Rain or shine, the Okanagan Valley is the place to go when you need a break from the big city. And, Penticton is your “free trade zone” for fun, with no restrictions on exploration and leisure time.
Thankfully, considering Penticton is only a four and a half hour drive from Vancouver, or an hour's flight out of YVR if you want to get there quicker, you could be sipping award-winning wine or strolling along a gorgeous lakeside as soon as possible.
This small community is jam packed with tariff-free thrills and enjoyments all year ‘round. So, to help you plan your next trip, here are some of the best places to relax, have fun and make a memorable visit to Penticton.
Where to start your day
Before you jet off and explore the region, be sure to check the great options for hot and cold beverages and freshly baked goods in Penticton. Petrasek Artisan Bakery is a local award-winning shop that offers delicious croissants and sourdough. However, if you’re looking for a more hearty meal, Wayne and Freda has a curated menu that includes amazing breakfast sandwiches.
Before the end of your trip, we highly recommend stopping by Frog City Cafe for a coffee or tea to go. This cafe is located in the center of the Linden Gardens, a stunning place to stroll by streams and willow trees. A day pass is needed to enter the gardens.
Where to find adventure
Penticton levies zero tariffs on adventure and adrenaline. Cycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (bonus: brewery/winery tours en route), or hike it if pedaling isn’t your pace. The railway is a decommissioned track that spans almost 650 km from Hope to Castlegar, with the Penticton area section in particular offering stunning views. You can either rent a bike from businesses such as Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours for a day, or even sign-up for a multi-day tour from Hoodoo Adventure. Visit Pedego Penticton for that electric boost to get you up those rolling hills.
Rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs is guaranteed to be a scramble you won’t forget. As one of the top rock climbing destinations in Canada, Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park provides access to over 1,200 routes, with incredible views of Skaha Lake below. The bluffs are meant for climbers of all levels, and groups like Skaha Rock Adventures offer rock climbing lessons to show new climbers the ropes.
While our next suggestion might not get your heart racing, it is relaxing and considered a right of passage in Penticton. On a warm day, grab your giant floatie and lazily float down the river channel. which connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. If you don’t have your own floatie, you can rent one at Coyote Cruises and drift into pure relaxation.
Where to eat and drink
Now onto everyone’s favourite part of any trip — indulging in food and drinks. Penticton has an incredible culinary scene showcasing the best of local ingredients paired with B.C. hospitality. For those craving an incredible glass of wine paired with their meal, there are plenty of options like Terrafina Restaurant and Sonora Room Restaurant.
Speaking of wine, there are approximately 180 wineries operating in the South Okanagan region, with Penticton travellers having access to more than 80 wineries within a 15-20 minute drive. Some of our favourite spots include JoieFarm Winery, Nk’Mip Cellars, Lakeside Cellars and Phantom Creek Estates.
For craft beer drinkers, you’d be intrigued to know that Lonely Planet has named Penticton “Canada’s Craft Beer Capital”. The beer scene is so prominent that seven breweries in the city are collectively known as the Penticton Beer Blocks.
Where to dive into the culture and history
Here in Penticton, you can immerse yourself in the history of the region that is the home to the syilx First Peoples. You can learn about the history of the Kettle Valley Railway at the SS Sicamous Museum and Heritage Park, which has a working model on display. You can also visit Penticton Museum & Archives on Main Street to view current exhibits.
Plan a “tariff-free fun” escape this summer with a trip to Penticton. Go to www.visitpenticton.com for more information about travelling to the region or for even more exciting things to do.
