Things to do in Penticton British Columbia for First Timers

by Stephanie · July 8, 2026

My first introduction to British Columbia included beautiful blue skies, warm yet dry temperatures and I thought, I could get used to this! If you’re looking for amazing places to visit in BC then I recommend adding Penticton to your itinerary.

On my nearly week-long visit, I enjoyed a taste of some of the diverse attractions and spots that this gem in the Okanagan Valley has to offer. We visited wineries, wandered the Japanese garden, took in epic lake views and indulged in cafe culture. If you love visiting cities that feel more like small towns, that have a mix of outdoor activities and casual indoor gems, then Penticton is the place to go!

In my guide I’m sharing some of the top things to do in Penticton for first timers. Learn what to do, cute coffee shops to visit, where to stay and more. Let’s start planning your trip to Penticton today!

Pizza and glass of wine at Chain Reaction Winery in Penticton. The view is of the lake and mountains — the epic pizza and views at Chain Reaction

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Visit a Winery

One of the must things to do in the Okanagan Valley is visit a winery! This incredible wine region of Canada is home to over 170 wineries.

With around 40 wineries in Penticton alone, it can be hard to decide which to choose from. During my trip I visited two different ones that were wonderful.

For an epic view and the best pizza, make a reservation for Chain Reaction. We did a tasting and each ordered a pizza. The pizzas are the perfect size for a solid lunch or as a snack to share. I loved that we could watch the chef make it in the wood fire oven on the patio.

Tip: They have a small patio, so you’ll need a reservation.

A plate of cheese and two glasses of wine at Upper Bench Winery in Penticton — it was great to try some cheese with our wine at Upper Bench

Another one we enjoyed was the Upper Bench Winery. I loved that they had a covered patio, so we can still be outdoors but without direct sun. We didn’t have a reservation for this one, which was fine, as there was plenty of room. We did another wine tasting and enjoyed a tasting of some of their cheeses. It was the perfect pairing.

Are you looking to visit more wineries to visit in the area? My friend’s a local, check out her guide to wineries in the area.

me walking through the gate at the Japanese Gardens in Penticton — I loved this awesome gate to the gardens

Wander the Japanese Garden

Set along the waterfront of Okanagan Lake is the beautiful Japanese Gardens. These are a must-visit! I loved how there were two different gates on either end, one rustic and the other a traditional orangey-red Torii gate.

If you’re looking for a relaxing place for a stroll, the gardens offer a quiet place to do that. They feature winding paths, a koi pond, and beautiful flowers.

I was lucky, visiting at the best time to enjoy all of the flowering cherry blossom trees. The trees are typically in bloom during April and May.

me walking on a bridge along the KVR trail in Penticton, with mountains in the distance — the KVR is so scenic

Cycle or Hike the KVR Trail

Wherever I travel I always try to hike a part of the Trans Canada Trail. So, I was thrilled when my friend and I enjoyed a sunset walk along the KVR Trail in Penticton.

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) runs for 660 km across British Columbia, from Hope to Castlegar. You can easily enjoy a section or the full 16 km portion of the KVR that runs through Penticton to Naramata.

You’ll find a number of highlights along this section. We wandered over a trestle bridge. Enjoyed epic views of Okanagan Lake and the sun setting behind the mountains. The quirkiest hidden gem along the trail was a towering T-Rex!

Alice the T-Rex on the KVR Trail in Penticton — meet Alice the T-Rex

Her name is Alice. How cute! The T-Rex is 35 feet tall and on private property. But I loved that it’s easy to see from the trail and looks like she’s watching over it.

Tip: Cycling the trail is a great idea to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. It typically takes about 2.5 hours to do this section. And you can rent bikes from Epic Bikes.

inside Stillfood cafe, with tables and colourful art work of animals — I loved the art and vibe in Stillfood

Enjoy the Cafes

As a coffee nut, it’s no surprise that I tried to visit all of the cool coffee shops in Penticton! I nearly did it.

One thing I enjoyed about the cafes in the city is that each had their own vibe. At SOE, it was a modern aesthetic with simple lines and minimalism. But the staff were so friendly and welcoming. And if you’re looking for the best matcha and cookies in town, SOE is the place.

Table top with cookies, iced matcha drinks and a bag of coffee from SOE cafe. — the cookies at SOE are a must-try and they have one of the best iced matchas

My favourite spot was Stillfood. I loved the warm, eclectic vibe in this cafe. It’s located along one of the scenic streets in Penticton, so sitting on the patio is perfect. The walls are filled with fun and colourful paintings. My inner animal nerd loved them!

You’ll find a fabulous menu at Stillfood, everything from baked goods to bowls. Plus, most importantly, they make a great cup of coffee.

Bar at The Forest restaurant made of wood and adorned with animal horns, and fake trees in the foreground — the vibe at The Forest is so cool!

Dine at The Forest

One of the coolest places to eat in Penticton opened a couple of months before my visit, and when I took a peek at their socials I was sold!

So, my friends and I headed over to The Forest one night. This literal hidden gem is located behind The Black Antler and as soon as I opened the door, I knew this was my kind of vibe.

Inside it has an enchanted forest vibe, with moody dark colours, trees with twinkling lights, and a grand wooden bar. One area even looks like you’re dining on a front porch of a cabin!

small plates of food, olives, ribs, at The Forest restaurant — we shared a few of their tapas dishes

The Forest has a selection of tapas style dishes, so my friends and I ordered a few to share. One menu item that stood out was the Smokey Timbers, loved the name and the sauce on these ribs. We also all loved the Wildwood Goat Cheese Balls!

If you’re looking for things to do in Penticton at night, grab your friends and head to The Forest! They have a fun collection of cocktails. I enjoyed the Cabin in the Woods, but I’d love to return to try a few more.

Explore the Murals

One thing that surprised me was all the murals in downtown Penticton. I always love wandering in search of street art, it brings a city and town to life.

me with the Greetings from Penticton mural — this Penticton mural is a fun photo-op

There are so many colourful ones, and many make great photo-ops. Like the Greetings from Penticton one on the corner of Westminster Avenue West and Slack Alley. As well as the one at The Whistle Brewing Co.

Just like the famous Graffiti Alley in Toronto, Penticton has Slack Alley. This alleyway is located between Main and Martin Street in the 200 Block. It features a number of colourful pieces.

For those who love public art, there is a number of pieces throughout downtown. I loved the sculptures along the waterfront.

me hiking down the Munson Mountain Lookout trail — the view from the lookout trail looking back to downtown Penticton

Visit Munson Mountain Lookout

For the best views in Penticton, you’ll find them at Munson Mountain Lookout. Best know as the location for the famous Penticton sign, it’s also a great spot to hike in the city.

This is a quick and easy hike. There’s a parking lot at the base of the mountain, just minutes from downtown. From there, you can either walk the short, flat trail over to the gazebo for an accessible view. Or head up!

The Munson Mountain Lookout trail is approximately 1 km. It takes you up the ridge, where you’ll find a few benches that are perfect for sitting and soaking in the views. Then there’s a short steep rocky, sand bit before you reach the top.

At the summit you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake and Penticton. Plus, don’t pass by the strange collection of rocks at the top. These are known as “Pen-Henge” and are sunset markers.

Hand holding up a Tickleberry's ice cream — an ice cream from Tickleberry’s is a must thing to do!

Grab an Ice Cream

If you’re visiting in the summer there’s nothing better than grabbing an ice cream to enjoy while you explore. And the best spot in Penticton for ice cream is Tickleberry’s!

It all started when owners, Dan and Jen, moved from the Yukon to the sunny Okanogan Valley in 1990. Now it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Serving up over 50 flavours, it’s hard to choose which to pick. I love that they have a mix of classics and fun flavours. A few stand out ones to me: Sugar Shack Maple, Lemon Freckle, and Pineapple.

In addition to the ice cream, of which there are vegan options, they make their own chocolates, fudge, and kettle corn too! As a coffee nut, I couldn’t resist grabbing a coffee from their cute little bar inside.

Tickleberry’s ice cream is available at their shop in downtown Penticton as well as seasonally in the giant peach at the lakefront (weather dependent).

Inside The Book Shop, shelves and cases full of books — I could have browsed the Book Shop all day!

More Things to do in Penticton

Browse Books

I’m always on the hunt for independent or second-hand bookstores when I travel. So, I’ve been to a lot of them! But The Book Shop in Penticton is one of my favourites.

This massive shop, full of winding aisles between towering bookshelves is the perfect spot to do some shopping in downtown Penticton. I was blown away by the prices. They were half the price as in Ontario. Everyone said BC would be expensive. This is not the case when it comes to used bookshops.

The lady working was so helpful with helping me find some specific titles I was looking for as well as new authors I was keen to try. With the help and the great prices, I walked out with a few books. Thankfully I wasn’t travelling carry-on only!

people browsing the vendors at the Penticton Farmers Market on a clear sunny day — there are so many great vendors at the market

Browse the Farmers Market

A farmers market says a lot about a community. And at the Penticton Farmers Market is clearly told me that people love getting out to shop local. By mid-morning it was packed. But I loved the spirit of it!

The market has been operating in downtown Penticton since 1991. It runs from mid-April through to the end of October along the 100 Block of Main Street. Close to cars, you’ll find over 90 vendors.

I was in awe of the selection! My friend bought a few starter plants for his vegetable garden. I loved browsing all of the artist’s booths and seeing all the delicious baked goods. The market has everything from fresh produce to hot food, arts & crafts items and so much more.

When: Saturday 8:30am to 1 pm

SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Museum

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Penticton head over to the shore of Okanagan Lake. Here you’ll find the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Museum, the ship is the largest surviving stern-wheeler boat in British Columbia.

This over 110-year-old ship was a luxury vessel in its era and transported passengers and cargo along Okanagan Lake. Now, it’s a unique museum where you’ll learn more about the history of marine transportation in the region.

Explore the decks and the model train display. Kids with love all of the interactive exhibits. And even the gift shop looks ship inspired!

Plus, don’t forget to check out the massive paddle wheel at the back of the ship!

The museum is open from the May long weekend to Labour Day.

Okanagan Lake beach in Penticton, with mountains in the background — Okanagan Lake beach

Where to Stay in Penticton

Penticton Lakeside Resort – For the best location and views, the Lakeside Resort in Penticton is the best hotel option. Highlights include spacious rooms, some with lake views, restaurants, an indoor pool and a private beach. Downtown is only a short 1-minute walk away.

Best Western Penticton – If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, the Best Western is a great choice. Highlights include a complimentary breakfast buffet, seasonal outdoor pool, indoor pool, and kid’s playground. And Skaha Lake Park is an under 10-minute walk away.

So, if you’re looking for a fun getaway in British Columbia that has wineries, great hiking, and a charming downtown, Penticton makes for a fabulous destination.

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