Penticton: Your Ultimate Sustainable Summer Getaway

Whether you’re heading to wine country from Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Hope or Revelstoke, if summer travels with a reduced impact on the environment tops your agenda, Penticton is calling.

Penticton is an iconic BC destination, known far and wide for its agricultural roots, craft and Indigenous culture, and glorious outdoor recreation. From beaches and lakes to markets, orchards and a to-die-for culinary scene, Penticton is sure to impress. But did you also know that Penticton’s Fuel Free… Almost initiative highlights all the ways activities in Penticton are just steps, pedal strokes or a paddle away?

Fuel Free…Almost

The best things in life are free… from the constraints of fuel dependence, that is. Discover the tucked-away gems typically only enjoyed by locals when you park the car and refocus on health and wellness in Penticton’s cozy downtown, at its gorgeous lakes and beaches, or while sampling its abundant wine and culinary scene. Wander the streets, check out the boutique stores, sample treats at a tucked away café or relax in the sunshine of a patio or designated beach with a frosty craft beer—all without the stress of traffic, gridlock, gas expenses or fumes.

Explore By Foot 

There are fewer than 7 km between Penticton’s north and south ends, which means you are always just steps away from mouth-watering cuisine and several outdoor activities. The downtown core is destination number one to find art galleries, cafes, local shops and more. The Skaha Lake or Okanagan Lake boardwalks welcome leisurely strollers, or the more ambitious can take a short hike up Munson Mountain above the iconic PENTICTON sign.

The Daily Special Downtown Arts Culinary Trail itinerary is your ticket for combining arts and culture stops with fresh, delicious food and drinks. Start your day with a tasty, home-cooked breakfast at Wayne & Freda before visiting the Penticton Art Gallery or The Lloyd Gallery. Grab lunch and a enjoy a wine tasting at TIME Family of Wines and OROLO Restaurant, and dessert at Tickleberry’s Ice Cream. In the afternoon, challenge your friends to a round of golf, lawn bowling or disc golf or access world-class rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park. At the end of the day, more than 80 wineries in close proximity or some of the craft breweries, cideries and craft distilleries that put Penticton on the map await you.

Discover By Pedal

For stunning vistas and panoramic lake views as far as the eye can see, try the 45 km loop around Skaha Lake or check out the iconic Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail. Heading north, the KVR Trail meanders to Naramata, where plenty of winery or lunch options and lookout stops beckon along the way.

Follow along the Daily Special Naramata Bench Wine Culinary Trail Itinerary, which combines outdoor adventures with a focus on local dining and wine, or plan your own day with stops along the KVR Trail. Begin at Loki’s Garage for a delicious eggs benny and then stop next door at Pedego Penticton to rent an e-bike for the day and explore. Once you have your e-bike, pop into The Bench Market for some tasty baked goods and a takeaway meal before hopping on the KVR Trail and heading to the Little Tunnel lookout above Naramata to snap some gorgeous photos. Stop into Ruby Blues Winery for a wine tasting or Abandoned Rail Brewing for a refreshing craft beer or apple slushie along the way. On your return, visit Hillside Winery and Bistro or Red Rooster Winery (or both) for a bite to eat and a glass of wine, and finish your day relaxing on one of many beautiful beaches.

In Penticton, consider the lake-to-lake bike route, a safe route through town to ride from one lake to other, or go thrill seeking on singletrack at Three Blind Mice or Campbell Mountain.

Looking for a way to transport your trusty bike? Then, before you head up for your Penticton adventure, check out Swagman online, based in Penticton, for their wide selection of bike racks. Can’t bring a bike on your travels? Stop into one of Penticton’s local bike shops for a bicycle or e-bike and start exploring road, mountain or leisure cycling in Penticton.

Meander By Paddle

Fun fact: Penticton is one of only two cities in the world situated between two lakes. That means the fresh waters of Okanagan and Skaha Lakes are yours to enjoy, whether swimming, paddling, exploring the coves by kayak, or catching air on a kiteboard.

Rent a kayak or SUP and take in beautiful views and the Okanagan sun out on the water of Okanagan Lake.

A Penticton must-do is the Channel Float, a 7 km long float along the river channel that connects the two lakes, where you can rent a floatie from Coyote Cruises and spend an afternoon lazily drifting from lake to lake.

…Almost

Sure, you’ll need to drive or fly to Penticton. If you happen to be driving an electric or hybrid vehicle, rest assured that there are electric vehicle charging stations along the four-hour drive from Vancouver (Highways 1, 3, 5 and 97) and along the eight-hour trip from Calgary (Highways 1, 97 and 97A).

If your ideal Penticton adventure requires a vehicle, consider a local wine touring, outdoor adventure or local transport operator, that are fully equipped to get you where you need to go.

Ready to discover your summer getaway in one of BC’s most beautiful and environmentally savvy destinations?

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