Swan Lake sits just north of Vernon along Old Kamloops Road. It's shallow and marshy, with rushes, nesting ospreys and a nature reserve at the south end. It isn't a swimming and wakeboarding lake like Okanagan or Kalamalka. Think paddling, birdwatching and big lots instead.
What you'll find
- Waterfront acreages, small farms and orchards, many in the Agricultural Land Reserve
- Large-lot homes on the west side along Old Kamloops Road (City of Vernon), with some outer parcels in the Regional District of North Okanagan
- About 10 minutes to downtown Vernon and the north-end shopping along Highway 97 and Anderson Way
What's different about buying on Swan Lake
- Septic is common. Many properties are on Greater Vernon Water but have private septic systems. Under current standards, septic dispersal fields should be at least 30 m from the lake (10 m for the tank).
- Farm and ALR rules limit subdivision and non-farm use on many parcels.
- Riparian rules still apply. Building, landscaping or land alteration within 30 m of the lake generally needs a qualified environmental professional's assessment and a development permit: from the City of Vernon for City parcels, or from the Regional District for parcels in its electoral areas.
- Flood level. In the Regional District's electoral areas, the default flood construction level is 1.5 m above the natural boundary, with a 15 m floodplain setback, unless provincial mapping says otherwise. For City of Vernon parcels, check the City's flood map and floodplain bylaw.
- Highway noise on the east side along Highway 97.
- Docks fall under the general provincial rules. Swan Lake is not one of the Okanagan "large lakes" with the stricter dock criteria, but you still need a dock that meets the Province's General Permission or a specific permission.
See Swan Lake waterfront for saleLive MLS® listings on realestatevernon.ca, updated daily
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim or boat on Swan Lake?
It's shallow and weedy, so it's mainly a paddling and wildlife lake. There are no federal boating restrictions listed for it, but it isn't a typical swimming or powerboat lake.
Is Swan Lake waterfront in the Agricultural Land Reserve?
Many parcels are. Check the ALR status of any property before you buy, since it affects what you can build and whether you can subdivide.
Sources: RDNO Electoral Areas B and C OCP (Riparian and Swan Lake DPA), RDNO Zoning Bylaw 3000, BC Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual.