Kayaking the Okanagan

We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place here in the Okanagan with our hiking trails, beautiful mountains and amazing waterfalls. But, don’t forget about our pride and joy–there is nothing better than enjoying the Okanagan Lake on a hot summer's day!

We are spoiled with so many amazing lakes here in the Okanagan, most with easy access and no backroads required! The Okanagan Lake may be the biggest, but it's just the tip of the iceberg.

North of Kelowna: Wood Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Mabel Lake, Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake.

South of Kelowna: Skaha Lake, Vaseux Lake and Osoyoos Lake.

I had the pleasure of being part of the Splash Mob 2016 to raise awareness and promote the protection of our freshwaters. This is something we need to take very seriously, as it can harm our local environment in so many ways.

Zebra and quagga mussels put many of the assets we treasure most as residents of the Okanagan at risk. These mussels are devastating to our lakes and totally irreversible. Protect our freshwaters and don't move a muscle!

Aerials over Kalamalka Lake, capturing the paddler flash mob... Raising awareness about invasive species in our fresh water lakes.

A post shared by Rubicon Aerial Cinema (@rubiconcinema) on Oct 12, 2016 at 5:40am PDT

So, grab your kayak, canoe, paddleboard or even a floaty and get out there and enjoy our beautiful lakes.

If you have none of the above, there are great spots to rent paddleboards or kayaks at many of our surrounding lakes.

Kelowna: Okanagan Beach Rentals has with locations at Rotary Beach Park, Gyro Beach Park, Bear Creek Provincial Park and Sun-oka Provincial Park

Peachland: Beach Ride Rental Company, right across from Bliss Bakery.

Vernon: Kalavida Surf Shop, Innerspace Watersports

Penticton: Skaha Lake Marina, Castaway's Water Sport Rentals

Osoyoos: ATB Watersports, Spirit Beach Watersports

Shuswap: Reds Rentals & Marina, Shuswap Marina

Born and raised in the Okanagan, Kristy Draginda has always had a strong passion for the outdoors. Whether it be hiking to the top of a mountain or standing below a waterfall, she says there is no better feeling than being inspired by nature. Follow along as Kristy shares different hiking locations in and around the Okanagan. For more adventure photos, check out Hiking the Okanagan on Instagram or Facebook.