Return to > Home Page

Penticton - Fun for All Ages

Where else could you find such a fun-filled holiday with something for everybody's taste? The foundation for fun in Penticton is the two sparkling, crystal clear lakes that can be found at both north and south ends of the city. Add to that 8 kilometres (5 miles!) of beautiful, clean sandy beaches, a climate that is to die for and it's easy to understand why Penticton has for decades been such a popular vacation spot.

But that's only the beginning. From the tingling adventure of scaling the renowned Skaha Bluffs to the more urbane pleasures of sipping world-class wines in the sublime surroundings of local wineries, vineyards, bistros and sidewalk cafes, you'll find it here. Great golf courses, just about any water sport you can think of, plenty of historic and cultural attractions, hiking, biking, breath-taking scenery, in fact just about anything your lil' heart desires can be found in this vacation paradise.

There's LocoLanding Adventure Park, voted the #1 attraction in the South Okanagan by the readers of Okanagan Life! Visit LocoLanding for the ultimate in family fun with adventure mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, rock-climbing and aeroball.

Penticton is a hub of artists and craftsmakers. Their work is much in evidence at the Farmers Market held in Gyro Park every Saturday morning. It can also be seen in the annual Okanagan Summer School of the Arts where students of all ages study sketching, painting, sculpture, music - in fact, every form of creativity you can imagine. You can also see their works in galleries: the Art Gallery of the South Okanagan, the wonderful Lloyd Gallery, Tumbleweed Gallery and others.

A visit to Apex Mountain Resort during the summer is highly recommended. Well-known as a ski destination, this beautiful resort community offers summer visitors a wide range of alpine activities - from hiking and mountain biking trails, through horse-back tours and much more. What a great way to see some of our most beautiful environment!

Don't miss the plentiful Provincial Parks within a short drive from Penticton. Interested in outer space? The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory at White Lake will entrance you. The Summerland Ornamental Gardens at Trout Creek will enchant visitors of all ages with acres of beauty and botanical displays. While you are there tour the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre and just across the highway there's Sunoka Provincial Park with wonderful beaches.

History buff? Our local history is well-preserved and on display at the SS Sicamous paddle wheeler, along with the S.S Naramata steam tug in the Okanagan Inland Marine Heritage Park at Okanagan Beach, the R.N.Atkinson Museum with fascinating exhibits of local history, cultures and ecology, the Grist Mill in Keremeos and the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland, where you can ride a real vintage steam train.

Pure fun and excitement? How 'bout hiking or cycling the Trans-Canada / Kettle Valley Trail in the Penticton area? There's no better way to get close to Nature, birds, wildlife and the enviroment and local history. The trail follows much of the former Kettle Valley Railroad right-of-way through incredible scenery with ample opportunities to see the flora and fauna of this unique area.

Great Family Fun!

Hey Mom and Dad, if you're looking for a holiday that will give both you and the kids a break, look no further. Penticton became popular as a summer retreat for BC and Albertan families because there are lots of healthy, safe and (Dare I say it?) educational activities for kids... and the whole family.

Want to show your kids what Mother Nature is all about? Parks and outdoor wilderness opportunities abound, all within a forty-five minute drive from downtown Penticton. There are ample places for nature walks with abundant birds and wildlife to see.

There's the Kettle Valley Trail, that follows the former route of the old Kettle Valley Railroad. Take a side trip up to Apex Mountain Resort and experience beautiful mountain scenery and a superb alpine environment.

And, of course, there are the famous Penticton beaches, one at each end of town, both fabulous and clean. There are Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, crystal clear and safe places for kids to swim and play. Close to Okanagan Beach - at the north end of Penticton - there's the Okanagan Inland Marine Heritage Park featuring the SS Sicamous, a restored steam-powered paddle wheeler that used to ply Okanagan Lake, and her sister ship the steam tug SS Naramata, as well as the stern saloon from the SS Okanagan (the sole remaining part of this beautiful old ship) and CN Tug No. 6. This is a great chance to experience the past and explore life in the Okanagan over a century ago.

Next door you'll find LocoLanding Adventure Park, voted the #1 attraction in the South Okanagan! Visit LocoLanding for the ultimate in family fun with adventure mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, rock-climbing and aeroball.

Further along the beach, not far from the world-famous Peach concession stand, you can rent a paddleboat, kayak, canoe, powerboat or Sea Doo, go water skiing, wakeboarding and much more fun for the whole family at Pier Water Sports.

Just a short drive away, get out of the sun in the R.N. Atkinson Museum with wonderful displays of early life in the Okanagan along with a great array of exhibits.

At Skaha Beach you'll find a gorgeous park with lots of shade (much appreciated as an escape from the summer sun), tennis courts, a water park and lots to see, do and explore. There are boat, Jet Ski rentals, and more waiting for the adventurous.

What else can you do with the whole family? Wine tours aren't just for adults! Every winery and vineyard has its charm and the whole process - from growing the grapes to making world-class wines - is fascinating and very educational (there's that word again!). The bonus is that these wineries are located amongst some of the most beautiful countryside you can imagine and there are plenty of opportunities to chance upon wildlife, from deer to mountain goats, with eagles, ravens and an untold number of bird species and flora to boot. Great adventure for kids.

Kids are always front and center at the many festivals and events held in Penticton. From the July 1st celebrations to the Highland Games to Peach Festival to the Ironman Triathlon, there's always plenty of fun for the whole family. In July, there's even a special Triathlon for young athletes - the Boston Pizza Junior Triathlon.

You'll never have a family vacation like you can have in Penticton. Bar none.

© 2007-2008 Penticton Hospitality Association. The entire information and contents of this website are protected by the copyright laws of Canada and the United States of America. All rights reserved. All maps are used courtesy of Hollico Group.

This site was created and is maintained by Hollico Group Advertising. Contact the Site Manager if you encounter any problems or wish to comment.