Penticton

Welcome TO PENTICTION,BC




Penticton, in the South Okanagan, BC Cradled within tree trimmed mountain slopes, dramatic clay cliffs and bordered by the Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, Penticton is one of the larger cities in the BC interior, and a popular destination for visitors of all kinds.

The town name, translated from native Salish, means a place to live forever, and many heed that advice, at least partly, spending a large part of their holidays here each year. There's literally something here for everyone, from water skiing to quaint boutiques, golfing to exploring local hiking trails.

During the early days, Fur Brigades consisting of up to 200 head of pack horses travelled down from the North, through the Okanagan, and on South to the mouth of the Columbia River. At that time, it was possibly the easiest route to travel in order to be able to get the fur pelts to world markets. There were occasions when these brigades would set up camp several miles west of Penticton. Transportation was important in Penticton's history, when sternwheelers plied the lakes and the Kettle Valley Railway had its headquarters here.

Penticton takes full advantage of its dual lakefronts. The south end of town (with its go-cart tracks, amusement centres, miniature golf courses, water slides, and RV parks) touches the north shore of Skaha Lake. The north end of town sidles along the southern tip of the 113-km-long Lake Okanagan.

Penticton is on the edge of what many consider to be the only true desert in Canada. Although the large exotic type of cactus seen in Arizona is not found here, there is a species that is small, with very sharp spikes. They can be found in some of those rarely occupied spaces where there is little or no irrigation. Walkers in these areas are advised to wear heavily soled shoes that completely cover the foot.

Population: 34,669

Welcome to beautiful Penticton, British Columbia! Penticton is home to world-class wineries, Ironman Canada, one of the world's best Elvis festivals, and some of the best summer weather in North America.

This small city in the Okanagan Valley is heaven - please enjoy your time here!

Penticton is considered to be an excellent windsurfing spot, since there is usually a good breeze, or even a stiff wind, at some time during most days of the year.

If you're passing through in August, you won't want to miss the Ironman Canada Triathlon, or the biggest summer festival in the Okanagan Valley, the annual Peach Festival. For many years Penticton has been considered the Square Dancing Capital of Canada, with August hosting the week-long Square Dance Jamboree. The sound of jazz fills the air in mid September, with the annual Jazz Festival.