Pedal your way through the exciting streets of Penticton with the city’s most charming cafés, perfectly paired with the pleasure of cycling. A journey not only lets you soak in the stunning natural scenery and urban landscapes but also rewards you with the inviting aromas and delightful flavours of local coffee shops. Cycling to Penticton's cafés combines the joy of biking with the culinary pleasures of the city, making every stop a memorable part of your adventure.
Cycling Routes in Penticton
Penticton offers an assortment of cycling routes designed to captivate every level of cyclist. The city has 22 km of painted on-street bike lanes and 25 km of multi-use paths and trails. Many citywide trails, including the promenades along Skaha and Okanagan lakes, the KVR trail, and other park paths, are designated as multi-use pathways and can be used by walkers, and those using other mobility aids as well. Penticton has also introduced new safety features at traffic signals downtown to give pedestrians and cyclists a head start when crossing the road. These include advanced walk and bike signals that allow people to start crossing before vehicles enter the intersection, ensuring they're already halfway across by the time the light turns green for cars.
Lake-to-Lake Bike Route
The Lake-to-Lake Route is a 6.7 km protected bike lane that crosses the city and goes from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. The city's commitment to developing its cycling infrastructure is evident, with initiatives to invest in this infrastructure. Most of the route is complete and it is set to be finished in summer 2024 as part of the Point Intersection project. Many people enjoy cycling in the warmer months of May and July, making it a fantastic spring and summer activity. Try the Prague Cafe which is a European cafe on the beach and it has free coffee for cyclists on the first Wednesday of every month if you come on the bike, wear a helmet and cycling clothes.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail
One of the most renowned pathways is the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, which was once a comprehensive railroad system and is now an extensive recreational trail. This trail provides almost 650 km of connected pathways throughout Penticton and beyond, making it a preferred spot for leisure cycling. For the city's ambitious cyclists, a route with fast flat sections, long steep climbs, and a few long rollers offers quite the challenge. This route exposes cyclists to the wonders of the South Okanagan. The Bench Market is an option that offers organic espresso and specialized products made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients, along with outdoor seating. It is situated adjacent to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR).
Other noteworthy cafes to try in town are Wayne & Freda café with a a cozy atmosphere that is bright and airy with high ceilings and a spacious sun-soaked patio or Gratify that specializes in gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based choices.
Penticton's Café Culture
Once you're off your bike, the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee beckons from Penticton's numerous well-loved cafés. Each café possesses its own charm and distinct menu, with many featuring locally sourced ingredients and home-baked goods.
It's worth noting that Penticton's café culture is not solely about issuing sustenance for the day. These establishments tend to be social hubs, where neighbours converse, friends laugh, and travellers share stories. They are spaces of community and conversation where cyclists can recharge and form connections.
Cycling and Cafés: The Ideal Blend
Many of Penticton's cafés are conveniently located along popular cycling routes, making the bicycle-to-bistro transition an effortless pleasure. Enjoy an early morning latte before embarking on a scenic route and then indulge in a refreshing iced coffee or comforting hot chocolate after your pedal-powered explorations. Some select cafés provide cyclist-friendly spaces, with bike racks and outdoor seating for those freewheeling customers.
The coupling of cycling and cafés in Penticton provides a harmonious blend of active exploration and relaxed indulgence; it's an experience that wonderfully encapsulates the town's love for outdoor adventures and quality food.
