Craving sunshine, fresh fruit, and vineyard views? Penticton is your Okanagan escape in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country — it’s an 80-minute, twice-daily flight from Calgary and worth a visit ranging from days to weeks. Skip the eight-hour drive and get an early start!
With more than 80 estate wineries and vineyards within a short distance — from the scenic hills of Naramata to the desert landscapes of Osoyoos — Penticton is a paradise for wine lovers. Sip your way through a guided tasting of some of Canada’s finest wines and take a bottle (or two) with you to enjoy later.
When you’re not swirling Pinot or snapping vineyard selfies, there’s an abundance of other fun activities to experience. Spend a day boating, water skiing, paddleboarding, or parasailing on Okanagan or Skaha Lake, or enjoy a leisurely float down the iconic River Channel, connecting one lake to the other, for hours of summer bliss. Outdoor lovers can also hike or bike the famous and extensive Kettle Valley Trail, a converted rail line with stunning stretches between Penticton and Naramata and extensions to Summerland and Okanagan Falls!
Snack on fresh-grown produce like local cherries and peaches from roadside fruit stands throughout the summer or time your visit around August’s legendary Peach Fest to take in live music, carnival rides and many other activations. For a sweet treat, stop by Tickleberry’s ice cream parlour and select from up to 72 delicious flavours, or for a more savoury hankering, visit Petrasek Bakery or La Cucina European Market for fresh-baked or old-world foodie finds.
Stay at the centrally located Lakeside Resort to conveniently access your daytime plans in any direction. Start off at a local favourite, Wayne & Freda, for a delicious breakfast sandwich and coffee. For lunch, consider meandering over to Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana for a slice of heaven, or up to Poplar Grove Winery for a fresher dish of seasonal ingredients and a spectacular view of the city and south valley. For dinner, you’ll find delicious choices like Theo’s Restaurant for authentic Greek cuisine or set up your night with an unforgettable vantage point to watch the sunset colours over Okanagan Lake at Elma (Turkish inspired) or the Hooded Merganser (Mediterranean fare).
After dinner, take a walk down Main Street to take in the bookstores, antiques and vintage shops, or stroll along the beach on Lakeshore Drive and explore the site of the historic S.S. Sicamous paddle wheeler or neighbouring Penticton Rose Garden to literally stop and smell the roses.
It’s no wonder WestJet Encore cabin crew members named Penticton their top layover city (tied with Vancouver!) Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this charming lakeside gem always gives you a reason to come back.
