Okanagan Falls is a community of about 2200 people (2016) in the Okanagan region of British Columbia on the shore of Skaha Lake, which provides many recreational opportunities. It is also close to Okanagan Falls Provincial Park.

Understand

Skaha Lake dam

The namesake Okanagan Falls have long been submerged by the waters of Skaha Lake, which rose as a result of the construction of this small dam. The dam is just south of the bridge along Highway 97.

Get in

The only way to get in (by land) is by car (or perhaps bike). There is no rail service, and the nearest airport is in Penticton about 15 minutes north. If you have your own boat, or want to rent one you can ride the length of Skaha Lake from Penticton.

Highway 97 runs through the town, from Penticton to the north and Oliver to the south. A nice alternative route is to take Eastside Road on the east side of Skaha Lake of Penticton.

Get around

Okanagan Falls is a very small town. Riding a bike or walking around is sufficient.

By public transit

• BC Transit (South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System) (updated Mar 2022)
  • Operates bus route 20 from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Okanagan Falls.
  • Operates bus route 40 route from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Osoyoos with stops in Okanagan Falls and Oliver. Travel time from Osoyoos is 45 minutes, from Oliver is 22 minutes, and from downtown Penticton is 43 minutes

See

Peach Cliff

• 1 Peach Cliff. Is a dominant landmark to the east of Okanagan Falls. It consists of trachyte of Eocene age. Peach Cliff is home to herds of mule deer and a sizeable herd of California bighorn sheep. Perched high on a spur of Peach Cliff is Balancing Rock, a large glacial erratic supported by a couple of granitic cobbles. (updated Mar 2023)
• 2 McIntyre Bluff (updated Mar 2023)
• 3 Mahoney Lake Ecological Reserve (updated Mar 2023)
• 4 Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (updated Mar 2023)

Do

• Christie Memorial Park (on 7th Avenue on the south shore of Skaha Lake). Beach park with over an acre of soft sand. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches throughout the park. On the west side of the beach there are two full size beach volleyball courts. Lush grassy areas and large shade trees offer visitors a place to relax and enjoy the views. The Heritage Walkway runs along the entire waterfront. Public washrooms and change rooms are available. There is a dog beach, and pets on leash are allowed inside the park. (updated May 2018)
• 1 sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park (updated May 2018)

Eat

• 1 Tickleberry's, 1279 Main Street (just off Hwy 97 near the end of OK Falls), ☏ +1 250-497-8862. Summer: daily 10AM-5PM. This place has great ice cream. It has over 60 flavours. They have a gift shop, sell fudge and candy, and there is also a mini-restaurant inside. Also, lots of picnic tables outside. (updated May 2018)
• 2 Liquidity Bistro, 4720 Allendale Rd, ☏ +1 778-515-5500, [email protected]. Summer: M-F noon-8PM; Sa Su 11AM-8PM. Seasonal, sustainable food at the Liquidity Winery (updated May 2018)
• 3 Falls Restaurant, 1030 Main St, ☏ +1 778-515-5678. Chinese and Canadian food. (updated May 2018)

Drink

• 1 See Ya Later Ranch, 2575 Green Lake Rd, ☏ +1 250-497-8267. A local winery with award winning wines. (updated Mar 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Peachcliff B&B, 945 Peachcliff Dr, ☏ +1 250-497-7973, [email protected]. Cliffside home featuring direct access to nature trails. Non-smoking, no pets. $115 per night. (updated May 2018)

There are hotels 15 km away in Penticton.

Cope

• The nearest hospital is in Penticton, though it will take slightly less time to reach the hospital in Oliver.

Go next

Routes through Okanagan Falls

Kelowna ← Penticton ←

N  S

→ Oliver → Osoyoos