Penticton may just be the ultimate summer getaway town in British Columbia. With two glittering lakes, dozen of sandy beaches, hot sun, endless vineyards and views to die for, it’s a hedonist’s dream.
I personally love it, which is why we’ve been living here since 2015. After all that time, plenty of guests and a whole lot of exploring, I think we’ve found the best Penticton has to offer.
Here’s our itinerary for the perfect summer weekend in Penticton, British Columbia.
Day 1 – Lakeside wanderings and local craft beer
An evening stroll along Lakeshore Drive is a great introduction to your weekend in Penticton. Check out the S.S Sicamous and Rose Garden at the western end before returning to the downtown core.
Drinks are waiting at Cannery Brewing on Ellis Street. This laid-back tap room (and patio) offers a wide selection of craft beer alongside the best nachos in town.
There’s a second patio on the side of the building too, called the Backyard. It’s a more casual dog-friendly outdoor space with 12 beer taps plus slushies and burgers.
Read Next: A Local’s Guide to Craft Breweries in Penticton
Day 2 – A celebration of wine and food
Start your day with the Penticton Farmers’ and Downtown Market, starting at 8.30am.
Spanning more than three downtown blocks, this market is one of the best in BC. Expect to see a mix of fruit, vegetables, locally made crafts, food stands and more. Be sure to take a hat or sunscreen; it gets hot here early!
If you’re a coffee lover, grab one at the market or head to nearby Wayne & Freda for a brew. For food, I’d recommend picking up some market pastries. There’s an outdoor food court area in the market too.
Saturday afternoons are for wine tasting. Just a short distance uphill from downtown is the start of the Naramata Bench, an area nicknamed ‘Napa of the north.’ Here, you can drive, cycle or even walk between 40+ wineries on a self-guided tour.
On your way up to the Bench, be sure to stop at Munson Mountain. This extinct volcano is home to the iconic Penticton sign as well as an incredible view of the city and Okanagan Lake. The first viewpoint is just 5 minutes walk from the parking area.
Enjoy lunch on one of the many winery restaurants (Poplar Grove is fabulous) or picnic patios. If you choose the latter, be sure to pick up some locally made cheese at Upper Bench Winery and Creamery first.
Not a wine lover? Spend the day by the beach or go for a bike ride – check out the details on day 3.
Evening
For your post-wine tour dinner, my top picks are Kin & Folk (hip Asian fusion restaurant with amazing cocktail bar) and Elma (Turkish inspired dishes designed to share in airy lakefront building). I’d recommend making a reservation for Friday and Saturday evenings.
For something a little more casual, I would head to Pizzeria Tratto (wood fired Neapolitan-style pizzas) or Neighbourhood Brewing (Mexican/Canadian fusion).
Day 3 – Lazy brunch and beach time
Today is a relaxed day, designed to make the most of the sun. It starts with brunch.
My favourite brunch place recently closed down (RIP Loki’s) but I’d highly recommend Stillfood Bistro, the Bench Market, Palmer Kitchen or the Dragonboat Pub.
Be sure to stay close to the water for the rest of your time in Penticton, whether that means some quality beach time (with a dozen local options to choose from!), a little paddle boarding or a lazy float down the Channel.
If you feel like being more active, take a walk on the KVR from Vancouver Place to McCulloch Trestle.
It’s a 5km return easy stroll lined with vineyards, offering spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and Penticton.
Prefer to bike? Rentals are available downtown, both for regular bikes and e-bikes. With two wheels you can continue all the way to the Little Tunnel (36km return). It’s uphill on the way there, a 2% grade, which means it’s downhill on the way back!
Other things to do in Penticton
Here are some more ideas for your weekend stay in Penticton:
- Touring Penticton’s breweries (seven, soon to be eight, in total!)
- Rock climbing in the shady areas of Skaha Bluffs, one of Canada’s best climbing spots
- Kayaking or paddleboarding on Okanagan or Skaha Lake
- Shop BC’s largest book store, the Bookshop on Main Street
- Check out the many murals in downtown Penticton (example below)
- Visit local distilleries and cideries
- Tour Penticton’s impressive collection of downtown street art
- Play mini-golf at Loco Landing, near Okanagan Lake
- Check out colourful Front Street, with a choice of independent stores to browse
- Hiking Campbell Mountain (other great local hikes include G-Spot and Giant’s Head)
- Explore the inside of the S.S. Sicamous, one of BC’s last surviving sternwheelers
- Day trip to Okanagan Falls, Oliver or Osoyoos for more winery tastings!
Read Next: 20+ Best Things to Do in Penticton and the Southern Okanagan
Where to stay for your weekend in Penticton
Penticton Lakeside Resort – Stay in the middle of all the action! The Lakeside Resort is located on the shore of Okanagan Lake, just one block from downtown Penticton. The relatively new ‘West Wing’ is a beautiful timber constructed building with high ceilings, stylish furnishings and amazing views
Wesbert Winery and Guest Suites – Upscale B&B rooms with wonderful vineyard views, ideal location for wine touring (5 other wineries within 5 minutes walk!)
These other posts will help with your Okanagan Valley travel planning:
16 Fast and Fun Hikes in Penticton
Okanagan Valley Road Trip: Where to Go and What to Do
A Local’s Guide to the Best Okanagan Valley Wineries
50+ Things to Do in Osoyoos and Oliver, BC
Check out these recently published posts:
One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!
One of my top suggestions when coming to the Okanagan area, especially Penticton, is a Joy Road Catering dinner!
Glad you enjoyed it in my home valley!
I’ve heard so much about Joy Road Catering, but it just hasn’t happened yet! We lived in Penticton for 2.5 years but still visit often so maybe one day!