Penticton River Channel - Penticton British Columbia British

Summer in Penticton in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia brings many hot, sunny days to the area and If you're looking to take a break spend an afternoon and float down the River Channel. The River Channel in Penticton flows from the Okanagan Lake down to Skaha Lake which can be a fast or slow trip depending on the speed the river is flowing on each day.

The Penticton River Channel is a man made water channel
that was created in the 1950's to control flooding and water flow
from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.

How To Float The Penticton River Channel

Here's a few tips to help you have a great day of floating the channel.

• Sunscreen - On a hot summer day under the Okanagan sun, and especially in the water, sunscreen is a priority. It doesn't take long to burn when the sun reflects off the water, so lather up good with sunscreen and avoid the painful after effects of sunburn!
  
  
• Water and Snack - If you can bring along water and snacks, it's a good idea to do so. Floating the entire Penticton River Channel can take 3 to 4 hours, and daytime temperatures in the Okanagan can be in the 30's C and dehydration can occur quickly. You'll want to stay well hydrated so you can float the channel a second time!
  
  
• Floating Devices - If you have your own inner tube, air mattress or other floaty, great, but if not you can rent them from Coyote Cruises at the launch site. Rental is about $5 for a round black donut tube, so choices are limited.

  Floaties, tubes, boats and other floating devices are sold at many local dollar stores, Canadian Tire, gas stations, and even some of the grocery stores in the city of Penticton. If you plan to spend time on the beaches as well as the channel, you may opt to pick one up.

• Inflating Your Floaties - There is an air inflation service at the launch site, however be prepared to pay $2 if you need your floatation device filled. We use our own portable air pump to inflate and deflate our boats.
  
  
• Getting Back To Your Vehicle - There are two ways to get from the end of the Penticton River Channel back to your vehicle. One option is to bring two vehicles and park one at either end of the channel, however parking is limited. There is also a charge for parking at the midpoint. If you want to float the whole Penticton River Channel, you could leave a vehicle at the end of the channel at Skaha Lake, but parking is quite limited there also.

  Coyote Cruises provides a bus shuttle from the mid point back to the launch site and runs at regular intervals throughout the day. That will cost you about $5.
  
  Penticton River Channel, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada