Across the Lake Swim celebrates 77 years on Okanagan Lake this weekend

The swim is 2.1 kilometres from West Kelowna to Kelowna

Across the Lake Swim celebrates 77 years on Okanagan Lake this weekend Published 1:12 pm Friday, July 17, 2026 Hundreds of avid swimmers will fill Okanagan Lake on Saturday morning, July 18, to compete in the annual Across the Lake Swim. Happening annually since 1949, the Across the Lake Swim of Okanagan Lake is the largest and longest continuously running open water swim event in Canada.

Swimmers travel 2.1 kilometres across Okanagan Lake, starting from Old Ferry Wharf Road in West Kelowna and finishing at Hot Sands Beach in Kelowna’s City Park. There is also an option for swimmers to take a 1.6 kilometre route across the lake. Swimmers are timed using a timing chip that is secured around the swimmer’s ankle, with official times starting once the competitor crosses the timing mat and enters the water.

Competitive swimmers will hit the water at 7:45 a.m. on July 18, followed by the non-competitive swim groups. Transportation from City Park to the startling line is provided by organizers of the Across the Lake Swim. Spectators can gather at Hot Sands Beach to cheer on the competitors as they cross the finish line.