This city of 37,000 sits at the southern end of Okanagan Lake, nestled between it and Skaha Lake to the south on a 3.5 kilometre wide delta. The towns name is the Salish word for “the place to live forever.” The town began when Tom Ellis moved into the area. In 1874, when the natives where moved to a a reservation, he planted the first orchard in the Okanagan, though Ellis became famous as a cattle baron. In1905 the Southern Okanagan Land Company purchased his estate and began development of the town. The fruit industry, particularly peaches, followed by tourism and lumber are the core of the town’s economy. There are over 1,014 hectares of orchards within city limits.
The extensive beachfront on the two lakes on the northern and southern end of the town are the focus of summer recreation. The gentle Okanagan River between the two lakes is popular for tubing for water lovers of all ages (there are even shuttle bus services). The town has several golf courses including the 18 hole Penticton, the 9-hole Pine Hills and the 9-hole Pleasant Valley. Penticton is also famous for its early August Peachfest, and its mid-August Ironman Triathlon race.
In the winter, Apex Alpine offers downhill skiing just 30 kilometres west of Penticton, a very short drive from the city’s airport.
Other Links
Penticton In-Town Attractions
Bill Barlee’s Museum of the Old West
954 Eckhardt Ave
250-492-5116
This museum contains artifacts focusing on BC’s mining, ghost town, and old west heritage
Hoodoos
just north of Penticton, on Highway 97
As you leave Penticton, driving north on Highway 97, you’ll see sandstone hoodoos, which are vertical columns caused by erosion, high on the benchlands to your left.
Leir House
220 Manor Park Ave
250-492-7997
This home of the Penticton and District Community Arts Council is a venue for local arts events. The building is once of the city’s finest heritage homes, and was built in 1927.
Okanagan River Channel
west side of Penticton
This 7 km long channel is the straightened-out path of the Okanagan River between Okanagan and Skaha lakes. Locals go rafting on the channel on hot days, connecting an early swim on Okanagan Beach, finishing with a swim on Skaha Beach (you can rent dinghies and inner tubes at the top of the channel). The channel has been beautified with trees and a bicycle/jogging trail.
R.N. Atkinson Penticton Museum
785 Main Street
250-492-6025
This museum showcase the natural and social history of the southern Okanagan.
SS Sicamous
Lakeshore exit off highway 97
250-492-6025
This 72 metre sternwheeler paddled on Okanagan lake connecting Vernon and Penticton in the years from 1914 to 1935. It has been beached since 1951. The boat is being restored and summer tours are offered. The SS Naramata, a historic CPR tug is still afloat and is also being restored. Beside the SS Sicamous is a beautiful rose garden with hundreds of varieties.
Penticton Area Atttractions
Apex Mountain Provincial Recreation Area
32 kilometres west of Penticton on Green Mountain Rd.
250-494-0321
This 575 hectare recreation area is known for three 2,00 metre summits including Apex Mountain, Beaconsfield Mountain and Mt Riordan. From this park, you can see the Cathedral and the Manning provincial park areas.
Apex Alpine Ski Resort
32 kilometres west of Penticton on Green Mountain Rd.
250-493-3200, 1-800-663-1900
This ski resort has 36 runs with a 600 metre vertical drop, and also features 12 kilometres of track-set cross-country ski trails.
Canada Department of Agriculture Research Station
16 km north on highway 97
250-494-7711
300 hectares of ornamental gardens and a museum, with guided tours and a picnic facility. Guided tours daily at 1 pm, of the museum at 2 pm. Open daily 7:30 am to 8 pm April to October; 7:30 to 5:30 rest of the year.
Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
16 km southwest on Highway 97, and ten 7 km west on White Lake Rd
250-493-2277
The radio telescopes here are used to study the universe and its origins. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the a 26 metre parabolic antenna and a sophisticated computer-linked antenna array.
Naramata
16 km north of Penticton on the east shore of Okanagan Lake
This community was founded by John Moore Robinson, who also founded Summerland and Peachland on the lake’s west shore. It was originally named East Summerland, but was renamed by him after local confusion. The name comes from the phrase “Nar-ra-mat-tah” meaning “smile of Manitou” according the Souix Indian Chief “Big Moose.” The town was the backdrop for the feature film, My American Cousin.
Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park
10 km north of Penticton, on Highway 97
Great summer beach, and the site of the Summerland Kinsman Polar Bear Swim each January 1.
Penticton & Naramata Wineries
Here are the vineyards and wineries in and around Penticton. Naramata is on the east shore of Okanagan Lake, just north of Penticton. Summerland is on the West shore of Okanagan Lake, just north of Penticton. Okanagan Falls is on the south shore of Skaha Lake, just south of Penticton.
Benchland Vineyards & Winery
170 Upper Bench Road
Penticton BC V2A 8T1
1-800-610-3794 or 250-770-1733
Hours: 10 to 6 May 1 to Oct 31; Winter: Nov 1 to April 30 Tues to Fri 2 to 6, Sat and Sun 12 to 6, or by appointment.
Blasted Church Vineyards
378 Parsons Rd. RR# 1 S32 C67
Okanagan Falls BC V0H 1R0
(250) 497-1125 toll-free 1-8-SPELLBOUND Fax: (250) 497-1126
Winemaker: Frank Supernak
The winery is named for a 103 year old wooden church from a mining camp, dislodged by dynamite before being dismantled and moved to its second home of Okanagan Falls. Perched high on a rolling hillside that cascades into Skaha Lake, and now in its second decade of grape production, the vineyard has long provided premium quality grapes to many of British Columbia’s leading wineries.
Hours: May – Oct open daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Nov – Apr by appointment
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars
Winemaker: Ian Mavety
RR#1, S3, C4, (Allendale Road)
Okanagan Falls, BC, V0H 1R0
(250) 497-8244 Fax: (250) 497-6160
Winemaker: Ian Mavety
Overlooking Vaseaux Lake, this winery was in production since 1971, supplying grapes to other commercial wineries, but only produced under its own label since 1991. The 26-hectare estate, produces limited quantities of complex wines including Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. He wines are featured in wine-savvy restaurants in British Columbia and Alberta. The wine shop is open for tasting and sales exclusively by appointment.
Calliope Vintners
6816 Andrew, RR #2 Site 68 C 15
250-494-7213
PO Box 995
Summerland V0H 1Z0
Winemakers: Ross & Cherie Mirko
Dirty Laundry
7311 Fiske Street
Summerland, BC V0H 1Z2
(250) 494-8815 fax: (250) 494-8850
Hours: Daily Apr-Oct 10am-5:30pm; Nov-March by appointment
Hillside Estate Winery
1350 Naramata Road,
Penticton (Naramata), BC, V2A 6J6
(250) 493-4424 Fax: (250) 493-6294
Winemaker: Eric von Krosigk
Hillside Estate Winery began in 1984 when Vera and Bohumir Klolocka began replacing their apricot orchard with wine grapes. In 1989 they became the first winery to sell their wine directly to the public as a “Farm Gate Winery”. In 1994, the winery added a multi-story building complete with 72-foot tower which dominates the view as you drive north along Naramata Road. Hillside is the only BC winery producing unique and unusual aromatic Muscat Ottonel white wine. The award winning, rustic Barrel Room Bistro offers memorable lunches & dinners, featuring a second story patio with views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding orchards & vineyards.
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm; Tours: On the hour
Kettle Valley Winery
2988 Hayman Road,
Naramata, BC, V0H 1N0
(250) 496-5898 Fax: (250) 496-5298
Winemakers: Tim Watts & Bob Ferguson
Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 5:00 pm until October 15
La Frenz Winery
740 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC V2A 8T5
(250) 492-6690 Fax: (250) 492 6916
Winemaker: Jeff Martin
Hours 11-5 daily May 1st to October 31st; November to April by appointment
Tours by appointment
Lake Breeze Vineyards
Sammet Road, Box 9,
Naramata, BC, V0H 1N0
(250) 496-5659 Fax: (250) 496-5894
Winemaker: Garron Elmes
Hours: April: Weekends – 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm; May: Tues – Sun – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; June: Daily – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; July – Oct: Daily – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Nov – Mar – call for wine shop hours.
Lang Vineyards
RR#1, S11, C55, 2493 Gammon Road,
Naramata, BC, V0H 1N0
(250) 496-5987 Fax: (250) 496-5706
Winemaker: Guenther Lang
Guenther Lang and his wife, Kristina, purchased the nine and a half-acre (3.8-hectare) vineyard, then planted in hybrid varieties, when they immigrated to Canada in 1980. The location is cool enough to grow Gewurztraminer that retains refreshing acidity. This tiny, but superbly equipped, winery has grown well beyond the ‘farm gate winery’ concept in 1990 and today makes about 7,000 cases of wine annually.
Lang is a large producer of dessert wines, most notably the 2000 Merlot Icewine that won the Gold Medal at the All Canada Wine Competition, and a unique dessert wine produced primarily for export is The original Canadian Maple Wine.
Hours: Open daily 10 am – 6 pm, (May – Oct 31)
Nichol Vineyard
1285 Smethurst Road,
Naramata, BC, V0H 1N0
(250) 496-5962 fax: (250) 496-4275
Winemakers: Kathleen & Alex Nichol
Hours: Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, daily June 18- thanksgiving.
Paradise Ranch Vineyards
250-683-6040
Naramata Road,
Naramata V0H 1T0
Poplar Grove
1060 Poplar Grove Road,
Penticton, BC, V2A 6J6
(250) 492-4575 fax: (250) 492-9162
Winemaker: Ian Sutherland
Hours: By appointment only
Red Rooster Winery
910 Debeck Road, RR1
Naramata, BC, V0H 1N0
(250) 492-2424 fax: (250) 492-2400
Winemakers: Beat & Prudence Mahrer
Prudence and Beat Mahrer began in 1990, when they emigrated from Basil, Switzerland to the South Okanagan and they produced their first vintage in 1997. Their facility salvaged some of the wood from the old Naramata train Dock to create a stunning winery building, designed to accommodate such functions as weddings, banquets, or festivals, with the upper loft for smaller functions.
Hours: May – October, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily. New Picnic Area. Winter, by appointment
Scherzinger Vineyards
Winemaker: Edgar Scherzinger
7311 Fiske Road,
Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0
Phone & Fax: (250) 494-8815
Spiller Estate Winery
475 Upper Bench Road North
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T4
Ph: 1-800-610-3794 or 250-490-4162
Hours 10 to 6 May 1 to Oct 31; Wines available at Benchland Vineyards Nov 1 to April 30
Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard
(Street:) 2237 Sun Valley Way
(Mailing:) RR 1, S3, Comp 36
Okanagan Falls, BC, V0H 1R0
(250) 497-6162 Fax: (250) 497-6162
Winemaker: Larry Gerelus
Hours: daily 11:00am – 4:30pm
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
17403 Highway 97, Box 307,
Summerland, BC, V0H 1ZO
(250) 494-0451 Fax: (250) 494-3456
Winemaker: Mark Wendenburg
Established in the heart of Okanagan Wine Country in 1980 by Harry McWatters, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery is located on Highway 97 just north of the charming lakeside town of Summerland. The winery has been dedicated to producing 100% British Columbian grown wines and all wines carry the VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) designatione.
Hours: Summer – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Winter – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mon-Fri & 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Sat-Sun.
Tours: May – Oct, on the hour from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (except at 1:00 pm)
Sonoran Estate Winery
21606 Hwy 97N
Summerland, BC
250-494-9323 fx: 250-494-9323
Hours: April-Oct 10-6 daily
November – March by appointment
Therapy Vineyards
940 Debeck Road
Naramata, B.C.
(Take the FireHall turnoff on Naramata Road. We are in the location of the Old Red Rooster Winery)
(250) 496-5217 fax: (250) 496-5257
Tasting Room Hours: 11 am to 6 pm, 7 Days a week.
Thornhaven Estates Winery
6816 Andrew, RR #2 Site 68 C 15
Summerland BC V0H 1Z0
(250) 494-7778 Fax: (250) 494-8672
Established in 1999, the winery’s southwestern Santa Fe style reflects the natural landscape of the Okanagan and its semi-arid climate, where dry grasses, cacti, sagebrush and Ponderosa pines thrive.
The eight and a half-acre vineyard site includes plantings of Pinot Noir (2.5 acres), Chardonnay (one acre), Pinot Meunier (.5 acres) and Sauvignon Blanc (.5 acres) grapes, all planted in 1996. Two years later, two acres each of Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer grapes were added.
Hours: Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm, from the beginning of May through to mid-October. Please call ahead for an appointment at other times during the year. Tours: Phone for appointment
Van Westen Vineyards
RR#1 850 Boothe Rd.
Naramata, BC V0H 1N0
250-496-0067
Situated in one of the most scenic wine regions in all of North America, Van Westen Vineyards has evolved from over 50 years of family tradition, cultivating the soils of The Naramata Bench and producing some of the best wines in British Columbia. With expertise and emphasis on sustainable, cool climate viticultural practices, they grow quality vinifera grapes and make premium wines. Opened 2007
Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery
mailing: RR#1, S3, C11,
street: 2145 Sun Valley Way,
Okanagan Falls, BC, V0H 1R0
(250) 497-8919 Fax: (250) 497-6853
Winemaker: Adolf & Roland Kruger
In early 1983 when founder Adolf Kruger purchased a barren piece of land east of Okanagan Falls, which was home to a large flock of Canada geese feeding in amongst the tumbleweeds, boulders, and rubble. Wild Goose was established in June 1990 when the first production of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Marechal Foch hit the marketplace. Over the years Wild Goose would establish itself as one of the premium small producers of VQA wines in British Columbia.
Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Penticton – Naramata Festivals & Events
Here is a listing for this community:
Event |
Date |
Description |
| Okanagan Spring Wine Festival | end April | The Spring Wine Festival is an annual event that takes place over a 10 day span during May. The festival offers over 100 events taking place throughout the Okanagan. The Spring Wine Festival focuses on culinary arts as locals welcome the dawn of grape growing season. Tour local wineries, participate in various tastings, learn about wine complimenting dishes, bid on items at a silent auction and much more. Various Locations 250 861-6654 |
| Okanagan Fest of Ale | early April | Okanagan Fest-of-Ale oattracts about 3000 guests to sample over 80 different brews at the 2009 event, ranging from local favourites like the Tin Whistle and Cannery Breweries to some from farther afield, like Lost Coast Brewery from Northern California. 250–492-4355 |
| Okanagan International Childrens Festival | late May | The Rotary Okanagan International Childrens Festival invites you to join us on a wild & wonderful adventure into the world of music, theatre, dance, storytelling, circus arts & lots of hands-on fun. Okanagan Lake Park 250-493-8800 |
| Annual Meadowlark Festival | mid May | Discover, experience & explore the natural beauty & diversity of the South Okanagan & Similkameen Valleys. Over 90 events ranging from bird watching, horseback riding, botany, geology & xeriscape gardening to First Nations cultural events, literary, family & childrens events. South Okanagan & Similkameen Valley 250-492-5275 or 866-699-9453 Toll-free |
| Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival | late June | A fun-filled weekend celebrating the life & music of the one & only Elvis Presley. Presenting judged competitions, live shows with renowned Tribute Artists, Gospel Music Showcase & feature celebrity guests from Elvis’s life. Okanagan Lake Park & Penticton Convention Centre 250-493-4055 or 800-663-5052 |
| Penticton Highland Games and Dance at King’s Park | early July | One-day Highland Games event in late June/ early July, established in 1975. There will be a ceilidh, Celtic concert, and more |
| Annual Beach Blanket Film Festival | mid July | Lights. Camera. A theater of a different type. Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket and settle in for one of three first-rate films. The movie screen floats on Okanagan Lake for a unique setting for a night of movie watching. Bring snacks or enjoy the food vendors. 250–496-5348 |
| Peach Classic Triathlon | mid July | Held since 1978, right before the Peach Festival, is the Okanaga’s oldest race. Gyro Park 250–492-8342 |
| Grand Raft Race | late July | 3rd Sunday of July |
| Annual Penticton Peach Festival | early August | Celebrating the peach harvest. Lots of great live evening entertainment at Gyro Park, plenty of yummy food vendors, and of course lots of terrific arts and crafts. Okanagan Lake Park & Gyro Park 250-487-9709 or 1-800-663-5052 |
| Miss Interior Talent Night & Miss Interior Pageant | mid Aug | |
| Ironman Canada Championship Triathlon | end August | Calling all Ironmen and Ironwomen! Be there as athletes compete in this internationally-acclaimed event. The Triathlon consists of a 3.8 km swim, a 180.2 km bike race and a 42.2 km marathon, one after the other. Over 1,900 athletes, 3,000 volunteers and thousands of spectators celebrate this true test of human will. various location, Penticton to Osoyoos 888-280-9097 |
| Annual Skaha Lake Ultra Swim | August | |
| Penticton Square Dance Peachfest Square Dance Festival | early August | Held since 2007, sometimes know as the Square Dance Jamboree. Okanagan Lake Park & Senior’s Drop in Center 250 493 0261 |
| Pentastic Jazz Festival | early September | Sit back and listen to mesmerizing jazz music of a host of talented performers as they play at different venues throughout the city. Three days and nights of the best hot jazz to be found anywhere in North America. All of our venues are non-smoking and are all accessible via our complimentary shuttle service. various locations 250–770-3494 |
| Okanagan Wine Festival | mid Oct | Consistently ranked as one of the top wine festivals around, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is sure to leave a lasting impression on wine lovers. With over 100 events on-hand to help celebrate the fall harvest during this 10-day celebration, you’re sure to be impressed. 250–861-6654 Fax:250–861-3942 |
| November 11th Remembrance Day Services | mid Nov. | King’s Park. Parade Route travels from King’s Park down Eckhardt to Power Street, north on Power to the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre. King’s ParkRoyal Canadian Legion Branch 40 |