Penticton
Between the beaches, vineyards, vistas, and craft breweries, this small city is definitely one of BC’s best-kept secrets, and a place you'll want to visit year-round.
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. On a hot day, splash in the cool lake, float on the water on a stand-up paddleboard, canoe or kayak, or drift lazily on an inner tube down the channel between the two lakes. If you’re feeling more active, head to the majestic Skaha Bluffs for some sensational rock climbing or jump on a bike to explore the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. In this four-season playground, you can golf most of the year, shop for South Okanagan produce at the Penticton Farmers’ Market and fruit stands, find local goods at boutique shops and the Downtown Penticton Community Market, and hit the slopes at nearby Apex Mountain Resort or cross country ski at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre in the winter..
There is a lot more to this picturesque, lakefront city in the heart of BC’s wine country than the beaches, peaches, and wine. 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 eight craft breweries. And in 2020, that legacy was recognized by Lonely Planet when it named Penticton as Canada’s “craft beer capital.”
Early founders Tin Whistle Brewery and the Barley Mill Brewpub ignited the craft beer scene more than 25 years ago. Innovation and new energy were provided by Cannery Brewing, Bad Tattoo Brewing,(recently closed), and Highway 97 Brewing. The newest arrivals, Slackwater Brewing and Neighbourhood Brewing bring fresh energy to downtown Penticton. The latest addition, Abandoned Rail Brewing is situated right in the heart of the Naramata Bench surrounded by wineries, cideries, and distilleries. And local pubs and restaurants offer even more options for craft beer explorations following a day at the golf course or touring some of the excellent local wineries.
This truly is a place to visit all year long.
Penticton Ale Trail, photo courtesy BC Ale Trail
Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC
The Backyard, Cannery Brewing, in Penticton, BC
Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC
Munson Mountain, in Penticton BC
Munson Mountain, in Penticton, BC
Slackwater Brewing in Penticton, BC
Slackwater Brewing in Penticton, BC
SS Sicamous Heritage Park
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Riverside liquor Store in Penticton, BC
The Barley Mill Brewpub in Penticton, BC
Barley Mill Brew Pub, in Penticton, BC
Rotary Park, in Penticton, BC
Barking Parrot Pub in Penticton, BC
Kettle Valley Railway, Little Tunnel, in Penticton, BC
Tin Whistle Brewing, in Penticton BC
Tin Whistle Brewing, in Penticton, BC
Pizzeria Tratto in Penticton,BC
Bike rental on the KVR Trail with Hoodoo Adventure Co, in Penticton, BC
The Bench Market in Penticton,BC
Penticton Brewery Growlers, Penticton, BC
The Hooded Merganser in Penticton, BC
Highway 97 Brewery in Penticton, BC
Highway 97 Brewery in Penticton, BC
Spirited Brews Cruise Tour for 2 with Hoodoo Adventure Co, Penticton, BC
Abandoned Rail, in Penticton, BC
Abandoned Rail, in Penticton, BC
Martin Street Mural, Penticton (photo: one eye shut media)
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.
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.
Conveniently located two blocks from the Okanagan River Channel, three blocks from Lake Okanagan Beach and right next door to The Station Public House.
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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!
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!
Now open in its new location right across the street from Cannery Brewing
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.
Save some time on your trip to unwind by the pool and enjoy a craft beer poolside.
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Looking for a more leisurely tour? Book the Beer Buddies Tour and visit the breweries in style with a driver. While on your tour, look for Munson Mountain, Little Tunnel, the trestles, and the famous vineyards of the Naramata Bench.
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!
The Hooded Merganser was designed to provide guests with a lakeside experience like no other. Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows have made us the place to be during the storm-watching season. The outdoor patio is incredible during the warmer months.
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
We begin by meeting at Hoodoo HQ in town where bikes are sized before boarding the shuttle to enjoy a 35 min drive through the Naramata Bench wine region. Rolling through vineyards with valley views sets up a lovely expectation of what's to come.
Founded mid-cast and hip deep in a mountain stream, Slackwater stands for the moments between life’s ebbs and flows—especially those enjoyed with friends, family and beers in-hand.
The Barking Parrot Bar is located in the Penticton Lakeside Resort just inches away from Okanagan Lake. Offering a casual style dining experience with a menu inspired by our Chef’s newest concoctions.
Looking for a 4 pack of local BC Craft beers, or a few singles ice cold and ready to drink? Just check out our walk-in cooler!
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 Tasting Notes: South Okanagan
Kim Lawton’s Insider Guide to Craft Beer in the South Okanagan
After wrapping up work early, we load up the car, open the sunroof, and start a new audiobook — a sure sign we are going on a road trip. Travelling with my husband John, we are excited about a getaway. Giddy almost. This adventure will take us on a trip through the stunning South Okanagan.
Produced In Collaboration With
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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