Updated September 2026
Short answer: Both Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes allow motorboats, but marked swim areas are closed to all boats, and Kalamalka has an 8 km/h limit within 75 m of shore along part of the Coldstream shoreline. BC is still free of zebra and quagga mussels. Pulling your drain plug is the law, and failing to stop at a mussel inspection station carries a $690 fine.
Speed zones and swim areas
- Kalamalka Lake: 8 km/h within 75 m of shore along a defined stretch in Coldstream (roughly Kinloch Drive to Westkal Road).
- No-boat swim areas on Kalamalka: Kal Beach, Kirkland Beach, Pumphouse Beach, Kalavista Beach, Tamarack Park Beach and Kaloya Regional Park Beach.
- No-boat swim areas near Vernon on Okanagan Lake: Paddlewheel Park and Kin Beach in Okanagan Landing, and Killiney Community Park Beach on the Westside.
- Coldstream doesn't allow overnight accommodation on boats.
Invasive mussels
Zebra and quagga mussels have devastated lakes elsewhere, clogging water intakes, docks and boat engines and damaging beaches. BC has had no confirmed detections in its lakes, but boats carrying mussels are intercepted every year.
- "Clean, Drain, Dry" every boat, paddleboard and piece of gear before moving between waters.
- Pull the plug: since May 2025, removing your drain plug when transporting a boat is mandatory in BC. The fine for not doing it is $345.
- Stop at inspection stations. Failing to stop costs $690.
- Possessing or moving prohibited mussels is illegal.
For waterfront owners, this matters: an infestation would mean fouled intakes, docks and lifts, and higher maintenance costs for everyone on the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Are there zebra mussels in Okanagan Lake?
No. As of the latest provincial reporting, BC remains free of zebra, quagga and golden mussels, and the Okanagan is actively protected by inspection stations and monitoring.
Is there a speed limit on Kalamalka Lake?
There's an 8 km/h limit within 75 m of shore along part of the Coldstream shoreline, and several swim areas are closed to boats. There's no lake-wide motor ban.
Sources: BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program, BC news release (Dec 2025), Transport Canada VORR schedules, Don't Move a Mussel (OBWB).