Kickininee Provincial Park is a group of three small picnic areas beside Okanagan Lake, just north of Penticton, British Columbia. You can picnic, swim or relax by the water, and the Soorimpt boat launch provides lake access for boating and fishing.
- Location: between Highway 97 and Okanagan Lake, north of Penticton
- Park layout: Kickininee, Soorimpt and Pyramid picnic areas
- Access: different Highway 97 entrances have different traffic rules
Where is Kickininee Provincial Park?
Kickininee Provincial Park sits between Highway 97 and Okanagan Lake, 10 km north of Penticton city centre. BC Parks describes it as three small picnic areas: Kickininee, Soorimpt and Pyramid. The park was established on August 3, 1970.
The three areas line the lakeshore, but their access points are not interchangeable. If you are driving, identify the picnic area you want before choosing where to turn off Highway 97.
What can you do along the Okanagan Lake shoreline?
The park’s picnic areas are used for picnicking, swimming and relaxing, with views of Okanagan Lake. There is no viewing platform and no developed trail network, so plan your visit around time by the water rather than a hike through the park.
Swimming areas are marked with buoys, but there are no lifeguards on duty. Fishing is available in the park; anglers in British Columbia need an appropriate licence. At Soorimpt, the boat launch gives you access to boating and fishing on the lake.
How do you access the park and its facilities?
Highway 97 access depends on which picnic area you are visiting. At Kickininee, only northbound traffic can enter: southbound drivers cannot turn left, so continue north and exit to the north. Soorimpt has turning lanes for access from either direction.
At Soorimpt, you can turn around in the boat-launch area or continue through the picnic area to a large paved turnaround, then return through the parking area to the entrance. Pyramid is accessible to traffic in both directions; inside, follow the one-way route through the parking area and around the loop to the entrance.
Pets and domestic animals must stay leashed. They are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings, so keep them out of those areas during your visit.
How do you get to Kickininee Provincial Park from Penticton?
From Black Sea Motel, the drive to the park takes about 7 minutes. The approach is via Highway 97, and the entrance rules make it worth checking which picnic area you intend to use before you set out.
For more detail on local transport choices, the guide to getting around Penticton covers ways to travel around the city. For live park notices, check the official site before you go; Kaloya Contracting Ltd. operates the park and can be reached at 1-236-970-7815.
FAQs
Are there trails at Kickininee Provincial Park?
No. The park has no developed trails, so its main activities are picnicking, swimming and relaxing by the lake.
Are there lifeguards at the swimming areas?
No. Swimming areas are marked with buoys, but there are no lifeguards on duty.
Can you bring a dog to the park?
Pets must be leashed and are not allowed on the beaches or in park buildings.
Can I combine a park visit with time around the Penticton waterfront?
Penticton’s waterfront is the focus of this one-day Penticton itinerary from the waterfront.