This is Skyla’s absolute favourite spot, and I’m not going to pretend it’s not mine too. Located about 3 km south of the Skaha Marina on Lakeside Road, this off-leash dog beach gives your pup direct access to Skaha Lake in a relatively quiet part of town. On a weekday morning, you might have the whole beach to yourself.

The park has a fenced enclosure along the lakefront with several small beaches and easy water access, so dogs can wade in gradually or go for a full swim. There are garbage cans and a couple of picnic tables — not much in terms of amenities, but honestly, the lake is all you need. Skyla can spend an hour just wading in the shallows, chasing sticks, and playing with whatever dogs happen to show up.

One thing to be aware of: Lakeside Road is a fairly busy road that runs right alongside the park. The fencing helps, but if your dog is a bolter, you’ll want to keep a close eye. The gravel parking lot also comes up quickly after a bend in the road, so slow down if it’s your first time driving out there.

For families considering a move to this part of town, the south end of Penticton along Skaha Lake offers some of the best value in lakefront living. There are neighborhoods within a short walk or bike ride from this beach — a huge perk if you’re a daily dog walker. If you’d like to explore homes in this area, feel free to reach out.

If you live near downtown Penticton or you’re visiting and want a convenient off-leash beach, Okanagan Lake Park is the spot. It’s right next to the Penticton Lakeside Resort, making it one of the most accessible dog parks in the city.

The off-leash area is a fenced section of sandy beach on the south shore of Okanagan Lake. It’s not a huge space, but it’s well-maintained and gives your dog a safe area to play in the sand and splash around in the lake. The fencing does extend partially into the water, though not far enough to contain a dog that really wants to swim out — so keep that in mind if yours is a strong swimmer with a mind of their own.

The location is what makes this one special. You can walk here from downtown, grab a coffee at one of the nearby shops on Lakeshore Drive, and let your dog burn off energy — all in one trip. Washrooms and day moorage for boats are also available in the park.

In summer, this spot does get busy. Weekday mornings and evenings are your best bet for a quieter experience. The surrounding Okanagan Lake Park area is also gorgeous for an on-leash walk before or after you visit the dog beach.

The downtown location is one of the reasons Penticton’s north end is so popular with buyers. Being able to walk to the beach, restaurants, and a dog park? That’s the Okanagan lifestyle people are looking for. If you’re curious about what’s available near here, check out the listings on my website.

If your dog needs a fully fenced space — whether they’re still working on recall, they’re a new rescue, or they just get a little too excited around squirrels — Ellis Creek Park is your best option in Penticton.

The park recently went through a significant round of upgrades, and it shows. Improvements include engineered wood fibre surfacing, proper walkways, a shade structure over the sitting area, and a dog activity zone. Trees were also planted to provide more shade as they grow in. It’s a much better experience than what the park offered a few years ago.

It’s located just off Highway 97 at Fairview Road, near the Tim Hortons and Home Hardware — easy to find and convenient to park. The park sits beside Ellis Creek, which adds a nice backdrop, and the creek walkway is a beautiful on-leash route if you want to extend your outing.

The surface is a mix of wood fibre and dirt, so expect your dog to get a little dusty. There’s potable water available for dogs, picnic tables for humans, and enough space that it doesn’t feel cramped even when a handful of dogs are playing. Peak times tend to be around noon and again in the late afternoon.

City Yards is Penticton’s most practical dog park — and it’s the one I recommend to anyone with a small dog or a puppy. Located in the old SPCA dog run beside the City Public Works Yards on Dartmouth Road, this park has something the other parks don’t: a separate, fully fenced area just for small dogs.

The main area is spacious enough for larger breeds to run, and the double-gated entry adds a layer of safety that nervous dog owners (or new puppy parents) will appreciate. The surface is a mix of sandy gravel, which drains relatively well and is easy on paws.

It’s not the most scenic park on this list — you’re next to public works yards, after all — but function beats aesthetics when your priority is safe, enclosed off-leash time. If you have a reactive dog, a very young puppy, or a tiny breed that gets overwhelmed by bigger dogs, City Yards is the park to start with.

This is the hidden gem of Penticton’s dog parks. Tucked behind the Water Treatment Plant and accessed via the pathway along Penticton Creek, this fully fenced off-leash area feels almost secret — and that’s part of its charm.

The walk in along the creek is beautiful and peaceful. Depending on the season, you may be walking through a canopy of trees with the sound of running water beside you. It feels more like a nature escape than a city dog park, which is exactly what some dogs (and people) need.

The main caveat is parking. The small lot outside the Water Treatment Plant is only available from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, which limits your options for evening visits in the shoulder seasons. The city has also run a leash-optional pilot program along the creek pathway leading to the park, so depending on current rules, your dog may be able to walk the trail off-leash as well — worth checking with the City of Penticton for the latest updates.

Three Mile Beach rounds out the list — and I want to be upfront about why it’s at number six. The off-leash area is specifically the south beach (boating area), and dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach. It’s an important distinction, and one that’s easy to miss if you’re new to the area.

That said, if you know where to go, the boating beach offers wide open space and water access on Okanagan Lake. It’s less maintained and less developed than the other parks on this list, which gives it a rugged, natural feel. On quiet days, it’s a beautiful spot to let your dog run and explore.

The lack of fencing means this park is really only suitable for dogs with solid recall. If your dog is reliable off-leash and loves open space, Three Mile Beach can feel like a reward. If not, one of the fenced options higher on this list is a safer bet.

Access has been improved recently by the city, which is a positive sign that this area is getting more attention. It’s located just off Naramata Road, making it a convenient stop if you’re heading up to the Naramata Bench area for wine tasting.