Here’s how to spend an unforgettable winter week in Penticton
Penticton is calling out to be explored — and this winter, it’s time to ignite your wanderlust.
The charming BC city is often hailed as a summer hotspot, but when the temperatures drop, it turns into a true winter destination that’ll make you fall in love with the season. Whether you’re a winter sports fanatic, a craft beer enthusiast, or a nature lover, there’s something for you to discover in this gorgeous locale.
Nestled between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Penticton boasts breathtaking scenery, a cozy small-town charm, and an abundance of experiences and activities to immerse yourself in.
Getting to the city from Calgary is easy, just hop on an 80-minute direct flight from Calgary airport — or embark on a road trip that’ll take you roughly eight hours. From Vancouver, it’s just a 45-minute flight or a scenic five-hour drive.
To show you what a winter getaway in Penticton could look like, we’ve put together the ultimate guide on what to do and see to get the most out of a week-long winter trip.
Day 1
Explore downtown
Penticton is a vibrant city full of character, so what better way to kick off your trip than by exploring what its downtown core has to offer? Take a stroll through its storied streets and discover quirky cafes, local stores, and colourful street art.
Grab a coffee at the ever-popular Wayne and Freda, enjoy a delicious lunch at health-focused cafe Gratify, or spend some time shopping along historic Main Street. When you’re done, take some time to get to know the area’s rich and diverse history at the Penticton Museum and Archives.
Watch the sunset on skis at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre/Visit Penticton
For a cross-country ski day this winter, check out Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. With 56 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, there’s plenty of terrain to explore. They’ve also got over 22 km of marked snowshoe trails, including a K9 trail so you can bring your dog too!
Nickel Plate is a sweet spot to watch the sunset on a clear winter day. It’s located a 45-minute drive from downtown Penticton, and just 10 minutes up the road from Apex Mountain Resort.
Day 2
Spend a day at Apex Mountain Resort
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Penticton (a 30-minute drive to be exact), you’ll find Apex Mountain Resort.
The resort boasts incredible terrain, champagne powder snow, and a whole host of fun outdoor activities. With easy-to-moderate groomed runs and more than 40 advanced runs through tree-lined slopes, there’s something for all abilities to enjoy.
Try downhill skiing or snowboarding, glide through a 1-km skating loop through the forest, go tubing at the Tim Hortons Tube Park, or join a pick-up ice hockey game on the Apex rink. Purchase a one-day lift pass from the Penticton Visitor Centre and let the adventures unfold!
Eat dinner at Pizzeria Tratto
Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana/Visit Penticton
After a day on the slopes, you’ll surely work up an appetite. Treat yourself to some incredible Italian cuisine at Pizzeria Tratto, a restaurant best known for its soft-yet-crispy Neapolitan-style pizzas.
These pizzas are made with fresh local ingredients and feature minimal toppings to create the perfect balance of flavour — deliziosa!
You’ll also find classic Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli, as well as an extensive wine list, classic Italian cocktails, and local craft beer.
Day 03
Hit the rink
Start your day with a truly Canadian winter activity — ice skating. Bring your skates along and step out on the ice at Penticton’s outdoor public skating rink, by Activate Penticton, for an exhilarating evening full of magic. You’ll find the rink conveniently located just beside city hall. The best part? It’s free!
Another great option right downtown is the ice rink at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. It’s open to all in-house guests and the general public, and is also free of charge. Want the ice to yourself? This rink is available for private rentals too.
Head out on a winter wine tour
There are over 180 wineries in the Okanagan Valley, and Penticton sits at the heart of them all. Many of these wineries remain open during the winter months so you can experience the best of the region year-round.
With plenty of wine tour operators, you’re sure to find the perfect tour fit for you. Grape Escapes Wine Tours and Sagebrush Tours offer a wide selection of full- and half-day tours throughout winter that will take you to nearby wineries, including Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls, Similkameen Valley, and Oliver Osoyoos, as well as ski shuttles for easy transport up the mountain.
Day 04
Head out on a guided snowshoe tour
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get outside and explore in winter — and for an experience like no other, try a guided snowshoe tour with Hoodoo Adventures.
This two-hour snowshoe tour takes you on a meandering family-friendly trail through glistening pine forests, passing through picturesque snow-laden landscapes.
You’ll be treated to a snack and hot chocolate to warm up, and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Plus, your snowshoe guide will have extensive knowledge to share on the local history, flora, fauna, and trails.
Fuel back up at Kin & Folk Restaurant
Kin & Folk/Visit Penticton
No trip to Penticton is complete without experiencing the many culinary delights around town, which includes a visit to Kin & Folk Restaurant.
Located in downtown Penticton with Asian-inspired share menus and carefully crafted cocktails, this is one of the newest hot spots in the city, and it’s a great place to end your day.
Day 05
Go for a stroll on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is one of the most iconic attractions in Penticton, and the good news is you don’t have to miss out on anything during the winter.
Easily accessible from downtown Penticton, the KVR trail works its way out of the city to the north, passing by residential neighbourhoods before opening up along the Naramata Bench.
Walking is a great way to explore the trail, and if there’s a lot of snow, you can rent snowshoes from Hoodoo Adventures. As you go, you’ll be met with stunning views of vineyards, rolling fields, lakes, and mountains.
Discover local craft breweries
If you’re a craft beer lover, Penticton will feel like paradise with its eight craft breweries. (Fun fact: The city was named Canada’s Craft Beer Capital by Lonely Planet travel guide.) With great food and even better beers, you’ll find a plethora of spots to check out.
Head to Cannery Brewing for a chilled-out taproom with bar service and an extensive selection of beers ranging from tart fruity sours to hoppy IPAs. Be sure to try the nachos during your visit!
Just a few blocks away, you’ll find another great Penticton brewery, Slackwater Brewing. This vibrant spot offers 12 draught taps and locally inspired pub fare in its beerhall-like taproom.
To start planning your dream Penticton getaway now, or discover even more winter adventures, click here.
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