Penticton
Ale Trail
Between the beaches, vineyards, vistas, and craft breweries, the Okanagan city of Penticton is definitely one of BC’s best-kept secrets.
The name Penticton, from nsyilxcən snpintktn, translates to “a place where people have always been all year long.” After just one visit, you’ll know why.
Nestled between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake and surrounded by vineyards, orchards, trails, and gorgeous scenery, Penticton is a paradise for cyclists, hikers, rock climbers and anyone who likes relaxing on a warm, sandy beach.
Penticton has been a leader of the Okanagan craft beer scene for more than 25 years as home to the annual Okanagan Fest of Ale, Penticton Beer Week, and a strong community of craft breweries, known collectively as the Penticton Beer Blocks. And in 2020, that legacy was recognized by Lonely Planet when it named Penticton as Canada’s “craft beer capital.”
Munson Mountain, in Penticton BC
Penticton Ale Trail, photo courtesy BC Ale Trail
Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC
Biking the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail in Penticton, BC (photo: Evan Wishloff / Visit Penticton)
The Backyard, Cannery Brewing, in Penticton, BC
Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC
Munson Mountain, in Penticton, BC
Slackwater Brewing in Penticton, BC
SS Sicamous in Penticton, BC (photo: Cole Gannon/Visit Penticton)
Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. in Penticton (photo provided)
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC (photo: Cole Gannon/Visit Penticton)
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Munson Mountain in Penticton, BC (photo: Drake Richardson / Visit Penticton)
The Barley Mill Brewpub in Penticton, BC
Barley Mill Brew Pub, in Penticton, BC
Rotary Park, in Penticton, BC
Abandoned Rail Brewing Co in Penticton, BC
Kettle Valley Railway, Little Tunnel, in Penticton, BC
Tin Whistle Brewing, in Penticton BC
Tin Whistle Brewing, in Penticton, BC
Biking the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail in Penticton, BC (photo: Evan Wishloff / Visit Penticton)
Pizzeria Tratto, Penticton,BC
Bike rental on the KVR Trail with Hoodoo Adventure Co, in Penticton, BC
The Bench Market in Penticton,BC
Penticton Beer Blocks (photo: Visit Penticton)
The Hooded Merganser in Penticton, BC
Highway 97 Brewery in Penticton, BC
Walking the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail in Penticton, BC (photo: Visit Penticton)
Highway 97 Brewery in Penticton, BC
Abandoned Rail Brewing Co in Penticton, BC
Martin Street Mural, Penticton (photo: one eye shut media)
Munson Mountain in Penticton, BC (photo: Travel Penticton)
Biking the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail in Penticton, BC (photo: Evan Wishloff / Visit Penticton)
Day 1
Travel Info
Penticton's go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, and the best coffee in town! Plus artisan fine foods and great takeaway meals for your trips down to the beaches, parks, or gardens.
Take a walk through the idyllic Ikeda Japanese Garden to enjoy the views, the peace, and quiet, and to spot fish in the ponds. The garden is particularly at its best during April or May when the flowering plants are in bloom. Also close to the Penticton Art Gallery
Neighbourhood Brewing is a custom-built facility with a two-level tasting room and a Mexican-themed kitchen.
The brewery and taproom are yet to open but, The Dog Park at Yellow Dog Brewing is now open Thursdays to Sunday. Serving up the fresh beers you know and love, as well as delicious food from the Hungry Monster Food Truck.
Grab your pup and come down to soak up the sun in The Dog Park!
Start your walk at the S.S. Sicamous – the largest of four steam-driven stern wheeled lake vessels that have been restored in Canada, or indulge your inner child with an ice cream or crazy shake at the giant iconic Peach on the other end of the boardwalk.
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Stake your spot at one of the many beaches in the area – Okanagan Lake Beach, Marina Way Beach, Skaha Lake Beach, Sudbury Beach, or Three Mile Beach. Penticton is one of the few cities that allows for responsible drinking on select beaches. Look for signage to see where this is allowed.
Check out the event schedule at the South Okanagan Events Centre, where you can take in a concert, or cheer on the Penticton Vees Junior hockey team while you enjoy a great selection of local craft beer.
Day 2
Hoodoo Adventures is all about getting out in nature and enjoying the surroundings in a safe, comfortable, and social environment. If you’re looking for biking, kayaking, or paddling, we cover them all. We’re one of the top choices for bike, kayak, canoe, SUP, and snowshoe rentals, as well as courses and new adventure experiences in the Okanagan-Similkameen region.
Rent a bike from Hoodoo Adventures and take a ride along the KVR Trail to visit Abandoned Rail. Formerly The Trail Store, for those in the know, the slushie machine is still running!
Savour delicious Neapolitan pizza featuring classic, contemporary and sacrilegious pizza pies alongside a local craft beer.
We are proud to have one of the best-conditioned golf courses in the Okanagan Valley. The golf club itself was founded in 1922.
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Looking for a different type of beverage tour? Contact Penticton Tours to craft your custom itinerary and explore the best the region has to offer.
Day 3
We offer all-day breakfast, weekend brunch, baked goods, gourmet lunch, takeaway meals, catering, and grocery – along with the best coffee in town, made using locally-roasted organic beans.
Okanagan’s original brewery is still going strong more than 25 years later. Located in the historic Cannery Trade Centre.
The Barley Mill has been a local favourite for more than 20 years. If you’re into sports and beer, this is definitely a place you want to check out.
The Barley Mill Brewpub's own liquor store is located right next door!
Where affordable luxury and the outdoors come together to provide an amazing vacation. Panoramic Views. Restaurant. Watersports. Pet Friendly.
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Located right near Tin Whistle, The Nest is a great place to go for an elevated dining experience that truly supports the local area. They have eight craft beers on tap focusing on local and BC, as well as a robust wine & cocktail list.
Day 4
Rent a bike or e-bike from Hoodoo Adventures and embark on a self-guided tour on the breweries (and maybe a winery or two) along the KVR trail.
One visit to Cannery Brewing’s popular taproom will reveal that this brewery is all about great beer and community. And nachos. Don’t forget the nachos!
Head across the street to Highway 97's new location. The brewery’s tasting room includes, appropriately, 97 seats inside along with more than 40 more on the partially covered outdoor deck. With 22 taps and an expanded kitchen, you can be sure there will be plenty of options for a great beer-tasting experience.
Before heading home, stop in to grab some beer (or other local beverages) to bring home with you. With wine specialists, a cicerone and scotch aficionados on staff, they take great pride in curating an excellent collection of craft drinks.
The Barking Parrot Bar is an iconic long-standing venue offering pub-style fare, live music & entertainment located on the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Enjoy a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake from all of our rooms. Book your stay now! Restaurant. Pet Friendly.
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Looking for a great alternative for lunch, eat-in, or take-out that supports the Okanagan community? Check Out Brodo Kitchen. Open Monday – Fridays from 11 am -5 pm, with a variety of food options and BC craft beer to go! And if you are in the mood for an ice cream break, check out Tickleberry’s Downtown, with a rotation of 72 flavours including one with beer from Slackwater Brewing.
Road Trip Journals
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Penticton, located in the heart of the beautiful South Okanagan Valley, is one of only two cities in the world that is situated between two lakes. Stake your spot at one of the many beaches or stroll down Main Street and take in the Penticton Farmers’ Market held Saturday mornings from April to October. Our friendly community offers something for everyone. Heart thumping mountain biking, rock climbing, kiteboarding, or hiking for that adventurous soul, or an easy going family bike-ride and a leisurely afternoon float down the iconic Penticton channel. Located within a 20 minute drive to our 8 craft breweries, over 80 wineries, 7 cideries and 3 distilleries, it’s no wonder Penticton means “a place where people have always been all year long”. A true four season playground in BC
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