Patricia Van Trigt: Penticton

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Penticton Canada

Penticton benefits from its unique setting between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes. Bounded by forested ridges, clay bank cliffs and granite bluffs with easy access to mountain lakes and winter resorts, there's a strong focus on outdoor recreation that can be experienced in all seasons. But Penticton is also centred in Okanagan wine country and rich agricultural lands provide fresh ingredients for local menus, making this a growing food and wine destination with an abundance of urban attractions for culturally-minded visitors. Water Activities With the beaches of Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south, summer in Penticton is the time to get wet. Swim, fish, kayak, wakeboard, water ski, jet ski, windsurf and kite surf. On Okanagan Lake, beginners try a tandem flight, experts fly solo, with Penticton Parasail Adventures. Board the Casabella Princess for an afternoon cruise. Skaha Lake is home to even more adventure with excellent conditions for wind and kite surfers. Public boat launch areas on both lakes provide easy access for visitors towing their own boats and all the toys are readily available for rent. For the ultimate lazy summer day, join the party floating the Okanagan River Channel that connects the two lakes. Rent a tube from Coyote Cruises or bring one and take their shuttle. Anglers cast a line in the big lakes or take to the high country. Guiding services like Passionate Pursuits know where the fish are biting. Land Activities Hiking and cycling trails abound in and around Penticton. Stroll the Kiwanis Promenade along Okanagan Beach, follow the pathway beside the Okanagan River Channel or set off for Munson Mountain lookout. Take to the countryside for a quiet ride through vineyards and orchards, check out the scenery and historic sites on the KVR (Kettle Valley Railway) Trail or head to Ellis Canyon in the highlands. To jack up the adrenaline, mountain bikers attack the technical challenges of Three Blind Mice trails, while rock climbers tackle the world famous Skaha Bluffs. Golf Penticton offers the Okanagan's only year-round golf course, Skaha Meadows. This is one of three nine-hole courses that are generally laid out with easy walking in mind, but still deliver some terrific mountain and lake views and designs to challenge every handicap. The city's championship 6101-yard Penticton Golf Club demands straight drives on narrow fairways and a strong short game to come close to par 70. Winter Activities The snow is deep and dry in the highlands around Penticton, ideal for every kind of winter activity. Apex Mountain Resort offers the full cold weather experience with downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating. Apex is also known for its World Cup aerial and mogul courses. Cross-country skiers explore 65km/40.4mi of groomed trails at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre where the 1829m/6000ft elevation ensures a long season. Facilities include day lodge with kitchen, eating and lounge areas, equipment rentals and available lessons. Food & Wine Penticton lies in the heart of Okanagan wine country. The Visitor Centre lists 44 wineries within a 20-minute drive. Or stay in the city and browse the 400 labels representing over 60 wineries at the VQA Wine Shop, located in the Visitor Centre. How-to-taste wine tutorials are available any time with the daily tasting menu. Penticton is also located in the only region in BC where peaches and apricots will grow along with other tree fruits like cherries, plums, apples and pears. Sample fresh produce at roadside stands, in locally prepared preserves and on the tables of Penticton restaurants. Pair the meal with an Okanagan wine or for a change of taste, try an ale or lager produced by one of Penticton's three micro-breweries. Arts, Culture & Historical Penticton supports a lively cultural community. The Okanagan School of the Arts draws developing artists and art is displayed all over the city in galleries, studios, traffic circles, public parks, coffee shops and wineries. The vibrant performing arts scene includes the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, live stage productions by Penticton's active theatre groups who perform in the Orchard House Theatre and the Cannery Stage. Big name performers hit the stage at the South Okanagan Events Centre and world music plays the small stage at the Dream Café. Culture and heritage fuse at Penticton's historic sites. Experience the age of lake transport aboard the SS Sicamous, which hosts a working model of the Kettle Valley Railway. Learn more about sternwheelers and railways at the Penticton Museum, where exhibits also delve into the history of the Okanagan First Nations. Attractions Make family memories at Loco Landing with activities like mini-golf, go-carts, bumper boats and rock climbing. Fly high for an eagle's eye view of the city, lakes and mountains on a Southwestern Skies sightseeing tour. Explore the Okanagan lakeshore with a narrated cruise aboard the Casabella Princess.

Wikipedia

Recommended airport

Vancouver Coal Harbour (CXH)

Points of interest

Nearby destinations

Kelowna a 44.87 km

Penticton, Canada

Cheap accommodations in Penticton

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Penticton Canada