James Love is "Mr. Beach"

I'll answer any questions, concerns or criticisms, as long as they are civil.

See Concerns and Criticisms.

When the sun shines and beaches becon, mild mannered internet business man and mapping guru James Love, becomes MR. BEACH!!!; local beach expert and defender of sand & surf!

Ask MR. BEACH a Question

Someone is placing beach chairs at Mint Beach so it looks like the beach is taken. I never see anyone in the chairs.

Whether true or not I don't know, but a little bird told me that locals in the area actually fixed up the beach with flowers and shrubs so it would not look like a public access point. Some of them want to keep the general public from using this "public beach". This shook my confidence in the hospitality of Vernonites, since I still hope that local home owners actually made Mint Beach nice to be good citizens. Alas, I may be naive and therefore it may be locals are trying to hoodwink the general public by placing chairs there. If you see the chairs there, fold them up and set them aside. If they keep reappearing, be a good citizen, consider them abandoned items and remove them from the beach. If anyone local complains about you removing the chairs, don't push the issue, however do contact the Morning Star newspaper. I think the abuse of these public beaches by locals is newsworthy.

Thank you for your excellent website on Vernon's beautiful beaches. I recently found Kirkland Beach because of this site.

My big concern with Vernon beaches is the amount of open alcohol consumption that occurs (minors included). A lot of obnoxious, loud behaviour results. I hate having my kids watch this, and I don't like it myself. Previously we have contacted the police on our cell phones when we see this, and they have come and dealt with it. What else is being done in this regard? Is there anything else we should be doing? Maybe you give some advice to the people on your site about how to deal with alcohol consumption if they see it.

I'm not sure what advice to give. The authorities police Kal Beach quite regularly, however perhaps they don't know about the problem at Kirkland. Have you contacted Community Policing about the problem? There is a saying "When you call the Police at night, call the Mayor in the morning." A letter to the mayors office would be a good idea too. I also think a letter to the Morningstar would be helpful.

I am also concerned about pot smoking on the beaches too. I sometimes see people puffing away in a small group down the beach. I don't want my kids to see this behaviour either.

Where would be the easiest place to launch our kayaks on the east side of Kal Lake, i.e. adequate parking and not too far to carry kayaks. - Bev

There is a boat launch on the east side of the lake but it is hard to find. Its been a while since I've been there but its on the way to Jade Bay. Turn off Kidston turn onto Kinlock Drive and wind your way down to the lake.

Is the public allowed on Soverign Beach now? And is there parking. I just found your web site, and found it interesting. Keep up the good fight to keep our public beaches “public”.

I haven't heard that the public is not allowed. There appears to be no designated parking as of Aug./06, so park on the street. Make sure to keep the beach clean and respect the neighbours or the beach might be closed until the restoration is completed. Remember to bring a garbage bag to clean up after moral-rejects who leave their trash behind.

Where can I take my dog to the beach? - Julie

Pebble Beach in Kalamalka Provincial Park is the most popular location. Kal Lake Boat Launch Beach is the closest, but Lakeshore, Ellison, also have dog beaches. When time permits, there will be a comprehensive list on this site.

What can be done about the dust at Kal Beach? - Tim

Coldstream needs to add expensive washed sand to the beach. Contact the municipality of Coldstream and encourage them to support local tourism and recreation by spending the money. A better idea is to organize some fundraising events to buy some washed sand for the volleyball areas.

What is your favourite beach? - Tammy

Right now, I'd say Kirkland beach is my fav. or should I say, its my three year old son's favourite so its mine too.

Why are you such a sexy beach-god? - Anon.

Good Christian living, vitamins, and hours enjoying the many beaches around Vernon BC.

Do you have any superpowers? - Robert

Yes, I can build a sand castle in under 1 minute, remain motionless on my beach towel for hours unscathed and eat a whole watermelon in one sitting. Shocking but true.

I am just wondering if any of these beaches are ok to get married at? Any suggestions. - Kim

There is nothing forbidding ceremonies at beaches, however I don't think you can book a beach for a private function. Paddle Wheel park has a hall which can be rented at a reasonable price. You could likely have the wedding on Paddle Wheel Park's beach but if weather turned bad you could move into the hall. As beach weddings, mornings are best since the beaches are not so busy. As for suggestions; Paddlewheel, Juniper Bay Beach in Kalamalka Prov. Park., Kopje Regional Park Beach is a 15 minute drive and there is a house you can rent, Kaloya Beach has a nice grassy park with a outdoor hall structure that could be used for weddings.

More information on Vernon BC Beach Weddings

Why is the water greeny blue in Kalamalka Lake. - Tristin

Wikipedia.com says "At different times of the year the colour of the lake can range from cyan to indigo, in different spots at the same time. This is likely caused by increased water flow and circulation disturbing the silt at the lake bottom." The silt comes down from the local mountains and produces this unique process in the lake. I also believe that the angle of the sun has a significant effect since the waters tend to be more green in the morning and darker in the later day. Okanagan Lake also have this effect but due to the water being deeper the colour effect is not as pronounced.

Is there really an Ogopogo monster in Okanagan Lake? - Anon.

Yes indeed. It lives in the deepest parts of the lake and eats bottom fish, so that is why it is rarely seen.

Some beaches have lots of garbage on them. What can we do about this? - Brandon

First, pick up the garbage that is there; consider it a public service. A clean beach tends to stay clean. Second, tell people who litter that they are being idiots.

Can I walk in front of people's houses on the beach? - Alan

Yes, if you stay below the high water mark. People own up to the high water mark, but in practice home owners usually expect you to stay in the water, however the odds are if you stay within three feet of the shore, you're likely fine. Be aware the some home owners have encroached into public waters by extending their beaches with extra sand, sea walls and such. Technically they are theiving public lands, but if you walk on these structures they likely are to get nasty; stay in the water unless it is unsafe to do so. If they get nasty, perhaps give them the choice of letting you pass or having you report them to the Federal Department of Oceans and Fisheries for encroaching onto public waters. :) Words of wisdom; don't let fools ruin your day by getting into a fight with them; ignore them and get to your destination enjoy the day.

Can neighbours use public access points for storing boats, lumber, trailers or other items?

No they can't. Report these infringments to the provincial government. I welcome someone to find the direct phone number to report this abuse.

Ask MR. BEACHES a question