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Penticton

Penticton (The 'Peach City') is a beautiful spot in the south Okanagan nestled between two lakes: The Okanagan Lake to the north, and the smaller Skaha Lake to the south. Tourism in Penticton is largely seasonal. In the summer, tourists double Penticton's population to 60,000. In the winter things used to be very quiet, but now that World Cup Freestyle Skiing stops at local Apex Mountain every winter, the winter scene is picking up.

See
7
Do
23
Eat
12
Drink
15
Buy
5

7 places match

  1. See

    Leir House Cultural Centre

    This beautiful 1927 house was once a nurses' residence but now serves as the home of the Penticton Arts Council. Open to the public year round. Worth a visit to see the grounds, with vintage stone walls and a relaxing gazebo.

    10AM-4PMFree

  2. See

    Munson Mountain Park

    The home to the large 'Penticton' sign (a la 'Hollywood') that greets travelers coming in to town from the north. The sign was created with thousands of small white stones. The original stones have since been replaced with letters made of concrete. The park itself affords visitors with stunning 360 degree panoramas of the South Okanagan valley. Views to the south are accessed by an easy paved trail to the lookout. The panoramic views require walking up the hill, but there are plenty of benches to rest at and take in the view.

  3. See

    Penticton Art Gallery

    formerly the Art Gallery of the South Okanagan

    Contains a modest permanent collection of work by local and area artists as well as bone carvings by traditional Inuit artists. Also features moving exhibits and other special events.

    Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-4PM$2 for adults Tu-F, free otherwise

  4. See

    Penticton Museum & Archives

    Features over 8000 artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Penticton's pioneers days, as well as local First Nations pieces. Located in the same building as the Penticton Regional Library. There is a gift shop on site.

    Tue-Sat 10AM-5PMSuggested donation $2

  5. See

    S.S. Sicamous

    This paddlewheeler was the last commercial ship to operate on Okanagan Lake. Built in 1914 and retired in 1936, the large ship now spends its days drydocked on the edge of Okanagan Lake. The ship is open daily for tours in the summer, and includes a large HO scale model railway on the main deck, depicting the local Kettle Valley Railway. The smaller S.S. Naramata rests just behind the Sicamous.

    9AM-9PM in high summer, shorter hours at other seasonsAdults $6, seniors and youth $4.50, children 7-13 $3.50, children 6 and under free

  6. See

    The Peach

    A concession stand shaped and painted as a giant peach. While it isn't that interesting in and of itself, it has an interesting history and is one of the most photographed spots in town. Film buffs may recognize it from the movie My American Cousin which was filmed in the Penticton Area. This is the second Peach, as the first was pushed into the lake during the 1990 Peachfest riot (The riot was an isolated incident, Penticton is really quite safe.)

  7. See

    The Penticton Roundabout

    Features changing art installations. A work nicknamed Frank (actually called The Baggage Handler) was moved because of vandalism and controversy with local puritans due to the anatomical correctness of the piece. Today you can see Frank at his permanent home at Red Rooster Winery, and the roundabout has a less contentious piece.