Formed around 10,000 years ago, the Okanagan Lake is a prime treasure of British Columbia. It is known to have formed during the Fraser Glaciation period, leading to the beautiful lake’s carving.
The lake runs from Vernon Creek to Penticton and is a famous recreation site for many. The Okanagan Lake runs 232m deep, while the shallow regions have a depth of 75m.
It ranks 15th among the deepest lakes in Canada and hosts numerous outdoor activities for visitors.
1. How Did The Lake Form?
Frequent glaciations in the past led to the formation of the lake. It is believed that other factors, like volcanic eruptions, also contributed to the formation.
The melting of the ice dam during the Fraser Glaciation period carved out Lake Okanagan. The ice fell into the ground and formed a depression filled by the melted ice.
The lake was formed in the Pleistocene Epoch. It is a monomictic lake, meaning it has a mixing phase only once a year. The north side is slightly dimictic.
Initially, it was named the Glacial Lake Penticton.
1.1 Okanagan or Okanogan? – Fun Fact
The lake’s name had several different pronunciations, of which ‘Okanagan‘ remains the most used. The American pronunciations include ‘Okanogan’ and ‘Otchenaukane,’ while the Canadian pronunciation is ‘Ookanawgan.’
2. Geography of Okanagan Lake
The lake stretches over 120 km with a width of 5 km. The Monashee Mountains surround the lake and are home to numerous flora and fauna species.
Surrounded by fertile terraces, the lake is a Fjord lake – which is an elongated body of water that stretches far inland. The lake usually freezes in January and February.
Nestled between Columbia and the Cascade Mountain ranges, the Lake flows to the Columbia River. It is also a part of the river drainage system.
The shoreline has a length of about 270 km. The lake has three basins: the mid-basin, the southern, and the north.
The lake’s maximum depth is around 761 ft, while the minimum depth is 246 ft. Due to more oxygen and better recycling of nutrients from the bottom to the surface area, the shallow regions are rich in plant growth.
The other lakes surrounding Okanagan Lake are:
- Swan Lake.
- Kalamalka Lake.
- Wood Lakes.
- Skaha Lake.
- Vaseux Lake.
- Osoyoos Lake.
2.1 The Two Islands Of Okanagan Lake –
Grant Island, a bird sanctuary, is one of the only two islands of Lake Okanagan in British Columbia.
Near Grant Island, South of Squally Point, is Rattlesnake Island, sometimes called ‘Ogopogo Island.’
3. The Flora and Fauna
Surprisingly, the lake has an amazing ecosystem with numerous species of fish and benthos organisms that reside in the Lake.
The lake is believed to have 39 different species of fish residing in it. Some notable fish species are Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon.
Floating macrophytes and phytoplanktons (producers) are abundant in the lake. The Eurasian milfoil and Mysid shrimp were introduced into the lake, significantly reducing the mass of Kokanee fishes.
3.1. Flora Species at The Lake
- Bulrush
- Algae Lyngbya
- Great Yellow Pond Lily
- Pondweed
- Fragilaria
- Broad Leaf Reedmace
3.2. Fauna Species at The Lake
- Ridgeback Peaclam
- Helobdella
- Red Worm
- Carp
- Whitefish
- Rainbow Trout
Ogopogo – a 50 ft legendary creature, is believed by some to reside in Lake Okanagan, with initial sightings in the 1870s. An imagined statue of the so-called lake monster is displayed in Kelowna.
The mythical lake monster, Ogopogo, dwells at the bottom of the lake with black skin. Only sightings of the lake monster are known, and no firm discoveries have recently been made.
4. What Can You Do At The Lake?
Apart from a scenic view, the pristine lake offers countless activities. Spend leisure time at the lake or go for adventurous water sports like – snorkeling and scuba diving.
Discover the Ogopogo sails or walk along the trails; Okanagan Lake is a refreshing experience for all.
The best activities at the lake:
- Boat rentals.
- Kite Surfing.
- Paddle Boarding.
- Sailing.
- Flyboarding.
- Scuba Diving.
- Kayaking.
5. Attractions in And Around Okanagan Lake
The Okanagan Valley offers many attractions in and around Okanagan Lake. You can visit the famous Kelowna City Park around the lake. Or visit the Skaha Lake Park or the Osoyoos Lake, one of the warmest in Canada. The Myra-Bellevue Park offers a scenic overlook of the Myra Canyon.
The area also has many picnic facilities and food spots to enjoy.
5.1. Skaha Lake Park
Located in Penticton, the park has a serene beach with sandy shorelines. People especially visit the park to enjoy the picturesque beauty and amazing water activities.
You can build a sand castle or swim in the clear waters. The park has the best tennis courts and playgrounds.
Facilitated with picnic areas and washrooms, Skaha Park is among the best attractions around Okanagan Lake.
5.2. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Nestled in North Okanagan, the 979-hectare park bustles with a spawning habitat. You can enjoy numerous outdoor activities like – canoeing and horseback riding.
View wildlife from the rattlesnake point for the best experience. Kalamalka waters have a significant blue color due to the high concentration of Calcium Carbonate.
The Kalamalka Provincial Park has four parking areas for convenience.
5.3. Osoyoos Lake
Osoyoos Lake, located south of Okanagan Valley, is one of the top lakes to visit in the summer. The Lake flows into the Okanogan River.
It is the warmest and one of the largest lakes in British Columbia. The deep lake was formed during the ice age.
5.4. Paddlewheel Park
Paddlewheel Park is a park situated on Okanagan Landing Road with vibrant greenery. It is the perfect spot for kids and a must-visit for families.
Located on Fraser River, the park hosts many boat launches. You can discover the history of the park written on the stone plates.
5.5. Myra Canyon Park
Myra Canyon Park has a 22-kilometer trail where one can ride one’s bike. The trails offer a beautiful view throughout. You can visit the Meadow Vista Bee Farm on your way as well!
5.6. Vaseux Lake Provincial Park
The Vaseux Lake Provincial Park near Okanagan Falls is famous for fishing activities. The park has many tent sites and campgrounds for an amazing stay.
You can spend time at Vaseux Lake or visit the Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
5.7. Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
Bustling with mountains and vast forests, the park is known for some of the best trails, like – the Good Creek Canyon Trail, Wildhorse Canyon, and Wildhorse Canyon North Loop. The Okanagan Mountain lookout trail offers a scenic overlook.
Ponderosa pines surround the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and have a rugged terrain. Its beauty would leave you in awe!
Explore adventurous activities like horseback riding and swimming. The park also has campgrounds with picnic facilities.
Some other best attractions to visit around Lake Okanagan and Okanagan Valley are:
- Gellatly Farm.
- Davison Orchards Country Village.
- Penticton Farmers’ Market.
- Kalamalka Lake Park.
- Shuswap Lake.
- Kasugai Japanese Garden.
- Waterfront Park.
- Mission Creek Regional Park.
- Okanagan Great Divide.
- Okanagan Mission Beach.
- William R. Bennett Bridge.
6. Towns in Okanagan Valley
The towns around Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, are a must-visit. The famous towns in Okanagan Valley are:
- Okanagan Falls.
- Penticton.
- Peachland.
- West Kelowna.
- Summerland.
- Lake Country.
Final Words
Okanagan Lake is the 15th deepest lake in Canada, brimming with life and attractions for all. The lake is pretty clean, and nature is in its best form around the Okanagan Lake. The area surrounding Okanagan Lake also has a serene atmosphere with fascinating wilderness.
Hence, it is safe to say that the huge post-glacial lake is truly a gem of Canada, with bustling tourists every year and is a must-visit among the attractions in British Columbia.
Last Updated on by Narayani Bhardwaj