Penticton is renowned for its scenic landscapes between Okanagan and Skaha lakes, its vibrant wineries, and its outdoor recreational activities including hiking, cycling, and watersports.

Penticton offers something unique in every season, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. If you enjoy warm weather, outdoor activities, and festivals, summer (June to August) is ideal. Temperatures can soar above 30°C, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in Okanagan Lake or Skaha Lake. The summer is also the peak season for wine tourism, with the Okanagan Wine Festivals offering tastings and vineyard tours.

Spring (April to June) is also a great time to visit, especially for those looking to avoid the summer crowds. The weather is mild, flowers are blooming, and local hiking and cycling trails, such as the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, are scenic and enjoyable.

Fall (September to October) offers cooler temperatures and stunning autumn colours. This is an excellent time for wine lovers, as it’s the harvest season for local vineyards. Additionally, the fall grape harvest brings vibrant celebrations.

For winter visitors, Penticton is close to Apex Mountain Resort, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Penticton has a rich cultural history that visitors can explore:

• SS Sicamous Museum and Heritage Park: This historic paddle wheeler, located on Okanagan Lake, now serves as a museum showcasing Penticton’s transportation history. It’s a great spot to learn about the region’s role in Okanagan trade and tourism.
• Penticton Art Gallery: For art lovers, this gallery features rotating exhibits of contemporary art, often highlighting local and Indigenous artists. It’s a cultural hub for the community, hosting workshops, talks, and events.
• Penticton Museum & Archives: This small but informative museum offers insight into the area’s Indigenous history, European settlement, and the development of Penticton as a city.
• The Penticton Ikeda Japanese Garden: Located near the art gallery, this peaceful garden was a gift from Penticton’s sister city, Ikeda, Japan. It’s a serene spot to reflect and enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds.

Penticton is renowned for its outdoor recreation, particularly in the summer. Here are some of the top activities:

Beaches and Water Sports: Penticton is nestled between two lakes—Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. Both offer sandy beaches, swimming, boating, and paddleboarding. Skaha Lake Beach is especially popular for families, with its shallow waters and playground.

Cycling: The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a favourite among cyclists, offering scenic views and relatively easy terrain. For those seeking a challenge, there are plenty of mountain biking trails in the nearby hills.

Hiking: There are several great hiking spots, such as Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland and Penticton Creek, offering stunning vistas of the Okanagan Valley.

Wine Tours: Penticton is at the heart of wine country, with over 80 wineries in the surrounding area. Visitors can take guided tours or create their own itinerary to explore the vineyards.

Golfing: Penticton is home to several golf courses, including Penticton Golf & Country Club and Skaha Meadows, both offering scenic views and well-maintained courses.

Penticton is located in the southern part of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. It’s part of the Thompson Okanagan region, known for its warm climate, stunning landscapes, and flourishing wine industry.

There are several ways to reach Penticton:

• By Car: Penticton is about a 4.5-hour drive from Vancouver via Highway 3 or Highway 97. It’s also a 1-hour drive from Kelowna.
• By Air: Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) offers daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary through WestJet and Air Canada, making it easily accessible for travellers arriving from major Canadian cities.
• By Bus: The Ebus service connects Penticton with several cities in the region, including Kelowna and Vancouver, providing an affordable option for ground travel.

Penticton experiences a semi-arid climate, which means it has hot, dry summers and mild winters. The region enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest places in Canada.

• Summer (June to August): Summers are typically hot, with daytime temperatures often reaching above 30°C. The lakes provide a great way to cool off, and the evenings are usually cooler, making it perfect for outdoor dining or evening walks.
• Fall (September to November): Fall brings cooler temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, with the stunning transformation of the vineyards and orchards into vibrant autumn colours.
• Winter (December to February): Winters are mild, with daytime highs around 0°C to 5°C. Penticton gets some snow on the ground, but the nearby mountains get plenty. This makes winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at Apex Mountain Resort a major draw.
• Spring (March to May): Spring comes early in Penticton, with temperatures starting to rise to 10°C to 20°C by May. The fruit trees in the area start to blossom, making it a beautiful time for scenic drives and hiking.

Penticton is a family-friendly destination with a variety of activities that cater to all ages. Here are a few reasons why families love visiting:

• Beaches: The city is known for its clean, sandy beaches on both Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. These beaches offer shallow waters ideal for young children, along with playgrounds, picnic areas, and water rentals like kayaks and paddleboards.
• Outdoor Adventures: Families can enjoy easy hikes like the Kettle Valley Rail Trail or take a float down the Penticton Channel in inflatable tubes. This slow-moving waterway connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake and is a popular summer activity.
• Festivals and Events: Penticton hosts several family-friendly events throughout the year, such as the Penticton Peach Festival, which includes parades, concerts, and kids’ activities.
• LocoLanding Adventure Park: This adventure park near Okanagan Lake offers go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, and a climbing wall, making it a hit with kids and teens.
• Skating and Skiing: In the winter, Apex Mountain Resort offers family-friendly ski slopes and tubing, while the city has ice skating rinks for winter fun.

Explore more reasons why families love Penticton.

Penticton offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major cities in British Columbia, such as Vancouver and Kelowna. However, prices can vary depending on factors like housing, lifestyle, and amenities. Here’s a breakdown:

Housing: The cost of buying or renting in Penticton is generally lower than in Kelowna, but it has been increasing as more people move to the area. Renting a 1 bedroom is around $1,400 per month. The average home price in 2024 is around $700,000 for single-family homes, though condos and townhomes are more affordable.

Groceries and Dining: Groceries in Penticton are comparable to other parts of BC, though local farmers’ markets and organic shops offer fresh, local produce. Prices at some markets and stalls can still be quite expensive. Dining out is affordable, with many family-owned restaurants, casual eateries, and fine dining options.

Utilities: The cost of utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, is reasonable for BC. Due to Penticton’s mild winters, heating costs tend to be lower than in colder parts of Canada.

Transportation: Public transit is available, but many residents rely on personal vehicles. Gas prices are in line with provincial averages. The compact layout of the city makes it easy to bike or walk to many locations, saving on transportation costs.

Penticton is located at the centre of the Okanagan wine region, with dozens of wineries just a short drive away. Here are some of the best to visit:

• Poplar Grove Winery: Known for its breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake, Poplar Grove produces excellent Merlot and Chardonnay. Its restaurant offers farm-to-table dining with stunning views of the lake.
• Hillside Winery & Bistro: Famous for its award-winning Merlot and Pinot Gris, Hillside has a charming bistro serving locally sourced dishes that pair perfectly with their wines.
• Naramata Bench Wineries: This area, just outside of Penticton, is home to several boutique wineries such as Laughing Stock Vineyards, and Therapy Vineyards. Each winery offers its own unique experience, from wine tastings to vineyard tours.
• Painted Rock Estate Winery: Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Painted Rock is one of the most celebrated wineries in the Okanagan Valley.

Like much of British Columbia, Penticton is in an area that can be affected by wildfires, particularly during the dry summer months. However, the city has robust firefighting resources and an emergency response system to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

The 2020 Christie Mountain wildfire was one of the more significant fires in recent years, but it was successfully contained, and no major tourist infrastructure was damaged. Penticton’s resilience in the face of natural disasters is a testament to its community strength and preparedness.

When planning a visit during fire season (July to September), it’s important to stay informed about the current conditions by checking BC Wildfire Service reports and local advisories. Visitors should also be mindful of fire restrictions, such as campfire bans, and avoid certain activities that could spark wildfires.

Despite the occasional wildfire risk, Penticton remains a thriving and safe destination.