These special bikes can be found on Okanagan Lake.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Matthew Schanche

With an incoming heat wave in the Thompson-Okanagan, there are plenty of ways to keep cool.

Historically, the hottest days of the summer in the region are from mid to late July and this year looks to be back to a more normal pattern following last summer’s heat dome.

Both the Weather Network and AccuWeather forecast the temperature to hit 40 C in Kamloops July 28 and 41 C in Osoyoos. More northern parts of the Okanagan are forecast to be just under 40 C.

READ MORE: Temperatures rising in Okanagan, Kamloops with 40 C possible

We`ve compiled a list of places to visit and ways to keep cool with temperatures rising.

Try out a unique watercraft activity

Boat rentals, Sea-Doos and other watercraft activities are plentiful in the Thompson Okanagan. Some of the funkier watercraft activities include: water biking, water foiling, and visiting the local splash parks across the Okanagan, called Wibits. Vernon is also doing pop up splash parks this summer.

Visit your local library

Library locations across the Thompson Okanagan have air conditioning, a great way to cool off for a few hours and enjoy a book, newspaper or even use a computer for a bit. Many also have family-friendly events scheduled throughout the summer. Library hours range by city, but you can find more information on the Thompson Nicola Regional District`s website or the Okanagan Regional Library`s website.

Spend an afternoon at an indoor pool

Enjoying a beach, river, lake or other body of water outdoors is a typical way to cool off but you can beat the heat and avoid sun exposure by also taking time to visit your local pool. We recommend Kelowna`s H20 Adventure and Fitness Centre, as it features a wave pool, kids spray park, water slides and a surf wave simulator. According to Tourism Kelowna, it's the largest municipal water park in Canada. 

Hang out at the mall

Orchard Park in Kelowna has more than 170 retailers, making it the largest mall between the Lower Mainland and Calgary. Other mall locations all have AC, including Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops, Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in Penticton and Village Green Shopping Centre in Vernon.

Grab an ice cream or other delicious cold treat

The Thompson Okanagan has no shortage of sweet treats that will beat the summer heat. Some of our favourites include Scoopz Ice Cream in Kamloops, (and at local festivals), The Galley Lakeside Cafe has delicious ice cream sandwiches and Tickleberry's Ice Cream in the South Okanagan has long been a local favourite. You can find an extensive list of ice cream treats available in the region here. 

Don't have air conditioning? Make your own

To make your own AC, all you need is a bowl of ice water and a fan. Put the fan in front of the water, as it passes over the cool surface of the ice water, the air also cools down, which helps reduce the temperature of a room, according to TenTree.

READ MORE: How you can beat the Thompson-Okanagan heat wave without air conditioning

Make your home cooler with simple tricks

Draw the blinds during the day, use a ceiling fan and make sure it’s spinning in a counter clockwise direction and unplug heat sources like electronics as they produce heat, even when they’re not being used. You can also buy low-e window treatment film, which sticks to the insides of your windows and helps block UV rays. 

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