Commentary, nature, Photography

Lakes

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Penticton sits between two lakes: Okanagan Lake at the north end and Skaha Lake at the south end.

Okanagan Lake in October.

Okanagan Lake is the much larger one; it’s 135 km (84 miles) long, from 4 to 5 kilometres (two to three miles) wide, and is as much as 230 metres (760 ft) deep in some spots. Technically, it is a fjord lake as it was created through glaciation.

An evening Okanagan Lake in mid-September.

For many years Okanagan Lake has been a hub of recreation, transportation, sustenance and employment; its 10,000 year cultural importance to the Syilx/Okanagan Nation cannot be overstated.

A moody Skaha Lake.

Penticton is built on the result of an ancient landslide that split Okanagan Lake into two, with the smaller one in the south becoming known as Skaha in Okanagan or horse lake in English.

Skaha Lake in early October.

Skaha Lake is 12 kilometres (seven miles) long and two to three kilometres (two miles) wide. Its average depth is 27 metres (87 ft), making it ideal for canoeing, swimming, dragonboating, windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing, and especially for learning these activities.

Skaha Lake in late June haze.

This relatively shallow lake warms up in the spring and summer and by August is like a big bathtub. It retains this heat well into October; we saw people swimming last week before the arrival of this week’s cold snap.

Much recreational life revolves around these lakes, even if only to sit on one of the beaches to relax or just to enjoy the view.

Happy Friday.

34 thoughts on “Lakes”

  2. A good summary about the area Lynette. We loved our visits to Penticton when the kids were young, but have not been back for a long time. Have a great Friday. Allan

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    1. Thank you very much, Allan. Penticton used to particularly cater to young families a lot back in the 70s, 80s and early 90s, but less so now, especially with all the wineries and companies involved in sports packages (rock climbing, back country hiking, etc). It’s a lot more diversified. Cheers.

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  11. I didn’t know about the landslide and I liked your post immensely as that Penticton looks like a wonderful to live. ♥ I have heard Skaha lake also called dog lake.

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    1. Water activities are very popular here and there’s a wide diversity. I was a bit surprised too, but then it was still about 15° out and the water was quite comfortable. A big towel afterwards and you’re good!

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