What better way to beat the heat on a scorching summer day than by hitting the beach with your furry sidekick? Let your pup off the leash, watch them splash in the water and roll around in the sand – it’s a picture-perfect scene. The only hitch? Finding a dog-friendly beach with the right vibe and amenities. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of Kelowna’s top dog-friendly beaches to steer you in the right direction. Get ready for a tail-wagging good time in the sun!
Cedar Creek Park
Situated on Lakeshore Drive, Cedar Creek Park has carved its name as a favourite among dog enthusiasts. The draw here is the scenic hiking trails that offer striking lake views and a long-spanning, clean beach. Enjoy the peaceful, spacious beachfront where dogs can roam leash-free. Be mindful that the beach is quite rocky, so proper footwear is advisable. Highlights of this beach include ample amounts of space for your pup to run, free parking, well-maintained amenities, and no shortage of shade trees to stay cool.
Downtown Sails Dog Beach
Although on the smaller side in terms of beach size, the prime attraction of this beach lies in its convenient location near the bustling downtown core. It’s worth noting that there are specific off-leash hours for your furry companion, typically beginning after 6 p.m. Located right beside the Kelowna Downtown Marina, this is the perfect spot to let your dog run off some energy before continuing your stroll through City Park. There is no designated parking for this beach, so most users use the City Park parking lot.
Poplar Point Dog Beach
Situated just north of Sutherland Park near the base of Knox Mountain, Poplar Point Dog Beach is a perfect spot to bring your furry friend. The beach is enclosed with a chainlink fence, allowing your dog to run free without the risk of going too far. Enjoy the shade under the expansive willow tree, and wade in the shallow waters while your dog plays fetch. This is not an ideal beach for lounging at, however a great place to let your pup roam free off-leash.
Gellatly Dog Beach
This West Kelowna waterfront park beckons with its ideal setting for a stroll along the boardwalk. Along the boardwalk, you’ll find both leashed and off-leash areas for your dog. Though there are a handful of beaches along the park, the off-leash dog beach is just a few hundred meters north of the Gellatly Bay Aquatic Park. Parallel parking is available along the street, and due to the popularity of this beach, there’s a good chance your pop will have friends to play with.
Lake Avenue Beach Access (Mushroom Beach)
Commonly referred to as Mushroom Beach by locals, this is another popular spot to bring your furry friend. The soft sandy beach is perfect for letting your dog run off-leash with the many other friendly pups. This beach is typically quite busy and due to its proximity to the bridge, can be loud at times. You’ll notice many locals hanging out here, with or without dogs, so if you’re looking for the bumpin’ dog beach in town, this is it.