Guide to Travel Penticton, British Columbia

Penticton, a charming city nestled in the picturesque Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada, possesses an awe-inspiring beauty that leaves visitors breathless. This delightful city captures the essence of nature's finest offerings, with its panoramic views of majestic mountains and sprawling vineyards that gracefully extend across the valley. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the abundance of outdoor activities available, including teeing off at scenic golf courses, embarking on invigorating boat rides, indulging in refreshing swims, venturing on exhilarating hikes, navigating enthralling mountain biking trails, and basking in the exhilarating thrill of skiing on the slopes of the renowned Apex Mountain Resort.

Moreover, Penticton showcases a vibrant arts scene, embellished with a myriad of captivating art galleries that beckon exploration and discovery. For those with an inclination toward history, the Penticton Museum and Archives unravels fascinating tales of the city's rich past. Additionally, Penticton boasts a diverse culinary landscape, tantalizing taste buds with its delectable array of restaurants, wineries, and craft breweries.

Notably, Penticton finds itself gracefully situated between the tranquil shores of Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, offering unparalleled views and an abundance of opportunities for unforgettable experiences such as fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. The sun-kissed beaches of Penticton serve as ideal destinations for unwinding in the warmth of the sun or partaking in a delightful array of water sports.

Furthermore, Penticton's close proximity to numerous esteemed wineries provides the perfect opportunity to embark on immersive tours and indulge in delightful tastings, ensuring a sensory journey for any wine enthusiast.

Ultimately, Penticton proves itself to be a destination that caters to all, whether it be sunbathing on the sandy shores, strolling along the charming lakefront boardwalk with loved ones, or immersing oneself in the delightful company of family and friends during an enchanting vacation. With its captivating landscapes, dynamic arts scene, mouthwatering culinary offerings, and endless opportunities for adventure, Penticton truly encapsulates the essence of an unforgettable vacation experience.

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How to Get to Penticton

Penticton can be accessed from the east or west via Highway 97. For those who prefer flying, Penticton Regional Airport offers flights to Vancouver and other major airports throughout British Columbia.

Penticton Weather

Penticton has a typical semi-arid climate, which means it experiences hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average in the low thirties (°C) during the day with cooler evenings. Winters are usually mild with temperatures dropping to around freezing point at night. With its ideal weather conditions, Penticton is an excellent location for outdoor activities year-round!

Penticton Breweries

Penticton is home to several excellent breweries which offer a range of craft beer styles. Visitors can enjoy samples of their local brews and pick up souvenir merchandise. On top of that Penticton has now been named by Lonely Planet as ‘Canada’s Craft Beer Capital’.

• Cannery Brewing
  Address: 198 Ellis Street
  Rating: 4.7/5

• Bad Tattoo Brewing
  Address: 169 Estabrook Avenue
  Rating: 4.6/5

• Slackwater Brewing
  Address: 218 Martin Street
  Rating: 4.5/5

• Neighbourhood Brewing
  Address: 187 Westminster Avenue West
  Rating: 4.3/5

• Barley Mill Brew Pub
  Address: 2460 Skaha Lake Road
  Rating: 4.3/5

• Highway 97 Brewing Company
  Address: 200 Ellis Street
  Rating: 4.5/5

• The Tin Whistle Brewing Company
  Address: 1475 Fairview Road
  Rating: 4.7/5

• Abandoned Rail Brewing
  Address: 1220 Davenport Avenue
  Rating: 5/5

Penticton Wineries

Penticton is home to some of the finest wineries in British Columbia. Popular local wineries offer award-winning wines and breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley. With so many great wineries to choose from, Penticton is the perfect destination for oenophiles!

• Three Sisters Winery
  Address: 1260 Munson Avenue
  Rating: 4.7/5

• Poplar Grove Winery
  Address: 425 Middle Bench Rd N
  Rating: 4.2/5

• Red Rooster Winery
  Address: 891 Naramata Rd
  Rating: 4.4/5

• Ruby Blues Winery
  Address: 917 Naramat Rd
  Rating: 4.6/5

• Upper Bench Estate Winery
  Address: 170 Upper Bench Rd S
  Rating: 4.4/5

• Painted Rock Estate Winery
  Address: 400 Smythe Dr
  Rating: 4.5/5

• La Frenz Winery
  Address: 1525 Randolph Rd
  Rating: 4.2/5

• Little Engine Wines
  Address: 851 Naramata Rd
  Rating: 4.3/5

• Lock & Worth Winery
  Address: 1060 Polar Grove Rd
  Rating: 4.6/5

• Moraine Estate Winery
  Address: 1865 Naramata Rd
  Rating: 4.6/5
  

Hiking in Penticton

Penticton is a great destination for hikers, with trails winding through pine forests and up to stunning mountain peaks. Popular hiking areas include Munson Mountain, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley. Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, offers an array of exciting trails and rock formations that are perfect for hiking and rock climbing. With so many wonderful opportunities for outdoor adventure, Penticton is the perfect spot for hikers!

• The Kettle Valley Rail Trail spans over 600 km of British Columbia’s spectacular Interior, winding through mountain passes and along the edges of dizzyingly high canyon walls. This trail follows the track bed of an abandoned railway line, providing a unique opportunity for cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders to explore some of BC's most ruggedly beautiful landscapes. Along the route you'll find historic trestles (including Myra Canyon Trestles), old train tunnels, rest stops with breathtaking views, and areas with diverse wildlife.

• GSpot Loop is a moderately challenging 8.0 km route that will take an average of 2 h 21 min to traverse. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and running, you can enjoy some peace and quiet during the quieter times of the day while still having stunning views all year round. A popular destination amongst nature lovers, come explore why this trail is one of the most beloved in the area!

• Canyon View and Ellis Ridge Trails is a 3.5-km out-and-back trail that is nice and easy for hikers of all levels and usually takes about an hour and thirteen minutes to complete. During the hike one can take in the incredible sceney which is composed of deep ravines, rugged canyons, and unique hoodoos. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times for safety reasons!

• Skaha Lake to Okanagan Lake via Channel Pathway is a 6.1-km point-to-point trail that is moderately challenging for both hikers and runners alike. The path leads hikers through lush wooded areas along the lovely Penticton River Channel. The hike usually takes around an hour and twenty-seven minutes to complete.

• Okanagan Lakeshore and River Channel is a 5.5-km out-and-back trail that usually takes around an hour and thirteen minutes to complete. this trail is essentailly a gorgeous waterfront promenade that runs along Okanagan Lake and is a popular area for walking and biking. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times for everyone's safety.

• Mount Campbell via Tower Road is a 5.3-km out-and-back trail that is moderately challenging route for hikers, mountain bikers, and runners alike that usually takes around an hour and fourty-three minutes to complete. Along the trail, trekkers will revel in the mind blowing views overlooking Okanagan Lake and its surrounding mountains.

• Mount Munson Trail is a short 0.6-km loop trail is an easy route and usually takes around nine minutes to complete. That being said it isn’t the best trail for those looking to do a trek, but it does provide some of the best views in the city and is a very popular lookout spot.

• Penticton Creek Trail is an easy 9.5-km out-and-back trail that usually takes around two hours and nineteen minutes to complete. This walking path runs alongside Penticton creek and treats walkers to a peaceful jaunt through nature and is home to several small dams and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The trail is open year-round so it's always beautiful to visit anytime!

• Upper Skaha Bluffs is a spectacular 11.7-km loop trail and is moderately challengng for hikers and runners. The trail typically takes three hours and fifty-five minutes to complete. It is located within Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park and is one of many trails that offer breathtaking landscapes of canyons, crevaces and ravines that tell a story of a turbulent past.

• Skaha Bluffs Trail is another trail within Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park and is 3.1-km round trip. It's a moderately challenging route for hikers that usually takes around one hour and nine minutes to complete. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be kept on a leash.

Attractions in Penticton

Penticton is a bustling city full of attractions for people of all ages. From the historic waterfront to the sandy beaches and nearby wineries, there's something for everyone. Families can enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, golfing, hiking, and fishing in one of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes. Visitors can also explore the local art galleries and museums or experience some of Penticton’s vibrant nightlife at one of its many restaurants or bars.

• S.S. Sicamous Museum and Heritage Park is the largest surviving paddle-wheeler in Canada and serves as an important reminder of the region’s marine heritage. Open to the public as a museum, heritage site, and wedding venue, it was launched in 1914 and provided a vital means of transport to remote communities on Okanagan Lake. Your admission fees contribute directly towards the restoration of this grand vessel, as well as other vessels that form part of its legacy. Come aboard for an unforgettable experience and help preserve one of Okanagan’s greatest treasures!

• At the Penticton Farmers' Market, you can find farm-fresh, locally-sourced produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, preserves, and handmade crafts that have all been grown or produced in the South Okanagan. PFM vendors are passionate about their work and take pride in only offering products they themselves make/bake/grow.

• The Apex Mountain Resort is a huge winter wonderland and a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, this resort offers over 1,000 acres of ski-able terrain, three high-speed chairlifts, and a variety of runs for all skill levels. If you're looking for an alpine adventure with plenty to explore, then the Apex Mountain Resort is perfect for you!

• Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This park offers an abundance of outdoor activities for all ages, including rock climbing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Whether you're a beginner climber or a seasoned pro looking to challenge yourself on some tougher routes, Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is sure to provide hours of fun!

• The Ikeda Japanese Gardens is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This stunning garden complex offers visitors meandering pathways through lush greenery, ponds filled with colorful koi fish, and views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to relax or just want to take some beautiful photos, the Ikeda Japanese Gardens are a must-visit.

• Penticton Wibit Water Park is a company that's committed to providing safe and fun experiences for all. Whether you're visiting the Okanagan Valley on vacation or you've made it your home, they can show you how to make the most of sunny days! With activities perfect for any age group and abilities, everyone will be sure to have an enjoyable time at Wibit Water Park.

• Visit LocoLanding Adventure Park for an unforgettable Okanagan adventure. Attractions include mini-golf, go-karts, a ropes course, bumper boats, climbing wall, and a large outdoor inflatable park. Plus, you can admire the beautiful landscaping while indulging in delicious treats.

Beaches in Penticton

Penticton is home to several stunning beaches, perfect for sunbathing or swimming in the warm Okanagan and Skaha waters. Popular local beaches include Rotary Beach, which boasts a grassy recreation area and a sandy beachfront; Skaha Lake Beach Park, with its expansive red sand flats and nearby playgrounds; and Lakeshore Drive Beach, offering an array of activities such as volleyball and windsurfing. Penticton is also unique to the rest of Canada for being the only city to allow the consumption of alcohol on its beaches.

• Three Mile Beach is a beautiful, popular swimming area located on the scenic Okanagan Lake between Naramata and Penticton. It's situated on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the lake, making it an ideal location for activities such as swimming or sunbathing. Also known by locals as a nude beach, this location has had quite a storied and controversial past - eventually falling in favor of those who prefer to enjoy their day unclothed at this stunning beach! Fortunately for them, it is now legal to do so here.

• After treating yourself to a delicious breakfast from one of the many local eateries, head over to Skaha Lake Park for your day of fun! Grab a spot under one of the shady trees and enjoy a break from the hot South Okanagan sun. If you're looking to cool off in the water, you'll want to make your way out west where it's shallower and you can wade further out.

• Marina Way Beach is a tranquil park located at the head of Okanagan Lake on the south end, situated on one of Penticton's most popular waterfront walkways. This 4-acre prime Penticton waterfront paradise features a small sandy beach that's perfect for family swimming, along with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs to relax in. Its shallow waters make it ideal for young children as they play in the lake.

• Okanagan Lake Beach is situated along the beautiful Lakeshore Drive at the head of Okanagan Lake in Penticton, one of British Columbia's most popular vacation spots. Featuring a kilometer of gorgeous sandy beach and stunning views of the lake and its surrounding desert hills and mountains, this beach provides plenty to do for everyone! Enjoy swimming in the clear waters or relaxing under one of its shade trees. With wheelchair-access ramps, fire pits, slides for kids, washrooms, and free parking - Okanagan Lake Beach is an amazing spot to spend your day soaking up some sun.

• To fully appreciate the stunning beauty of Skaha Lake, a visit to Sudbury Beach is an absolute must. Whether it's sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding you're looking for - this delightful local gem has something for everyone to enjoy during the day. The park features all sorts of great amenities such as a concession stand and public washrooms for added convenience. Plus there are several picnic tables and benches dotted around the area so that visitors can take advantage of some quality alfresco dining while soaking up those incredible views!

Penticton Hotels

Penticton offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. Some of the popular local hotels include outdoor pools and hot tubs. Some even have their own marina with boat rentals; and stunning views of Okanagan Lake. With so many great places to stay in Penticton, visitors will find the perfect hotel for their vacation!

• Ramada by Wyndham Penticton Hotel & Suites
  Amenities: Pool, Bar/Lounge, Fitness Centre
  Rating: 4/5

• Best Western Inn at Penticton
  Amenities: Pool, Free-Breakfast
  Rating: 4/5

• Sandman Hotel Penticton
  Amenities: Pool, Bar/Lounge, Fitness Centre
  Rating: 3.5/5

• Bowmont Motel
  Amenities: Pool, BBQs, Self-Serve Laundry
  Rating: 4.5/5

• Days Inn by Wyndham Penticton Conference Centre
  Amenities: Pool, Free Breakfast, Fitness Centre
  Rating: 3.5/5

• Lakeside Villa & Suites
  Amenities: Free Coffee, Bicycle Rental, BBQs
  Rating: 4.5/5

• Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre
  Amenities: Pool, Bar/Lounge, Fitness Centre
  Rating: 3.5/5

• Valley Star Motel
  Amenities: Pool, BBQ
  Rating: 4.5/5

• Empire Motel
  Amenities: Pool, BBQs
  Rating: 4/5

• Westbert Winery Guest Suites
  Amenities: Breakfast Available
  Rating: 5/5

Restaurants in Penticton

Penticton is home to a wide range of restaurants, serving up delicious local dishes and flavors from around the world. Popular eateries include The Yellow Pig Gastropub, offering classic pub fare with a modern twist; Craft Corner Kitchen, which features an array of enticing small plates; and Cannery Brewing Co., where visitors can enjoy their own craft beer alongside wood-fired pizzas and other tasty bites. With so many great restaurants to choose from, Penticton is sure to please even the pickiest foodie!

• Theo’s Restaurant
  Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek, and Vegetarian Options
  Rating: 4.5/5

• Polish Bistro
  Cuisine: Polish, European, and Eastern European
  Rating: 5/5

• Lachi - Fine Indian Cuisine
  Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian Options, and Vegan Options
  Rating: 4.5/5

• La Casa Ouzeria Restaurant
  Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, and Greek
  Rating: 4.5/5

• The Bench Market
  Cuisine: Cafe, Healthy, Canadian
  Rating: 4.5/5

• Brodo Kitchen and Catering
  Cuisine: Canadian, Soups, Vegetarian Options
  Rating: 4.5/5

• Sushi Genki
  Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi, Asian
  Rating: 4.5/5

• The Joy Buffet
  Cuisine: Chinese, Asian, and Vegetarian Options
  Rating: 4.5/5

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Guide to Travel Penticton, British Columbia