Understand

Penticton: A Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty and Rich History Nestled in the picturesque Okanagan Valley, Penticton has a rich thousand-year history. The Salish group of First Nations people called this area 'Snpinkten,' meaning 'a place to stay forever,' which perfectly captures the allure of Penticton. The arrival of non-native settlers in the late 1800s, starting with Thomas Ellis and his successful cattle ranch, ignited the growth of Penticton. Steamboat service in 1892 and the construction of the Kettle Valley Railway further fueled the boom, attracting settlers, immigrants, and supplies. From its early days, Penticton's climate proved ideal for agriculture. Fruit trees adorned the scenic bench areas overlooking Okanagan Lake, producing cherries, apples, and pears. However, the expansion of the wine industry threatens to outshine the once-dominant fruit production. Today, tourism and the thriving wine industry form the backbone of Penticton's economy. Step into Penticton's four-seasons Mediterranean-like climate and embrace its stunning geography. The valley is framed by mid-level mountains, adorned with clay banks, benches, and scrubland. Summers sizzle with average temperatures of 27°C, occasionally peaking at 35-40°C. Thanks to the size of Okanagan Lake, winters are mild, with an average high of 0.9°C in January. Though snow occasionally graces the landscape, it mainly accumulates in December and January. You can easily gauge the snow level by glancing at the mountains, which don a beautiful white apron halfway up. With over 2000 hours of sunshine per year, Penticton shines brighter than even the sun-soaked city of Rio de Janeiro.

Get in

Arriving in Penticton Welcome to Penticton, a beautiful city nestled in the heart of British Columbia! There are multiple ways to reach this stunning destination, so let's explore the options together. By Car: Most travelers will arrive in Penticton by automobile. The journey along Highway 97 offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Coming from Vancouver? Prepare for a scenic 4-hour drive. If you're traveling from Calgary, get ready for an 8-hour adventure. Seattle or Spokane to Penticton? The drive will take you approximately 5 hours. And if you're coming from Kelowna, it's just a short 40-minute drive south. By Air: If you prefer flying, Penticton has a small airport, offering domestic flights from Vancouver. For US and international travelers, Kelowna Airport is your best choice, located just 60 kilometers north of Penticton. Alternatively, you can fly into Vancouver and continue your journey to Penticton by a different mode of transportation. Please note that scheduled commercial flights between Kelowna and Penticton are not available, but you can charter a flight with Carson Air or Southern Skies. Here are some airlines that operate in the area: - Air Canada's Jazz provides air service to Vancouver. - WestJet provides air service to Calgary. - Southern Skies Aviation offers aircraft charters for transportation and sightseeing. By Bus: For those seeking a more relaxed and scenic option, EBus operates coach services with connections to other major cities in British Columbia and Alberta from West Kelowna. There is also a local transit bus that connects Penticton and Kelowna. With so many transportation options, your journey to Penticton is sure to be an exciting adventure. Pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready to explore this enchanting destination!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Poutine is a Canadian comfort food consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and a generous amount of gravy. This dish originates from the province of Quebec but is now widely enjoyed across Canada. It's typically a non-spicy, warm, and filling meal.

Smoked salmon is a popular food item in Canada, particularly in British Columbia where the Pacific salmon is abundant. The salmon is cured with salt and sugar, then cold-smoked over wood chips to enhance its flavor. It's often served as an appetizer, accompanied by cream cheese, bagels, or crackers. The dish offers a mixture of savory and slightly smoky taste, making it a refreshing choice.

Butter tarts are a sweet and flaky dessert native to Canada, particularly popular in the prairie provinces. A butter tart consists of a pastry shell filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and syrup, often with added raisins or pecans. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them a beloved Canadian treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing