One of my favourite weekend activities is enjoying a picnic by the lake. And rightly so, it is an inexpensive and wholesome treat in nature.
Located in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Okanagan Lake is the fifteenth deepest lake in Canada. This 135 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide lake has an average depth of around seventy-six meters. This I am telling you because it is one of the beautiful lakes with picturesque landscapes. It can drive you right away with its exquisite surroundings and chanting waves. So, if you happen to be in British Columbia, this one is certainly a must-visit spot for you.
Here I will tell some more interesting details about Lake Okanagan.
Let’s Talk About Some Facts First
It lies in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia between the Columbia and Cascade mountain ranges. This lake was originally a part of Lake Penticton and currently lies 342 meters above sea level. It is quite noteworthy that the name Okanagan Lake was officially certified recently, on October 6th, 1936. However, the lake itself existed long before that and in quite several variations. However, the name most likely originates from ‘Kana,’ meaning ‘the place of,‘ and ‘Gan,’ meaning ‘Lake.’
Lake Okanagan is surrounded by the cities of Penticton on the south, and Vernon on the north, along with Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, and the municipality of Lake Country. Kelowna lies at the heart of Okanagan, while Vernon is a small town connecting the Monashee mountains.
Okay, so I hope now you got the location right! If you have made up your mind to visit around the lake, I must tell you what’s there in store.
What Can You Do There?
Have you heard the name- William R Bennett Bridge? Actually, it is a five-lane bridge that connects Kelowna with West Kelowna and Westbank. The predecessor of this bridge was created in 1958, which was a three-lane bridge connecting Kelowna to West Kelowna. Earlier people used to travel through ferry services before its construction. I suggest you stroll on the bridge and experience the lake differently.
Another attraction there is the Okanagan Great Divide. It is just a bit north of Armstrong. This divide, although not much known, is a significant geographical feature. Long story short, this divide demonstrates which routes the water sources are going to take.
I strongly recommend you visit the Okanagan Provincial Park, if you are in the mood to have some fun and adventure. You can spot various animals and creatures around. There are Columbian ground squirrels, quails, Cedar waxwings, Northern shafted flickers, Gopher snakes, and hummingbirds. As for the fish in the lake itself, the most common ones are Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout, along with several other species.
I have to tell you one strange story about this lake. You know the lake has a big monster inside. And its name is the Ogopogo. If we believe what locals say, it is a mysterious creature that is rather friendly
Just a bit south of Rattlesnake Island, Scully Point is the supposed home of this monster. We can trace it back to the folklore of First Nation people in the early nineties. A supposed sighting of Ogopogo was noted in Kelowna by almost several people in 1926.
In Summer, Okanagan Lake becomes a tourist destination in British Columbia. With quite a several beaches, swimming is a really enjoyable activity on this lake. The Lake is known for its boating activities such as skiing, kayaking, charter boating, waterboarding, canoeing, and padel boating. All these activities are permitted here.
I would suggest you visit on weekdays so that you don’t have to stand in long queues to rent a boat, that too for hiked-up prices.
Fishing is also arguably one of the most popular activities on the Lake. Lake Whitefish, bourbon, and Rainbow trout are the most common species in this lake and are mainly caught by bait fishing from the shore. Trolling is also used to catch fish here. Another species, kokanee, also used to be one of the main species in this lake, but the recent Mysis shrimps have strained their population severely.
Overall, you will love to stroll around the lake witnessing its spectacular views and enjoying the fun activities. Don’t forget to capture your special moments. I must say Lake Okanagan is a family-friendly pleasure to explore on your trip to British Columbia.
FAQs
Where is Okanagan Lake?
Lake Okanagan is situated in British Columbia, in between the Cascade mountain ranges and Columbia. The lake lies between Westbank and Kelowna.
When was the Okanagan Lake Name Officially Coined for this Lake?
On October 6th, 1936, to be exact. Make no mistake, this lake was still called Okanagan Lake by the indigenous residents of Okanagan Valley for a long time but was officially taken only in 1936. The Lake itself has a variety of spellings and pronunciations.
Is Okanagan Lake Safe to Swim in?
Okanagan Lake is especially popular for its recreational activities, and yes, that does include swimming as well. Boating, swimming, fishing, water sports, sunbathing- all these activities complete the Lake experience.
Where is the Deepest Point in Okanagan Lake?
It’s located near Grant Island, with a total depth of about two hundred and thirty-two meters. Notably, the lake’s average depth is between seventy-one to seventy-six meters.
Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
