Penticton

Between two lakes — BC's beach and wine town in the heart of the Okanagan.

Penticton sits between Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south, a city uniquely blessed with two lakefronts and a climate that makes it one of the sunniest places in BC. The name comes from the Syilx word meaning 'a place to stay forever,' and it is easy to understand why — the combination of beaches, wine country, and mountain scenery is hard to beat. The Okanagan Beach in downtown Penticton is one of the finest urban beaches in BC, a long sandy stretch that fills with swimmers, paddleboarders, and sunbathers throughout the summer. The Penticton Peach Festival, held every August, is one of the oldest summer festivals in BC and a beloved community tradition. The Ironman Canada triathlon, one of the most prestigious in North America, has called Penticton home for decades. The wine country surrounding Penticton is exceptional — the Naramata Bench, a narrow strip of vineyard land along the east shore of Okanagan Lake, is home to some of BC's most celebrated small wineries. The KVR Trail offers cycling through spectacular Okanagan scenery, and the Skaha Bluffs are one of the finest rock climbing destinations in BC with over 400 established routes.