Plan Sun-Oka Beach Park south of Summerland with sandy Okanagan Lake swimming, paddling, fishing, waterskiing, pet beach access, cottonwoods, and no lifeguards.
Sun-Oka Beach Park is three kilometres south of Summerland off Highway 97. BC Parks describes one of the Okanagan’s best beaches, with south-facing sand, waterplay, picnic opportunities, lake views, and a summer concession operated by the park operator.
The name is a shortened form of Sunny Okanagan.
Why Visit Sun-Oka Beach Park
Sun-Oka is a warm-weather day-use park for swimming, paddling, beach time, waterskiing, and picnics on Okanagan Lake. The large bay has a sandy lake bottom, marked swim buoys, no lifeguards, and nearby boating activity that requires swimmer caution.
The park also protects rare old-growth cottonwood riparian habitat near Trout Creek. BC Parks notes that this habitat is rapidly disappearing in the Okanagan Valley and provides food and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals, including species such as northern orioles, warbling vireos, and Lewis’s woodpecker.
Things To Do
Swim, picnic, rent paddle boats when available, kayak, fish with the proper licence, join summer Discover Parks Ambassador activities, waterski from the designated boating beach, snorkel, and walk to the separate pet beach east of the main beach.
Planning Notes
Use caution near swim buoys because motorboats and jet skis may be nearby, and there are no lifeguards. Pets are not allowed on the main beach or in park buildings; the pet beach is reached by a 200-metre trail through old-growth cottonwoods and does not continue across Trout Creek. Pack for hot Okanagan conditions, protect cottonwood habitat, and check current day-use conditions before travelling. Arrive early on peak summer days.