Located in Southern British Columbia, the small Canadian city of Penticton is just a stone’s throw away from the Canada - U.S border and is home to over 30,000 people. The Okanagan people lived in the area until 1866 when an Irish pioneer established the first European settlement on this land. Conveniently, the name “Penticton” was chosen with an Okanagan meaning “a place to stay forever”. Today, the area is popular with vacationers all year round. For example, in the winter months skiing and snowboarding grow in popularity, and during summers strolling or spending time by the lake are the most popular activities. If you’re planning a weekend here or short vacation, here are the best things to do in Penticton, Canada.
1. Learn about the past at SS Sicamous Heritage Park
Stern Wheeler SS Sicamous was a luxury boat built in 1914 and served as a means for the people of the area to transport cargo to remote areas along the shores of the massive Okanagan lake. The boat was revered by the people of Penticton and served food and evening drinks while it traveled through the waters. Today it stands as a museum and heritage site.
SS Sicamous Heritage Park
Address: 1099 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC V2A 1B7
Website: SS Sicamous Heritage Park
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
2. Buy fresh produce at Penticton Farmers' Market
Located right in the middle of downtown Penticton, Penticton Farmers’ Market is a perfect place to spend some time shopping for all locally sourced and produced goods. Everything from farm fresh eggs and veggies as well as vegetables and some artisanal specialities like honey and cheeses can be found. Everything here is made or produced locally!
Penticton Farmers' Market
Address: 100 Main St, Penticton, BC V2A 5A5
Website: Penticton Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8:30am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
Price: Free
3. Browse the stacks at The Book Shop
The Book Shop is not only one of British Columbia’s biggest bookstores but it is actually one of the biggest in the whole country. With over 5000 square feet (464.5 square meters) of space, this massive used bookstore is one of Penticton’s favorite spots. The store has literally every kind of book imaginable from out of print books to rare finds and first editions. The store has been opened since 1974 and despite the town’s relatively small size, the store has no closure in sight.
The Book Shop
Address: 242 Main St, Penticton, BC V2A 5B2
Website: The Book Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm
Price: Free
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4. Spend a day at the beach at Skaha Lake Park
Skaha Lake Park is the place to go during those humid summer months where you just want to be near the water. The park is right on the water and is open to everyone. There are numerous amenities on site like canoe rental and kid’s playgrounds as well as having the honor of being one of Canada’s sandiest beaches. Work up a sweat at the tennis or basketball courts and then take a dip in the water.
Skaha Lake Park
Address: Skaha Lake Rd & Parkview Street, Penticton, BC V2A 3W2
Website: Skaha Lake Park
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
Price: Free
5. Spend a day with family at LocoLanding Adventure Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
LocoLanding Adventure Park is a great place to bring your family or even just spend some time with friends having fun outdoors. The park has a few fun amenities on site like go-karts and mini-golf as well as a climbing wall, trampolines, and bumper boats. A perfect option for spending an afternoon or having a party with some friends.
LocoLanding Adventure Park
Address: 75 Riverside Dr, Penticton, BC V2A 9A7
Website: LocoLanding Adventure Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 7 - 40 USD
6. Enjoy some locally made wine at The Bistro at Hillside Winery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For those looking for a more adult thing to do in the city, check out the lovely Bistro at Hillside Winery. It produces some of Canda’s best wines and the Bistro at Hillside Winery is one of them. Sit in the comfy 65-person dining space and indulge in some locally produced wine made on-site while you indulge in some delicious food made to be paired perfectly with your wine.
The Bistro at Hillside Winery
Address: 1350 Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8T6, Canada
Website: The Bistro at Hillside Winery
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 10 - 40 USD
7. Listen to live music at Pentastic Jazz Festival
The Pentastic Jazz Festival is an ongoing festival in the heart of Penticton. For over 20 years now it has gained ground as a major summer event! Bringing in musicians and singers from around the world as well as some local talent. The Pentastic Jazz Festival takes place every September with three consecutive days of live music.
Pentastic Jazz Festival
Address: 113-437 Martin St, Penticton, BC V2A 5L1
Website: Pentastic Jazz Festival
Price: 10 - 120 USD
8. Admire modern art at Penticton Art Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
You might not think a small city like Penticton to have a very thriving art gallery, but you’d be wrong. Penticton Art Gallery is a local institution that aims to preserve and showcase some of the world-class indigenous Canadian art from around the area and the country. With a wide array of mediums from digital art to mixed media, carvings, and painting, spending a day at Penticton Art Gallery is a perfect way to experience art from some of Canada’s brightest artists.
Penticton Art Gallery
Address: 199 Marina Way, Penticton, BC V2A 1H3
Website: Penticton Art Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm
Price: Free
9. Enjoy a fresh meal at The Bench Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
WE ARE HIRING! We are looking for a barista & dishwasher to join our team. If interested please email your resume to info@thebenchmarket.com or drop it off in person at the Bench Market.
Posted by The Bench Market on Saturday, July 17, 2021
The Bench Market takes pride in being sustainable and absolutely focused on local sellers and locally made food. The restaurant is one of the best in town serving all-day breakfast. They also roast their own coffee right there in the restaurant. Brilliant right? Weekend brunch is served and their on-site store is always packed with some artisanal goods made from local ingredients. On top of all that, Bench Market is open 7 days a week for 52 weeks a year!
The Bench Market
Address: 368 Vancouver Ave, Penticton, BC V2A 1A5
Website: The Bench Market
Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)
10. Float down the Penticton River Channel
The Penticton River Channel was made in the 1950s to control flooding of the Okanagan Lake in the springtime. Going from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake, the channel has become one of the coolest pastimes for people looking to relax in the summer and lounge in the water. The Penticton River Channel is one of the most popular summer attractions. You get a large inflatable tube, head to the starting point at Lake Okanagan, and simply float downstream to Lake Skaha. The water is not very deep and is a 7 km (4 mi) long lazy and relaxing ride down the river.
Penticton River Channel
Address: Penticton River Channel, Pentiction, British Columbia, Canada
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Good times and great views in British Columbia
Penticton might be a small little town in southern British Columbia but it is packed with some pretty fun and amazing things to do. No matter what time of the year it is, there is always something exciting to see and even some delicious food to try. Penticton is small city fun with a big city attitude.
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