Things
To Do in Penticton, BC, Canada
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
- Flying : A picturesque 1829
meter x 45 meter (6000 ft. x 150 ft.) asphalt strip joins the
north end of Skaha Lake to the south end of Lake Okanagan. CYYF
Penticton has all the amenities including car and aircraft rentals,
shuttle service, fixed wing and rotary training schools, flight
planning, Canada Customs, Ministry of Forests, repair & service
shops, café, flying club, aircraft storage, the works!
Regular air-traffic volumes are not commercially heavy, however
future 737 traffic will pick up as Penticton grows.
- Typical weather conditions
are second to none. Awesome beaches are just off the ends and
downtown Penticton is to the immediate east side of the aerodrome,
across the water channel and highway 97. A golf course lies along
the airport' s west edge. Valley tours, heli-fishing, and aviation
winery tours can be easily arranged. A 670 x 23 meter turf runway
is also available for light single, ultralight, and microlight
aircraft use.
- Runway directions are 16 & 34. Airport
Advisory : MF 118.5 MHz & 119.6 for Kelowna after
hours. Flight information enroute is 122.5 & 126.7. Local
NDB is 290 khz, DME for 16 is 110.3 MHz Ch40, and the localizer
for 16 is 110.3 MHz. Check ahead for applicable landing fees and
tower operation hours.
- Eco Tours- The area is alive
with rare bird species, wild fur-bearing mammals, brightly coloured
plants, and vast forest. Guided operations are ready to take you
out by kayak, bike, horse, 4x4, snowmobile, or helicopter depending
on your desire. Self guided routes are easy to adventure on with
use of the optional FSR, backload, lake, and KVR corridors.
Bring your identification books, binoculars, camera, GPS, and
good friends along. Various valley-wide festivities such as the
annual Meadowlark Festival are great opportunities to get out
with other eco-adventure enthusiasts and experience the features
of nature.
- Kiteboarding : Windsurfing
: If the mix of wind and water gets you excited then you need
to become more aware of the fantastic conditions that arise during
the spring and fall months at the Penticton head of Skaha Lake.
Hyper thermals, valley winds, and especially the odd squall give
flysurfing enthusiasts ample speed and lift to generate lengthy
airtime. Sudbury Beach at the south end of Penticton puts your
truck and gear nicely at the waters edge. Prep sails, pump your
bladders, and adjust straps on the clean sandy beach. It' will
blow' you away!
- Kayak/Canoeing- You won' t
be lake puddle crowded here! Skaha and Okanagan Lake offer extensive
north or southbound shorelines straight out from Penticton. Lots
of native pictographs, interesting geological features, steam
ship era remnants, historic trails, and mythology surround the
area. Okanagan weather is predominantly in the awesome range'
and the lake is big! Ogopogo is usually spotted near Rattlesnake
Island if you' re interested! If you would rather avoid the local
lake monster then check out the lakes of the Okanagan Highlands
just east of town or head a bit west along highway 3A. Paddlers
paradise for sure!
- Skiing : Take your pick! For
wicked summertime mountain bike sport or exhilarating wintertime
downhill and cross-country adventure just head north, south, east,
or west for an hour and you' ll find what you need. Apex Mountain
rocks with great runs and resort facilities just west of Penticton,
BC. For Mt. Baldy Alpine Village Resort head south to Oliver and
hang a left, bring your frisbee golf equipment with you. Crystal
Mountain is in Westbank to the north, and Big White is near Kelowna
along Hwy #33. Big White can be reached by driving east from Penticton
if you have an off-road capable vehicle or drive north on Hwy
#97. For a circle visit head to Mt. Baldy, ski and stay the night
then head east on Hwy #3 to Rock Creek, BC. Turn right onto Hwy
#33 and drive up to Big White for another day and night of fun.
Then come back via Kelowna and catch Crystal Mtn. in Westbank.
Tag on a visit to Apex once you get back to Penticton. See lots,
ski tonnes, and go everywhere eh!
- Mountain Biking : Not only
are there great runs all over the area but there' s a few excellent
bike service and repair shops nearby to get you through the bumps
along the way. Bike rentals, sales, and tours can be easily found.
Featured riding trails include the Riddle Rd / Three Blind Mice
trail system for those looking for a healthy workout and single
track rush. If you like to do the scenic thing or like getting
up some speed on a smooth straight stretch then you' ll be attracted
to the section of TCT/KVR (Trans Canada Trail / Kettle Valley
Railway Trail) from Naramata to Penticton and beyond. Either way,
catch some fantastic views, see some wilderness, and show your
pearly whites….all trails lead back to town where the pubs,
good food, and refreshment await my friend!
- Motorcycle Touring : Plainly
put, having a bike in the Okanagan makes sense! If you are wondering
why then just take a look at the regular weather patterns and
precipitation reports for Penticton, BC, Canada. Then take a close
look at the less than straight and boring roads on your map. Many
looking like they were designed by a drunken bulldozer operator!!
This toadally makes for awesome riding! If you' re coming from
the prairies you' ll be hard pressed to go back home due to the
curves and swept changes in elevation. If you' re from the coast
you' ll be happy to shed the raingear for more than 2 weeks. Wherever
you come from, and whatever you ride, the alternative circle routes
taking you from the Okanagan Valley to the Similkameen or Kettle
River Valleys and back again along the alternative corridors will
help you learn what the word sweet' really means!
- Highway Biking : The same lure
for motorcycling here also applies to those of you that want to
power yourselves from point to point. Popular day rides include
a complete circle ride of Skaha Lake from Penticton to Okanagan
Falls and back. Another hit is to ride the Naramata Bench from
Penticton to Naramata and back. This isn' t a circle trip however
it lends perfect opportunity to visit some superb wineries just
off Naramata Rd. At the junction of Naramata Rd and the KVR/TCT
you will find good food and refreshment available.
- Boating : House Boat rentals
and paddle wheeler cruises can be booked right out of Penticton
or bring your own boat. A fully equipped marina as well as several
launch access points are positioned in and around the city. The
lake is 118 km (72 miles) long with a surface area of 35, 000
hectares. Fuel up in Penticton or top off at Summerland, Peachland,
Westbank, or Kelowna. Watch for the elusive Ogopogo, pictographs,
and other wildlife around Rattlesnake Island.
- Water Skiing & Tubing :
Without a doubt Lake Okanagan is a premium BC wet stretch for
wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Bring your gear and show
your stuff! Rentals and lessons are provided in Penticton and
in Naramata Hire a dude to take you and your family out for an
afternoon of great fun! Seasonal parasailing adventures for the
whole family can be booked in Penticton as well.
- Firearms Range : Indoor and
outdoor ranges are provided just a few kilometres north of Penticton
along highway 97 towards Summerland. Both indoor and outdoor ranges
are provided for complete family fun. From .177 air-rifle to large
bore, black powder, trap, silhouette, and archery practice. Partake
in a firearms safety course or CORE (Conservation Outdoor Recreational
Education) program. Become educated on equipment care, safety,
bylaws, certification, physical & mental balance, and responsible
practices. Check ahead for family open house and first timer dates
and range fees.
- Heritage Tours : Dating back
1000s of years with the first human inhabitants and dating back
millions of years to the first geological processes, which provided
the volcanic rich soils and topography that caused those original
settlers to referrer to this area as a place to stay forever'
(the meaning behind the name Penticton), heritage tours around
Penticton often compass a wide variety of sights to behold. The
Heritage Maritime Museum, Penticton' s most prominent display,
involves the SS Sicamous, SS Naramata, and SS Okanagan (remains).
These 1910 CPR steam era ships now sit on the Okanagan Lake beach
for you to visit. Follow the old Kettle Valley Railway by walking,
biking, horseback riding, skidoo, or x-c skiing. Visit the numerous
heritage buildings. Some provide bed & breakfast service.
Others present art displays and fine dining. Connect your heritage
tour with the surrounding towns of Naramata, Summerland, Kaleden,
and Okanagan Falls by tracing the HBC (Hudson Bay Fur Brigade)
Trail and the KVR or, by boat, CPR paddle wheeler routes. Ancient
pictographs and volcanic formations will enhance your experience.
Time travel is possible eh!
- Space Observatory : The oldest
eco-friendly form of tourism. Boldly go and check out something
you may have never seen before! Penticton' s smaller version of
NASA, the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory awaits your
family' s arrival. This large array of stellar image seeking dishes
is impressive as is the desert topography which surrounds it.
Just drive 15 min. south to Kaleden and Okanagan Falls, BC then
turn right. The South Okanagan is well known for its dark' night
time skies (low levels of radiating city lights and smog factors)
which makes an awesome platform for amateur and professional telescopic
viewing. Check out the annual Mount Kobau Star Party. Some innovative
B&B accommodations provide extra features from simple telescopes
to fully equipped mini-observatories.
- Camping/RV : Bring your rig
right into town and enjoy the nearby lakes or settle in just out
of town. Private and public camping services for tenting and RV
travelers can be found all around Penticton. Book early for the
summer as this is an attractive destination for those fleeing
metropolis cities. Consider coming during the months from October
to March....ask anyone from Canada' s prairie provinces!.
- Summertime is great however what a lot of people
don' t realize is that Penticton weather during the fall and winter
is regularly dry and beautiful. Heavy snow remains a few hundred
feet above Penticton and Lake Okanagan It is common to see people
out jogging, biking, boating, and walking throughout the winter
here.
- Hiking : Footpaths and high
stepping trails abound. Easy family orientated trails such as
the KVR/TCT provide kilometres of easy, scenic, hiking, biking,
and x-c skiing. Check out the Ellis Ridge Trail, Blue Mountain,
or Okanagan Highlands Trail. Elk, Deer, Mountain Sheep, Moose,
Bear, and Cougar can be spotted from the different hike trails
around Penticton. Bring water because it gets quite hot here during
June July & August. Thank goodness for the ample supply of
lakes to cool off in.
- Mountaineering : Skaha Bluffs
are the local rock climbing attraction. Several great routes to
satisfy and there are some very keen organizations who can get
you acquainted if you' re a first timer. Check out Penticton'
s Skaha Bluff rock climbing scene.
- SCUBA Diving : Only a few kilos
northbound from Penticton along Hwy #97 you' ll discover a designated
SCUBA Dive site at Soorimpt (Kickininee) Provincial Park. You
can find dive equipment sales, lessons, and guides in Penticton.
Get certified while you' re here!
- Farmer' s Market : Most of
the surrounding communities have seasonally operated Farmer' s
Markets. The Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys are known world-wide
for outstanding quality fresh fruits, vegetables, cottage industry
- artisan products, and natural healing remedies. Penticton' s
Farmer' s Market & Artisan Market runs from May til October
every weekend downtown near the big peach by the beach.
- Theatre : Catch a movie at
Penticton' s little movie theatre or take an evening to enjoy
some of the live community theatre performances at the Cleland
and Bare Bones venues. Penticton' s Beach Blanket Film Festival
takes place in July during which you can sit on the beach and
watch a floating movie….how cool is that eh!
- Festivals : Throughout the
year it' s non-stop! Head up to Apex in February for the annual
Uller' s Winter Triathlon. This is a 30 kilometer (18.64 mile)
test of endurance featuring snow trail mountain biking, cross
country skiing, and snowshoeing.
- Wine Festival months are January,
May, August, and Sept/October every year.
- Try out some new lagers, drafts, and micro-brew
varieties at Penticton' s annual Okanagan Festive
Ale in April. Bring out the kids to take part in the International
Children' s Festival. Celebrate nature with the special events
of the Meadowlark Festival with your whole family. Fun really
springs up around Penticton, BC during the merry month of May.
- June is an awesome time to celebrate the era
of Beach Blanket Bingo' , & My American Cousin' . Penticton'
s annual Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival and
the ever popular Peach City Beach Cruise both
happen in June. Whether you' re a rebel without a cause' or a
Johnny angel' , you and your baby will surely dig the Presley
sounds and sights of those spanking vintage cars.
- July is the month for the clans to come together
and show their stuff at the Penticton Highland Games.
A few evenings in July can be spent enjoying the floating movies
of the Beach Blanket Film Festival on Okanagan Lake. August is
all about Peachfest (since 1947), the newer Square Dance Festival
and the high energy Penticton Ironman Triathlon.
- Groove to the music during the Penticton
Jazz Festival in September and watch the racing vessels
of the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Wine Tours : Welcome to wine-tour
central! Penticton and the neighbouring communities of Summerland,
Naramata, and Okanagan Falls combine to offer you a mega variety
of wineries, vineyards, and wines to check out. You will not see
them all in one shot! No, they are not all the same! From the
Naramata Bench to the Oliver Ranch Rd stretch in OK Falls and
along both Okanagan and Skaha Lake, the varieties of grape and
land design for producing these international award winning wines
are both unique and wonderful to see. Tours run seasonally. Everything
from air-conditioned bus services to tour group outings on bikes
can be readily arranged before you come or when you arrive. No
expertise required, just bring an excitable palate.
- Golf : Golf courses are located
in town along Hwy 97 and just out of town in the Westside area
as well as beside the Penticton Airport. Driving Range located
at the north-west end of Penticton. The weather conditions bode
well for year round golfing in Penticton as well as the rest of
the South Okanagan. For the young at heart there' s mini-golf
at the in-town waterslide park. After you try all of Penticton'
s big courses, check out Summerland just up the highway for further
golf adventure!
- Hockey School : One of the
best hockey schools in North America. Youth through teen week
long sessions involving on-ice and in seminar professional instruction
courses take place. Check for exact dates and programs offered
and join up. Go home with a taste of NHL possibility. You' ll
never know til you try it eh!
- Recreation Facilities : 2 ice-rinks,
general fitness and martial arts studios, waterslides, beachside
water park, swimming pool, mini-golf, driving range, 7 tennis
courts, theatre, several ball diamonds, firearms range, SCUBA
Dive sites, Ski runs, and a plethora of trails and parks plus
beach fire-pits are for your use when you come visit.
- Channel Rafting : Great if
you can swim, but can you float?? This takes practice and you
have all day to figure it out because the only white water here
is whatever you splash at each other! Dog paddle is top speed
and sunscreen is your major worry. Every year during the spring
and summer you' ll notice all sorts of funky colours, shapes,
and sizes drifting down the channel from okanagan Lake to Skaha
Lake. A bus shuttle brings you back just to do it again! Bring
your own creation or rent a tube for a few bucks. Soak it up eh!
- Paintball Action and adventure
are added to this enhanced game of Tag' . Walk, bike, or drive
over to this location just off Skaha Lake beach. Bring yourself
or your entire crew and get ready to have a blast! Day or night
the fun is safe and energy pumping. As long as you' re 10 or older,
no matter if you' ve never tried it before or if you' re a seasoned
veteran just drop in and give it a shot!
- Speedway Racing ' Penticton
has an excellent quarter mile paved oval track for contestants
and observers to enjoy. Day and night time action takes place
on the hillside up along Carmi Ave. Check out the scene with awesome
Hit to Pass racing plus race events for Dwarfs, Streetstocks,
Babygrands, Hornets, and Sportsman class cars. Feature events
include Freestyle Motorcross, Sportbike Extreme, and good ol Monster
Truck excitement!
- Off Road FSR Exploring ' Drive
up Carmi Avenue past the Hospital and beyond the speedway race
track. When you pass the Garnet Fire Interpretive Site, the road
turns to gravel and you are on your way into a vast network of
fantastic forestry service roads. Bring a map and watch for cows!
Many of these corridors are for active logging, especially during
weekdays so keep an eye out for the trucks. Healthy amounts of
wildlife to be seen including Bear, Moose, Elk, Cougar, and Deer.
Connect to the R201 and head east all the way over to the Kettle
River Valley' s KVR/TCT, Idabel Lake, Highway #33, Big White Ski
Resort, and Beaverdell, BC .
- As an alternative, head west into Okanagan
Falls or even connect to Oliver, Mt. Baldy Alpine Ski
Village, Camp McKinney, Conkle Lake, and Bridesville, BC.
- Great 4-wheel drive routs also
take you from Apex Mtn, west of Penticton, and over to Hedly,
BC in the Similkameen Valley. Catch the Apex Mountain Jeep Jamboree
in August if you' re out!
- Consider heading out with an off-road
tour guide for safe, secure fun for the whole family.
- Geocaching : New finds await
discovery! Some coordinates lead to wineries and others take you
far beyond. If you' re and avid GPS adventure enthusiast then
gather your posse and get tracking eh!
- Curling & Bowling : Toss
in your talent at the rink or on the lanes. Weekend specials and
family events are happening all the time. Check out the schedules
and bring your rock!
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