Showing posts with label lake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lake. Show all posts

Thursday, 29 October 2015

Skaha Lake Park: Penticton

Overview:
This beautiful park offers outdoor fun for everyone! Located at the south end of Penticton, this 21 acre park offers a variety of year round recreational opportunities. Skaha Lake Park includes one of BC's most beautiful sandy beaches; the red sand beach is great for sunbathing & wading in the warm waters of Skaha Lake.

Thoughts:
A nice lake in the summer with plenty to do. A spray park for the kids, small concession and of course a sandy beach. Boat rentals and a slide offer some water fun as well. The lake is nice and warm in the summer because of the size and can get quite busy.

There is a very large parking lot and plenty of space on the beach or grass for everyone.

Pros:
Warm waters and plenty of things to do to keep you busy for the day.

Cons:
Swimming area can be quite crowded as it can be a bit short in areas because of a drop off.

Contact Information:
Phone: 250-490-2426

Website: http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches/parks/skaha-lake-park.html

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Marina Park: West Kelowna

Overview:
This park has a pebble beach, a grass area, a covered picnic facility and a playground. It is perfect for those with small children as both the park and beach areas are fenced in.

Thoughts:
A great little park in West Kelowna that has everything. The beach is there for hot summer days, a new playground structure for the kids to play on grassy areas, and a covered picnic area makes this the perfect destination.

Due to the limited beach options in West Kelowna though I can see this place becoming very busy during the summer season.

Pros:
Beach, grass, picnic and playground all in a fenced park area.

Cons:
Not very big and not a lot of other options around so it could become quite busy.



Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Cultus Lake Park: Cultus Lake

Overview:
Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in the area, from boating, fishing and swimming, to picnicking, playground and walking.

Thoughts:
Although a long ways out this is a great way to spend the day at the lake.  The park is large and offers a good variety of things to do.  The swimming area is very large with a big dock and shallow waters. Unfortunately the "beach" is a bit rocky and gets worse in the water.  Because of the shallow waters though it is quite warm at this end of the lake.  Plenty of parking in the 2 main lots, unfortunately it is pay parking ($6/day). Lots of picnic tables around both on the beach area and the grass and a large playground for children of all ages.

Boat rentals are close by (http://www.mainbeachboats.com) as are large bathrooms, a concession stand and even a market on Saturdays.  Parking lot B is shared with the Cultus Lake Adventure Park giving you a change of scenery if needed and the Cultus Lake Waterslides are just across the street.

Pros:
Warm waters and plenty of things to do to keep you busy for the day.

Cons:
A far drive for anyone not in Abbotsford and Chilliwack areas.  The beaches are a bit rocky.

Contact Information:
Cultus Lake Park
4165 Columbia Valley Highway
Cultus Lake Park, BC V2R 5B5

Website: http://www.cultuslake.com/

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Hayward Lake: Mission

Overview:
Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in the area, from boating, fishing and swimming, to picnicking, hiking and mountain biking.

Thoughts: 
This little area is one of the best beaches around.  It is a bit bigger than the others in the area and the sand is great right out into the water with minimal rocks.  Large beach area and large grass with plenty of picnic tables.  The grass had both trees for shade and open field for sun and activities.

There is a bathroom / change room near the parking lot that was relatively clean and a non-motorized boat launch area.  Right at the base of the Stave Falls Power House, the water is fed down from Stave lake keeping it very clean and a little brisk.

A large parking lot with overflow parking on the Stave Falls Power house side and a walk along a short path.

Pros:
Close to the city but far enough out that it is not always busy.  The sand is great and goes out into the water with minimal rocks to step on.

Cons:
Parking lot is a bit of a hike from the beach/picnic area and the park gates close at 8:45 so you must make sure you are starting to pack up if you go for a later dinner.

Website: https://www.bchydro.com/community/recreation_areas/hayward_lake.html

Monday, 29 July 2013

Rolley Lake: Mission

Overview:
Less than an hour’s drive from Vancouver, Rolley Lake Provincial Park provides a quick escape from urban life.  The small, warm-water lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Sixty-four campsites are nestled in the trees just minutes from the lakeshore. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and short hikes.

Beach at Rolley Lake, Mission
Thoughts: 
I like the small lake and its seclusion keeps most of the crowds away.  There is a pretty large grass field for playing in and some shaded and open picnic tables for use.  The beach is pretty rocky though and some water shoes would definitely be recommended.  Not an overly large swimming area but enough space to play in the water and the depth is quite gradual so you don't have to worry about any drop offs for kids. The only facilities at the beach area is an outhouse part way along the walking trail around the lake.

The trail around the lake was a gravel trail with some bridges and wide enough to walk a stroller on.  The trail is 2.6km and would take about 45min to walk.

There looked like a lot of people were fishing but I didn't see anyone catch anything and I am not too sure how big the fish could get with so many people fishing and such a small lake.

Pros:
Small lake so the water is warm. There is more than just swimming and sitting to do with the field, trail and fishing options close at hand. Camping is close by so good for a weekend getaway.

Cons:
Rocks in the sand so shoes are almost a must. Swimming area is a bit small and could get crowded in lots of people show up.

Website: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rolley.html‎

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Cultus Lake

Cultus Lake is a piece of Paradise, surrounded by exquisite beaches and breathtaking mountain views.

Activities:
Although you are limited to water sports and golf, people always love to visit a nice beach that has other activities nearby. A variety of golf courses from a full length course to mini golf and even an 18 hole putting course gives golfers of all ages a challenge.
3.5/5

Events:
Not a lot of public or community events takes place here. A yearly wake board competition at he lake and triathlon are a couple of the larger but there is not a lot of events taking place here.
1.5/5

View:
Nestled in the Columbia Valley you will find great views of the mountains and forest. As well, like the name says, there is a beautiful lake right at your fingertips. Although a little ways out of the city, the large amount of tourists and residence keep mos tof the wildlife at bay.
3.5/5

Accommodations:
Plenty of camping here, either in tent, RV or cabin. Unfortunately there is not a big selections of hotels.
2/5

Dinning & Shopping:
Again, due to the size of the place you are very limited with your dining and shopping selection. It is a very touristy place and therefore you will not find much shopping other than some local gift stores.
2/5

Visit-ability:
This is a great place to spend a few days, especially if you want to spend some time enjoying some of the attractions and views that Cultus Lake has to offer.
4/5

Total Rating: 16.5/30

Thoughts:
I like it here, although I am biased towards nice summer locations with a lake and beach. The roads can be quite busy during peak seasons as you are limited to only 1 way in and out.

Website: http://www.cultuslake.bc.ca

1

Monday, 30 July 2012

Whonnock Lake: Maple Ridge

To properly enjoy Whonnock Lake, plan on taking the entire family and spend the day there. Depending on the time of year, you should bring lawn chairs, beach blankets, towels, Frisbees, a volleyball, other leisure time toys, a good book, a swim suit, a good quality sunscreen. There is a concession stand just in case you forget to pack a picnic lunch.


Thoughts:
This small lake is a great place to spend the day with the kids.  There is plenty of parking but limited beach space. Sand was brought in at some point to create the swimming area so it is weed free and nice and sandy.


Pros:
Smaller lake and is warmer than the others in the area. quite a bit of activities are provided by the parks board like a playground, paddle boat rental and a volleyball net.


Cons:
Small lake with limited area and could get crowded easily. As well it is a place you have to drive to as there is no public transit to this area.


Website: http://www.mapleridge.ca/EN/main/residents/935/2190/parks/4323/w/whonnock_lake.html