Penticton
The name Penticton translates to “a place to stay forever.” After just one visit, you’ll know why. Between the beaches, vineyards, vistas, and craft breweries, this small city is definitely one of BC’s best kept secrets.
Nestled between Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake and surrounded by vineyards, orchards, trails, and gorgeous scenery, Penticton is 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 local produce at the Penticton Farmers’ Market and fruit stands, and hit the slopes at nearby Apex Mountain Resort in the winter.
There is a lot more to this picturesque, lakefront city in the heart of BC’s wine country than the beach, the Peach and the Naramata Bench. 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 and a strong community of seven craft breweries. And in 2020, that legacy was recognized by Lonely Planet when it named Penticton 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, and Highway 97 Brewing. The newest arrivals, Slackwater Brewing and Neighbourhood Brewing, bring a fresh energy to downtown Penticton. 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 stay forever.
Before visiting, we recommend that you check directly with the businesses you are hoping to visit to get the latest on-the-ground information. Some businesses are seasonal, and some may have experienced closures due to COVID-19.
Penticton Ale Trail, photo courtesy BC Ale Trail
Highway 97 Brewery
Munson Mountain
Delicious pizza at Bad Tattoo Brewing in Penticton BC
Munson Mountain
The Barley Mill
Munson Mountain
SS Sicamous Heritage Park
Kettle Valley Station Pub
BRODO Kitchen
Bad Tattoo Brewing
Enjoying beer on the beach in Penticton, BC (credit: Chris Stenberg)
Rotary Park
The Barley Mill
Kettle Valley Railway, Little Tunnel
The Nest and Nectar
Tin Whistle Brewing Company
Okanagan Lake
Slackwater Brewing
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Cannery Brewing's Backyard on the BC Ale Trail.
Day 1
Travel Info
The Okanagan’s original brewery is still going strong more than 25 years later. Located in the historic Cannery Trade Centre.
Enjoy down to earth options for breakfast, lunch and evening tapas. Found in the same building as Tin Whistle Brewing.
This downtown Penticton brewpub is the perfect place to share your tales about that big fish that got away. It is a welcoming space to meet with old friends or make some new connections, or just hang out and enjoy a beer and some food.
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 close to the Ramada Penticton.
Pair your meal with local craft beer and a relaxed atmosphere. Soak up some Okanagan sunshine on their giant patio.
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.
While you’re at Slackwater Brewing, just a few steps away you’ll find a local Penticton distillery that makes small batches of handcrafted gin, vodka and whisky called Old Order Distilling.
Day 2
This bike tour along the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail will take you by a local hopyard, past stunning vistas with visits to local distilleries and craft breweries – Cannery Brewing and Bad Tattoo.
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!
Bad Tattoo has permanently made its mark with its diverse beer list and delicious pizza.
Penticton's newest brewery is a custom-built facility with a two-level tasting room and a Mexican-themed kitchen.
Savour delicious Neapolitan pizza featuring classic, contemporary and sacrilegious pizza pies alongside a local craft beer.
Enjoy a relaxing evening in the hot tub after the day’s Spirited Brews Cruise bike tour.
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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
Taste ingredients from local orchards, farms and vineyards. Simple, fresh food made by nice people.
A world renowned destination with views of Skaha Lake, just south of Penticton. Enjoy hiking, rock climbing and wildlife viewing.
Named for the scenic highway that runs along the Okanagan’s spine, Highway 97 welcomes you to Penticton.
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!
Save some time on your trip to unwind by the pool and enjoy a craft beer poolside.
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For the perfect leisure activity, float the Penticton Channel and soak up the Okanagan sunshine. If you want to try out more craft beverages, visit the many wineries, cideries or distilleries in the area. If you happen to visit in April, check out the Okanagan Fest of Ale, the Murderers Row Cask Event at the Station Public House and a variety of other events. If you plan a visit in the fall, plan it to coincide with Penticton Oktoberfest and the annual Penticton Beer Week.
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Penticton, located in the heart of the beautiful Okanagan, 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 late April to mid-October. Our friendly community offers something for everyone. Heart thumping mountain biking, rock climbing or hiking for that adventurous soul, or an easy going family bike-ride and a leisurely afternoon float down the iconic river channel. Just a 20 minute drive to over 5 breweries, 70 wineries and 3 distilleries, it’s no wonder Penticton means “a place to stay forever.”
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