Living in
Penticton, BC
Two lakes. 300+ days of sunshine. One of Canada’s most liveable small cities. Here’s your complete guide to life in Penticton — from history and housing to hockey, hiking, and everything in between.
📜 Our Roots
A Place to Stay Forever
Penticton’s story stretches back over 7,000 years — from the Syilx people who first called it home to the fruit-growing pioneers who put it on the map.
The name Penticton comes from the nsyilxcən (Syilx Okanagan) language — snpintktn — commonly translated as “a place to stay forever”. More accurately, it means a place where people have always lived year-round, blessed with plentiful food, hunting, and the flow of Okanagan Lake into Skaha Lake.
For over 7,000 years, the Syilx People thrived between the two lakes. Their descendants form the Penticton Indian Band, part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, whose presence and culture remain woven into the fabric of this community.
In 1866, Irishman Thomas Ellis became the first European settler, building a cattle empire and planting the fruit trees that would define the region. The SS Sicamous, the legendary sternwheeler launched on Canada Day 1914, connected communities along Okanagan Lake until 1937. She now sits restored on Penticton’s waterfront.
Penticton was incorporated as a district municipality on December 31, 1908. Today it’s a thriving city of nearly 40,000 people — and growing fast.
BC
Syilx People Settle
The Syilx (Okanagan) people make snpintktn their home — a place of abundant food, fresh water, and year-round living.
First European Settler
Thomas Ellis arrives, builds a cattle empire, and plants the fruit orchards that define the South Okanagan.
Incorporated as a Municipality
Penticton officially incorporated on December 31st. The fruit industry and sternwheeler trade are booming.
SS Sicamous Launched
The legendary “Queen of the Lake” begins service, connecting Okanagan communities until 1937.
Vees Win World Championship
The Penticton Vees senior hockey team defeat the Soviet Union to win the World Hockey Championship.
A City in Full Bloom
~40,000 residents, world-class wine, beaches, Vees WHL hockey, and one of BC’s most sought-after addresses.
☀️ Year-Round Sunshine
The Penticton Climate
With over 300 days of sunshine a year and Canada’s warmest summers outside of Southern Ontario, Penticton’s weather is one of its biggest draws.
Vineyards bloom, orchards blossom. Mild temps and only 2–4 rainy days per month. Perfect for cycling the KVR trail.
Peak season. Hot, dry, and spectacular. Beaches packed, patios buzzing, Peach Festival in August. Bring sunscreen.
Harvest season magic. Vineyards turn gold, wine country comes alive. September still warm enough for swimming.
Mild by Canadian standards. Snowbirds love it. Apex Mountain is 33 km away for skiing. Cozy wine bars await.
🌊 Two Lakes, One City
The Only City in the World Between Two Lakes
Penticton is one of just two cities on Earth situated between two lakes. Okanagan Lake to the north, Skaha Lake to the south. Both freshwater. Both stunning. Both yours.
The crown jewel of the valley. Stretching 135 km from Penticton north to Vernon, this deep, clear lake is home to world-class beaches, the famous SS Sicamous, and legend has it — Ogopogo. Okanagan Lake Beach on Lakeshore Drive is the tourist hotspot, steps from downtown restaurants and craft breweries.
The warmer, shallower lake at the south end of the city. Skaha Lake Park is recognized among Canada’s top beaches — 21 acres of red sand, splash pads, volleyball courts, and warm swimming water. The off-leash dog area at the south end near the boat launch is beloved by locals. World-class rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is just minutes away.
The Penticton Channel connecting the two lakes is a popular summer tubing route — a lazy river experience unlike anywhere else in Canada.
🏋️ Stay Active
Gyms & Recreation
From the world-class Community Centre to CrossFit boxes and boutique gyms — Penticton punches well above its weight for fitness options.
🏒 Penticton Vees
Hockey is in the Blood
The Penticton Vees are one of the most storied junior hockey organizations in Canada — and in 2025 they made their biggest move yet, joining the Western Hockey League.
🏒 Did you know? In 1955, the Penticton Vees Senior Team defeated the Soviet Union to win the World Hockey Championship — one of the most celebrated moments in Canadian hockey history. Over 60 years later, the Vees carry that legacy into the WHL.
🍽️ Eat & Drink Local
Food, Markets & Local Gems
From award-winning vegan bistros to Saturday farmers markets that draw 10,000+ visitors — Penticton’s food scene celebrates local like nowhere else.
🎓 Education
Schools & College
Penticton is home to strong K–12 schools through School District 67, plus a full Okanagan College campus with 150+ programs.
🐾 For Dog Lovers
Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas
Penticton is an incredibly dog-friendly city. With off-leash areas, lakeside trails, and dog-friendly patios, your four-legged family member will love it here too.
✈️ Getting Here
How to Get to Penticton
Whether you’re flying in from Vancouver, driving from Calgary, or connecting from anywhere in the world — Penticton is easier to reach than most people think.
Penticton Regional Airport is just 3.3 km from downtown — one of the most convenient airports in BC.
From Vancouver (YVR): 50-minute direct flight via Pacific Coastal Airlines (daily) or WestJet (seasonal). 4-hour drive.
From Calgary (YYC): 55-minute direct flight via WestJet. 8-hour drive.
Parking at YYF is just $3/day. Car rentals available on-site via Budget. More info →
Penticton sits along Highway 97 — one of the longest north-south highways in North America, running from California to Alaska.
From Vancouver: ~4 hours via Coquihalla (Hwy 5) to Merritt, then Hwy 97 south.
From Kelowna: 1 hour south on Hwy 97.
From Calgary: ~8 hours via Hwy 3 (Crowsnest Pass) — one of Canada’s most scenic drives through the Rockies.
ebus runs daily round-trips between Penticton and Vancouver, Kamloops, and Kelowna — comfortable, reservation-only service.
Penticton’s local BC Transit system connects neighbourhoods, the airport (Line 5, ~12 min from downtown), and runs routes to Naramata, Osoyoos, and Kelowna.
Ride-sharing via Uride is also available locally.
Flying internationally? Connect through Vancouver International (YVR) — a major international hub with flights from every continent.
From YVR, take a 50-minute connecting flight to Penticton (YYF) via Pacific Coastal or WestJet. Or fly to Kelowna (YLW), which has more international connections, and drive 1 hour south.
View flight schedules →
🏡 Find Your Place
Ready to Call Penticton Home?
I’m Riccardo Manazza — a licensed REALTOR® with eXp Realty and a proud South Okanagan local with 15+ years in the Okanagan. I know every neighbourhood, every street, every hidden gem in Penticton. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or relocating from across the country — I’ll help you find exactly where you belong.