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Marine Insurance for Boating on Okanagan Lake

Navigate beautiful Okanagan Lake with the right boat insurance.

The importance of boat insurance on Okanagan Lake

Boating on B.C.’s Okanagan Lake isn’t without risk. Boat insurance helps protect 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

Marine insurance isn’t mandatory for boating on Okanagan Lake, but marinas can require it 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 B.C. boat owner.

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

How big is Okanagan Lake?

Okanagan Lake is 135 kilometres long and it stretches north and south from Kelowna. Cities bordering the lake include Vernon in the north and Penticton in the south.

Marinas, yacht clubs, charters and rental companies are along the shoreline in both directions.

How fast can my boat go on Okanagan Lake?

You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the boating and water sports regulations specific to Okanagan Lake to promote safety and protect the lake's ecosystem.

Canada has strict rules for shoreline speeds. The fixed speed limit is 10km/h (7mph) within 30m (100ft) of shore to reduce the impact of wakes and noise on the shoreline. The only exception to this rule is when you are pulling a water skier or wakeboarder off perpendicular to the shore because the wake travels outward.

What’s there to do on Okanagan Lake?

Okanagan Lake is known for its beaches with over 30 throughout the region. Many beaches have concessions, rest rooms and playgrounds.

Some of the Okanagan region’s most popular beaches:
  • Hot Sands Beach (Kelowna)
  • Tugboat Bay Beach (Kelowna)
  • Bear Creek Provincial Park (Kelowna)
  • Kalamoir Regional Park (West Kelowna)
  • Ellison Provincial Park (towards Vernon)
Can I fish on Okanagan Lake?

You can catch Kokanee salmon, Lake Whitefish, Burbot and Rainbow trout. You’ll need a valid fishing license to fish in British Columbia.

Are there wineries to visit?

The Okanagan Valley wine region is Canada's second-largest wine producing area. There are more than 180 licensed wineries in the Okanagan Valley wine region, offering tours and tastings.

Popular wineries include: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Quails’ Gate Winery, The Vibrant Vine, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, and Silver Saage Winery.

What about camping?

Okanagan Mountain Park has six marine campgrounds, secluded bays and sheltered sandy beaches in 33 kilometres of undeveloped shoreline. It is considered a boater's paradise.

Houseboating

You can rent a customized houseboat to experience Okanagan Lake or you can take an afternoon houseboat cruise on the lake.

Did you know?

The Ogopogo is a lake monster that is said to inhabit Okanagan Lake. It’s been described as a multi-humped serpentine beast, with green or black skin and the head of a horse, snake, or ram. The monster is said to move at incredible speeds.

As early as the 1700s, the Okanagan Indigenous tribes knew of a water beast living in what is today known as Lake Okanagan. They called the creature N’ha-a-itk, meaning "sacred spirit of the waters"

How do I safely dock my boat on Okanagan 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 Okanagan 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
  • Magnetic compass
  • 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.