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This is your best bet if you wish to visit the area's many wineries, which are generally out of town a ways. Car rentals:
* Best Choice Car Rentals, 249 Westminster Ave, +1 250 490-3339, [url=http://www.bestchoicecarrentals.com].]
* Budget Car and Truck Rentals, two locations: 188 Westminster Ave West, Penticton Airport, +1 250 493-0212, [http://www.bcbudget.com[/url].
BC Transit [http://www.busonline.ca/regions/pen/?p=2.txt] operates a local bus service in Penticton with five regular routes and a night route. Service ends at 7PM for regular routes and 10PM for the night route. There is no service on Sundays except for the Lake-to-lake shuttle. Fares are $2.00 which includes a 90 minute transfer. Ask the operator, as they generally will not offer one.
Penticton has two cab companies, Courtesy ([url=http://www.courtesycabs.ca]]250-492-7777) and Klassic Taxi ([http://www.klassickabs.ca[/url] 250-492-6666), who run computerized dispatch. Both companies provide luxury cars and six passenger vans. They also recently introduced the wheelchair vans.
Penticton's compact size lends itself to biking or even just walking around. It will take about 15 minutes to bike from lake to lake, and just over an hour for the same journey on foot. There are walking/biking trails on both sides of the River Channel, and a painted bike lane on a major north-south corridor of the city.
Bike rentals:
* Freedom the Bike Shop, 533 Main Street, +1 250 493-0686, [http://www.freedombikeshop.com ]. $30/day.
* Bike Barn, 300 Westminster Ave, +1 250 492-4140, [http://www.bikebarn.ca ]. $35/day.
The immediate Penticton area has many wineries, and indeed more seem to spring up everyday. The terroir of the Naramata Bench [url=http://www.naramatabench.com/]]is considered the premier wine growing region of British Columbia for its climate and geography (though growers in the Golden Mile region of [[Oliver[/url]] to the south may disagree). The popularity of this relatively new industry has driven the price of local products well over the price of a comparable French or Italian bottle. Most wineries offer free tastings and tours, and will almost certainly sell their products directly. To be sure of the best quality look for bottles that sport the VQA [url=http://www.winebc.com/vqadefined.php]]designation, which ensures authenticity of origin, and a minimum standard of quality during grape growth, harvest, and production.
* Bonitas Winery offers a Mediterranean style winery with award winning wines and sun-drenched patios on Okanagan Lake. Additionally, unique heli-wine tours offer views from above.
* D'Angelo Estate Winery, 979 Lochore Rd, +1 250 493-1364 [url=http://www.dangelowinery.com/dangelocrop.html[/url].]Also has production in the Niagara wine region of [[Ontario[/url]], this winery has won over 60 awards since the first harvest in 1989. Bistro and bed-and-breakfast onsite.
* Hillside Estate Winery, 1350 Naramata Road, +1 250 493-6274 [url=http://www.hillsideestate.com/].]It was the original owners of this winery that lobbied the British Columbia government to allow boutique wineries to sell their products to the public, spurring this huge growth industry. Bistro and gift shop on site.
* La Frenz Winery , 740 Naramata Rd, +1 250 492-6690 [url=http://www.lafrenzwinery.com/[/url].]Winner of numerous awards in [[Vancouver[/url]], [wiki=356779a9a1696714480f57fa3fb66d4c]California[/wiki], and [wiki=4a0ade8fc063e6e461708e6a8f2f8f43]Ontario[/wiki], this winery's products were also selected to be served at a gala dinner for Queen Elizabeth II.
* Laughing Stock Vineyards, 1548 Naramata Road, +1 250 493-VINO [url=http://www.laughingstock.ca/].]A new player in the area, this light hearted winery was started by a pair of "MBA type, business consultant(s)" following their passion despite common sense. They have received favorable reviews so far.
* Mistral Estate Winery, 170 Upper Bench Rd, +1 250 770-1733, toll free +1 800-610-3794 [url=http://www.mistralestatewinery.com/[/url].]A very small three person operation, Mistral Estate produces only four varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zweigelt.
* Poplar Grove, 1060 Poplar Grove Road, +1 250 492-9463 [url=http://www.poplargrove.ca/[/url].]This whimsical winery produces cheese to match their wines, and lives by the credo "find the best in the world and learn from them". Started in a garage, they now have 10 acres of grapes and their wines can be found in British Columbia's most exclusive restaurants.
* Red Rooster Winery, 891 Naramata Road, +1 250 492-2424 [url=http://www.redroosterwinery.com/[/url].]Since arriving in Penticton from [[Basel[/url]] in 1990, Red Rooster's two founders have created a huge success, winning the gold for three of their seven varieties at the All Canadian Championships. This winery is the permanent home of the aforementioned Frank, as well as other permanent and transient art exhibits.
* Spiller Estate Winery , 475 Upper Bench Road, +1 250 490-4162, toll free +1 800 610-3794 [http://www.spillerestates.com/]. This winery, that is just as famous for their onsite bed and breakfast, produces top-notch fruit infused dessert wines.
Perhaps the best thing to do in Penticton is to join the locals at the beach, and enjoy the blisteringly hot summer sun. Okanagan Beach follows pretty much the entirety of Lakeshore Drive on Okanagan Lake, and is generally the more family oriented beach. Skaha Beach to the south on Skaha Lake is where Penticton's younger crowd go to see and be seen. Sudbury Beach and Airport Beach are also on Skaha Lake, located west of Skaha Beach on the south side of Highway 97 (Caution: Sudbury is used as a kitesurf launch during the off-season.). Three Mile Beach is a good bet when the crowds at the other beaches are getting you down. Located just north of town, follow Naramata Road north, turn left at Three Mile Road, and follow down to the lake. If you walk along the beach to the north you will find an unofficial nudist area.
Golfers will find themselves at home, with four golf courses in the city limits, and several more just beyond:
* Pine Hills/Sage Mesa, 3610 Pine Hill Drive, +1 250 492-5731. Two different 18 hole courses set high on a plateau overlooking Penticton and the lakes.
* Penticton Golf and Country Club, 600 Comox St, +1 250 492-5626, [url=http://www.tee-off.ca/courses/bc158.htm].]Don't let the name fool you, the public is welcome. $27 for 9 holes; $50 for 18.
* Skaha Meadows, Highway 97 South (just past the airport), +1 250 492-7274. Penticton's newest course is a 9 hole par 35.
* Mini Golf, 75 Riverside (just steps from the S.S. Sicamous), [url=http://www.locolanding.com[/url].]Family-friendly outdoor mini golf course. Adults $8, children $6.
[wiki=c40622d523b5bd8c9e8c2d5278b04c0d]Rock climbers[/wiki] will want to check out the renowned Skaha Climbing Bluffs [url=http://www.skaha.org/]]located adjacent to Skaha Lake on the southern edge of the city. Access is controlled and a daily access fee is charged to hike into the bluffs, see [url=http://www.penticton.ca/maps/SkahaBluffMap.asp[/url]]for maps and details. "Skaha" as it is known among climbers, has over four hundred established routes with a near equal split of traditional (gear) and sport (fixed bolt) lines that range between 5.6 and 5.13b. An excellent guide book [url=http://www.elaho.ca/skaha.htm[/url]]is available locally and provides a map, directions, and grades (Yosemite).
Cyclists and hikers will want to visit the stunning Kettle Valley Trail which follows the old railway grade from Penticton through Naramata's bench wineries, and farther along, a system of tunnels and trestles leading all the way to Castlegar and beyond, some several hundreds of kilometers. Part of the Trans-Canada Trail [http://www.tctrail.ca/en/home.php[/url] which bills itself as the longest recreational trail in the world. You can also travel the railway grade on the opposite side of the lake 10km to Summerland which is gatewayed by the dramatic Trout Creek Railway Trestle, the highest in British Columbia.
Another traditional pastime in Penticton is floating down the River Channel, which is a small shallow river that flows south from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. This leisurely trip takes from 2 to 3.5 hours depending on water levels in the channel. Be sure to bring sunscreen or you will burn up! Coyote Cruises (215 Riverside, +1 250 492-2115) operates a shuttle bus service to transport you back to the parking area on the north side of town. $2 for them to inflate your tube or they also provide tube rentals if you don't have your own. $10 for tire inter-tube and transportation. If you have your flotation device and can work out the logistics of getting a ride and keeping your valuables dry you can do the full channel for free. Otherwise Coyote Cruises is a convenient way to go but only covers about half the channel length.
Penticton is also a city of events and festivals. Indeed, in the summer there is rarely a time when there isn't some sort of festival going on. Dates and venues can change from year to year, check the websites for current information. A brief survey of the major festivals includes:
* Okanagan Fest-of-Ale [url=http://www.fest-of-ale.bc.ca/](early]April). This two day festival pairs local breweries with local restaurants to show off their wares alongside live entertainment. Hundreds of locals volunteer for the free beer.
* Penticton Elvis Festival [url=http://www.pentictonelvisfestival.com/[/url]](Late June). Despised by some of the locals, and criticized due to prohibitive costs, this festival brings the best of the best of Elvis impersonators to town. Some free events.
* Peach City Beach Cruise [url=http://www.peachcitybeachcruise.com/[/url]](late June). This crowd favorite brings over 400 hot-rods and classic cars from all over [[North America[/url]] to Lakeshore Drive. The road is closed to normal traffic allowing close up views of the cars. At night some of the drivers put on a smoke show to the delight of the crowd, though police seem to be cracking down on this lately. Lasts three days.
* Penticton Highland Games [url=http://www.pentictonhighlandgames.com/]](early July). Come watch the caber toss and other heavy events accompanied by traditional Scottish pipes, drumming, and dancing. If you have what it takes you can register and compete.
* Beach Blanket Film Festival [url=http://www.beachblanketfilmfest.ca/[/url]](late July). This unique festival invites people to lay down a blanket on the beach, bring a picnic and watch films on a floating screen in Okanagan Lake.
* Peachfest [url=http://www.peachfest.com/[/url]](August). Long since stripped of its 'party get drunk' image of the past, Peachfest is now an event to be enjoyed by the entire family. Includes arts/crafts exhibits, food and drink, live entertainment, parades, fireworks and much more.
* Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival [url=http://www.pentasticjazz.com/[/url]](mid September). Various venues host live Dixieland, Jive, Swing, and other forms of Jazz music.
* Okanagan Fall Wine Festival [url=http://www.owfs.com/[/url]](September-October). More of an 'Okanagan' festival than a Penticton one. Many wine-diner pairings featuring local wineries and restaurants, stretching from Osoyoos (at the US/Canada border) to Vernon at the northern end of Lake Okanagan. Several of these take place in Penticton.
Mr Muscle and Miss Bikini [url=http://www.tourismpenticton.com/events/listing/jci-penticton-presents-mr-muscle-miss-bikini[/url]]- Hundreds of spectators crowd the beach at Skaha Lake to catch a glimpse of the competitors for the coveted title of Mr Muscle and Miss Bikini, not to mention the feats of strength and wet t-shirt competition!
With two lakes ten minutes apart, Penticton is a great place to bring your boat if you have one. While you cannot boat from lake to lake, they both have launches and marinas for fuel and supplies.
* Penticton Marina, 293 Marina Way, +1 250 770-2000, gas dock: +1 250 770-2286. Services Okanagan Lake.
* Penticton Yamaha and Marina, 124 South Beach, +1 250 492-8300. Services Skaha Lake.
* Castaways, beside the Lakeside Resort, +1 250 90-2033. Rents seadoos.
* Penticton Yacht & Tennis Club, Marina Way, +1 250 492-2853. Organizes sailboat races, has a twenty foot sailboat available for rental, and provides moorage for boaters.
* The Casabella Princess, 293 Marina Way, +1 250 492-4090, [url=http://www.casabellaprincess.com/].]Offers leisurely one hour morning, afternoon, and evening cruises around Okanagan Lake on a 48 passenger paddle wheeler. The boat is fully licensed and snacks are available. Charters for special events available. Special wine cruises. Reservations recommended. $15 adult, $8 under 12, free under 3.
* Pier Water Sports, +1 250 493-8864, [url=http://www.pierwatersports.com[/url].]They have 11 years of experience on the water and feature boat and seadoo rentals, wakeboard and waterski lessons, Parasailing, Banana boat rides and a 42 foot party barge you can rent daily. Take it for a tour down the lake during the day or have a party on it in the evening. It has an onboard barbeque and bathroom.
* WAKEBOARD SCHOOL - Wake Up Water Sports, +1 250 488-0386, [http://www.wakeupwatersports.homestead.com[/url]. Penticton's only dedicated wakeboard and wakesurf school. All instructors are NCCP Certified and receive formal training through the Provincial and National Wakeboard Associations.
In winter, your best bet is to spend some time up at the local ski hill [wiki=f470ed39dc7c0ad18fdb0fc0d9c17179]Apex Alpine[/wiki]. Apex is about a 45 minute drive from town west on Green Mountain Road. You can also come cheer on the Penticton Vees BCHL hockey team at the South Okanagen Events Centre [http://www.soec.ca], go for a skate or play some pick-up at the indoor McLaren Park Arena, or if the weather is cooperative, play a round of golf right through the year.
Barking Parrot bar and lounge in the Penticton Lakeside Resort (21 Lakeshore). Featuring one of the largest lakeside patios in the Okanagan and stunning views up Okanagan Lake, this is the only watering hole right on the lake in Penticton. Good selection of wine/beer/spirits, and also has a decent pub menu. Try a Bellini, a frozen drink to chase away the oppressive heat. Quite busy in the summer from 2:00 in the afternoon till Midnight, when people start heading for the nightclubs. Plays top 40 music with the occasional live show.
* Decoy's, 300 block Martin. Not much on decor or atmosphere, but has the cheapest and biggest (20oz) pints in town. Great for refreshing yourself on the way to the beach. Cheap food too. $3.50 pints (cash only).
* Voodoos, 67 E. Nanaimo, +1 250 770-8867. About the only place in Penticton that caters to a more alternative crowd. Food and drink specials, live music, and a weekly open-mic jam night. $4.50 pints/highballs.
* Best Damn Sports Bar, 260 Martin, +1 250 490-0304. Open daily at 11:30am with good selection of food and drinks. A different food and drink special every day, and "Sunday Fun Day" where pool, Buck Hunt and basketball games are free. This is one of the best damn places to watch your favorite game on the big screen.
* Black Pearl Oyster Bar & Martini Lounge, upstairs 1000 Lakeshore, +1 250 493-5001. Martinis, beer, wine, port, oysters and appetizers of course, and the world famous boat drink. Some of the best views in Penticton. $5 pints/bottles, $6 wine, $7 martinis.
* Kettle Valley Station Pub, 1070 Eckhardt, +1 250 493-3388. Good food and good drink in this friendly railway themed pub. $5 pints/highballs.
* Barley Mill Brewpub, 2460 Skaha Lake Road, +1 250 493-8000, [http://www.barleymillpub.com/]. Try a sampler: Three types of beer brewed on premises, as well as a fourth seasonal brew. English style decor, pub menu. $5 pints/highballs.
* Copper Mug, Penticton Plaza, 1301 Main Street. Local haunt of Penticton's working class. Incredibly cheap food and drink specials change daily. $4 pints/bottles/highballs.
* Anthony's Pub and Lounge, 3502 Skaha Lake Road, +1 250 492-5710. This two story pub features a very nice rooftop patio. $5 pints/highballs.
There are only two in town and they are both pretty much the same. Loud top-40 music and the occasional live show. Covers are reasonable: $2-$7, more if there is a special event. Smoking is prohibited in all bars, but The Mule has a separate outdoor smoking room. The clubs start to get busy between 11PM and midnight in the summer. You may want to show up early to avoid the queue. If one is empty, try another, as they are within walking distance of each other, and business generally depends on the nightly drink special. This doesn't apply as much in the summer when they are both generally packed. At 2:30AM hundreds of drunken revelers pour out into the streets, causing a large police presence to keep the peace. Do not taunt the police unless you want to spend a night in the drunk tank! (Hint: you don't).
* The Mule, 218 Martin. The Mule used to be a country bar, but they changed the format to get more business several years ago. You may still hear a few country songs throughout the night however. The Mule seems to be the most popular these days. Wednesday nights feature $2 highballs, the locals buy triples in a mini-jug to avoid long bar lineups. Three bars plus table service. This is one of the best clubs in town. It is famous for its smiles and music of all styles. The service is great and the bar is clean. Anyone from 19-99 will feel very welcome there. Usually a $2 dollar cover charge at the door. The best security team in town mixed with the hottest and fastest servers and bartenders all to the beat of the D.J. makes for the perfect place to go and have a night to memember.
* Opal, 535 Main Street. One of the oldest in town, the Opal changed it's name from Tiffany's years ago, and the Element and 535 just recently. Sometimes has special events such as live shows, ladies night, and foam parties. Two bars plus table service. Lots of chrome and leather. This club has changed owners and has been closed down a couple times in the past few years, but now has been re-opened with new owners, name and drink menu.
* for the best music venue in Canada visit the Dream Cafe on nights when musicians are playing
Oxbow RV Resort, 198 Skaha Place, +1 250 770-8147, Fax: +1 250 770-8145, [url=http://www.oxbowrvresort.com].]Directly across the road from Skaha lake and the beach. Showers, laundry, power.
* Parkroyal R.V. Resort, 240 Riverside Drive, +1 250 492-7051, Fax: +1 250 492-2592, [mailto:parkroyal@penticton.com parkroyal@penticton.com[/url], [url=http://www.parkroyal.penticton.com].]Full hook-ups, laundry, recreation hall, showers.
* Penticton Hostel, 464 Ellis St, +1 250 492-3992, toll free +1-866-782-9736. Located steps from downtown, and minutes from Okanagan Beach. Laundry, internet, and kitchens. Guests receive discounts at many local attractions. $21-$24 dorm, $17-$20 HI members.
* Shade Tree Resort RV and Family Campground, 3901 Skaha Lake Rd, +1 250 492-5210. Across from Skaha lake, arcade, full and partial hook ups. $25 per person per night
* South Beach Gardens RV Park, 3815 Skaha Lake Road, +1 250 492-0628, [http://www.southbeachgardens.net[/url]. Washrooms, showers, laundry. $28-$33.
Penticton Lakeside Resort, 21 Lakeshore Dr, +1 250 493-8221, Toll-free: +1 800 663-9400, Fax: +1 250 493-0607, [mailto:lakeside@rpbhotels.com lakeside@rpbhotels.com], [http://www.pentictonlakesideresort.com/]. Two restaurants, pub, and casino on site. Exercise room, indoor pool and conference facilities. Steps from downtown and the beach. $195-$285.
* 5000 Motel, 1742 Main Street, 250-493-5000, Toll-free: 877-378-9355 This motel is fairly inexpensive considering the average prices in town. It is modest, clean, and quiet. The rooms are in good shape and spotless, and the owners are friendly and quite helpful. There are laundry facilities and a Whole Foods Market next door.