Ellison Park sits on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake near Vernon, protecting 220 hectares of forested benchlands above rocky shoreline, scenic headlands, and sheltered coves. BC Parks says the dry, sunny Okanagan climate supports recreation from spring through fall.
The park is about 16 kilometres, or roughly 20 minutes, from downtown Vernon by 25th Avenue.
Ellison is a full Okanagan lake park for campers, beach users, hikers, paddlers, cyclists, anglers, divers, and beginner climbers. BC Parks lists frontcountry camping, more than six kilometres of walking trails, and steep headland routes with panoramic views over Okanagan Lake.
The park has three main beaches where warm water and gradually sloping ground provide swimming opportunities. Canoes and kayaks are welcome, although there are no boat launches or rentals in the park. Mooring buoys in South Bay and Otter Bay are part of a marine park system, and Sandy Beach can be used by leashed pets.
Ellison also has western Canada's only freshwater dive park at Otter Bay, where sunken artifacts add interest for scuba diving and snorkelling. Cycling is allowed on roadways and designated trails, and the small granite cliffs by South Bay offer beginner-friendly climbing, scrambling, bouldering, and top-rope climbing.
Plan around camping, beach swimming, Okanagan Lake viewpoints, hiking, paddling, fishing, Learn to Fish programs, freshwater diving, snorkelling, designated-trail biking, signed e-biking, pet-friendly Sandy Beach, and beginner climbing.
Reserve camping when needed, use caution on steep headland trails, follow buoyed swimming areas, bring fishing licences, and remember there are no boat launches or rentals inside the park.
