Whether it's a canoe, tinny fishing boat, smooth sailboat or relaxing patio boat, a sleek waterski boat, an expensive wakeboat or a luxurious cabin cruiser -- they all help make Kelowna the No. 1 boating destination in Canada.
BoatBooker.com, the online platform and app that connects local boat owners and companies with people looking for boat tours, has named Kelowna Canada's 'best boating town' for 2026.
BoatBooker.com bases its rankings on internal booking data, traveller interest and destination-level boating activity over the past year.
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The goal of the top 10 list is to highlight destinations where boating is closely tied to local culture, accessibility and tourism appeal.
Kelowna excels on all those fronts.
"Kelowna (stands) out as one of British Columbia's most popular freshwater boating destinations," reads BoatBooker's announcement.
"Kelowna stood out for its strong lake-based boating culture and consistent appeal as a warm-weather destination."
That's right, the city has incredible summers and 135-kilometer-long Okanagan Lake beckons with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, sailing, parasailing or simply relaxing and sunbathing on a boat.
BoatBookers' top 10 list breaks down like this:
1. Kelowna
2. Victoria
3. Kingston
4. St. John's
5. Ottawa-Gatineau
6. Trois-Rivieres
7. Winnipeg
8. Shediac, New Brunswick
9. Sylvan Lake, Alberta
10. Saskatoon
As you can see the list covers an incredible cross-section of destinations on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, along mighty rivers and on the shores of alluring freshwater lakes.
BoatBooker went on to say: "Okanagan Lake offers long stretches of open water, calm cruising conditions, and easy access to marinas along the city’s waterfront. These factors make Kelowna a popular base for sightseeing cruises, private charters, and relaxed days spent exploring the lake."
And that's not all.
"Boating plays a central role in how visitors experience Kelowna," said the praise from BoatBooker.
"From scenic daytime cruises to sunset outings on the lake, on-water tours provide wide views of surrounding hills and vineyards while keeping the pace laid-back and accessible. The lake’s size and conditions support a variety of boating experiences that appeal to both first-time visitors and returning travelers."
As a bonus, Kelowna's lakeside setting supports beaches, a walkable downtown, wineries, orchards, waterfront parks and trails and restaurant patios on the shore and higher up with views.
"Together, these elements make Kelowna a destination where time on the water blends naturally with food, culture and outdoor recreation," summed up BoatBooker.
