Fun In The Sun: Penticton, BC Ultimate One-Day Adventure

Did you know Penticton is the most northern tip of the Sonoran Dessert which runs through Mexico?! If a dry yet fruitful climate appeals to you, Penticton is exactly where you want to be. Dry hot summer days, stunning lakes, mountain ranges and endless fruit orchards and wine vineyards make this region truly unique. The City of Penticton is home to over 33, 000 residence and typically offers a quiet and relaxed existence. Visitors that come during the summer months maybe a bit surprised to see the cities population double with the vibe being both fun and lively.

If you’re like many travelers, you have places to go and people to see and a set amount of time to do it all. So it’s no surprise, that you want to make the most of the time you have in each location you visit while also enjoying the flow each day offers. This article highlights the best way to explore Penticton in just one day.

Morning Café: Caffeine Fix First, Everything Else After

Wayne & Freda Café has a bright, clean and cozy atmosphere inviting guests in too hydrate, relax, and stay a while as you get that morning cup of joe in. They managed to snag a historical 20ft long wooden bench they turned into a coffee bar that’s now on lifetime loan from the Summerland Museum. If the weather is delightful, get out enjoy the 50 person wrap around deck! Inside or out, you can enjoy everything from creative coffees like a Turmeric Latte to flavourful smoothies like the Blueberry Dreams that packs in both antioxidants and a hit of protein. If you want to enjoy something a bit heartier, they have a tasty assortment of breakfast sandwiches, things on toast and sides like their daily soup feature to get you going on the right foot. After a refreshing start to your day, it’s time to explore the best attractions Penticton has to offer.

Attraction: Whatever Floats Your Boat

The afternoon is made for floating down the Penticton Channel! Rent a float from Coyote Cruises and let the Okanagan River's gentle currents take you on a 1 to 4-hour journey. Thousands of tourists and locals float this channel each year. No float? No problem—Coyote Cruises has you covered with tube and life vest rentals. As you drift towards Skaha Lake, you'll exit via a massive set of cement stairs, where friendly staff help you back to your starting point if you rented from them. It’s a blissful, carefree way to enjoy the sun.

Lunch: Sun, Views & Vibes

The best views around. If you can have it all, why wouldn’t you! Picture unobstructed lake views, a beautiful modern building and a fresh seasonally inspired menu. The Restaurant at Poplar Grove Winery is a staple for the community delivering both casual and fine dining experiences for their guests. If you want to enjoy the finer things in life this is a must visit while visiting Penticton.

Afternoon Activity: Don’t Look Down!

The Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is among Canada’s top rock-climbing destinations. With opportunity to climb almost year-round, this destination is worth the visit. Great for novice to advanced there is something for everyone. If you are new to bouldering join a group of like-minded explorers and climb with Skaha Rock Adventures or Hoodoo Adventures. If climbing the rocks with ropes isn’t your preferred activity, there are many trails accessed by foot or bike.

Dinner: OPA! Did Someone Say Authentic Greek Cuisine

Theo’s Restaurant is charming, authentic and has a long-standing hold in the community. They serve flavour, flair and authenticity! Not everyone has had an opportunity to eat Greek food and hear the traditional dishes smash as customers yell “OPA”. My favourite dishes or must tries are Lagos Stifado (Rabbit), Calamari, and the Kotopita. The setting has a fun mix of romance, old Greece all wrapped into a special dining experience.  

Accommodations: Water or Wine – The World Is Your Oyster!

Although Penticton is a small city centre, it caters to everyone. With no shortage of accommodations available at one of nearby wineries you can indulge in a glass of wine and soak in the vineyard vibes. D’Angelo Vineyards is a great option providing guests with stunning lake views, a pool and peaceful accommodations located on their working vineyard.

If you prefer staying central and walk to and from the various attractions, the Penticton Lakeside Resort is your jam. Located on the waters edge, you can enjoy a dunk in the lake, take a waterside stroll and stop into one of the hot spots during your stay.    

Extend Your Adventure: Relax, Stay Awhile Longer!

If you have more time, consider booking a Private Custom Penticton Wine Tour with Lust 4 Luxury Tours. This service allows you to explore without having to plan, drive, or arrange anything yourself. Simply book your tour, and we’ll take care of everything for you.

Penticton has an extraordinary number of wineries waiting to be explored. With approximately 40 surrounding wineries at your fingertips, the hardest part will be deciding which ones to visit and how long to stay. Penticton is home to the following wineries: Bench 1775, Black Widow, Crescent Hill, Da Silva, D’Angelo, Hillside, Howling Bluff, La Frenz, Laughing Stock, Little Engine, Lock & Worth, Moraine, Origin Wines, Pentage, Play, Poplar Grove, Red Rooster, Roche Wines, Ruby Blues, Single Tree, Terravista, Three Sisters, Tightrope, Time, Township 7, and Upper Bench. It also has several Cideries, Distilleries and Breweries including: La Petite Abeille Cidery, Maple Leaf Spirits, Old Order Distilling Co., Abandoned Rail Brewing, Cannery Brewing, Neighbourhood Brewing, Tin Whistle Brewing, HWY 97 Brewing, Yellow Dog Brewing.

Start planning your visit today!