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When it comes to family fun on the water – Penticton has it all

Float down the channel, bounce on the Wibit or rent a floating dock

Enjoy Your Own Backyard is a collaboration between Penticton Western News and Travel Penticton, showcasing the paradise we live in from lake to lake, pairing fun, food and family in the South Okanagan – a year-round destination.

When it comes to family fun, there is no better place to be than Penticton.

From floating down the channel or playing in our two lakes to bouncing on the Wibit – the fun never ends.

As the dog days of summer start to wind down, there is still plenty of time for local families to take in all Penticton has to offer for fun in the water.

On the top of most people’s bucket list when visiting Penticton is to float down the river channel on a sunny summer day.

This year, Coyote Cruises has been offering party island rentals for those larger groups and families to float down the seven kilometer ride.

“This year we were able to link together the quad islands so larger groups or families could float together,” said Diana Stirling, part owner in Coyote Cruises.

“It’s a perfect way to go if you have young children. We look after everything all you have to have is your bathing suit on.”

Coyote Cruises supplies the floats, life jackets and your ride back to your vehicle. “We have four buses this year so there is never a wait,” Stirling said.

Locals tip: The channel is taking about 2.5 to three hours to float down, said Stirling.

“Skaha Lake is actually higher than Okanagan right now so past the Nissan bridge takes longer.”

Coyote Cruises closes for the season Sept. 6.

With all the changing health restrictions, one thing is for sure, families want to play outside.

And Hoodoo Adventures is all about getting everyone out in nature.

Whether you’re looking for biking, paddling kayak, canoe or SUP – they’ve got it all.

“Getting outdoors is a stress relief and really safe way to adventure,” said Hoodoo’s owner Lyndie Hill.

They also introduced Hoodoo By the Lake rentals at the Marina Way beach this summer.

Coyote Cruises’s new party floats are great for bigger families to float down the channel. (Coyote Cruises)
Coyote Cruises’s new party floats are great for bigger families to float down the channel. (Coyote Cruises)

They rent everything that goes on the water including floating docks.

“The docks are 7x7 feet and are great fun for the kids to jump off of and walk on,” she said.

They also have kids kayaks and paddleboards to try.

If you really want to tire the kids out, send them onto the Wibit, Penticton’s floating playground located beside the SS Sicamous. Featuring a floating playground with trampolines, jumping spots and slides.

Locals tip: Admission is cheaper after 5:30 p.m.

READ MORE: LocoLanding home to Canada’s largest outdoor inflatable park

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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