What are the Top 9 Best Things to Do in Penticton?

Visiting for a weekend or longer? Here are the best attractions and experiences in Penticton!

The Top 9 Best Attractions and Things to Do in Penticton, B.C. 

The Top 9 Best Things to Do in Penticton, B.C. 

Penticton, B.C is a lovely town located in the center of the Okanagan Valley. A city renowned for its beautiful lakes, wine culture, and beauty, there is no better place for adventure seekers and relaxation addicts and foodies alike. From a short weekend escape, wine tour or outdoor adventure; there is enough to see and visit both in Penticton and also throughout the surrounding area and we look forward to having you experience them year after year. Let us discuss in detail the top 10 best things to experience and explore in this paradise in Okanagan. 

1. Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake Beaches

Penticton is privileged to have one but two beautiful lakes, Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. The lakes are equally as stunning and provide much for visitors to engage in, be it lying on the sand or water sports. Okanagan Lake, blue as can be and hot sunshine, is just right for swimming, paddle-boarding, or cruising about in a boat. Alternatively, if sand is your thing, there is no better place than at Skaha Lake for sunbathing, picnicking, and family fun. The lakes are just right for lots of jet-skiing, sailboat, and kayak opportunities, and if some adrenaline is what you are after, this is just the place to come and hit the water. Overall, the spectacularly beautiful surrounding mountains and vineyards make these beaches a real gem in Okanagan. 

2. Penticton Farmers’ Market

For a real local experience, a Saturday at the Penticton Farmers’ Market is a must-visit. April and October are when this busy market features the best in locally grown fruits and produce, hand-crafted wares, and creative arts and crafts. From locally grown fruits and produce to hand-crafted jewelry and baked products, there are over 80 market booths offering a selection of wares at this busy market. Enjoy a joyful and vibrant experience in this farmers’ market as you explore at stands, enjoy some wonderful Okanagan peaches, purchase some home-cooked jam, or experience locally produced cheese and freshly baked bread. It is the best place to shop for mementos and snacks or soak in some relaxed atmosphere in Penticton. 

3. Wine Tours and Tastings with Sip Happens Wine Tours

A visit to Penticton would be incomplete without relishing in its famed winemaking culture, and Sip Happens Wine Tours is the way to do it. Famed for being in luxury and offering custom tours, Sip Happens transports visitors on a wine experience across the wine lands in and around the Okanagan Valley, from old wineries in Okanagan Falls to renowned vineyards in Naramata Bench. A wine lover or a wine newbie, Sip Happens ensures a VIP, no-fuss experience awaiting, and back-door entrance to top wineries like Three Sisters, Moraine, and Lang. Your friendly and experienced hosts take care of each detail and sit back in style as they savor distinct wine tastes and are informed about rich wine-making tradition. Sip Happens Wine Tours is a smooth and unforgettable experience for savoring wine country at its best in and around Penticton. 

4. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail

For nature enthusiasts who trek, bike ride, or want to experience nature, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a must-visit.  The trail is a 600-kilometer trail covering some of the Okanagan’s best scenery, including gorges and bridge trestles in the desert.  The trail in and about Penticton is equally spectacular, giving visitors a view overlooking Okanagan Lake, vineyards, and orchards.  It is a family trail and easy hike or ride for bikers searching for a leisurely way to experience nature in the neighbourhood. The trail at Kettle Valley runs past some of the best in the area, including Myra Canyon trestles and tunnels, and visitors can ride or hike there and experience top canyon views. 

5. Strolling the Okanagan Lake Promenade

The Okanagan Lake Promenade in Penticton is a beautiful and peaceful waterfront trail that stretches approximately 2 kilometers in two and offers stunning views of mountains, vineyards and lake. It is perfect for a slow jog, a bike ride, or a mindful stroll and is the perfect place to stop, unwind, and enjoy some nature. The walk has calm seats to sit and soak in, parks for a family cookout, and plenty of photo possibilities amid turquoise lakes and lush greenery. The promenade is also lined with works of public art, adding a creative twist to your experience. Enjoy a calm early morning, after-lunch time, or sunset experience at the Okanagan Lake Promenade – whichever is best for you – and add it to your must-visit list for witnessing nature at its best in Penticton. 

6. The SS Sicamous

SS Sicamous, a restored historic steamboat located on the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, is a must-visit for travel visitors to Penticton. The gigantic boat, once operated as a passenger boat for the Okanagan Steamship Company, is a fully restored museum nowadays. Taste history and relive the past when you go onboard the SS Sicamous and travel back in time, and explore the history of the place as a center for travel in early 20th century steamboats. The period furnishings and artifacts in the boat provide an extraordinary glimpse at history and are just right for history enthusiasts and family members. The SS Sicamous is a top-rated option for events, weddings, and sunset cruises, offering another method for enjoying breathtaking scenery in and about Penticton. 

7. Munson Mountain

For fantastic scenery facing out towards Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley, and for nice pictures of Penticton, go to Munson Mountain. A short but steep simple trail is rewarded at the top with excellent scenery. It’s a 30- to 45-minute hike, family-friendly, health-conscious and a good choice for a quick outdoor activity. There are some fantastic photo opportunities for Penticton and for photos of the lake from the summit, so don’t forget to bring a camera. Munson Mountain is home to the signature “Peach” sign for Penticton and is a top photo op for visitors. 

8. LocoLanding Adventure Park

Whether bringing young ones or yearning to be a child at heart, LocoLanding Adventure Park is the place to be. The park offers rides, mini-golf, go-carts, bumper boats and a giant jumping cushion. The adventure park is ideally located minutes from the beach, so a bit of playtime can easily be followed by a bit of time in the lake. For those who come seeking adventure, LocoLanding offers a zipline with spectacular views over Okanagan Lake. It is a great place to take a family day out and have a great time and create lifetime memories. 

9. Channel Float

Among Penticton’s best and most serene things is tubing down the Okanagan River Channel. It is a must-visit for guests in warmer seasons. You will flow down the calm waters and witness scenery like lush canopies, sandy beaches, and surrounding mountains. The slow current is suitable for visitors of any age, and one can go at leisure, swimming or have a picnic on the way. Some nearby businesses have tubes for rental, and it is refreshing and fun, and just about the best way to sit back and enjoy the incredible outdoor scenery in Penticton. 

 Conclusion 

Penticton is a rich and diversified community for everyone, whether outdoor adventure, culture, or leisurely days on the lakes.  From cruising over breathtakingly beautiful beaches at Okanagan and Skaha Lakes to wine tasting at highly-rated vineyards, there is no lack of things to do in town, and each experience will be remarkable. An adrenaline lover, history buff, or nature lover at heart, there is no lack of things for each in Penticton. Load up and head to the Okanagan Valley and experience it for yourself.