Munson Mountain | Travel Penticton/Nathan Penner Munson Mountain | Travel Penticton/Nathan Penner Three-day getaway to Penticton
Written by: Tiffany Lewis | May 22, 2026
Penticton has all the right ingredients for a restorative getaway. Relax on soft sand, splash around in one of the two massive lakes that bookend the city, and tour more than 80 wineries within 20 minutes of town. The surrounding mountains offer opportunities for adventure, fueled by farm-fresh food and locally crafted drinks from the Valleys & Vineyards of BC.
Skaha Lake | Melissa Barnes Day one: Penticton
Situated between Okanagan and Skaha lakes and bordered by vineyards and orchards, Penticton boasts stunning vistas in every direction. Start your day with breakfast at The Bench Market, where your morning java is made from locally roasted organic beans. Enjoy their all-day breakfast menu, and be sure to try the house-made granola.
Next, it’s time for a bike ride along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail with Hoodoo Adventures. The gentle grade allows for a leisurely pedal through tunnels, along rocky bluffs, and past vineyards—each backed by panoramas of Okanagan Lake. In fall, the weather is mild and the views include vibrant foliage.
If you’d rather play in the water than admire it from above, pick a lake and head to the beach. Swim in the calm, clear water, go slow on a stand-up paddleboard or in a kayak, or rent a motorized watercraft and zip around the lake. Get a treat from the giant peach-shaped concession stand on Okanagan Lake, or, on Saturdays mornings from mid-April through October, find your culinary bliss at the sprawling Penticton Farmers’ Market.
Penticton’s location in one of the province’s most productive agricultural valleys means fresh, nourishing, farm-to-table food is plentiful, which has drawn talented chefs to the city. Enjoy a local meal complemented by a local wine for an unforgettable dining experience.
Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre is the perfect place to recharge before setting out to explore neighbouring communities the next morning.
Kettle Valley Railway | Kari Medig 
Okanagan Lake, Penticton | Destination Canada 
Penticton Lakeside Resort | @vancouverfoodie -
Naramata from Munson Mountain | Kari Medig -
Poplar Grove Winery | Destination BC
Day two: Naramata
This small community on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake is known for its agricultural excellence. Naramata is made up of farms, orchards, and some of the best wineries in the Okanagan Valley. Visit Therapy Vineyards to sip Super Ego, a Bordeaux-style blend, or Freudian Sip, a popular, off-dry white. Poplar Grove winery on the Naramata Bench boasts a glass-walled tasting room with gorgeous views over Okanagan Lake, and their on-site restaurant is a must.
While you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by Playlist Lavender for a wide range of lavender products, including hand-made lavender soaps and essential oils distilled on the farm. Check out the charming village with its general store and artisan shops, and imagine life in one of the community’s many lakeside cottages. The 1908 Naramata Inn is a favourite overnight option.
Summerland | Thompson Okanagan/Darren Robinson Day three: Summerland
On the other side of the lake is Summerland, home of the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. A restored 1912 steam locomotive leads the charge along 16 km (10 mi) of track built between 1910 and 1915. Highlights include crossing the Trout Creek Bridge 72 m (238 ft) above the canyon, and the route’s vineyard, orchard, and lake views. In summer, enjoy the Great Train Robbery, where a gang on horseback “robs” train passengers to benefit local charities.
Another way to take in the sights is to climb to the top of Giant’s Head Mountain. The south face of this ancient volcano was carved by glaciers, and resembles a giant’s profile. If you’re feeling ambitious, hike up from ground level; if you’re in it primarily for the 360-degree view, drive up to a picnic area. From there it’s about a 10-minute hike to the summit.
No visit to Summerland is complete without a stop at Summerland Sweets. This family-run business was started by a researcher at the local Federal Agricultural Research Station. Ted Atkinson began making fruit jelly candies on his orchard in the early 1960s, and when he retired he turned his hobby into a business. Passed down to subsequent generations, Summerland Sweets has grown into a successful operation offering fruit syrups, jams, and an assortment of fruit wines produced by Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery, launched in 2008.
Kettle Valley Steam Railway | Summerland Chamber of Commerce 
Giant's Head Mountain, Summerland | Grant Harder 
Summerland | @lukelelee Getting to Penticton
Penticton is located along Highway 97 in the Okanagan Valley, about five hours from Vancouver, and there are a couple of ways to get here. Follow Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) to Hope, then take Highway 5 north to Merritt. From there Highway 97C connects to West Kelowna, and Penticton is about an hour south.
Alternatively, from Hope follow Highway 3 through E.C. Manning Provincial Park and the Similkameen Valley, and take Highway 3A north from Keremeos. The 3A connects to Highway 97 about 15 minutes south of Penticton.
Another option is to fly into Penticton Airport or to Kelowna International Airport and rent a car.
Originally published in July, 2017.
Pacific Rim National Park | Abby Cooper