Pen-tic-ton, as translated by the local Salish Native Americans, means "a place to live forever". The City of Penticton is part of the Okanagan Valley, located in British Columbia. Situated along on Highway 97 Penticton is 78 km south of Kelowna and 393 km east of Vancouver. Penticton sits near the shores of Okanagan Lake, the largest fresh-water lake in B.C. to the north and Skaha Lake to the south.There are also 54 wineries within the valleyβs picturesque landscape.
Things to do in Penticton
Apex Mountain Resort
This winter retreat has an elevation of 2,181 metres (7,200 feet) and a vertical drop of 606 metres (2,000 feet). Experts can schuss down 56 black-diamond runs while beginners and intermediate skiers can enjoy varied terrain to meet their level of skiing. We offer a terrain park and half-pipe for skiers and boarders. Other activities on site include cross-country and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating & tubing. We are also open during the summer for mountain biking. Located just 33 kilometres (21 miles) west of Penticton. Call 250-292-8222 for more information.
Art Gallery of the South Okanagan
View the contemporary and historical works from established and emerging regional, provincial and national artists at this Gallery. A Gift Gallery and Art Rental Loft are on site and feature Okanagan art. Admission is charged to the Gallery; open year round Tuesday - Friday 10am 5pm; Saturday & Sunday 1 5pm. Call 250-493-2928 for more information.
199 Front Street, Penticton, BC
Benchland Vineyards
Benchland Vineyards opened in the year 2000 and offers a variety of wines including a Chardonnay, Pilot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zweigelt. The Zweigelt was the first ever released in British Columbia and sold out very quickly. The Vineyard is located on the east side of the Okanagan Valley Call 250-770-1733 for more information.
170 Upper Bench Road, Penticton, BC
British Columbia Wine Information Centre
Open 7 days a week, 9am 6pm. We have information on wine tours in the area, chilled wines, daily tastings and wine for sale. Call 250-490-2006 for more information.
888 Westminster Avenue West, Penticton, BC
Calliope Handcrafted Wines
This award-winning winery offers a full wine list including Skaha Bench (Pinot Gris) Gewurtztraminer, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and more. Visit the on-site store to purchase one of these great wines. Call 250-494-7213 for more information.
1060 Poplar Grove Road, Penticton, BC
Carmi Ski & Hiking Trails
The dark spires of burned tree trunks rise out of clouds of newly-green bushes and undergrowth in the Ellis Ridge area east of Penticton. They are a reminder of the devastating forest fire, in 1994 that claimed 5500 hectares of forest. Today you can enjoy hiking, cross country skiing and mountain biking. The trail is 3 km in length and takes about 3 hours to complete; open year round. Located just outside of Penticton.Cherry Lane Mall You will find more than 60 stores and restaurants at the Cherry Lane Mall. Visit our website for a listing of stores and businesses located at the Mall. Call 250-492-6708 for more information.
Coyote Cruises
This rafting company provides everything you need to discover the waters of Penticton. We include the raft, lifejacket and transportation in our fee. Open June September daily 9am - 8pm. Call 250-492-2115 for more information.
215 Riverside Drive, Penticton, BC
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway offers a unique 1½ journey on one of British Columbia's few remaining fully operational steam railways. Passengers enjoy a tour along a preserved ten km section of the original Kettle Valley Railway constructed between 1910 and 1915. The locomotive, a 1924 Shay steam engine, pulls two 1950's passenger coaches and the Kettle and McCulloch Kars (open air). Friendly, informative guides bring the history of the railway alive as the train rolls along hillsides overlooking beautiful Okanagan orchards and vineyards. The Garnet Valley Gang rides again!!! Bring your bag of coins and experience this authentic old west holdup (all stolen money goes to charity). Located in nearby Summerland. Call 877-494-8424 for more information.
La Frenz Winery
Vinter Jeff Martin presents La Frenz - a standard name on many restaurant wine lists. These wines are described as being fruit forward and table friendly and La Frenz wines can be appreciated by serious wine connoisseurs or the weekend wine critic. Do not miss the multi-gold winning Semillon. The wine shop is open May - October 11am - 5pm daily or by appointment from November - April. Call 250-492-6690 for more information.
740 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC
Lake Okanagan
Lake Okanagan is the largest of a chain of five lakes in the Thompson-Okanagan region. The Lake supports a variety of activities from house boating to waterskiing. Fishing is a popular pastime with the water full of rainbow trout, carp and ling cod. But beware as Ogopogo - the Lochness monster of Lake Okanagan is rumoured to still be here! With a water temperature that reaches 24 degrees Celcius in the summer, and 320 km (100 miles) of shoreline, visitors should not forget their swimming suits.
Lloyd Gallery
You will find this Gallery in the downtown area of Penticton. The Gallery features over 4000 square feet of space dedicated to more than 50 local, national and international artists. Open Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm. Call 250-492-4484 for more information.
598 Main Street, Penticton, BC
Loco Landing Amusement Golf
This is a family activity centre and Loco Landing Adventure Golf offers an 18-hole mini-golf course complete with sculpted rocks, waterfalls, train tressel and more. Open Victoria Day in May - Labor Day in September, 10am - 10pm daily.
75 Riverside Drive, Penticton, BC
Okanagan Amusements
Test your driving skills on our challenging Go-kart circuit then splash and bash on the exciting bumper boats! Enjoy a relaxing round of mini golf in a park-like setting overlooking picturesque Skaha Lake! We feature picnic and barbecue facilities on site. Open 10am - 10pm. Call 250-493-9125 for more information.
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
Located on the east side of Okanagan Lake between Penticton and Kelowna you will find the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Numerous activities are offered here throughout the year, including ice fishing and snow shoeing in winter, and hiking, swimming, and fishing in the summer. Located in nearby Summerland. Call 250-494-6500 for more information.
Penticton Golf & Country Club
Self-Proclaimed as one of the best golf courses in the Okanagan, the Penticton Golf and Country club offers a variety of challenges for all levels of golfers. Fairways are narrow and water comes in play for 12 of the holes. This is a public, 18 hole, Par 70 course with a pro shop, dining facility, cart rental, lounge, rental shop and practice Green on site. Call 250-492-5626 for more information.
600 Comox Street, Penticton, BC
Penticton Jazz Festival
One of many annual festivals held in Penticton. Listen to North American jazz at a number of venues in the city.
Penticton Museum / R.N. Atkinson Museum
Experience the tumultuous lives of the gold seekers and railway men; envision the sternwheelers that ran up and down the waterways of the Okanagan. Come in and explore our fine displays of pioneer life, natural history, military artifacts and First Nations collections. The extensive archives are available for researchers of local and regional history. The Museum is open year round September - June Tuesday Saturday; July & August Monday Saturday 10am - 5pm. Call 250-490-2451 for more information.
785 Main Street, Penticton, BC
Penticton Speedway / Oval Track Racing
Great stock car racing for the whole family can be seen here! A Ό paved semi oval race track features full bodied stock cars. Racing is held on Saturdays & Sundays in the evening or during the day. Call 250-490-0420 for more information.
Poplar Grove
In its inaugural year in 1995, this winery won top prize at the Okanagan Wine Festival's International Judging. Since then the winery has grown in leaps and bounds, getting better over time. Wines include Merlot, Cab Franc and Pinot Gris. Visitors are welcome; winery tasting room is now open Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm. Call 250-492-4575 for more information.
1060 Poplar Grove Road, Penticton, BC
Skaha Lake
This is the Okanagan's fourth in the chain of five major lakes. Lake Skaha is one of the region's warmest body of water and thus the major tourist draw to the area. You will find large sandy beaches that attract sunbathers and its winds entice winder surfers to flood the area in the summer. The lake is also used for boat cruises and dragon boat races. Lake Skaha is fed by the Okanagan Lake to its north.
SS Sicamous
The historic sternwheeler, the SS Sicamous, sits majestically on the south shores of Okanagan Lake, which she served from 1914-1936. The vessel is currently under restoration and open year round for tours and special events. Retired as the Okanagan Lake ferry, this 1914 sternwheeler has been converted into a marine museum featuring self-guided and guided tours. Admission is charged; open Apr. 1 - June 30 daily 10am 5pm; July 1 - August 31 daily to 9pm; September1 - 30 daily to 6pm; October 1 - December 15 weekly 10am 5pm. Call 250-492-0403 for more information.
1099 Lakeshore Drive West, Penticton, BC