Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park: Planning a Visit from Penticton

The park sits on Okanagan Lake at Trout Creek, 3 km south of Summerland off Highway 97. Penticton is a departure point for the outing; the park is about 7.1 km from a motel in Penticton.

BC Parks says “Sun-Oka” is shortened from “Sunny Okanagan.” The park was established as Claybanks Beach Park on July 7, 1969; its name changed and its area was extended on February 16, 1970.

Sun-Oka’s fine-sand beach follows a large south-facing bay with a sandy lake bottom. Buoys mark the swimming area, and the day-use setting combines the shoreline with about 90 picnic tables.

BC Parks lists swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, waterskiing and snorkelling among the activities. Paddle boats are available for public rental, and kayaking is welcome. The western end of the beach is designated for boaters, so keep that area separate from your swimming plans.

The park also protects a small area of rare old-growth cottonwood riparian habitat beside Trout Creek. Leashed pets are not allowed in the main beach areas or park buildings, but there is a separate pet beach around the point east of the main beach.

Reach it by a 200 m trail through old-growth cottonwoods or by a trail along Trout Creek; the pet beach has no facilities.

Five adjoining parking lots accommodate 200 cars, with a separate area for trailers and RVs. A paved route runs about 30 m from the parking area to the changehouse and toilet building; a paved path continues beside the beach for roughly 150 m west of the building.

Facilities include flush toilets in the change building, pit toilets near the playground and boating area, drinking-water taps, picnic areas, fire rings and a playground. A concession operates during the summer season.

The park is open year-round, and the day-use gates are open daily from dawn to dusk. After September 30, or sooner if weather requires it, only pit toilets are available. Flush-toilet availability does not follow a fixed seasonal opening schedule.

For swimming, note that motorboats and jet skis are often near the marked swim buoys, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Boaters must enter and leave the western beach area in a clockwise direction; anchoring is prohibited within 100 m of the beach because of a water-intake pipe.

Highway 97 passes the park, which is 3 km south of Summerland. To plan local transport before setting out, use this guide to getting around Penticton.

Check the official site before you go: BC Parks is the source for current advisories, facility conditions and fire restrictions. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits, but bans or restrictions may apply.

For a beach visit with a pet, plan for the separate pet beach and its trail access rather than the main beach. Pack with the limited facilities there in mind, as BC Parks says the pet beach has no facilities.

Is Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park open year-round?

Open daily. Yes. The day-use gates are open daily from dawn to dusk. Toilet availability changes after September 30, or earlier if weather requires it.

Are there lifeguards at Sun-Oka Beach?

No, there are no lifeguards on duty. Motorboats and jet skis are often near the swim buoys.

Can you bring a dog to Sun-Oka Beach?

Leashed pets are not allowed in the main beach areas or park buildings. A separate pet beach lies around the point east of the main beach.

Are campfires allowed at the park?

Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits, subject to any fire bans or restrictions.