Top 4 Lakes around North Okanagan B
Best lakes around North Okanagan B are characterized by diverse aquatic environments, from vibrant marl lakes to expansive glacial-carved fjords. The region's natural landscape features numerous lakes nestled among rolling hills and mountains, offering varied recreational opportunities. These bodies of water are central to the area's appeal, providing settings for outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Best lakes around North Okanagan B
- The most popular lakes is Kalamalka Lake, a lake known for its vibrant, changing colors. This marl lake is often called "The Lake of a Thousand Colours" due to its turquoise, cyan, and indigo hues.
- Another must-see spot is Kal Beach, a sandy lakefront beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming access, kayak rentals, and picnic tables, with scenic views over Kalamalka Lake.
- Visitors also love Kekuli Bay Provincial Park Campground, a facilities highlight offering a campsite. Many pitches provide a view of Kalamalka Lake, with large grassy areas and newly planted trees.
- North Okanagan B is known for its marl lakes, large fjord lakes, and quieter wilderness lakes. These offer a variety of experiences, from vibrant colors to extensive water sports and peaceful natural settings.
- The lakes around North Okanagan B are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and 4 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Kalamalka Lake
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Kal Beach
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Kekuli Bay Provincial Park Campground
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All pitches are sunny and offer a wonderful view of Kalamalka Lake.
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Kalamalka Lake view from Kekuli Bay Provincial Park
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At different times of the year - even from different points at the same time - the color of the lake may vary between cyan and indigo; this earned the lake the epithet "Lake of a thousand colors". The color of the lake is caused by the scattering of light resulting from the precipitation of calcite (CaCO3).
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Okanagan Lake Viewpoint
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Kal Beach is a sandy lakefront beach with a fishing pier, swimming access, kayak rentals, and picnic tables. In the summer, it's great for a dip, easy to walk barefoot on the fine sand, and there's a long, shallow stretch perfect for young kids to splash around. Beachgoers can also enjoy the scenic views over Kalamalka Lake from the Kal Beach Pier.
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From this spot, you have a breathtaking view to the southwest, overlooking the northern end of Okanagan Lake. You can see the distant shoreline, rolling hills, and the vast expanse of water below. It's an ideal spot to pause and take in the scenery, especially during the early morning or late evening when the light adds to the beauty of the landscape.
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Kalamalka Lake (also called "Kal Lake") is a large lake in the Interior Plateau of southern central British Columbia. It is located east of Okanagan Lake and about 4 km south of Vernon. The lake is named after a chief of the Okanagan (Okanogan in the US), who occupied the north shore. At different times of the year - even from different points at the same time - the color of the lake may vary between cyan and indigo; this earned the lake the epithet "Lake of a thousand colors". The color of the lake is caused by the scattering of light resulting from the precipitation of calcite (CaCO3).
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Where there used to be only a boat dock, a campsite was completely rebuilt about 10 years ago. Large grassy areas and many newly planted trees between the beautifully landscaped pitches offer shade and privacy, especially in the upper loops. All pitches are sunny and offer a wonderful view of Kalamalka Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Kalamalka Lake unique among the North Okanagan lakes?
Kalamalka Lake is famously known as "The Lake of a Thousand Colours" due to its vibrant turquoise, cyan, and indigo hues that change with water temperature and mineral content. It's a marl lake, where calcium carbonate crystallization causes these shifts. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, or relax on beaches like Kal Beach, which offers a broad sandy shore and volleyball courts. For stunning views, visit the Kalamalka Lake view from Kekuli Bay Provincial Park.
What outdoor activities can I do near the North Okanagan lakes?
The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. For hiking, explore trails around Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park or Ellison Provincial Park. You can find more hiking options in the area by visiting the Hiking around North Okanagan B guide. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy routes like the Okanagan Rail Trail, or explore options for Gravel biking and Road Cycling around the lakes.
Are there family-friendly lakes or beaches in the North Okanagan?
Yes, several lakes and beaches are ideal for families. Kalamalka Lake, particularly Kal Beach, is very family-friendly with its sandy shores and shallow swimming areas. Okanagan Lake also offers public beaches like Paddlewheel Park and Kin Beach in Vernon. Mara Lake is a prime family recreational area, popular for swimming, water skiing, and houseboating.
Where can I find good viewpoints of the lakes?
For breathtaking vistas, visit the Kalamalka Lake view from Kekuli Bay Provincial Park, which offers stunning perspectives of Kalamalka Lake's changing colors. Another excellent spot is the Okanagan Lake Viewpoint, providing expansive views of the northern end of Okanagan Lake and its surrounding hills.
What water sports are popular on the North Okanagan lakes?
Water sports are a major draw. Kalamalka Lake is excellent for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Okanagan Lake, being the largest, is a hub for boating, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Wood Lake is ideal for paddle sports due to its warm, calm waters, while Mara Lake is popular for water skiing and houseboating.
Are there camping facilities near the lakes?
Yes, camping options are available. Kekuli Bay Provincial Park Campground offers beautifully landscaped pitches with views of Kalamalka Lake. Ellison Provincial Park on Okanagan Lake also provides camping. For a more secluded experience, Sugar Lake has a campground, and both Wood Lake and Mara Lake offer camping options.
Which lakes are best for fishing in the North Okanagan?
Mabel Lake is renowned for fantastic fishing, with abundant rainbow trout, lake trout, and Chinook salmon, making it popular for both summer and winter ice fishing. Okanagan Lake offers excellent fishing, with reports of large rainbow trout. Wood Lake is also a good spot for Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon, and Sugar Lake is appreciated by fishing enthusiasts for its abundant rainbow trout.
When is the best time to visit the North Okanagan lakes?
The best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming, water sports, and beach activities due to warm water temperatures. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Winter provides opportunities for ice fishing on lakes like Mabel Lake, and birdwatching on Swan Lake.
Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing around the lakes?
Yes, the North Okanagan lakes offer great wildlife viewing. Mabel Lake, surrounded by wilderness, is a paradise for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of eagles, osprey, and other species. Swan Lake, with its extensive wetlands, is a significant area for nesting and migrating waterfowl, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
What is Okanagan Lake known for?
Okanagan Lake is the largest lake in the region, stretching 135 kilometers long. It's a hub for water sports and is famously associated with the legend of the Ogopogo, a mythical lake monster. Public beaches like Paddlewheel Park and Kin Beach in Vernon offer easy access, and Ellison Provincial Park provides hiking trails and beaches, including a dog beach.
Which lake is known for its warm, calm waters?
Wood Lake, located between Lake Country and Vernon, is noted for its warm and calm waters, making it one of the Okanagan's warmest lakes. It connects to Kalamalka Lake via a canal and is excellent for fishing, especially for Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon, and ideal for paddle sports like kayaking and canoeing.
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