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Marine Insurance for Boating on Kalamalka Lake

Navigate the changing colours of Kalamalka Lake with the right boat insurance.

Protect Yourself While Boating on Kalamalka Lake

We’ll help you boat with confidence on B.C.’s Lake Kalamalka. Boat insurance protects you, your passengers, and your boat. It provides you with needed financial protection when the unexpected happens.

Here’s why you need boat insurance:

  • Boat insurance protects you against an accident, injury, or death liability
  • Property damage
  • Theft, vandalism
  • Boat insurance protects you against a fire on your boat
  • Severe weather
  • Accident with uninsured/underinsured boat
  • Boat insurance can help cover legal fees, medical expenses, and property repairs or replacements

Marinas in the Okanagan can require liability insurance for mooring.

It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance coverage as part of your boat insurance to protect yourself as a boat owner in British Columbia.

Here’s what you need to know about boating on Kalamalka Lake:

Where is it?

“Kal Lake,” as it’s known locally, is just south of Vernon and supplies that city’s drinking water. Vernon is located in the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation.

Kalamalka Lake is also just minutes from Predator Ridge area, home to many birds of prey and raptors. The lake is named after the Okanagan First Nation chief who lived on its northern shores.

Why is Kalamalka Lake known as the “lake of many colours”?

Kalamalka Lake has been named one of the 10 most beautiful lakes in the world by National Geographic for its changing colours.

In the summer as Kalamalka Lake warms, calcium carbonate, or limestone, forms crystals that reflect sunlight. The result is the lake being an array of blue, green, and turquoise colours. When the lake cools in the winter, the crystals dissolve and the normal blue colour returns.

Kalamalka Lake is known as a marl lake – one of just a few in Canada – due to rich deposits of limestone left in its water from long-ago glaciers that receded.

How fast can my boat go on Kalamalka Lake?

It’s important to obey all posted speed and vessel restrictions on the lake to promote safety and to protect the lake's ecosystem and shoreline.

What’s there to do on Kalamalka Lake?

Recreational boat and water sports such as water skiing are popular on Kalamalka Lake.

There are two provincial parks on Kalamalka Lake, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park.

Other things to know

Kalamalka Lake Park is a habitat for a variety of snakes, including rattlesnakes. It’s important to wear heavy pants and high boots and avoid walking in the long grass. Do not put your hands and feet into crevices into which you can’t see.

Are there any beaches?

Kal Beach and Cosens Bay Beach are in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Some of the other beaches on Kalamalka Lake are Jade Bay Beach, Juniper Bay Beach, Kekuli Bay Beach, Kirkland Park Beach, and on the south end, Kaloya Regional Park Beach.

Kalamalka Lake has a dog-friendly beach. Located on the pathway connecting Cosens Bay and Juniper Bay, there is a stony beach known for its four-legged creatures named Dogs Beach.

Is there any fishing?

For anglers, there’s Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and Northern pikeminnow. You’ll need a valid fishing license to fish in British Columbia.

What about camping?

Kekuli Bay has camping as well as private campgrounds.

How do I safely dock my boat on Kalamalka Lake?

  1. Always approach the dock slowly, whether you’re at a harbour, marina, or a private dock. Waves caused by a higher speed may disrupt other boaters.
  2. Approach the dock from the right angle. The ideal angle of approach is around 30 degrees. When your boat is within 10 metres of your docking point, shift into neutral and let your momentum carry you to the dock.
  3. Just before your boat touches the dock, turn its steering wheel so that the boat is positioned parallel to the dock.
  4. Once your boat is no longer moving, tie the mooring ropes at the bow and stern to the cleats on the dock.

Tips for safe boating on Kalamalka Lake

  • You need an appropriate, approved life jacket for each person on board your boat.
  • Know the area where you are boating and be aware of any hazards, such as rocks or logs.
  • Do not drink or do drugs when boating. Both can impair your judgment.
  • Have a bailer or manual bilge pump on board
  • Have a paddle on board
  • Have a sound signaling device (whistle) and flares
  • Have a magnetic compass
  • Have a watertight flashlight if you are operating your boat at night
  • Be aware of the heat and say hydrated
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return to shore.

Why choose Western for your B.C.
boat insurance?

Expertise

We are a leading Canadian insurance broker that works with our insurance partners to get you the best coverage options to protect your boat.

Competitive pricing

We offer competitive pricing to get you B.C. marine insurance at the best value for you.

Customer service

We are committed to providing excellent customer service and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about your boat insurance needs in British Columbia.

Convenience

We offer a range of online, phone, and in-person services, making it easy for you to get the B.C. marine insurance policy you need and to make changes as needed.