Penticton

PENTICTON with a population of approximately 33,000 is situated 68km south of Kelowna, B.C. The name Penticton, from the Okanagan dialect of the Salish tribe, translates to "a place to stay forever". With it's laid back ambiance and its summer daily average of ten hours of sunshine (which is higher than Honolulu), the incredible lakes, Okanagan Lake (1) at the north end of town and Skaha Lake (2) at the south end, it definitely is a place to stay forever. However, the actual meaning referenced the Okanagan River which flowed year round unlike other streams which dried up during the summer. The Peach City as it is also known enjoys tourism as its biggest industry after fruit. The wineries are also in the running close behind as one of the biggest industries here. Tourism actually doubles the population during the summer. With the numerous festivals including the Wine Festival (3), the Fest of Ale (4), the Peach Festival (5) , Elvis Festival (6), and many others happening at all different times of the year, tourism isn't just for the summer. Although it definitely is quieter in the winter things are changing now that the World Cup Freestyle Skiing stops at local Apex Mountain (7) every winter. Okanagan Lake is approximately 155 km long and is situated just ten blocks from the town centre is the home to the majority of events in Penticton. The one km beach is the closest to downtown Penticton and is usually covered in bikini (and trunk) clad people during the day but don't expect to be able to sleep on the beach at night. The beach closes at midnight.

Skaha Lake, 4km south of town is a bit quieter and a touch trendier. With it's inviting paved pathway you can enjoy leisurely strolls, go for a run, ride your bike, walk your dog (on a leash). It is the home of the world famous sundial (8). There are plenty of benches to sit and take in all the beauty of the lake and surrounding area. Want to throw a frisbee, play catch, romp on the grass? There is plenty of room just for that. Want to picnic? They have you covered. Literally, in the gazebo, or if you prefer at one of the many open picnic tables throughout the park. It even has a volleyball court, tennis courts, water park and playground for the kiddies. It too closes at midnight so sleeping on the beach is prohibited. Although there is a campground at the far northwest side of the beach (9). Penticton has numerous campgrounds for those who like to camp.

The favourite pastime in Penticton and method of cooling off in the summer is by floating down the Okanagan River Channel (10) to Skaha Lake in an inflatable boat or tube; the route takes between two and four hours depending on the current and is very popular among tourists and locals alike. Another favourite pastime is the local Kettle Valley Train Ride (11). Enjoy the train ride or bike the abandoned railway (12). There is more than one way to enjoy what Kettle Valley in Penticton has to offer.

The streets are generally safe, the people are friendly and if you avoid the odd rattlesnake things are good. Okay yes, we do have rattlesnakes and black bears but they are generally high up on the hills and won't bother you if you don't bother them. I have yet to see either in my many years here. I have on the other hand seen many marmots (13). So cute and cuddly to those of us that aren't overrun by them. Penticton is the home of the Penticton Ironman Triathlon (14) , the S.S. Sicamous (15), Munson Mountain Park (16), Art Galleries (17), Museums (18), Leir House (19), Skaha Climbing Bluffs (20), The Peach (21), Golf Courses (22), The Lakecity Casino (23), Peach City Beach Cruise (24), Penticton Highland Games (25), The Farmers Market (26), Boating (27), House Boating (28), Parasailing (29) and we can't forget Ogopogo (30), the list goes on forever. Maybe that's what they really meant by "a place to stay forever". There is so much to do that you have to stay forever just to take it all in.

1 Penticton Okanagan Lake

2 Penticton Skaha Lake

3 Penticton Wine Festival

4 Penticton Fest-of-Ale

5 Penticton Peach Festival

6 Penticton Elvis Festival

7 Penticton Apex Resort

8 Penticton Sundial

9 Penticton Wright's Beach Campground

10 Penticton Channel Ride

11 Penticton Kettle Valley Train Ride

12 Penticton Kettle Valley Trail

13 Penticton Marmots

14 Penticton Subaru Ironman Triathlon

15 Penticton S.S. Sicamous

16 Penticton Munson Mountain Park

17 Penticton Art Galleries

18 Penticton Museums

19 Penticton Leir House

20 Penticton Skaha Climbing Bluffs

21 Penticton Peach

22 Penticton Golf Courses

23 Penticton Casino

24 Penticton Peach City Beach Cruise

25 Penticton Highland Games

26 Penticton Farmers Market

27 Penticton Boating

28 Penticton House Boating

29 Penticton Parasailing

30 Penticton Ogopogo