Beach guide

Two lakes. Five minutes apart.

Oyama sits on a narrow isthmus between two lakes: warm, sandy Wood Lake on one side and cold, turquoise Kalamalka on the other. Station Beach, the main public sand beach, is on the Wood Lake side, that's where you'll find parking, washrooms, the free SUP launch, and Lu Lou's grill on the sand.

Oyama is the skinny strip of sand between Wood Lake and Kalamalka. Swim one before lunch, the other after. Both warm by July, swimmable through Thanksgiving most years.

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Wood Lake on a calm day from the beach in Oyama, BC

Wood Lake side

The Wood Lake side is the wider, warmer one. Sandy beaches, gentle slope into the water, calm most mornings. Station Beach is the main public access, parking, washrooms, picnic tables, and a long sandbar you can wade out fifty metres on. Lu Lou's is right there.

Kalamalka side

Kalamalka is the famously turquoise one, colder, deeper, marl-blue. From Lu Lou's on the Wood Lake side you can look across the strip and see it; the south end of Kalamalka is right there. For Vernon's famous Kal Beach drive about 15 km north.

Practical bits

→ Parking: small lots fill up fast on weekends. Park by 10:30 or after 4.
→ Water temp: Wood Lake hits 22°C by mid-July. Kal stays a few degrees cooler.
→ Dogs: on-leash on the public beaches. Lu Lou's patio is dog-friendly.
→ SUP / kayak: bring your own, the launch is free, easy and shallow. We've got somewhere for you to land for lunch.
→ Sunset side: Wood Lake faces west, long evening light, soft-serve weather.

AFTER THE SWIM

Bring the wet feet.
We saved you a seat.

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Need a board, kayak, or canoe? Rentals next door at Oyama General Store ↗.

Good to know

Frequently asked

Where do I park for Wood Lake at the Oyama Isthmus?

Small public lot near the grill on the Wood Lake side. Lots fill by 10:30 on hot weekends, bike or paddle in if you can. For the famous Kal Beach, drive 15 km north to Vernon.

Which lake is warmer?

Wood Lake. It's shallower and hits about 22°C by mid-July. Kalamalka stays a few degrees cooler and is famous for its turquoise colour.

Is the beach sandy?

Wood Lake side, yes, soft sandbar you can wade out fifty metres on. Kalamalka has a rockier shoreline; sandals help.

Are dogs allowed on the beach?

On leash, yes. Lu Lou's patio is also dog-friendly with a water bowl by the door.

Can I launch a paddleboard or kayak?

Free shallow launch on the Wood Lake side. Rentals next door at Oyama General Store.