Because of the advanced nature of this boat, you benefit from an ultra-smooth ride, even in rough waters. They cater to larger groups, giving you the opportunity to enjoy water sports activities including wakeboarding, tubing, waterskiing and fishing. This environmentally-friendly model also has a bathroom on board for your convenience, and all staff are fully trained in safety procedures and first aid.
4. Downtown Marina Kelowna
Start your boating excursion in the heart of downtown Kelowna before setting course along the city’s northern shores past Knox Mountain Park. On this 12-passenger luxury pontoon boat, you can sit back and take in the Okanagan Valley views with informative narration by friendly staff. Cruising across the lake, you’ll head southwards to West Kelowna, passing under the floating William R Bennet Bridge before reaching Green Bay Cove. The return trip will take you past the lower mission and Kelowna’s central region before concluding at Downtown Marina.
5. Vines and Views Boat Tours
For a fusion of lakes and vineyards, you can try the comfortable Vines and Views Boat Tour which accommodates up to 11 people, offering everything from one-hour to one-day tours. There are even sunset and dinner cruises, daytime swimming boat tours for the entire family, and even stag or stagette boat tours…as well as their famous boat wine tours! There are three standard picks up and drop off points:
- The Water Street Boat Launch;
- The Cook Road Boat Launch; and
- The Gellatly Road Boat Launch.
However, if you’re staying alongside the lake, they can pick you up outside your accommodation!
Enjoy a chance to see the breathtaking Kelowna scenery from the comfort and luxury of a boat cruise, and discover why this is the destination everyone’s talking about.
