Penticton

 

The immediate Penticton area has many wineries, and indeed more seem to spring up everyday. The terroir of the Naramata Bench (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 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 (http://www.winebc.com/vqa...) designation, which ensures authenticity of origin, and a minimum standard of quality during grape growth, harvest, and production.

Bonitas Winery

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.

The S.S. Sicamous, 1099 Lakeshore Drive West the west end of Lakeshore Drive, +1 250 492-0403, [email protected], (http://www.sssicamous.com). 9AM-9PM in high summer, shorter hours at other seasons. This paddlewheeler was the last commercial ship to operate on Okanagan Lake. Built in 1914 and retired in 1936, the large ship now spends its days drydocked on the edge of Okanagan Lake. The ship is open daily for tours in the summer, and includes a large HO scale model railway on the main deck, depicting the local Kettle Valley Railway. The smaller S.S. Naramata rests just behind the Sicamous. Adults $5, children 5-12 $1, children 4 and under free.

The Peach is a concession stand located at the foot of Winnipeg Street on Okanagan Lake shaped and painted as a giant peach. While it isn't that interesting in and of itself, it has an interesting history and is one of the most photographed spots in town. Film buffs may recognize it from the movie My American Cousin which was filmed in the Penticton Area. Note that this is actually the second Peach, as the first was pushed into the lake during the 1990 Peachfest riot Note: The riot was an isolated incident, Penticton is really quite safe.

Munson Mountain Park

is home to the large 'Penticton' sign a la 'Hollywood' that greets travelers coming in to town from the north. The sign was created with thousands of small white stones. The original stones have since been replaced with letters made of concrete. The park itself affords visitors with stunning 360 degree panoramas of the South Okanagan valley. To get there head east on Vancouver Ave. and follow the signs.

Penticton Ironman Triathlon

(http://www.ironman.ca). The last Sunday in August sees Penticton pretty much shutdown as everyone moves to Lakeshore and Main Street to watch the thousands of competitors in this gruelling event. The triathlon includes a 3.86km 2.4mi swim, 180km 112mi bike, and finally, a full marathon of 42.2km 26.2mi. The professionals complete this in 8-10 hours. The event is often chosen as the Canadian championship for this sport.

Art Gallery of the South Okanagan

199 Marina Way, +1 250 493-2928. Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su noon-5PM (http://www.galleries.bc.c...). Contains a modest permanent collection of work by local and area artists as well as bone carvings by traditional Inuit artists. Also features moving exhibits and other special events. Admission Tu-F $2, Sa-Su free.

The Penticton Roundabout junction of Front Street, Ellis Street, Marina Way, and Vancouver Hill features changing art installations. A work nicknamed Frank actually called The Baggage Handler was moved because of vandalism and controversy with local puritans due to the anatomical correctness of the piece. Today you can see Frank at his permanent home at Red Rooster Winery, and the roundabout has a less contentious piece.

Penticton Museum & Archives

785 Main Street, +1 250 490-2451. Features over 8000 artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Penticton's pioneers days, as well as local First Nations pieces. Located in the same building as the Penticton Regional Library. There is a gift shop on site. Suggested donation $2.

Leir House Cultural Centre

220 Manor Park Avenue, +1 250 492-7997. This beautiful 1927 house was once a nurses residence but now serves as the home of the Penticton Arts Council. Open to the public year round. Worth a visit just to see the grounds, with vintage stone walls and a relaxing gazebo. Free.