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City in British Columbia, Canada
Photo: Original uploader was Fawcett5 at en.wikipedia Later version(s) were uploaded by Peteforsyth at en.wikipedia., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Penticton (The 'Peach City') is a beautiful spot in the south Okanagan nestled between two lakes: The 155 km Okanagan Lake to the north, and the smaller Skaha Lake to the south. Tourism in Penticton is largely seasonal. In the summer, tourists double Penticton's population to 60,000. In the winter things used to be very quiet, but now that World Cup Freestyle Skiing stops at local Apex Mountain every winter, the winter scene is picking up.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This beautiful 1927 house was once a nurses' residence but now serves as the home of the Penticton Arts Council. Open to the public year round. Worth a visit to see the grounds, with vintage stone walls and a relaxing gazebo.
The home to the large 'Penticton' sign (a la 'Hollywood') that greets travelers coming in to town from the north. The sign was created with thousands of small white stones. The original stones have since been replaced with letters made of concrete. The park itself affords visitors with stunning 360 degree panoramas of the South Okanagan valley. Views to the south are accessed by an easy paved trail to the lookout. The panoramic views require walking up the hill, but there are plenty of benches to rest at and take in the view.
formerly the Art Gallery of the South Okanagan
Contains a modest permanent collection of work by local and area artists as well as bone carvings by traditional Inuit artists. Also features moving exhibits and other special events.
Features over 8000 artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Penticton's pioneers days, as well as local First Nations pieces. Located in the same building as the Penticton Regional Library. There is a gift shop on site.
Features changing art installations. A work nicknamed Frank (actually called The Baggage Handler) was moved because of vandalism and controversy with local puritans due to the anatomical correctness of the piece. Today you can see Frank at his permanent home at Red Rooster Winery, and the roundabout has a less contentious piece.
This paddlewheeler was the last commercial ship to operate on Okanagan Lake. Built in 1914 and retired in 1936, the large ship now spends its days drydocked on the edge of Okanagan Lake. The ship is open daily for tours in the summer, and includes a large HO scale model railway on the main deck, depicting the local Kettle Valley Railway. The smaller S.S. Naramata rests just behind the Sicamous.
A concession stand shaped and painted as a giant peach. While it isn't that interesting in and of itself, it has an interesting history and is one of the most photographed spots in town. Film buffs may recognize it from the movie My American Cousin which was filmed in the Penticton Area. This is the second Peach, as the first was pushed into the lake during the 1990 Peachfest riot (The riot was an isolated incident, Penticton is really quite safe.)
Nine-hole par-3 golf course set on a plateau overlooking Penticton and the lakes.
Don't let the name fool you, the public is welcome.
Nine-hole par-35 course.
Family-friendly outdoor mini golf course.
The park is adjacent to Skaha Lake on the southern edge of the city. Access is controlled and a daily access fee is charged to hike into the bluffs, further information, including maps, is available on the park's website. "Skaha" as it is known among climbers, has over four hundred established routes with a near equal split of traditional (gear) and sport (fixed bolt) lines that range between 5.6 and 5.13b.
If you don't have your own flotation device or can't arrange transport, Coyote Cruises is a convenient way to go. They provide tube rentals (good to the halfway point of the channel only) and operate a shuttle bus service to transport you back to the parking area on the north side of town.
late July
This unique festival invites people to lay down a blanket on the beach, bring a picnic and watch films on a floating screen in Okanagan Lake.
September-October
More of an 'Okanagan' festival than a Penticton one. Many wine-diner pairings featuring local wineries and restaurants, stretching from Osoyoos (at the US/Canada border) to Vernon at the northern end of Lake Okanagan. Several of these take place in Penticton.
early April
This two-day festival pairs local breweries with local restaurants to show off their wares alongside live entertainment. Hundreds of locals volunteer for the free beer.
July-August
Also, more of an 'Okanagan' festival than a Penticton one. A great annual festival devoted to all things pirate. Be prepared to spend a good day on the hunt for treasure!
late June
This crowd favourite brings over 400 hot-rods and classic cars from all over North America to Lakeshore Drive. The road is closed to normal traffic allowing close up views of the cars. At night some of the drivers put on a smoke show to the delight of the crowd, though police seem to be cracking down on this lately. Lasts three days.
mid September
Various venues host live Dixieland, Jive, Swing, and other forms of Jazz music.
Late June
Despised by some of the locals, and criticized due to prohibitive costs, this festival brings the best of the best of Elvis impersonators to town. Some free events.
early July
Come watch the caber toss and other heavy events accompanied by traditional Scottish pipes, drumming, and dancing. If you have what it takes you can register and compete.
Peachfest, August
The week after August long weekend. Long since stripped of its 'party get drunk' image of the past, Peachfest features a whirlwind week of family entertainment at Okanagan Lake Park, including a pancake breakfast, sandcastle competitions, music concerts, one of BC's largest parades, plus a kiddies' parade, food vendors, crafts, fireworks, and an annual Square Dance Festival.
Services Okanagan Lake.
Offers leisurely one-hour morning, afternoon, and evening cruises around Okanagan Lake on a 48 passenger paddle wheeler. The boat is fully licensed and snacks are available. Charters for special events available. Special wine cruises. Reservations recommended. $15 adult, $8 under 12, free under 3.
Services Skaha Lake.
Beside the Lakeside Resort. Rents seadoos.
They have 11 years of experience on the water and feature boat and seadoo rentals, wakeboard and waterski lessons, parasailing, banana boat rides and a 42-foot party barge you can rent daily. Take it for a tour down the lake during the day or have a party on it in the evening. It has an onboard barbeque and bathroom.
Cheer on this BCHL hockey team.
Go for a skate or play some pick-up.
Breakfast and lunch place with eggwiches, eggs benny, eggs & sausages, paninis, yogurt and granola. There is a small kids menu and a selection of baked goods like scones, cookies and muffins. Also sells condiments of a healthy organic natural variety and cookbooks. Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced where possible.
Licensed cafe with breakfast, lunch and dinner menu options and live entertainment some nights. Multicultural menu. Vegetarian dishes.
Fine Japanese cuisine. Closed on Sundays.
Fine dining, German and continental cuisine.
A unique restaurant/lounge which is built on piles above Okanagan Lake. Menu includes chicken, steak, fish and seafood. Great selection of fancy spirits and local wine. Semi-formal. Be sure to make a reservation in summer.
For a delicious, quick, and inexpensive lunch where delightful ladies will lovingly prepare you a fresh sandwich with your choice of bread and toppings. Best sandwiches in town. Take-out only.
Greek and Italian. Famous for fast lunches.
Perched high atop Carmi Mountain, this steak and BBQ house will impress with views of the valley by day, and the lights of Penticton at night.
Good Italian food for when you can't afford Villa Rosa.
A favourite for tourists and locals. Salty's has two floors: Downstairs is the main dining area where you can watch the cooks work in the open kitchen, or watch the world pass by on one of the best patios in the Okanagan, Upstairs is the Black Pearl lounge and oyster bar, featuring signature martinis and a variety of fresh raw oysters. Worth seeing is the collection of 'pirate' paintings hanging on the walls. The owner likes to crank reggae music. Menu includes salads, outstanding appetizers, pasta, pizza, chicken, steak, fresh fish, and for the indulgent, crab & lobster. Make sure you have reservations, as the lineup can queue well down the block at peak times in the summer. Most times a short wait will reward you with a seat. Menu available online.
Opened in 1977, this is one of Penticton's oldest restaurants. Theo's features Greek cuisine in a beautiful interior courtyard setting with great food and great wine. Menu available online.
Traditional European bakery. Vast selection of breads and pastries and fresh, made from scratch soups, salads, paninis and sandwiches for lunch as well as Dutch lunch specialties like Kroket and bitterballen.
Also has a winery in Amherstburg, Ontario. This winery has won over 60 awards since the first harvest in 1989. Bistro and bed-and-breakfast onsite.
It was the original owners of this winery that lobbied the British Columbia government to allow boutique wineries to sell their products to the public, spurring this huge growth industry. Bistro and gift shop on site. Bistro open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.
Winner of numerous awards in Vancouver, California, and Ontario, this winery's products were also selected to be served at a gala dinner for Queen Elizabeth II.
Beginning in 2003, this light-hearted winery was started by a pair of "MBA type, business consultants" following their passion despite common sense. They have received favorable reviews so far. They specialize in premium small batch production. Call before visiting to ensure that they are open.
This whimsical winery produces cheese to match their wines, and lives by the credo "find the best in the world and learn from them". Started in a garage, they now have 10 acres of grapes and their wines can be found in British Columbia's most exclusive restaurants.
Since arriving in Penticton from Basel in 1990, Red Rooster's two founders have created a huge success, winning the gold for three of their seven varieties at the All Canadian Championships. This winery is the permanent home of the aforementioned Frank, as well as other permanent and transient art exhibits.
Bar and lounge, featuring one of the largest lakeside patios in the Okanagan and stunning views up Okanagan Lake, this is the only watering hole right on the lake in Penticton. Good selection of wine/beer/spirits, and also has a decent pub menu. Try a Bellini, a frozen drink to chase away the oppressive heat. Quite busy in the summer from 2:00 in the afternoon till midnight, when people start heading for the nightclubs. Plays top 40 music with the occasional live show.
Not much on decor or atmosphere, but has the cheapest and biggest (20oz) pints in town. Great for refreshing yourself on the way to the beach. Cheap food too. $3.50 pints (cash only).
Good food and good drink in this friendly railway themed pub. $5 pints/highballs.
Try a sampler: Three types of beer brewed on premises, as well as a fourth seasonal brew. English style decor, pub menu. $5 pints/highballs.
Local haunt of Penticton's working class. Incredibly cheap food and drink specials change daily. $4 pints/bottles/highballs.
Features a taproom with a big patio and music Sunday evenings.
Tasting room and Mexican inspired cuisine.
Two floors of seating with rooftop patio.
Directly across the road from Skaha lake and the beach. Showers, laundry, power.
Located steps from downtown, and minutes from Okanagan Beach. Laundry, internet, and kitchens. Guests receive discounts at many local attractions. $21-24 dorm, $17-20 HI members.
Washrooms, showers, laundry. $28-33.
Located in the south end of town near Skaha Lake. Restaurant and pool on premises. Pets allowed. Internet.
Close to downtown. Features art and sculpture gallery on site.
Near Okanagan Lake and Penticton Trade & Convention Center. Breakfast buffet. Exercise room.
One of a handful of motels located across the street from Skaha Lake and the public beach park. Lakeside Villa offers easy access to one of the finer swimming/beach areas in the Okanagan. The motel is very clean and quite geared towards families. Rates range from $69-139 in the summer months.
Outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Exercise facilities. High speed internet. Steps away from 18 hole golf course. Kettle Valley Station Pub on site. Regular rooms and one bedroom suites available (with gas fireplace). One of Penticton's nicer hotels with a relatively short hike to Okanagan Lake but a short drive to the shops and restaurants of downtown.
Right across from Penticton's Okanagan Beach in the popular 'Sunset Strip" tourist area, this motel offers some of the most popular accommodations in Penticton; from studio, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom suites to penthouse suites. Very clean and well-maintained. Many suites have private patios with gas BBQs. Families, groups and sports teams are welcomed. Heated outdoor pool, guest BBQ/picnic area, ample guest parking, restaurant on site. High speed Internet, cable TV with movies, coffee makers, kitchenettes or kitchens.
Exercise room, internet access, hot tub. Vegetarian breakfast available. $140-200.
Two restaurants, pub, and casino on site. Exercise room, indoor pool and conference facilities. Steps from downtown and the beach.
For the literary crowd, Penticton features this store that stocks new, used and out of print/rare books on any conceivable topic, including a large section on local interest.
Pretty much everything tourists and locals need for their day to day.
Farm fresh veggies & fruits, eggs, honey, baking, preserves, handmade crafts and local liquor and wine – all grown or produced in the South Okanagan.
By bus
Intercity bus service is available in Kelowna, which can be reached using BC Transit route 70 (see "Get around" section below.)
By plane
By public transit
By taxi
On foot and bike
Penticton's compact size lends itself to biking or even just walking around. It will take about 15 minutes to bike from lake to lake, and just over an hour for the same journey on foot.
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Penticton · Regional · YYF
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