Categories > Guides and Tips
Making Waves with the 10 Best Water Activities Kelowna Has to Offer
I caught a random clip of sea monkeys the other day, and it sent me spiralling down a wave of nostalgia. Before I knew it, I was watching people absolutely get launched off tubes behind pontoons—painful? Probably. Hilarious and fun? Definitely.
I couldn’t help but feel jealous. So, after firing up the group chat and convincing my buddies that we needed some “mandatory lake or beach therapy,” we made a plan to dive in—literally.
And because I don’t like gatekeeping good times, here’s the ultimate roundup of the best spots for water activities in Kelowna.
Ogopogo Parasail
Media from ogopogoparasail
Address: 230 Queensway
Contact details: +1 250-300-5538
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Getting wet and high at Ogopogo Parasail is an exhilarating way to experience Okanagan Lake. So, instead of just sitting on the beach, you get to float hundreds of feet in the air, with unobstructed views of the mountains, vineyards, and city skyline.
We like how you can choose to go up solo, ride side-by-side with a friend, or even try it as a trio, making it great for couples, friends, or families with older kids. That said, they usually offer discounts for groups, and non-flyers can often join as passengers since the boat is large.
You won’t have to worry about safety, too, since everything you need is provided, from harnesses and lifejackets to professional staff guiding you through the process. Plus, they also offer photography services and even GoPro video packages so you can capture the moment.
Pro tip:
Consider booking your session in the morning when the lake is calm and winds are light, since it makes for a smoother flight and better photos. Also, paid parking lots are nearby, but they need to fill up quickly in summer, so it’s worth arriving early.
Okanagan Water Sports Boat Rentals
Media from owswkm
Address: 4058 Gellatly Rd
Contact details: +1 250-979-8789
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Website
If you want to explore Okanagan Lake at your own pace, then Okanagan Water Sports Boat Rentals is a solid bet. You can rent a boat and make the day exactly what you want it to be—think powerboats, pontoons, ski boats, and you can even pull the kids on a tube!
That said, you can also try wakeboarding and water skiing if you’re after adrenaline. It’s also reassuring to know that all boats come equipped with lifejackets and safety gear, and the staff give you a thorough run-through on operation with beginner-friendly instructions.
We also appreciate that they offer extras like coolers or towable equipment rentals, which makes it easy to plan your day without lugging a lot of gear from home. And they’re in a convenient location for downtown visitors, with parking close by, and staff to handle docking and fueling.
Pro tip:
Try to reserve your boat well in advance if you’re visiting in peak summer; weekends book up quickly, and same-day availability is rare. And if you’re new to driving a boat, starting with a half-day rental to get comfortable is a good move.
Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals from Okanagan Beach Rentals
Media from okanaganbeachrentals
Address: 3726 Lakeshore Rd
Contact details: +1 250-826-2546
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6:30 PM
Website
Okanagan Beach Rentals is a reliable place to rent paddleboards and kayaks. Located right along some of Kelowna’s most popular beaches, it’s an activity that feels spontaneous and low-stress, great for both first-timers and regular paddlers.
The stand-up paddleboards are a favourite because they give you the chance to balance, paddle, and even test your skills by doing a bit of yoga on the water. Kayaks, both single and tandem, are a go-to choice for many families and couples, especially if you prefer sitting to standing.
Not to mention, since the place is straightforward, you can also spend part of your time swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking. You can also reach out to them to accommodate group rentals for events like school programs or parties.
Pro tip:
If you or your group are new to paddleboarding, you can sign up for their Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) lessons before heading out on your own. It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof bag or case if you plan on taking your phone while you explore.
Waterfront Park Activities
Media from lu.godinez.farr
Address: 1200 Water St
Contact details: +1 250-469-8500
Operating hours: 24/7
Website
One of the most convenient things about Waterfront Park is its central location, especially if you’re a visitor. You can walk from there to most downtown hotels, and it connects directly to Kelowna’s waterfront boardwalk, saving you the hassle of driving (and paying the parking fee).
Keep in mind that the park doesn’t have motorized water sports, but it does shine when it comes to simple, family-friendly lake access. The sandy lagoon is perfect for swimming because the water stays calm and shallow, making it safe for kids, great for paddleboarding, and chill kayaking.
The best part? Visiting and having fun at Waterfront Park is completely free, making it one of the most budget-friendly options to enjoy the lake in Kelowna. And being right downtown, you’re also steps from restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops, so it’s easy to grab a snack.
Pro tip:
Note that the park is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with paved paths and level access to most areas. If you want a quieter time, aim for a weekday morning when the park is calmer.
Okanagan Flyboard Experience
Media from okanaganflyboard
Address: Kelowna
Contact details: +1 250-317-5864
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Website
The Okanagan Flyboard Experience is one of the most unique—possibly the most challenging—ways to enjoy the lake, combining water sports with a bit of futuristic flair. You’re strapped into a board connected to a jet ski, and water pressure lifts you straight into the air.
As you can imagine, flyboarding is best for adults and teens who are comfortable in the water and want a high-energy activity. You don’t need to be an athlete to try it, and instructors control the throttle from the jet ski, so you can focus just on learning how to stabilize and rise above the surface.
Surprisingly, people usually progress pretty quickly. Most riders are able to get a few feet off the water within their first 10 minutes. They also go for packages that include photos or videos, since most want to capture themselves “flying” above water.
Pro tip:
For those wearing contact lenses, bring goggles or stick to glasses on shore, since splashing into the lake of the learning curve.
Kelowna City Park
Media from kellyonderstall
Address: 1600 Abbott St
Contact details: +1 250-717-2757
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 11 PM
Website
Expect Kelowna City Park to be one of the busiest and most popular lakefront parks in town, especially since it’s sitting at the edge of downtown. You’ll see a long sandy beach, wide open lawns, and plenty of space.
We noticed how families love the park for the playgrounds, spray park, and kid-friendly swimming spots. During summer, you can even see people bringing inflatables or renting paddleboards nearby—while there aren’t motorized rentals directly in the park, access to calm waters is a plus.
There’s a lot to see and do here; there are picnic tables, sports fields, a skate park, basketball courts, and beach volleyball courts. Not to mention, pathways here make it easy for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes to pass through.
Pro tip:
Look out for any events that might be happening at the park, like local events and festivals. If you time it right, you can enjoy the live entertainment, food, and other added activities.
Kelowna Downtown Marina
Media from downtownmarina
Address: 210 Bernard Ave
Contact details: +1 250-763-5599
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 9 PM
Website
Located right off the downtown waterfront boardwalk, Kelowna Downtown Marina is where you’ll see everything from luxury yachts to rental pontoons lined up along the docks. It’s a full-service setup that caters to both visitors looking to rent and boat owners who need a moorage.
It’s neat that the marina is basically a launch point for just about every lake activity. You’ll see people rent speedboats for waterskiing, pontoons for group cruising, or personal watercraft like jet skis for something more fast-paced.
Amenity-wise, the marina has fueling stations, moorage slips, and staff to handle docking and refuelling. As for their rental boats, they come fully equipped with lifejackets and safety gear, and many have options for towable equipment like tubes and wakeboards.
Pro tip:
For those looking to rent, book early since boats and jet skis are in high demand, especially on weekends. And try to time your visit during events like Canada Day (to catch fireworks) and annual regattas.
Kelowna Wibit
Media from splashbcwaterparks
Address: 1600 Abbott St
Contact details: +1 877-729-2812
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 7:30 PM
Website
Now, Kelowna Wibit is simply a fun time—it’s a giant inflatable water park that’s set up right off City Park Beach, and it’s probably one of the most well-known summer attractions on Okanagan Lake.
From the shore, you’ll easily spot bright slides, trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses floating on the water, all connected into a massive playground. Some parts are great for racing with friends or testing balance, while others are built for splashes and wipeouts.
It’s also worth noting that during peak summer, they usually host fun competitions and community events, like timed obstacle races. We also feel reassured to see lifeguards and staff stationed on the inflatables.
Pro tip:
If you want to try to avoid the crowd, then book your session early in the day. Also, a rash guard or water shirt is handy since the inflatable can get hot under the sun.
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
Media from kelownawaterpolo
Address: 4075 Gordon Dr
Contact details: +1 250-491-9622
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
Website
If you want to play in the water without having the weather be the deciding factor of going or not going, then H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is a solid choice. It’s popular with families and locals, thanks to its water slides, wave pool, and lazy river.
It’s cool that they have a FlowRider surf simulator where you can try bodyboarding or flowboarding without leaving the building. On that note, you can book lessons or just give it a try during open sessions, and even beginners usually manage to ride the wave within their first attempt or two.
For a more chill time, the hot tubs and leisure pools are perfect for winding down after a workout or swim. And alongside its aquatic features, there’s a modern gym, fitness studios, childcare services, and even steam rooms and saunas—so there’s a lot to go around.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting as a family with kids and teens, it’s best to pack snacks or plan lunch breaks, since kids can easily spend hours here without wanting to leave the pools.
Lakefront Sports Centre Ltd
Media from lakefrontsportscentre
Address: 1350B Water St
Contact details: +1 250-862-2469
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Website
For those aiming for straight-up water sports, Lakefront Sports Centre Ltd is a top contender and is conveniently located on the downtown waterfront.
The options? Extensive. They offer jet skis, speedboats, and pontoons, perfect for tubing, wakeboarding, or simply cruising. You can also go for the calmer picks: think kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Another perk is that since it’s right along the boardwalk, there are washrooms, food vendors, and shaded areas nearby.
Pro tip:
If you’re going as a group, call ahead and reserve your rentals together to ensure availability and convenient time slots.
