During the summer of 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable kayaking adventure across Okanagan Lake to explore the legendary Rattlesnake Island and camp at Buchan Bay. Our daughter dropped us off at the Peachland boat launch early in the morning.  With our kayaks loaded and spirits high, we set off ready for an exciting journey across the lake.

Crossing Okanagan Lake: Battling the Winds

Our party included Dan, myself, and my dad, who joined us for this memorable trip. We packed all our camping gear in large dry bags securely fastened to the back of our sturdy 12-foot Pelican Catch 120 fishing kayaks.  The morning started with calm weather, but the conditions soon changed. Strong winds whipped up, creating whitecaps across the lake and making the crossing challenging. The weather on Okanagan Lake can be unpredictable and even though we did check the weather it can change quickly, which it did for us that day!

Despite the fierce conditions, our stable kayaks handled the rough waters admirably. It took us about an hour and a half to reach Rattlesnake Island due to the wind, but the effort was well worth it.

Exploring Rattlesnake Island: A Hidden Gem

Rattlesnake Island is a fascinating and beautiful place with rugged terrain and plenty of hidden nooks to explore. We spent some time hiking around the island, taking in the stunning views of Okanagan Lake from various vantage points. The sense of adventure was palpable as we imagined the island’s legendary connections to folklore and mysterious sightings.

Rattlesnake Island is also steeped in legend, as it is said to be the lair of Ogopogo, the mysterious lake creature of Okanagan folklore. According to Indigenous stories, the creature, known as N'ha-a-itk, resides in the deep underwater caverns beneath the island. Many have reported strange sightings over the years, adding to the island's eerie and mystical aura.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Rattlesnake Island is its history with Eddy Haymour, a Lebanese-Canadian businessman who attempted to turn the island into a Middle Eastern-inspired theme park in the 1970s. His vision included pyramid structures, mini golf course, and even a camel that served ice cream!  However, legal battles with the government halted his dream. Though the park was never completed, remnants of his ambitious project remain, adding to the island's mystique.  It was a great experience to explore the remnants of the mini golf course and pyramids.

Paddling to Buchan Bay: Fighting Against the Wind

After our exploration of Rattlesnake Island, we paddled toward Buchan Bay. Originally, we had hoped to reach Commando Bay, but the wind was relentless, and paddling against it proved too challenging. Buchan Bay became our destination, and it did not disappoint.

Setting Up Camp at Buchan Bay

We set up camp on the serene beach, which we had entirely to ourselves. Our Big Angnes Blacktail Hotel 2 tent was the perfect shelter for this adventure—lightweight, easy to set up, and wonderfully warm for cooler weather. The tent is a staple for our backpacking and camping trips.

The evening at Buchan Bay was magical. The wind died down, sun was shining, a perfect afternoon and evening after a long hard paddle.  I went for a swim and Dad fished off of the rocks.  We enjoyed a hearty dinner of ChiliMac, one of my dehydrated meals, with a nice glass of Cabernet Franc from Priest Creek Winery, one of my favourite East Kelowna wineries.  We couldn't have asked for a better ending to the day.  We didn’t even need to put the rain flies on our tents, allowing us to fall asleep under the stars.

The Return Journey: Back Across the Lake

The next morning after a good oatmeal breakfast and coffee, we packed up camp and paddled back across lake to the Okanagan North Provincial campsite, where our son met us for the return journey home. The lake was calmer on the way back, giving us time to reflect on the incredible adventure we had shared.

A Trip to Remember

Our kayaking journey across Okanagan Lake was both challenging and rewarding. From the thrill of exploring Rattlesnake Island to the peace of camping at Buchan Bay, every moment was memorable. We are so grateful to have had my dad join us for this special trip.

Want to see more from our adventure? Check out our YouTube channel, Exploring Dirt with Dan and Carm, where we share footage from the trip, including the windy paddle, island exploration, and our serene night at Buchan Bay.

Have you ever kayaked across Okanagan Lake or camped at Buchan Bay? Share your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!