What Should I Bring on a Boat Rental in Kelowna?
You've booked your boat rental on Okanagan Lake — now what do you pack? Whether it's your first time on a rental boat or you're a seasoned lake-goer, having the right gear makes the difference between a good day and a great one.
Here's the complete packing list for a Lake Day Boat Rentals experience.
The Essentials (Don't Leave Without These)
Documents and ID
- •Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- •Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) — required for the operator
- •Your booking confirmation (email or screenshot)
- •Credit card for the security deposit hold
Sun Protection
Okanagan Lake is at a higher elevation than coastal BC, and the sun reflects intensely off the water. You'll burn faster than you expect.
- •Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — bring more than you think you need
- •Sunglasses with UV protection
- •A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap
- •UPF-rated clothing (optional but highly recommended for fair-skinned guests)
- •Lip balm with SPF
Clothing
- •Swimwear — you'll want to swim
- •A light layer or windbreaker — it can get cool on the water even on warm days
- •Water shoes or sandals — the dock and boat deck can be slippery
- •A change of dry clothes for after your rental
Food and Drinks
You're allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. Here's what works well:
Good choices:- •Water bottles (reusable, with lids)
- •Canned or boxed beverages
- •Sandwiches, wraps, and snacks in sealed containers
- •Fruit, veggies, and easy finger foods
- •A small soft-sided cooler
- •Glass containers of any kind — strictly prohibited for safety reasons
- •Alcohol (operating a vessel under the influence is illegal in Canada)
- •Anything that could spill and stain the upholstery
Comfort Items
- •Towels — one per person, plus extras
- •A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
- •Sunglasses strap so they don't end up at the bottom of the lake
- •Motion sickness medication if you're prone to it (take before boarding)
- •A small first aid kit (optional — we have one on board)
Entertainment and Extras
- •Bluetooth speaker — the boats have a built-in sound system, but you're welcome to bring your own playlist
- •Camera or GoPro — waterproof preferred, or use a dry bag
- •Snorkel gear if you want to explore the lake
- •Fishing gear — Okanagan Lake has great fishing (check BC fishing regulations for licenses)
What to Leave at Home
- •Glass bottles or containers — not allowed on board
- •Pets — please check our pet policy before bringing animals
- •Large, bulky luggage — storage space on the boat is limited
- •Anything irreplaceable — the lake is beautiful but accidents happen
Arriving Prepared
Our team meets you at 1354 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R3 — the public boat launch downtown. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time so we can complete the safety orientation and get you on the water on time.
Paid parking is available nearby. We recommend checking the City of Kelowna parking map before you arrive.
A Note on Weather
Okanagan Lake weather can change quickly. Even on a forecast-clear day, afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer. We recommend:
- •Checking the forecast the morning of your rental
- •Bringing a light rain jacket just in case
- •Knowing that your safety is always our priority — we'll communicate any weather concerns before departure
Still have questions? Contact our team — we love helping guests plan the perfect lake day.