A Place for Everyone to Enjoy
Skaha Lake Park is one the Okanagan’s most popular summer hotspots. Located on the northern shores of Skaha Lake in Penticton, people from all over flock to the sandy shores to spend a hot summer day here. The park features a large sandy beachfront and a wide selection of other amenities. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family or just stopping by for a quick lake dip, Skaha Lake Park is a perfect place to do so.
Offering year-round recreational activities, this 21 acre park features Skaha Beach, Discovery Park, and Rotary PlayWorld & Waterpark. These attractions are family friendly, and allow the kids to run free while you catch some relaxation on the beach. Other amenities include sports courts, washroom facilities, large parking lots, an ice cream stand, shade trees, and a pavilion. You’ll notice many families enjoying a picnic on the many tables and benches scattered around the park – what’s better than that on a hot summer day?
Skaha Beach
Skaha Beach is a long spanning, sandy beach. Known as one of BC’s most beautiful beaches, the red sand and warm waters are perfect for sunbathing, wading, and splashing around in. If you plan on going swimming, we recommend heading to the west side of the beach where the water is shallower, allowing you to walk out further. The many shade trees provide an easy escape from the hot Okanagan sun. Dogs are not permitted on the beach, however there is an off leash area at the south end of Skaha Lake Park near the boat launch and marina.
Don’t like getting everything sandy? No problem. The large grass areas are ideal for setting up a picnic or beach camp. Being close to the children’s playground means you can keep an eye on your kids at all times. There is a small water slide that leads into the lake, sand volleyball courts just steps away from the water, a playground, and fire pits close by. Spend the whole day here and take advantage of the beautiful South Okanagan weather!
Skaha Park Discovery Park
The innovatively designed Discovery Park is often referred to as a natural playground. This area allows kids to participate in movement and games that you would typically find in nature, encouraging kids to use their imagination. The park features boulders from local rock quarries, music instruments, earth berm slides, swings, and an interactive water feature to educate them that water is a limited and valuable resource. You won’t find this anywhere else in the Okanagan, so be sure to come check it out.
Rotary Play World & Waterpark
This area features playgrounds and climbing structures that cater to children of all ages. With slides, swings, and a splash park, it’s a perfect place to let the kids run wild. The nearby beach, washrooms, and concession stand make it a great spot to stop during your day at Skaha Lake Park.
Amenities
There’s no shortage of amenities and facilities to enhance your experience here. The shaded Pavillion is a popular place for parties and celebrations, the fire pits allow for intimate campfires with friends & family (when there is no fire ban), and the concession stand provides a great place to grab your favourite beach snacks.
For the sports enthusiasts, you have access to volleyball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, and softball fields. All of these facilities are drop in, first come first serve, so in order to get a spot on the court or field, we recommend arriving early during the summer months.
Parking
There is a large parking lot at the intersection of Elm Avenue and Cypress Street. Parking is free, and you’ll notice the lot fills up extremely fast during the summer. Additional parking can be found on Skaha Beach Drive, although this lot is much smaller. If you have a big load of beach equipment to carry, this is more ideal due to the closer proximity to the beach. There are also multiple bike stands if you are cruising here on two wheels!