Floating the Penticton Channel is a must-try activity for anyone visiting the South Okanagan during the hot summer months.
Stretching between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, this 5.4-kilometer channel float offers a fun opportunity to relax and soak up the sun.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, floating on the Penticton Channel is an Okanagan bucket-list activity that should not be missed.
How Long Does It Take?
One of the most common questions asked is how long it takes to float the Penticton Channel.
On average, it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to float the entire Channel. However, it’s important to note that the speed of the float can vary. The beginning of the channel tends to be faster (45 minutes to one hour), while after the mid-point it slows down considerably.
To give you an idea, in mid-July, we floated the full length in 2.5 hours. Keep in mind, we paddled frequently and swam to pull our floatie to speed it up.
Factors such as the time of year and water flow rates can affect the speed of the float. Keep in mind that the experience is meant to be leisurely, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
What to Bring
We like to be prepared and probably brought more items than needed. Here is a list of items to consider bringing:
Waterproof bag or container: Protect your valuables, such as your phone, keys, and wallet, by keeping them in a waterproof bag or container. These can be rented from Coyote Cruises or purchased from Canadian Tire.
Sunscreen: It’s hot during the summer and there is no shade, so be sure to apply sunscreen before and during your channel float.
Towels: If you plan on swimming it’s nice to dry off with a towel. Our girls used them to protect themselves from the sun and for a nap.
Hat and/or umbrella: Wear a hat or bring an umbrella to provide shade during the float.
Cooler with beverages: Keep yourself hydrated by bringing a cooler filled with your favorite beverages and ice. There are floating coolers you can purchase or dedicate a floatie to hold your food and beverages.
Snacks: Pack some snacks. Coyote Cruises sells snacks at the beginning of the float and there is a gas station at the halfway point.
Lifejacket or flotation devices for small children: Safety should always be a priority. Ensure that children have appropriate flotation devices.
Paddles: Having two paddles can be handy, especially during the slower sections of the float. Coyote Cruises provides one paddle with their quad-tube rentals.
Water Shoes: Wear suitable footwear, such as water shoes, if you plan on swimming portions of the channel. The river can be shallow and rocky at the beginning but it becomes sandy and deeper after the mid-point.
Plastic bag for garbage and recyclables: Help keep the channel clean by disposing of your items responsibly.
Parking & Transportation
There are several transportation options available for both the start and end points of the float.
Coyote Cruises Bus Ride: Coyote Cruises offers a bus ride service to transport you to the starting point of the channel. They also provide regular shuttles throughout the day to bring you back to the starting point.
Taxi: You can arrange for a taxi to pick you up at a designated time. Sometimes taxis can be found waiting at the end of the channel, ready to provide rides back to the starting point.
Park Your Vehicle: The most cost-effective option is to park a vehicle at both ends of the channel. This way, you can easily return to your starting point after completing the float.
Putting our wristbands on to catch a Coyotes Cruises bus ride back to the starting point.
Tubes: Rent, Bring Your Own, or Buy
Floating the Penticton Channel requires a trusty inflatable tube to keep you afloat throughout the journey. Here are some options:
Rent: Coyote Cruises offers tube rentals, ranging from single tubes and 4, 8, or 12-seater floating islands. The 4-person island can fit a family of 5. Renting a tube is a convenient choice, especially if you don’t own one or prefer not to bring your own.
Bring Your Own: If you have your own tube, feel free to bring it along. Ensure it’s in good condition and suitable for the channel float. There are businesses nearby that fill up your tubes with air if needed. There is no cost to bring your own tube to float the channel.
Buy: If you’re looking to purchase a tube, you have a few options. Pharmasave located near the starting point of the channel, offers tubes for sale. Canadian Tire, although a short drive away from the starting point, provides a larger selection to choose from.
Family-Fun Tips
Air Refills: If you need to inflate your tube or require any other assistance, Float Penticton offers inflation services in the parking lot opposite the Days Inn on Riverside Drive. There is a cost for this.
Washrooms: Washroom facilities are available at the start of the channel and at a gas station at the mid-way point.
Mid-Way Point: When you reach the mid-way point of the float, you’ll come across Green Mountain Road. Near this location, there is a convenience store across the street from Tim Hortons and a gas station where you can take a break, restock supplies, or use the facilities.
Riverside Complex: The Riverside Complex is located near the channel’s start. Grab food from Quality Greens, Domino’s Pizza, Subway, Starbucks, A&W, Edo Japan, and Booster Juice. Need floatation devices? Pharmasave and the Riverside Liquor Store have you covered.
Tying Tubes: While it may be tempting to tie your tube to a friend’s tube, it is not recommended. They can get caught on bridge pillars, and it is a common cause of accidents and rescues.
End Point: The Penticton Channel Float ends right before the bridge due to swift currents past the stairs. Look for the steps on the right-hand side before the bridge, but be cautious as they can be slippery when entering or exiting the water.
Online Reservations: If you prefer to secure your tube rental in advance, some businesses offer online reservation options. Check the website of Coyote Cruises for availability and booking details.
Coyote Cruises
215 Riverside Drive, Penticton
(250) 486-5755
Website
