My guide to what to eat, where to stay and what to do in Penticton, BC!
The name Penticton, from nsyilxcən snpintktntranslates to “A place where people have always been all year round.” After one visit, you’ll understand why. It has so much to offer, from beaches to lakes, restaurants, year-round outdoor activities, and let’s not forget the wineries and craft breweries. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get into it!
Where is Penticton?
Penticton is located in the southern interior of British Columbia, nestled between two lakes (Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake). It is also the heart of BC’s wine region, with over 90 wineries in the area.
Where to stay in: Penticton
What to do in Penticton
- Book a Wine tour. Yes, this is #1 for a reason!
- Explore it Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR).: KVR is one of the most iconic attractions in Penticton. It is a family route that is very well maintained and ideal for riders and walkers of all abilities. It extends 660 km across BC. and is actually a disused railway path with stunning views of the lake and weaves through vineyards and orchards. don’t miss the iconic Observatory in the Small Tunnel!
- Spend a Saturday at Penticton Farmers Market (April – October). Every Saturday from April to October the streets of downtown Penticton are filled with a variety of local vendors.
- Float the Channel: This is a right of passage on any summer visit to Penticton. Take a floatie or rent one from Coyote Cruises (they also offer a shuttle!), and head down a 7km lazy river from Riverside Drive (near Okanagan Beach) and slowly make your way down to Skaha Lake. It’s perfect for a hot summer day. Tip: bring a cooler for snacks, drinks and lots of SPF! Depending on the water level it can take 3-4 hours.
- Family theme park Loco Landing: It doesn’t get more family friendly than this place! Go carting, mini golf, rock climbing, bumper boats and more.
- Check it out SS Sicamous: Chances are this sternwheeler will be the first thing you see when you pass through town. It was used to transport passengers and cargo to remote communities along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Today the ship is preserved right on the shore of Okanagan Lake and is now a museum and heritage site.
- Head to the mountains and visit Apex Mountain Resort.
- Essay rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.
- Golf at Penticton Golf & Country Club.
- Hit the beach! Okanagan Beach and Skaha Lake Park & Beach there are two at each end of the city.
- Do it Mount Munson Hike: Famous for its iconic PENTICTON sign, this well-known hike has stunning valley and lake scenery – perfect for photos!
- Take a walk through it Ikeda Japanese Garden.
- Catch a concert, event or game at SOEC.
- Try your luck at casino.
- Downtown and Front Street Market:
Where to eat in Penticton
- Cherry on top: home to very insta-worthy shakes.
- Lickity Splitz
- Wayne & Freida: This place is so cute and the coffee is A+. Try their breakfast sandwiches, you won’t regret it. They have the cutest little shop next to it.
- The Bench Market: A great patio to enjoy your coffee on a sunny day! They offer all-day breakfast, weekend brunch, pastries, gourmet lunches, packed lunches and a selection of artisan grocery and front-end retail.
- Elma: A must visit! Incredible Turkish food and amazing atmosphere – the patio overlooks the beach! Be sure to try one of the Pide (Turkish bread pizza) and a cocktail.
- The restaurant at Poplar Grove: It doesn’t get more quintessentially Okanagan than this — world-class wine, gourmet local food and incredible views to boot. Make sure this is on your list.
- Pizzeria Tratto: This place offers amazing, authentic pizza and in true Neapolitan style, the pizzas come to the table uncut, to be enjoyed with a knife and fork or eaten by hand.
- Match Pub
- Sociale
- Patio Burger & Ice Cream: Casual, seaside, family food.
- Theos: Authentic Greek dishes in a welcoming, relaxing environment – it really is like a family dinner.
- Earls Penticton
- Shaughnessys Cove: a short 15 minute trip from Penticton, but worth it for the waterfront patio! A great place for seafood and cocktails.
- Neighborhood Brewery: a great patio – must try the tacos and craft beer!
- The Cannery Backyard: Every spring and summer, Cannery Brewing opens a fun, family and dog friendly space with umbrellas, pergolas and misters! You can order food from the brewery or enjoy selections from rotating food trucks.
- Palmer’s Steakhouse
- The Nest: for breakfast or lunch!
- The Bistro at Hillside Winery
- The Patio Restaurant at Lake Breeze Winery.
- Local public restaurant: a casual restaurant and very convenient if you are staying next door to the Ramada or coming from the nearby golf course!
- Il Vecchio Delicatessen: If you’re looking for a fresh sandwich, look no further. This family-owned and operated deli is a Penticton icon. Note: Cash Only!
Penticton wineries to visit
Where do I start? With over 90 wineries in the surrounding area, there is so much to explore. If you drive out of Penticton towards Naramata Bench you will quickly lose track of how many you pass! Here’s just a taste (pun intended) of a few you can try:
- Poplar grove: If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I LOVE this winery and the family that owns and operates it. The wines, the view and the food are all world class. Consider this a must visit on your trip to Penticton!
For a full list of wineries, visit here.
Penticton Craft Breweries
Fun fact: Penticton is the Craft Beer Capital of Canadawith more breweries per capita than any other Canadian city.
Find a complete list of breweries, cideries and distilleries here.
