Penticton — British Columbia
Things to Do
in Penticton
Wine tasting, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, beaches, craft breweries, and more in the Okanagan Valley.
Penticton Overview →beExploring / Penticton
Overview
Penticton is a destination where outdoor adventure, culture, and relaxation genuinely overlap. Visitors can spend sunny days on the sandy shores of Okanagan or Skaha Lake, bike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail from right above downtown, and then tour the Naramata Bench wine country in the same afternoon. The city's title as Canada's Craft Beer Capital adds another layer to an already full roster of things to do.
This guide breaks down the best activities so you can spend your time on what actually fits your trip — whether that's a beach day, a wine tour, a long bike ride, or all three.
#1 Thing to Do
Kettle Valley Rail Trail
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a 410-mile multi-use trail spanning from Hope to Castlegar. The stretch above Penticton is one of the most scenic and accessible on the entire route — it begins just above downtown and climbs on a gentle rail-grade through orchards, vineyards, and ponderosa pine forest with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake. You don't need a car to reach it, and you can turn around at any point.
The Penticton to Chute Lake Section
The trail starts above the north shore of Okanagan Lake, just outside downtown. Within the first mile, you're rewarded with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake and the city below — one of the best quick payoffs of any trail in the Okanagan.
McCulloch Trestle & the First Trestles
In less than 3 miles, the trail crosses McCulloch Trestle, the first of many historic converted train trestles along the route. The trestles are a highlight even for casual walkers — dramatic wooden spans over deep gorges with valley views on both sides.
Biking vs Hiking
The compact gravel surface makes the trail excellent for cycling, and the steady grade allows for a moderate climb despite the distance. Hikers can enjoy the same scenery at a slower pace. Rental bikes are available in downtown Penticton — it's an easy way to access the trail without your own gear.
Quintessential Okanagan
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in Penticton is one of Canada's premier wine country experiences, with more than 80 wineries located within a short drive of the city. The renowned Naramata Bench — a stretch of boutique wineries on rolling hillsides above Okanagan Lake — is the crown jewel. From bold reds and crisp whites to innovative blends and rosés, the diversity of wines reflects the region's microclimates and rich soils.
The Naramata Bench
The Naramata Bench sits just north of Penticton along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake — a compact wine road where winery after winery offers stunning vineyard views, warm hospitality, and a wide range of award-winning varietals. Many have on-site restaurants or picnic areas perfect for pairing tastings with local food.
Standout Wineries
Evolve Cellars is worth visiting for its sparkling wine selection and beautiful views of Okanagan Lake. Poplar Grove is another strong pick for wine tasting combined with a full lunch. Both are on the Naramata Bench and easy to combine in a half-day outing.
Planning a Wine Tour
The Naramata Bench is best explored by car (or organized tour). Most wineries are open for tastings in summer and fall, but hours vary and some require reservations — call ahead or check individual winery websites before making the drive. A half-day is enough to visit two or three wineries comfortably.
Waterfront Penticton
Beaches & Waterfront
Penticton's greatest asset is its access to two warm, sandy lakes. Okanagan Beach along the north shore is the most popular, with a wide promenade, water slides, and easy access to paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats. Skaha Beach, at the south end of the city, is quieter with equally warm water and a strong family-friendly vibe.
Okanagan Beach
The city's main beach stretches along the north shore of Okanagan Lake with a wide sandy shoreline, big water slides that splash directly into the lake, and a lively promenade of restaurants, cafes, and shops just across the street. The beach buzzes with activity all summer — it's the heart of Penticton's summer social scene.
Kiwanis Walking Pier
The Kiwanis Walking Pier extends out into Okanagan Lake from near the main beach, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and city shoreline. It's a favorite spot for morning strolls, evening sunsets, and photography — benches line the pier and the views in every direction are excellent.
Skaha Beach & Other Spots
Skaha Beach on the south end of town is an excellent alternative when Okanagan Beach gets crowded — calm water, a sandy shoreline, and a relaxed vibe. Marina Way Beach and other smaller spots along both lakeshores are worth exploring for a quieter experience.
On roads and trails
Biking
Penticton is a cyclist's paradise with an incredible range of riding for every type of rider. Road cyclists enjoy quiet country roads past vineyards and lakeshores. Gravel enthusiasts have the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and other off-pavement routes showcasing the region's rugged beauty. Mountain bikers have extensive trail networks ranging from flowy singletrack to technical climbs.
Road Cycling
The wine roads of the Naramata Bench and the surrounding Okanagan Valley make for outstanding road cycling — smooth tarmac, minimal traffic, vineyard scenery, and lake views around every corner. The loop around Skaha Lake is another popular route with the right combination of scenery and manageable distance.
Gravel & the KVR
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is the signature gravel ride — compact crushed gravel on a consistent rail grade through orchards, forests, and over historic trestles. It extends for miles in both directions from Penticton, allowing for rides of any length. No technical skills required.
Mountain Biking
Penticton's trail networks deliver everything from flowy singletrack to technical climbs through pine forests and rocky terrain. The Skaha Bluffs area offers dramatic high-desert riding above town. For maps, trail updates, and local riding events, visit bikepenticton.com.
Canada's Craft Beer Capital
Breweries, Dining & Markets
Penticton holds the unofficial title of Canada's Craft Beer Capital — more breweries per capita than any other city in the country. The local food scene goes well beyond beer, with a Flavour Trail connecting restaurants, cafes, and producers across town, plus a vibrant Saturday farmers market.
The Penticton Ale Trail
Penticton's downtown tasting rooms are clustered close together and easy to explore on foot. Each brewery has its own unique character — some with outdoor patios, others with live music on weekends. The range runs from traditional lagers and IPAs to inventive sours and seasonal specialties.
The Flavour Trail
The Penticton Flavour Trail is a curated guide highlighting local favorites for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages — complete with insider tips and local recommendations. It's the best way to discover the city's food scene beyond the obvious waterfront spots. More at visitpenticton.com.
Penticton Farmers Market
Open on Saturdays throughout the season, the Penticton Farmers Market is a lively hub of local produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and locally produced wines and preserves. Live music and community events add to the atmosphere — it's one of the better farmers markets in the Okanagan and worth timing your visit around.
History & local culture
Sights & Attractions
Beyond the lakes and wine country, Penticton has real cultural depth. The S.S. Sicamous is one of the finest preserved sternwheelers in Canada, and the city's gardens, galleries, and waterfront landmarks give you plenty to explore on a non-beach day or a slower morning.
S.S. Sicamous Museum
A beautifully preserved 1914 sternwheeler docked along the Penticton waterfront. The S.S. Sicamous once carried passengers and freight between lakeside communities and today offers tours of its elegant period interiors — the grand saloon, staterooms, and wheelhouse all restored to early 20th-century charm. A must for history enthusiasts.
Ikeda Japanese Garden
A serene garden designed as a symbol of friendship between Penticton and its Japanese sister city, Ikeda. Traditional elements — koi pond, arched bridges, stone lanterns, and manicured trees — create a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The garden is free to visit and best in late spring and early summer.
Rose Garden & Penticton Art Gallery
The Rose Garden near the S.S. Sicamous bursts with color in spring and summer, offering lakeside views and a quiet spot for a stroll. The Penticton Art Gallery nearby features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional work from local, national, and international artists, with workshops and community programming throughout the year.
For all ages
Family Fun & Entertainment
Penticton has more family-friendly options than its wine and beach reputation might suggest. LocoLanding Adventure Park and Roll N Stones Fun Centre are both well-suited for mixed-age groups, and the skate park and disc golf courses add outdoor options for active families.
LocoLanding Adventure Park
Located near Okanagan Lake, LocoLanding packs in go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, a climbing wall, a high ropes course, and more. Designed for all ages with safe, accessible attractions, it's a reliable choice for a playful half-day when the beach or wine country doesn't appeal to everyone in the group.
Roll N Stones Fun Centre
A year-round entertainment venue with modern bowling lanes, arcade games, pool tables, and a licensed lounge. Works well as an evening activity or a rainy-day backup — the combination of bowling and arcade makes it easy to keep all ages entertained.
Disc Golf, Skate Park & Sports Events
The Marina View Disc Golf Course is set in a park close to town — free to play and a good option for a casual outdoor outing. The Penticton Skate Park near the waterfront has ramps, bowls, and rails for skateboarders and BMX riders. The South Okanagan Events Centre hosts Penticton Vees hockey games and occasional concerts — check their website for upcoming events.
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Tips for Visiting
Summer weekends fill fast. Book accommodations well in advance for July and August, especially near Okanagan Beach.
For Naramata Bench wineries, call ahead or book tastings in advance. Many boutique operations require reservations or keep limited summer hours.
Penticton's sun is intense — bring sunscreen, a hat, and more water than you think you need for any outdoor activity, especially on the KVR Trail.
Rent bikes in downtown Penticton to access the KVR Trail without a car. The trailhead is a short ride from the waterfront and requires no driving.
beExploring / Penticton
Common Mistakes
Spending all your time at the beach and skipping wine country. The Naramata Bench is one of Canada's best wine destinations and only 10 minutes from downtown.
Not trying the KVR Trail. A 30-minute walk from the trailhead gives sweeping lake views — it's one of the best quick payoffs of any trail in the Okanagan.
Overlooking Skaha Beach. While Okanagan Beach draws the summer crowds, Skaha is quieter, equally warm, and has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
Rushing through Penticton in a day. The city rewards slowing down — a full weekend gives you time for wine touring, the KVR Trail, beach days, and the food and beer scene.
beExploring / Penticton
Explore Penticton
More guides for planning your trip to Penticton.
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