Penticton
When the beautiful beaches of Penticton call, we cannot refuse. Positioned at the southern tip of Lake Okanagan and the northern end of Skaha Lake, Penticton is a beach lover's heaven. Offering cool relief from the summer sun, the local lakes attract both visitors and locals with some of the best waterskiing and parasailing opportunities in British Columbia. Watch out for Ogopogo (the mythical lake monster)!

In late August, join Penticton in cheering on over 1500 international competitors in the annual Ironman Canada Triathlon. Watch as men and women from more than 20 countries flex their muscles in the 4 km swim in Okanagan Lake, the 180 km bike ride over the dry mountainous landscape of the South Okanagan, and the 42-km full marathon run. While the fastest competitors can finish the course in a grueling eight hours, the rest of the field has up to 17 hours to finish.

A trip to Penticton wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the many wineries and orchards in the area. Wet winters and warm summers lead to excellent fruit growing conditions, ensuring that fall-picked grapes have adequate time to brew before the summer wine tours. Sample award-winning labels as you learn the tricks that make each vintner's bottle unique. First raspberries, then cherries, peaches, and apricots, are in their juicy prime just in time for the summer picking season.

Penticton is located on Highway 97, 78 km south of Kelowna and 393 km east of Vancouver.
Daily commercial air and bus service are available.
Population: 32,627
Elevation: 344 m (1,129 ft.)
Average July High: 28ºC (83ºF)
Average January Temperature: -2ºC (28ºF)
Annual Rainfall: 25 cm (10 in.)
Annual Snowfall: 73 cm (29 in.)