One of the many misconceptions about Canada is that it's always cold. But the truth is, parts of Canada experience incredible hot summers and therefore there are tons of awesome vacations to be had. The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is particularly beloved for its summer retreats, including the town of Penticton.
The province of B.C. is home to a number of fantastic summer getaways, such as the beautiful, strange, and culinarily rich Salt Spring Island, but Penticton is an underrated gem. The town is caught between two gorgeous lakes in the Okanagan Valley 45 minutes away from the city of Kelowna. But unlike Kelowna and the rest of the wine country, Penticton is far less touristy and more about pure relaxation.
Without further ado, here's hiking, swimming, and everything else the summer resort of Penticton in B.C. is known for.
10 Floating Down The Penticton River Channel Is Pure Bliss
There are many small towns across Canada that are worthy of being on your bucket list and Penticton should be considered among them. Perhaps it's worth visiting purely because of the opportunity to float down the River Channel on an inner tube. The seven-kilometer float, which takes about 2 or 3 hours, is a superb way to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshment. It's totally free, although you can jump on a tour that provides floaties, such as Coyote Cruises which costs $6 per tube and $6 for a bus ride to the drop off spots.
9 Bike Or Hike The Kettle Valley Railway, It's An Easy Way To Get Exercise And Enjoy The Sites
The Kettle Valley Railway showcases a unique part of the Okanagan's history while providing an excellent outdoor excursion for exercise enthusiasts. The full length of the KVR, an abandoned railway that was built in 1915, is 480 KM but the majority of people use it for short day hiking trips and bike rides. Take note, this is not a strenuous activity. In fact, most of the trail is very flat. But it takes you through some gorgeous countryside. Views of the mountains, vineyards, lakes, and the valley itself are nothing short of breathtaking.
8 There's No Shortage Of Lake Activities In Penticton But Stand Up Paddleboarding And Kayaking Are Favorites
There are multiple companies in Penticton that will rent out paddleboards and kayaks, but HooDoo Adventures is the most famous. Hoodoo Adventures prides itself on getting visitors outside to enjoy nature and has a number of rental plans that allow everyone to take advantage of the two lakes that border Penticton, Okanagan, and Skaha. Reviewers on TripAdvisor love the company but are all about the water activities in Penticton. Because of the calming lake waters, which can get quite warm in the summer, many companies, such as Skaha Marina and Penticton Boat Rentals, can thrive providing everyone easy access to Penticton's splendor.
7 Rock Climbing In Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park IsNothing Short Of Gobsmacking
Without a doubt, Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, which is just south of Penticton, is one of the best places to rock climb in all of Canada. In fact, it's one of the most famous rock climbing destinations in the world, according to Mountain project. If you don't have the desire, skills, or courage to rent gear from in town and scale these behemoths, you can safely enjoy the many trails throughout the 489-hectare park. The park is open year-round from dawn until dusk, but parts may close from mid-November to mid-March due to weather.
6 Get Your Wine On At The Near Endless Wineries
For those who don't know, Penticton sits in the Okanagan and Naramata region, which is world-famous for their wineries. But Penticton alone has over 170 wineries operating and producing more than 75 grape varietals alone. According to Visit Penticton, there are 6 major wine tours that are worth your time and money including the Naramata Wine Tour with Sagebrush Wine and Nature Tours and Wine Country Adventure with Open Air Adventures & Wine Tours, which typically cost just over $100 per person. But you can always visit most of these wineries on your own.
5 For Beer Lovers, There's Always The Ale Trail
You don't need to be on a tour or go to the annual Okanagan Fest of Ale to enjoy all of the craft breweries in Penticton, but it helps. Penticton and the rest of the Okanagan may be known for their wine, but they are also a leader in craft beer, ciders, and sours. Some of the most popular breweries found in Penticton, and the greater Penticton area, are Cannery Brewing, Bad Tattoo Brewing (famous for their Peach Cream Ale), Highway 97 Brewing, and Slackwater Brewing.
4 Chillin' Out At One Of The Two Lakes Is Really All You Need
If you want to indulge your lazy side, all you need to do is visit one of the two lakes found in Penticton. The town, somewhat beautifully, sits between Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake about 45 minutes south of the city of Kelowna. Both beaches have endless possibilities for fun. While you can rent all manner of watersports equipment, you really only need a towel. Taking a dip during the heat of the summer is nothing short of refreshing. But the grounds also have playgrounds, volleyball and tennis courts, concession stands, picnic areas, and washrooms a plenty.
3 Get Lost At The Book Shop, A Staple Of Penticton
Right along Main Street in Penticton is a book store that's been in operation since 1974 and is home to countless books and nearly 20,000 video and DVD titles for rental. According to Visit Penticton, this Book Shop is spread out over 5,000 square feet and is one of the easiest places to find foreign films in the area. The establishment is charming, to say the least. It's also easy to find, just look for the horse and the wooden wagon pile with books on the front o the building.
2 Fly Above The Lakes Courtesy Of A Parasail... Yeah, It's Awesome
While there's Pier Water Sports and Penticton Parasail, Castaways Watersports is your number one place to rent a boat or fly above the lake on a parasail. This is easily one of the coolest things you can do in Penticton. It gives you a bird's eye view of almost the entire area as well as conquers your fear of heights. You can choose to be dunked into the water to taste the lake or just held high above everyone else. According to Penticton Boat Rentals, parasailing costs $71.43 to $85.71 each. You can also rent Sea-Doos and boats for the day.
1 Wibit Waterpark Is Your Inner Child's Dream
For just $25, or $15 if you have a group, you can climb walls, monkey bars, slides, and an assortment of other features on this floating playground. There are a few Wibit Waterparks in Canada which three in the Okanagan each summer. The obstacle course is for anyone above the age of five, so you have full permission to embrace the child within you. Jumping from a trampoline into Lake Okanagan is an amazing way to enjoy Penticton.