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
Munson Mountain, Penticton BC
Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC
Delicious pizza at Bad Tattoo Brewing in Penticton BC
Slackwater Brewing in Penticton, BC
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Munson Mountain
The Station Public House in Penticton, BC
The Barley Mill, Penticton
SS Sicamous Heritage Park
Enjoying beer on the beach in Penticton, BC (credit: Chris Stenberg)
The Backyard, Cannery Brewing, Penticton, BC
Rotary Park
The Barley Mill Brewpub in Penticton, BC
Kettle Valley Railway, Little Tunnel
Barking Parrot, Penticton, BC
Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, BC
Spirited Brews Cruise Tour for 2 with Hoodoo Adventure Co, Penticton, BC
Cannery Brewing Backyard, Penticton, BC
Tin Whistle Brewing, Penticton BC
Lakeside Growlers in Penticton, BC
The Barley Mill Brewpub in Penticton, BC
Pizzeria Tratto in Penticton,BC
Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC
Hooded Meganser Restaurant in Penticton,BC
The Bench Market in Penticton,BC
Okanagan Lake
Bad Tattoo Brewing in Penticton, BC
Slackwater Brewing in Penticton, BC
Tin Whistle Brewing in Penticton, BC
Highway 97 Brewery in Penticton, BC
Family and Dog Friendly Patio, Tin Whistle Brewing, Penticton, BC
Hooded Merganser at the Lakeside Resort, Penticton, BC
Salmon Eggs Benny at The Bench Market, Penticton, BC
Bike rental on the KVR Trail with Hoodoo Adventure Co, Penticton, BC
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
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.
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.
Pair your meal with local craft beer and a relaxed atmosphere. Soak up some Okanagan sunshine on their giant patio. Right next door to the Penticton Ramada.
Conveniently located two blocks from the Okanagan River Channel, three blocks from Lake Okanagan Beach and right next door to The Station Public House.
Explore More
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
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.
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!
Awaiting its grand reopening any time now (set for late July).
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.
Explore More
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.
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.
With up to 72 different kinds of ice cream rotating - all in-house made! - including one made with beer from Slackwater Brewing!
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.
Enjoy a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake from all of our rooms. Book your stay now! Restaurant. Pet Friendly.
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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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