About Crystal Sands

Aerial view of Mara Lake near Crystal Sands Resort in B.C., Canada, with a river curving through lush green landscape, trees along the shore, and a campground with cars and boats beside the water.

POSTCARDS from Paradise

Crystal Sands has long been the talk of the Northern Okanagan. Many visitors to Mara Lake can attest to the excitement of seeing its sandy beaches from the highway, and hoping for a vacancy!

The popular beach destination was often booked a year in advance, with groups of friends and family gathering at Crystal Sands as summer tradition.

In 1999, the resort was saved from a redeveloper by a group of longtime patrons who wanted to preserve the property’s heritage and ecological footprint. After years of hard work and determination, the group reimagined Crystal Sands as the private community you see today.

DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS FROM THE ORIGINAL CRYSTAL SANDS RESORT? SEND THEM TO US TO BE FEATURED

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Aerial view of a winding river surrounded by green fields, trees, and farmland, with cars parked along a road near the water's edge.

Shoreline photo from the late 80’s/early 90’s showing the original motel

Aerial view of a small town next to a winding river with mountains in the background, with a forested hillside on the opposite side of the river.

Recent shoreline photo of Crystal Sands - The green space indicates the former motel location