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Play

Beaches, lakes, mountains and trails – Penticton is a veritable playground for anyone who loves the outdoors, with tours, rentals and activity operators to help you make the most of our outdoors. Our backyard is always open – come out and play.

We are also home to close to 90 nearby wineries and plenty of wine tour operators to assist, a vast arts and culture scene, the best Farmer’s Market in BC along with a large selection of fruits stands, u-pick, farms and other markets.

No matter how you like to play – you’ll find it in Penticton!

Arts & Culture

Penticton is a community with a rich, diverse history that's easy to become immersed in. Be inspired by the stories and experiences shared by the indigenous community and local artists.

Numerous art galleries, exhibitions, theatrical performances and all range of musical events take place throughout the year, both indoors and out. You can enjoy a dramatic performance amidst the vineyards, take in a live show at a cozy local bar or soak up the ambiance on a walking art tour or sculpture tour along colourful Front Street and downtown Penticton.

When planning your visit be sure to check out our Events Calendar for information on concerts, plays and other amazing experiences to enhance your stay.

Creativity blossoms here, as naturally as fruit trees and grape vines.

Entertainment

Whether you want to rock with a crowd of thousands at a concert, enjoy an intimate dinner and acoustic set or take in a show at the theatre, Penticton has the stage - let us entertain you.

Family Fun

A year-round destination for fun, Penticton has been a long time choice for great family fun and unforgettable vacations.

Penticton offers an endless number of family-friendly activities both indoor and outdoor. From adventure parks and adventurous trails to lazy beach days, bike rentals, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, and all the ice cream you can eat, we something for families of all ages and activity levels.

Golf

Following the diverse landscape of Penticton and the South Okanagan region as a whole, golfers have been flocking to Penticton to test their skills at the different styles of courses including traditional links, parkland, challenging mountain tracks, and unique desert-style courses.

Penticton is one of the few places in Canada where you can golf almost year round. Our golf season starts in early spring and goes through to later in the fall, and with plenty of annual sunshine, dry weather and incredible views throughout the South Okanagan Valley, Penticton is the perfect hub for a golf getaway.

The area boasts a variety of courses including championship 18-hole courses, executive 9-hole courses, and driving ranges all within just a 1 hour drive of Penticton. Clubs and courses welcome players of all skill levels, but remain challenging enough to entertain more advanced players.

Beauty, Health & Wellness

Cool lake waters, clear mountain air, warm sandy beaches and fresh green orchards - there's no doubt that Penticton is a place to relax and rejuvenate, and why we are a proud partner of Wellness Travel BC.

Set in the scenic Okanagan Valley, Penticton life has an ebb and flow that lets you reconnect with your natural rhythm. With the right mix of adventure and recreation, movement and indulgent serenity, you are sure to discover your most relaxing vacation yet.

Get Moving

An active lifestyle is part of the Penticton culture and the city is equipped with plenty of modern health and fitness facilities. Swim laps at the Penticton Community Centre, try yoga at a winery or goat yoga at GottaGoat Farm, or finish off a spin class with some fresh pressed juice, or a smoothie from Gratify Foods.

Feeling adventurous? Take it outdoors with a stroll through the woods to find hidden waterfalls, or rise with the sun for an open water swim. A cold craft beer never tastes so good as when you’re washing away the salty residue of a great hike, bike, or climb.

Visit our Fuel Free page for more ways to explore our great outdoors by foot, pedal or paddle.

Slow it Down

Getting your sweat on is good, but part of a relaxing vacation is finding great ways to slow down and unwind. Take a meandering walk along the creek or enjoy a morning coffee in the sunshine on a patio. Close your eyes and listen to waves lapping on the beach as you nap in the grass under the trees, or treat yourself to a day at the spa (you know you’ve been meaning to do that!)

However you do adventure and relaxation, finding the right balance is part of the magic of Penticton. Experience the ultimate BC getaway and return home truly refreshed.

Markets, Orchards & Fruit Stands

Saturdays from April to October, 8:30am to 1:00pm on the 100 block of Main Street. Vendors proudly make, bake or grow everything they bring to the market. Find farm fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, honey, baking, preserves and handmade crafts plus a selection of local liquor vendors each week for tasting and purchasing.

Outdoor Adventure

From mountain biking to rock climbing, skiing to wakeboarding, Penticton is an outdoor adventure mecca, offering some of the purest adventure pursuits within Canada.

Thanks to Penticton’s favourable climate, outdoor activities have a much longer season and when the snow starts to fall, just switch from paddles and pedals to skis and snowshoes and carry on enjoying the great outdoors.

Professional Services

While we're all for rest and relaxation, business is just sometimes unavoidable, but no worries. Penticton may appear to be a sleepy town on the surface, but underneath buzzes a hub of technology and commerce. Book a conference or event at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, located in the South Okanagan Events Complex, check out over 30 individual businesses in a unique historical building at the Cannery Trade Centre, or visit Cowork Penticton or The Standard Space for your remote working needs during your Penticton vacation.

Shopping

No vacation is complete without a little bit of retail therapy and Penticton offers a range of options from high street stores to unique boutiques and quirky emporiums so you can shop 'til you drop. Whether you’re looking to stock up on supplies or take a leisurely stroll through local shops to find that perfect gift or souvenir, Penticton has you covered.

Shopping in Penticton

With its vibrant business community, Penticton’s downtown core is full of character and unique shopping experiences. Steps from Okanagan Lake, you will find a network of streets and sidewalks lined with designer boutiques, coffee shops, bakeries, and local curiosities. Take a stroll under the trees down colourful Front street and discover quaint stores, galleries, and outdoor patios. Next block over, browse through the shops along historic Main Street where retailers offer carefully curated collections of artisanal gifts, handmade keepsakes, and curated products made locally and from around the world. Don’t be surprised if you find that perfect present or conversation piece that you didn’t even know you needed!

Stocking Up on Supplies

For all of the supplies you will need for a great vacation, head uptown where you will find plenty of national retailers, grocery stores, and open air malls. Or, stop into Cherry Lane Mall, the South Okanagan’s only enclosed shopping centre. Home to a grocery store and cold beer & wine store, drug store, food court, department stores, and so much more, you are sure to find what you are looking for here.

Whether taking a leisurely stroll, stocking up on supplies, or hunting for that perfect gift, shopping in Penticton won’t disappoint.

Tours

Whether your interest is wineries, breweries, cycling, kayaking or nature, guided tours in Penticton are a stress-free way to enjoy your pursuits and get some great inside information and stories from local experts. We also have some great trails to tour on your own.

Water Activities

Penticton is one of just two cities in the world that sits between two lakes. Beaches and water fun are part of the summer culture here – dive in like a local and get wet, then throw down a towel, dry off and top up your tan on one of several sandy sun-drenched beaches.

Visitors have been flocking to Penticton in the warmer months for generations, to enjoy lake life and get out boating, swimming, paddling, fishing or floating.

Weddings

Imagine a wedding set among lush, green vineyards or beautifully manicured gardens, with a lake or mountain view as a backdrop. Penticton and area offers a variety of venues to add that certain, ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your big day. 

Whether you're looking to revel in the romance of a vineyard setting, enjoy barefoot bliss on the beach, get that vintage vibe, or enjoy a whimsical wedding, we have the venue options for you. Penticton is home to several public parks and gardens that can be made available for an outdoor wedding ceremony. The ambient temperature of Penticton makes it an ideal location for outdoor wedding ceremonies, including early spring and late fall, when there is still plenty of sunshine and wonderful seasonal colours to enhance the beauty of your big day .

We have hotels and resorts that offer great options for lakeside nuptials, easy accommodations for you and your guests, and offer a range of wedding services to ensure plain sailing on your big day. 

Whether you live in or outside of British Columbia, you should be aware of the regulations for marriage ceremonies within our province – General Information for Marriage Ceremonies in BC.

Wine Tours

Penticton is the ultimate home base for wine touring and more, with close to 90 wineries within a 20 minutes' drive of the city centre. Any time is wine time in Penticton and no matter the season, you’ll find authentic, intimate tasting experiences.

Consider taking a wine tour with one of the many knowledgeable operators in the area.

Many wineries remain open during the winter months, so come and enjoy a tasting of our local varietals including limited ice wines.

View the 2024 spring winery hours here or stop by the Penticton Visitor Centre and pick up a copy.

Winter Activities

Penticton is not just a summer destination, it is also a great place for a winter getaway!

When the snow starts falling, Penticton turns into a winter wonderland, creating the perfect opportunity to explore the city and surrounding area in ways you might not have tried before. From snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding, and winter hikes to fat-biking on the snow covered trails, skating, cross country skiing, or just enjoying the comforts of the valley with a fireside meal and a glass of red wine.

The city provides a cozy base for exploring nearby snow-covered mountains and trails.