Skip to main content
Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go

Updated: November 9, 2022

BC is thrilled to welcome visitors for safe and responsible travel in the province.

Penticton tour operators, accommodation providers and attraction hosts continue to implement stringent protocols to keep visitors safe, and visitors are asked to return the favour by travelling responsibly.

#visitpenticton #exploreBC

Let’s do our part by following provincial health orders and continuing to support local businesses in accordance with the latest health orders.

For more information about the latest Provincial Health Orders, visit
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current

Travel Updates and Information

Highway closures and travel restrictions:

Always check Drive BC before heading out on the road to learn about the current conditions along your planned route, including webcams, closures, restrictions and advisories, construction delays, or detours.

Weather events:

Please visit Environment Canada for the latest weather information, statements, and air quality advisories.

Current public health measures:

The provincial health officer lifted all restrictions on personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, worship services, pubs and nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, swimming pools, sports activities and adult sports tournaments, and all capacity limits have returned to normal. 

Wearing masks in public indoor settings is not required by public health. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Masks are encouraged, but not required, when travelling by air, train, public transit or BC Ferries.

Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises. It’s important that we respect the choices of people, businesses and one another.

You must wear a mask in all health care settings, like vaccine clinics and hospitals.

For more details on the current public health measures, click here.

Air travel to BC:

There have been a series of adjustments to current federal border measures for Canada, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions. 

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
  • COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
  • Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
  • Using ArriveCAN is not required
    • if you’re flying into Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax or Montréal-Trudeau international airports, you can still use ArriveCAN to complete your Advance CBSA Declaration to save time upon arrival
  • Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
  • As always, travel documents are required
  • Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
  • Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you shouldn’t travel to Canada.

Click here for more information on travel requirements for vaccinated travellers.

For more information on requirements around travelling in and out of BC, click here.

Further details on the COVID-19 situation in BC can be found here.

For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website here.

Read important updates on highway restrictions and advisories:

Drive BC

Read important updates on BC travel:

BC Travel Updates

Read updates on the Canadian border and international travel advisories:

Canadian Border Updates

Read important updates from BC Parks:

BC Parks Updates

Read updates on BC Ferries schedules and procedures. It is advisable to make a reservation for BC Ferries:

BC Ferries Updates

How To Explore Safely and Responsibly

Situated between two large fresh water lakes, ample green space, local wildlife, an abundance of wineries, vineyards and orchards, and never ending trails to explore, it is no wonder travellers choose to visit Penticton. But in order to ensure Penticton remains beautiful we ask you respect and care for the land, the people and our way of life during your stay.

If you are planning to visit Penticton, here are some guidelines for exploring our community.

  • Do not travel if you are sick
  • Practice 2 meters physical distancing when possible
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Support local, dine at the local restaurants, book an activity or a tour, and find a unique accommodation
  • Plan ahead and book activities, accommodation, dining reservations, wine tastings and experiences in advance. Review the booking and cancellation policies
  • Respect the people, businesses, and communities you visit, and respect the safety procedures enacted by the businesses you visit
  • Respect local wildlife. Pack out what you pack in and dispose of waste properly
  • If you encounter wildlife during your adventures, please remember to keep your distance and recognize that you are a visitor to their home
  • Remember that delays and disruptions can happen at any time of year. Take your time, take care of each other, and practice patience
  • Adhere to any local closures or restricted access to communities

Follow the direction of the Provincial Health Officer and keep up to date on changing guidelines and regulations. If you would like to know how local businesses are keeping customers safe, check their website, social media, or give them a call to inquire.

Real-time Conditions in Penticton

We will be actively posting real-time Penticton visual updates from around the city and Penticton area to our our social media accounts.

November 9th, 1:08 pm – Video captured at Okanagan Beach near the SS Sicamous

August 24th, 8:57 am – Video captured at Kenyon Park on Skaha Lake

To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in British Columbia,
please call 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible. Information from the public is crucial to the effectiveness of the BC Wildfire Services response. 

Penticton Visitor Centre
Main Location

Located at:
888 Westminster Ave West
Penticton, BC
V2A 8S2

Hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00am – 4:00pm

Peach Location

Located at:
185 Lakeshore Dr
Penticton, BC
V2A 1B7

Hours:
Closed for the season

View current visitor centre hours of operation here.

Tips for Being Safe While Participating in Outdoor Activities

  • Always check the current weather conditions and weather alerts along your planned journey before heading out
  • Plan your travel route, let someone know where you’re going and when
  • Know the terrain and conditions. Know and stay within your limits
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn from the experts. Build up your endurance on short trails before attempting longer trails or more challenging terrain
  • Practice low-risk activities and recreation
  • Bring water. Fuel your body before heading outside and pack an additional nutritious snack and water to take along
  • Pack in and pack out. Do not leave anything behind
  • Always carry the essentials and know how to use them
  • Dress warmly and pack extra layers
  • Stay informed and respect any trail, beach, park, or local area closures as posted
  • Be AdventureSmart at all times and follow the 3 T’s: Trip Plan, Train, and Take Essentials

Plan Your Ski Holiday in Penticton

Be sure to go online well in advance to note restaurant operating hours, lift access information, lift ticket booking procedures, cancellation policies, and safety precautions when planning your trip to Apex Mountain Resort. Expect to find unique safety protocols and operating procedures in place this season and rules may differ from ski resort to ski resort in BC, based on regionalized public health orders.

Stay Informed