Cruising in the Thompson Okanagan region takes place on balmy, sparkling lakes such as Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake.
Float past lush vineyards, sandy beaches and luxurious waterfront homes on a sailboat with Go with the Wind Cruises, or take in a narrated cruise of Okanagan Lake on the unique paddlewheeler Casabella Princess. Enjoy everyday life on the water in a houseboat or savour a delicious meal at sunset on a dinner cruise, such as those with Kelowna Dinner Cruises.
There are more than 1,000 lakes in this region – combine a day on the water with golfing or dining at wineries. Don't forget to look for the elusive Ogopogo, a mythical creature said to live in Okanagan Lake!
Okanagan and Shuswap Lake Houseboat Rentals
Houseboats offer maximum time on the water with all the comforts of home. Amenities can include full kitchens, large beds and even hot tubs. Houseboats are not chartered, so renters should be comfortable operating a large vessel. Sicamous, on Shuswap Lake, is often called the "Houseboating Capital of Canada."
Sunbathe on deck while cruising past beaches, relax in the hot tub after a swim or pull up to shore to roast marshmallows over a bonfire. Some houseboat rental companies on Okanagan Lake or Shuswap Lake include Waterway Houseboats, Bluewater Houseboats or Twin Anchors Houseboats.
Okanagan and Shuswap Lake Boat Tours
Take in the stunning Okanagan Lake scenery on a sailboat tour with Go with the Wind Cruises (Kelowna); destinations are customized based on interest and include wildlife viewing and local history.
Cruise Okanagan Boat Charters (Vernon) provides two-hour tours of Okanagan Lake with a licensed bar onboard the spacious Spirit of the Okanagan. For a one-hour spin around Lake Okanagan, board the Casabella Princess paddlewheeler (Penticton), which also offers special cruises celebrating local events such as the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, Penticton Peach Festival or Canada Day.
Visiting the Shuswap area? The swift Queen of the Narrows, with Shuswap Lake Tours (Sicamous), covers plenty of hard-to-reach boat-access only scenery. Pass a floating store and restaurant, beautiful beaches and lakeside cottages.
Dinner Cruises
Dinner cruises that operate on Okanagan Lake and Shuswap Lake combine boating with multi-course meals and even dancing.
From Kelowna, dance to live music outdoors on a Kelowna Dinner Cruises tour, take an afternoon or evening cruise on Kelowna Princess II or enjoy the large, covered outdoor bar on the ultra-modern vessel The Lake Lounge on Okanagan. The Casabella Princess in Penticton and Cruise Okanagan Boat Charters in Vernon also offer dinner cruise options.
For supper cruises on the Shuswap, large groups can privately charter the Phoebe Ann from Shuswap Lake Tours in Sicamous. Travel to the "narrows" (the meeting of the four arms of Shuswap Lake) or look for salmon spawning in the fall.
Clearwater Lake Cruises
Experience the serene and majestic beauty of Wells Grey Provincial Park with Clearwater Lake Tours. Take a boat tour day trip on Mountain's Pride to see Rainbow Falls, have a picnic lunch, and go canoeing or fishing. On a three-hour boat tour, watch for bald eagles, osprey and even moose or woodland caribou.
Practical Points
- The peak season for cruising is from March to October, but some tours are offered year-round.
- Most multi-day cruises require reservations, while some harbour and day cruises can be booked on the spot. It's best to check in advance.
- Most cruise operators provide all food, beverage, equipment and some outdoor clothing, but remember to bring warm, layered clothing as ship decks can be breezy.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for help with trip ideas, planning and transportation.
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