10 Things You Must Do in Penticton, British Columbia

Penticton is one of the most popular touristentertainment, parades, sandcastle building
destinations in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Itscompetitions, a pancake breakfast, square dance and
strong sense of community offers a more relaxednumerous vendors selling local arts, crafts and of
alternative to the big city feel of neighboringcourse plenty of tasty food. Plan to attend August 5
Kelowna. If it is your first time visiting Penticton,- 9.
deciding which events and activities to experienceS.S. Sicamous Sternwheeler & Museum
can be difficult as the options are truly endless.The S.S. Sicamous is the largest remaining
The following activities are ten of the most popularsternwheeler in Canada and is permanently located on
sights, tastes and sounds that this scenic city has tothe south shores of Lake Okanagan. This vessel
offer.operated and served an important role from 1914 to
Float the River Channel1936, and is now fully restored and preserved as a
The Penticton channel connects Lake Okanagan andmuseum. As one of only two complete remaining
Skaha Lake during the summer months and is a greathistoric sternwheelers, don't miss out on this
way to beat the summer heat. Join locals and visitorssignificant piece of Okanagan history.
alike on the 90 minute float ride from Riverside ParkKettle Valley Steam Railway
to the halfway point (where most visitors disembark).The Kettle Valley Steam Railway provides a unique
Here you can purchase food and drinks, enjoy anlook into the history of the Okanagan Valley. Originally
Elvis tribute act and take a quick bus ride back tobuilt in 1910, only one preserved section of this
your vehicle. Tube rentals and bus service can berailway line still remains. The ten mile track can be
purchased at the starting point.enjoyed from a fully restored 1912 steam locomotive.
Skaha BeachThe "3716" will take you on a 90 minute journey of
Considered by many to be the best waterfrontspectacular lake views, through orchards, vineyards
location in the Okanagan, Skaha Beach has it all. Theand over the Trout Creek Trestle Bridge (supported
large stretch of sandy beach (from Parkview St to238 ft. above the canyon floor!). Visitors can enjoy
Skaha Marina) combined with the warm waters ofriding in either a vintage coach or open air car. Spaces
Skaha Lake makes the ultimate beach for fun in thecan fill up quickly during the summer, so reservations
sun. After swimming, enjoy a game of basketball,are suggested.
tennis or beach volleyball on the courts. Kids will loveIronman
the slides and the splash park (and the ice-cream atWith over 2000 athletes participating in a three part
the concession!).challenge, the Ironman Triathlon brings world wide
Apex Mountain Resortsports coverage to Penticton. The triathlon includes a
One of the few hidden gems for downhill skiing,3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride and a 42 km footrace.
Apex Mountain Resort offers 68 marked runs ofTop competitors qualify for the Ironman Hawaii
diverse terrain and deep powder. The resort alsoInternational Competition. Held every August, the
features cross-country skiing trails, ice skating and apopularity of this event means that accommodations
charming alpine village. During the summer months,can be difficult to secure. If you plan to attend,
Apex provides a quiet retreat from city life withmake sure you book early.
excellent hiking and biking trails. Take the short 30Casabella Princess Cruise
minute drive from Penticton to experience thisOne of the best ways to enjoy the local scenery is
mountain getaway.from the comfort of the Casabella Princess,
Winery TourPenticton's historic paddle wheeler. Enjoy an
Penticton is in the heart of Okanagan wine countryinformative "Scenic Cruise", romantic "Dinner Cruise",
with approximately 90 wineries and more then 2000or plan to attend one of the many special events
hectares of vineyards within a one hour drive. Manyhosted onboard. Larger groups can charter the
of these wineries offer informative guided tours ofCasabella Princess and customize their event to make
their property, a chance to sample and purchase theirit a truly unique and memorable occasion.
products and on site fine dining restaurants. ThereFarmers Market
are several companies operating in Penticton thatLocated at the 100 Block of Main Street, the
offer tour bus services which include transportationPenticton Farmers Market brings together more than
to and from the most popular vineyards.fifty local vendors and provides an opportunity to
Peachfesttaste the home grown produce that the Okanagan
This year, the 62nd Annual Peach Festival brings aValley is famous for. Purchase fresh fruits and
wealth of events to the city of Penticton. Full ofvegetables, honey, eggs, baking preserves as well as
family friendly entertainment, the line-up includes liveflowers and various homemade crafts.