Penticton and its surroundings boast a variety of parks catering to every interest. This guide explores the best parks in and around Penticton, highlighting unique features and amenities. From Gyro Park’s vibrant entertainment to the serene landscapes of Summerland Ornamental Gardens, discover the perfect outdoor spots for your next adventure. Explore these top parks and make the most of what Penticton has to offer.
Gyro Park Penticton – Best for Live Performances
Gyro Park is a central spot for families. Located near Okanagan Lake, this 1.6-acre park is ideal for summer fun, filled with music and outdoor festivals. The Gyro Bandshell, a historic site, hosts live performances, adding to the park's lively atmosphere. Children can enjoy the large playground area with modern equipment while adults relax with a picnic in the shade.
Generations have been flocking to Gyro Park since 1936, drawn by its lively entertainment. During the week, you'll find bocce players and families enjoying the space. The park is also a favourite for its community events, including outdoor concerts and movie nights, making it a local favourite.
Skaha Lake Park – Best for Beach Fun
Recognized among Canada's top beaches, Skaha Lake Park offers outdoor fun for everyone. It's a prime spot for playing in the sand or swimming in the warm waters of Skaha Lake. This 21-acre park provides a range of recreational activities, from playgrounds and ball courts to watersports.
Children can enjoy the splash pad and playgrounds while adults stroll along the beachfront promenade or relax at the picnic areas. For those who prefer activities off the sand, there are tennis courts, basketball courts, and a softball field. The Rotary Centennial Pavilion within the park is popular for events such as wedding ceremonies.
Lakawanna Park – Best for Water Play
Located across from Okanagan Beach, Lakawanna Park is a popular spot during the summer months. It's a quaint spot with water spray features, a swing set, and a fenced adventure playground for children aged five to twelve. This 4-acre park includes shaded areas, benches, picnic tables, and stunning lake views. Pack a picnic and relax as the kids cool off in the spray features, operating daily from May long weekend until late September.
The park also features tennis courts, washrooms, and a concession stand, making it a convenient location for families. Its proximity to the beach and other amenities makes Lakawanna Park a top choice for a day out.
Munson Mountain Park – Park with the Best Views
Munson Mountain Park offers more than just a playground. Located on Munson Mountain, it provides panoramic views and a unique playground experience with climbing structures encouraging adventure. The hiking trails are educational, with signs explaining the local flora and fauna.
The park's picnic areas, with breathtaking views of the valley, are perfect for a relaxing family day out. Combining outdoor play with a hike, Munson Mountain Park is frequented by families for its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty.
Discover More Parks Only a Short Drive Away
Expanding your search beyond Penticton reveals even more fantastic parks. Each is just a short drive away and offers unique features that make them worth the trip. Here are some top picks within an 18-minute drive from Penticton.
Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park - Best for Beach Fun
Drive Time: 15 minutes
This park features a sandy beach, crystal-clear water, and stunning scenery, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Amenities include picnic tables, shaded areas, and a well-maintained beach. Reviewers praise its cleanliness, family-friendly atmosphere, and beautiful views. Just 15 minutes from Penticton, it's a favourite spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to relax and enjoy nature.
Giant's Head Park - Best for Scenic Views
Drive Time: 18 minutes
Towering 500 metres above Okanagan Lake, Giant's Head Mountain offers stunning panoramic views. Formed from an ancient volcanic eruption, its summit is accessible by a switchback road with parking near the top. From the peak, enjoy 360-degree views of Summerland, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, Trout Creek canyon, and Prairie Valley. Hike the trails from the parking lot or the trailhead on Milne Road. The park features viewing benches, picnic areas, and washrooms, but gates close overnight. Perfect for a day of exploration and breathtaking vistas.
Powell Beach Park - Best for Relaxed Family Outings
Drive Time: 12 minutes
Powell Beach is a beautiful hidden gem in Summerland near Trout Creek, offering a quieter alternative to Sun-Oka Beach. It features crystal-clear water, soft sand, and stunning views of Okanagan Lake. The beach is equipped with picnic tables, benches, showers, and washrooms, along with beach swings, a playground, and a small waterslide. Large shade trees, tennis courts, and a baseball diamond add to its appeal. Located less than 10 minutes south of downtown Summerland, Powell Beach has ample parking but fills up quickly in summer.
Peach Orchard Park - Best for Summer Fun
Drive Time: 15 minutes
Peach Orchard Beach Park is one of Summerland's top destinations for a hot summer day. Located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, just minutes from downtown Summerland, this beautiful beachfront park features crystal-clear water, a sandy beach, and large grassy areas perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various outdoor activities. As one of the top three beaches in Summerland, Peach Orchard Beach Park is a must-visit. The park offers several washrooms, picnic tables, and shaded areas, with the Spirit Square area ideal for large group picnics, featuring a covered pavilion and stage near the children's playground and splash park. A 1.3 km boardwalk runs parallel to the water's edge, perfect for a morning stroll. The park also boasts a large swimming area, a floating dock, grassy areas, a volleyball court, and a boat launch. Located on Lakeshore Drive, just five minutes from downtown, Peach Orchard Beach Park has plenty of parking spots that fill up fast in summer, so early arrival is recommended. For those wanting to maximize their outdoor time, Peach Orchard Campground is only 500 metres from the beach, making it an ideal place to stay during an Okanagan vacation.
Summerland Ornamental Gardens - Best for Nature Walks
Drive Time: 18 minutes
Summerland Ornamental Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with diverse themed sections, including the Xeriscape Garden, Butterfly Garden, Vegetable Garden, and Canadian Heritage Rose Garden. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Okanagan Lake, Giant's Head Mountain, and the Trout Creek Trestle railroad bridge. Open year-round, the gardens are perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. A suggested donation of $5.00 per person helps maintain this beautiful site.
Conclusion
Penticton and its surroundings offer parks for every interest. Enjoy live performances at Gyro Park, beach activities at Skaha Lake Park, and the scenic beauty of Munson Mountain Park. Nearby parks like Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park and Giant's Head Park provide even more options for outdoor fun. Explore the best parks in and around Penticton and maximize your time outdoors.
