Kalamalka Lake sits just south of Vernon in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, stretching roughly 16 kilometres (10 miles) in length. The lake is widely recognized for its striking colour variations — the water shifts between vivid turquoise, green, and blue depending on light and season, a quality that has earned it the informal nickname "Lake of 1,000 Colors." The lake's aesthetic appeal is a defining feature of any paddle here, with the Okanagan Rail Trail running the entire western shoreline and offering a parallel land-based reference point visible from the water.

The Kalamalka Lake Paddle Trail, operated by the Regional District of North Okanagan and the District of Lake Country, spans 22 kilometres and runs the length of the lake adjacent to the Rail Trail. The trail is marked with buoys and is designed to keep non-motorized watercraft close to the shoreline, reducing conflicts with motorized vessels. Paddlers can navigate from near Kalamalka Provincial Park northward through Coldstream, with key access points at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park and various points in Lake Country. A recommended destination along the route is Jade Bay and Juniper Bay within Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, where pocket beaches offer swimming opportunities.

Several launch points serve paddlers. The Kalavista Boat Launch at 8484 Kalavista Drive accommodates both motorized and non-motorized craft, with seasonal access from April 1 to October 31 and paid parking requiring a car-topper pass plus a daily or seasonal parking pass. The Kinloch Boat Launch at 12908 Kinloch Drive also operates April through October with limited parking. The Westkal Non-Motorized Boat Launch on West Kal Road is restricted to small non-motorized craft — canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards — and is available year-round, though it offers drop-off access only with no parking. Kekuli Bay Provincial Park provides an additional launch with free year-round parking.

Motorized boat traffic is present on the lake, and wakes can be a factor, particularly in shallower near-shore areas. Power boaters are encouraged to stay in deeper water before generating large wakes, but paddlers should be prepared for boat traffic during peak summer months. Wind can also be a consideration; the lake's north-south orientation means southerly winds can produce whitecaps, making conditions more challenging. Paddling is permitted for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Rental equipment is available locally through outfitters such as Kalavida Surf Shop and Ed's Mobile Kayaking, both based in Coldstream.