By Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Strand resident ·
Short answer: Vernon boaters usually launch at Paddlewheel Park in Okanagan Landing, which has a public boat launch with daily and seasonal passes from the City of Vernon. Others keep their boats at the Vernon Yacht Club or in private condo marinas like The Strand's. Before you head out, make sure you have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, the required safety gear, and that your boat is clean, drained and dry to prevent invasive mussels.
Where to launch
- Paddlewheel Park, Okanagan Landing: Vernon's main Okanagan Lake launch. The City sells daily passes and seasonal passes, and seasonal passes can also be used at the Kalavista launch on Kalamalka Lake.
- Kalamalka Lake launches: including Kekuli Bay Provincial Park, which has a boat ramp.
Where to keep your boat
- Vernon Yacht Club in Okanagan Landing
- Private condo marinas: some waterfront complexes have slips for owners. The Strand Lakeside has moorage for 51 vessels. See how the Strand marina works
- Trailer and launch: many locals store their boat at home and launch as needed
Licences and safety gear
- Operators of motorized boats in Canada need proof of competency, usually a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
- Carry the Transport Canada required safety equipment for your boat size, including a lifejacket or PFD for everyone on board.
- Slow down near shore, docks, swimmers and paddlers.
Keep invasive mussels out
Zebra and quagga mussels aren't established in BC, and the province works hard to keep it that way. If you're bringing a boat from another province, including Alberta, stop at every watercraft inspection station you pass, and always clean, drain and dry your boat.
Where to go
Okanagan Lake is long and deep, with beaches, parks and quiet coves to explore. Popular trips from Vernon include Ellison Provincial Park and the shoreline south toward Lake Country.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I launch a boat on Okanagan Lake in Vernon?
Paddlewheel Park in Okanagan Landing has a public boat launch. The City of Vernon sells daily and seasonal passes.
Do I need a licence to drive a boat in BC?
Operators of motorized pleasure craft need proof of competency, usually a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, plus the required safety equipment.
Do I need to stop at a boat inspection station in BC?
Yes. If you're transporting a boat, you must stop at open watercraft inspection stations. They help keep invasive mussels out of BC lakes.
More guides to Okanagan Landing and The Strand
- Boat Slips and Moorage on Okanagan Lake: Own, Rent or Launch?
- Boat Slips at The Strand Lakeside: How the Private Marina Works
- Paddleboarding and Kayaking Around Vernon and Okanagan Landing
- The Strand Lakeside FAQ: 50 questions answered
Have a question about waterfront living in Vernon?
I'm Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. I live at The Strand in Okanagan Landing and specialise in Vernon-area waterfront condos. For current listings and recent sales, visit 7343okanaganlanding.ca.
Text Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810
This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so always confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details for your situation with the appropriate professional.
